about me
I’m Janelle, but you can call me Janie, all my friends do. I’m a lifestyle photographer based out of Toronto & the GTA. I specialize in capturing real, natural moments, and sharing photographs that feel genuine and lived-in.
My true love lies with film photography for how intentional each image is and the honest and raw feeling it provides. I like to translate that same feeling into my digital work as well.
It won’t be perfection that you find in my photographs, but a genuine and emotional documentation of the lived-in moments of your life. It’s important to me that your images feel authentic to you, and detail the moments that are special to you. When you look back at your photographs, I want you to feel love, joy and nostalgia.
I know photography is such an intimate and personal way to archive your life, and choosing a photographer is no small feat. I want you to find comfort in knowing that I approach each session with intention, and leave room for creativity and expression. It’s essential that you feel free to be yourself, so I can provide images true to who you are.
Let’s chat more! You can fill out an inquiry form below or feel free to just shoot me a message to ask me anything or just introduce yourself.
the photographer
03. Where it developed
Over the years, I fell off a bit with my photography, losing some of the passion and drive I had before. I was scared of putting myself out into the world and not feeling like my work was good enough. Instead I went on to become an early childhood educator, and from there, a social worker. Over the past 10 years, in Ontario and BC, I would periodically come back to photography, specifically film. I kept my camera with me and every once in a while I’d break it out to take some shots. It always brought me such joy. It was when I moved back to Ontario (and maybe my 30s looming over me), that something shifted. It dawned on me that there’s nothing stopping me from pursuing my passion, except for me. And so here I am, fulfilling my teenage aspirations.
02. Where it all started
I’ve always had a love and appreciate for photography as an art, and when I was given my first camera, it felt like the possibilities were endless. It all started way back when I was 14, with my first DSLR, the trusty ol’ Nikon D3000. I began with photography classes which taught me the principles, but it was when I picked up my first 35mm camera at age 16 that I really fell in love. I taught myself all about film and experimented so much; there was such a thrill in not knowing what your pictures were going to turn out like! The rest of my teenage years were spent exploring my own imaginative and whimsical ideas. I had no idea that this love would stick with me forever.
01. Me
I was born and raised in Southern Ontario, and just recently moved back after spending 5 years living in Victoria BC. Being in BC allowed me to recognize the real beauty that’s all around us, but being so far from family still left me feeling like I was missing something. Moving back to my hometown and being closer to my loved ones has really made me appreciate the relationships that make the foundation for who we are. Though part of my heart will always belong in Victoria, this move back really inspired me to pursue a career that actually brings me joy.
04. Things to know about me
My cat, Addy, is the most precious thing to me. If you met her, you would feel the same way.
Some of my top 3 movies include: In the Mood for Love, The Shining and Dazed and Confused.
When I’m not behind the camera or editing pictures you can find me reading a thriller or fantasy novel, crafting, or on a patio with a crisp aperol spritz.
Additional hobbies include thrifting, camping, and anything that involves a vanilla latte.