More Than A Photographer

If you’ve been here before, well, you already know who I am. But for those who haven’t met me, Hi! I’m Gabby.

My adventure into photography started about 11 years ago. I would do anything to pick up a camera and capture whatever moment was happening, whether it was real life or my friends posing behind the lens for me. Luckily, I had an amazing art teacher who let us explore any genre we wanted, and a family who truly knew how special my photography was going to be.

The moment I got my first camera from my mom, it came everywhere with me! Birthday parties, family functions, hanging out with friends, and every nature walk I could go on. But the real game-changer was when I got a laptop in high school. Now I could use light room, it changed my entire perspective on editing. I’d spend hours curled up watching youtube tutorials on how to edit, soaking up everything I could.

A lot of my growth as a photographer was self-taught, which meant I was constantly experimenting with lighting, posing, and different genres of photography. Photography soon became my outlet while I worked various jobs, and on my days off, I’d spend my time figuring out what styles and subject I enjoyed most.

I started offering free or low-cost sessions to help build my portfolio and gain experience.

After a few years passed, I found myself trying to figure out what I really wanted to do for work. I had kept up with photography, but I also realized how much I love working with children. Around the age of 24, I decided to go back to school to become an Education Assistant.

After university, I landed a job in Nanaimo at a group home. But during that time, I began capturing love stories through my lens. I started connecting with other photographers and began photographing weddings. Slowly, my work started to spread and connect with people across the island. Before I knew it, I was able to save up for a new, more professional camera.

With better gear and more experience, everything started to fall into place. Couple sessions, family shoots, and weddings began to grow, and things became much more clear to me. Before i knew it my 2024 calendar filled up fast, and then, somehow, my 2025 bookings filled even quicker. What once started as a hobby had started to become a dream career.

Fast forward to 2025, taking on weddings has truly taught me how to balance life, I work as an Education Assistant in the Cowichan Valley School District. I support children with special needs, and I spend my weekends capturing love stories on the island.

But if I were to truly tell you who I am, I’d start with this; I’m 28 years old, living in the Cowichan Valley with my two loves, my fiancé (Dylan) and my rabbit (Shadow). When I’m not working on photographing weddings, you’ll find me mountain biking, playing volleyball, or spending quality time with my family. They are without a doubt, the most important people in my life.

Evenings are for winding down with a good book; lately completely fallen in love with fantasy and romance novels. But if you ever invite me out for a matcha and a thrift store adventure, I’ll be there in a heart beat, especially if we can squeeze in a stop at the antique store too! Friends mean everything; we hike, color, party, and when the whole group gets together, you better believe were breaking out the Mario Kart!

I may wear many hats, photographer, educator, and friend, but at the heart of it all, I’m someone who values connection, creativity, and the small joys that make life meaningful.