About Jess
Your photographer, creative director, and brand cheerleader
Hi, I'm Jess!
Founder of Blackbird Creative, salt-air enthusiast, creative daydreamer, tea granny, and someone who gets way too excited about capturing personal brands, teams, and brands in their most authentic light.
I live in Nanoose Bay with my husband, our two boys, and lead a life that's heavily influenced by community, coastal living, and the occasional impulsive creative idea.
These days, I spend my time helping creatives and small business owners elevate their online presence through brand photography that does more than showcase your business; it reveals the care, passion, and personality woven into every part of it.
My path here was less of a straight line and more of a toddler scribble
If you've ever felt like everyone else has their life perfectly mapped out, allow me to introduce myself.
I've had 17 jobs.
Spent five years at university.
Collected one Bachelor's degree and more certificates than I can count.
Started three different businesses.
And somehow, all those winding roads led me right here.
After my younger son was born in 2020, I found myself at a crossroads. Going back to my secure job felt like the sensible choice. But I couldn't fathom going back to work for someone else.
Instead, I chose the terrifying one.
I left behind the pension, the benefits, and the predictability to build something of my own.
I started out managing social media for local businesses and quickly discovered my favourite part wasn't writing captions or scheduling content.
It was taking the photos.
The more I photographed brands, products, founders, and small businesses, the more I realized I'd found the thing that lit me up.
So I bought a camera, dove headfirst into learning everything I could, and started saying yes to every opportunity to create.
In December 2022, I wrapped up my final social media contract and went all-in on brand photography.
I've never looked back.
Glimmers of inspiration
One of the most magical things about life on Vancouver Island is the pace: steady and unhurried. One that helps you slow down and take everything in.
The way light filters through a window.
The texture of weathered wood.
The feeling of a slow morning with nowhere urgent to be.
A business owner talking passionately about something they've built from scratch.
These are the things I notice when I’m creating—the finite details that translate to photos that feel natural, lived-in, and connected.
I'm inspired by coastal living, honest storytelling, thoughtful design, beautiful spaces, and people who care deeply about what they do.
Catch my drift?
The little (but big to me) things that guide how I show up for the people I work with.
Connection over perfection
Life’s serious enough! The best photos happen when you're feeling comfy enough to be yourself.
Timelessness over trends
Trends are fleeting but authenticity stands the test of time, every time.
Collaboration over guesswork
The juiciest ideas come to life when we create together.
Community over competition
There's room for all of us to succeed, and I genuinely love cheering people on (it’s literally the best part of my job).
My camera roll is probably full of...
Shots of my kiddos running at sports or at the lake
Views from Notch Hill
Studio inspiration I'll absolutely need later
Ocean views
Screenshots of creative ideas at 10:57 PM
Behind-the-scenes moments from client shoots
At least 400 photos taken solely because the light looked nice
If we were hanging out...
We'd probably be talking about business ideas, travel plans, family life, creative projects, and whatever exciting thing you're currently building.
I'd ask way too many questions because I actually love hearing people's stories.
I'd somehow turn a casual conversation into a brainstorming session.
And I'd probably leave with ten new ideas I’d be itching to execute.
What’s in a name?
The "Blackbird" in Blackbird Creative comes from my Grandad.
At family dinners, he'd call out "Blackbird!" as a distraction tactic before attempting to claim food from someone else's plate. It was playful, unexpected, and guaranteed to make people laugh. Looking back, it perfectly captured who he was. Someone who found joy in ordinary moments and made everyday experiences feel a little more memorable.
That spirit has followed me into my work. Creating beautiful imagery matters, but creating an experience that's fun, meaningful, and full of genuine connection matters just as much.
I even have two blackbirds tattooed on my foot in memory of my Grannie and Grandad.
A little reminder of where it all started.
Let's create something beautiful together
Whether you're building a brand, launching something new, refreshing your content, or simply looking for imagery that feels more like you, I'd love to help tell your story.