I’ve always had a soft spot for year-in-review reflections. They give me time to look back through my favourites and remember where I’ve been, the communities I’ve been welcomed into, and the stories I’ve been trusted to capture. I’ve been in the business officially since 2012, but I’ve had a camera in my hand since I was a kid. I’ve watched people grow up in front of my lens.
This year, three of my nephews graduated from Grade 12, and my daughter and niece celebrated their Grade 8 graduations. I was the lucky auntie who got to photograph all of it. I remember capturing them as babies, as kids running through backyards, at birthday parties, and at family gatherings. It’s wild to realize I’ve been doing this long enough to see those kids become young adults.
When I reflect on my work, it always comes back to connection. I’m still drawn to photographs that show the laugh lines and wrinkles of life – aunties and uncles with their heads thrown back in unison, chaotic family moments where no one is looking at me, quiet moments where you sneak away to just take a breath. I still love images where people look at each other with tenderness. I think I’m drawn to photographing our softness, because so much of life is spent in survival or protection mode. When I’m invited into these moments – moments of joy, strength, and character – we get to lower our guard and simply be present with one another.
This year was filled with light, joy, softness, and love, and I’m deeply thankful for every moment I shared with you.
Community Work: This year I travelled to Gatineau in Quebec (twice!), to Vancouver, and many places in between, photographing conferences, community events and one random hockey game, which is actually super hard to photograph, ha. I actually kind of like working with conferences (depends which ones, of course) because I usually know so many people there, and I usually get to learn something as well, which is always a plus in my books.
Couples: We all know I love photographing love. I find it so much fun to laugh and joke with my couples, yelling at them to “KISSSSSSSS…. YASSSSSSS CLOSE YOUR EYES THATS SO WEIRDDDDDD” and helping them create epic images that reflect their epic romance. We all deserve to be seen that way. With my couples, I photographed in the deserts of Albuquerque, the forests of Stanley Park, and the riverside of the South Saskatchewan. Love can be found everywhere.
Family: I do love a good family session, although it seems like I rarely get to chance to work with them. I’m the very bossy aunt who promises treats for the kids who won’t listen, and when it worksite works so well. I really appreciate the visual chaos of a home session, as well as the dramatic environments when we take the portraits to nature. I’m a firm believer in getting Mom (parents but mom especially) in front of the camera – too often we document our children’s lives and forget to place ourselves in the frame.
Graduation: I have always loved graduation. I need to dig up my grad photos somewhere. If only I knew then what I know now. I think my experience then is the reason I hate studio set up’s for grad sessions. I’m a huge believer in celebrating educational milestones, from a Grade 8 Grad to a University Degree or two. Education at any level is an achievement, and I love it when the whole family comes out in support as well. Even when I say immediate family only, ha.
I’m also lucky enough to be told to wander around at the SIIT Grad and just capture the moment. The lighting and set up is always beautiful and the room is always packed with the most beautiful of people so proud of their Grad. I think I’ve done this event four years in a row and it’s always a moment of Indigenous excellence.
Creative Headshots/Branding: No lie, this is my favourite genre of photography. I love working with other creatives. I love taking the time to create a visual story of who they are, what they create. I love the gossip of what happens behind the scenes. I love meeting new people in the arts. It’s all such a vibe, every session is a blessing.
I Do: So early last year I made the decision to not work with venues that had horrible history with Indigenous and Two-Spirit/Queer Peoples, which basically meant churches were out (it is what it is). Aside from one of my besties getting married in a church (chosen for aesthetic lol not for religion), it has made my wedding season so much more – more intentional, more open, more focused on the now. Working with couples who value family and culture and intimacy and who value my art in telling their story, it has been wonderful season of weddings.
So yeah, glad you made it this far.
2025 was a great year. I travelled from Prince George BC to Gatineau QB, I photographed dozens of moments that made me laugh, I worked with so many people who loved art as much as I do. I learned, I failed, I tried again. I saw love in so many forms – from the romance between a newly engaged couple to the sweet moments of waiting for a baby to be born to standing with family shoulder to shoulder celebrating generations together.
All while finishing a PhD, aaayeeeee.
So here’s to 2025 – you were lovely – and looking forward to the stories, gossip and moments of 2026.
<3 dr. tenille
