Life Through My Lens
06.01.2025 - 06.16.2025
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read 😉)
📸 Hosted an Editorial Lighting workshop: 2 creative briefs, lots of play
💡 Growth = permission to try, explore, and change your mind
🎯 Summer Portrait Jam Series is open for July–August
☀️ I’m ready for a summer of camping, triathlons, & refilling the creative tank
Hey friends,
We are officially deep into the end-of-school chaos over here. How about you? While I have booked day camps and camping trips, my brain still doesn’t seem fully prepared for what’s coming in just a few weeks.
⛱️😎☀️
But before full summer mode kicks in, I wanted to share that I recently hosted a wonderfully fun Editorial Portrait Lighting workshop with three incredibly talented photographers.
We spent the day exploring how to shape light like a character in the story you’re telling through your images — letting lighting support the subject and the mood, feeling, and narrative behind every frame.
To guide our shoots, I built two distinct editorial briefs:
Quiet Force
The story is less about the roles she’s played and more about the presence she brings into a room.
We wanted portraits that feel intimate but elevated. Soft light with shadows that linger just a little longer. The images whisper, not shout. They invite the viewer in.
Scene Stealer
This story is all about bold energy.
We played with charm, confidence, and the kind of messy, nostalgic fun that draws you in. Bright, punchy lighting. Playful posing. Eye contact. Y2K vibes, bold fashion, primary colors, maybe even a cheap prop or two. A little swagger, a little chaos — in the best way.
The images these photographers created were incredible. Each person approached the same brief differently, revealing some fascinating insights about their creative voice and process.
That’s always a win in my books.
One student shared that they’ve slowly realized studio photography may not be where they feel most aligned. Instead, this workshop gave them permission to lean further into what does light them up — and just as importantly, what doesn’t.
Some people might see that as a negative outcome. But honestly?
Giving yourself permission to try, explore, and change your mind is one of the bravest things in creative work.
You don’t have to get it right.
You just have to stay open.
Which brings me to my next summer adventure — one you’re invited to:
⛱️ The Summer Portrait Jam Series ⛱️
Real-world practice. Simple light. Low-pressure vibes.
This summer, I’m hosting a 4-part series for hobbyists, students, and working photographers who want to build confidence, practice hands-on, and have some fun creating portraits outdoors, with me right there to guide, demo, and answer questions along the way.
⛱️ 2 hours per session
⛱️ Hands-on practice (minimal theory, lots of shooting)
⛱️ Casual community vibe — come shoot, learn, and hang out
⛱️ Optional patio/pub debrief after every shoot 🍻
You can book either:
SINGLE SESSION
ALL 4 for a discounted summer pass.
SESSION DATES
⭐ July 10 — Golden Hour Portraits (Sunnyside Park)
⭐ July 20 — Lighting Add-Ons (Flash + Reflectors)
⭐ August 10 — Storytelling with Props & Environment
⭐ August 24 — Street & Editorial Portraits (Queen West)
Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or working photographer, if you want space to practice without pressure, this is your space.
Spots are open TODAY – book your session.
I can’t wait to create with you this summer.
Outside of workshops, I’m also looking forward to a whole (and slightly chaotic) summer rhythm — and truthfully, I feel fortunate to have built a business that allows me to step back a bit in the summer and spend more time with my kiddo and partner
There are a few client shoots still sprinkled in, but for the most part, my days will look like:
☀️ Early mornings either running, biking, swimming OR at the campsite with coffee and my camera
🏊♀️ Long swims in cold lakes
🔥 Campfires at night
🚲 A few more triathlon races (and the training that comes with them)
It’s a good mix of work, play, and intentional creative space, and it's exactly what I need to refill the creative tank before fall arrives.
So wherever this season finds you, whether you're building, resting, exploring, or simply trying to keep up, I hope you find a little space to stay curious, too.
Wishing you a summer full of light, creative sparks, and maybe even a campfire or two.
With gratitude,
Jen
📣 P.S.
If you’re curious about joining one of the Summer Portrait Jam sessions or have any questions, send me an email. I’d love to see you out there this summer.