BLOG - Janis Jean Photography

Coffee and Chocolate and Truffles oh my!

Sep 23, 2019

As a small business owner I know that being a member of the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has been very important to my business. Not only have I learned a lot about the business side of photography (let's just say it wasn't my "gift") I have met a lot of great people - many of which have become friends. I used to think that learning and networking was the best aspect of being a Chamber member...until last Thursday's 5 Chamber Mixer at Level Ground Coffee in Central Saanich. ...

I always try and write with my heart

Jul 12, 2019

...but in some posts that comes out more than others. This is one of them...I have known and loved this family for many years and our lives have intertwined in so many ways. Paula taught my daughter piano at her cute little studio in Cordova Bay and we soon became fast friends. How can you not love her? Our girls were also friends in middle school and Paul and I had parallel careers (in our previous lives!). I knew they were a very close and very fun loving family. ...

Men to Watch...and other great photos:)

Jun 03, 2019

Have you had a chance to read the latest edition of Seaside Magazine? This is the "Men to Watch" edition and I was pretty excited to work with them as part of a story about the new Sidney Public Safety Building. Sidney Fire Department has been one of my favourite clients for a few years now and when Chief Mikkelsen approached me to photograph the new building I was thrilled. Like most locals, I had been driving by this new building daily watching it progress and was fascinated to see what ...

A grand adventure is about to begin!

May 29, 2019

They say a baby fills a place in your heart that you never knew was empty. That is so very true, isn't it? I wanted to share some photographs from a recent maternity session...but where do I start? I have known this beautiful 'momma to be' Taylor since she was a baby herself. Her mom and I have been closest of friends since high school and have shared so many of life's passages together.When Taylor and Tyler met several years ago it was one of those true fairytale love ...

More than a Headshot

May 07, 2019

Environmental headshots are one of the fastest growing genres in headshot photography and corporate portraiture. Creating an image of someone in their surroundings has a powerful impact - especially when the background is indicitive of who the person is or where they work. Shelley Dumais is an amazing physiotherapist - she has fixed me many times!. She recently moved her business, Active Balance Physiotherapy, from her Deep Cove location to a beautiful new location in the heart ...

The Smiling Goat (and other stories behind my art show)

Apr 23, 2019

The District of Central Saanich has called on me a number of times over the last few years to capture the municipality and help tell its story through imagery. It's given me an opportunity to explore and photograph the sights and sounds of all the back roads, trails, waterways, farms, community events and everything in between. The District has a new art display in the main entrance of the Municipal Hall and will be showcasing local artists on a rotating basis. I was asked if ...

I Got Lit! (My Weekend Lighting Workshop)

Mar 18, 2019

I know we just had our first beautiful "feels like spring" weekend here in Victoria but I missed it! Well - I was inside in a dark photography studio but it was worth it. I just returned from an intensive weekend workshop on studio lighting taught by award winning photographer, Len Grinke, MPA. We spent most of our weekend inside his studio working with different lighting techniques ranging from a simple one light set up to more complex five light set ups. I was a sponge to ...

Chamber of Commerce Mayor's Breakfast

Mar 08, 2019

This week I was working with the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce photographing the 2019 Mayor's Breakfast. Great turnout to hear from the three Peninsula Mayors - Geoff Orr (North Saanich), Ryan Windsor (Central Saanich) and Cliff McNeil-Smith (Sidney).Thanks to Wilson's Transport and the Mary Winspear Centre for sponsorship. It was a very interesting and engaging morning topped off with coffee and a delicious breakfast!

Christmas Cuteness

Dec 14, 2018

Are you ready for some Christmas cuteness? Nellie Quail Photography and I recently finished our day of "Merry Minis" at McTavish Academy of Art to raise money for BC Children's Hospital. We laughed, we cried (with laughter) and had such an incredible day. My good friend (and part time Christmas elf!) Marilyn Hodgson was there to meet each family and share her Christmas cheer before we started each session. My other beautiful elf Emma brought her Christmas spirit - and an ...

Annual Sidney Firefighters Photoshoot

Nov 14, 2018

It is done - my second annual photo session with the Sidney Fire Department! I really enjoy doing this each year and love the perspective I get from shooting up high, except - did I mention my fear of heights? I am terrified of being up high and always have been. Each time I get up in the "bucket" with all my safety gear (thanks, Graeme!), I take a deep breath, say a little prayer and guide up the machine up to get the best view in the town! Thankfully, I ...

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