Picture above by: Melissa Waters (Sleeping Dog Studio)
Hello, I'm Connie
A Hobby Photographer
Born in British Columbia, raised in Ontario and currently residing in Alberta, I’ve always had a passion for photography. I never really took the time to dive in and really learn the intricacies of it, until January 2024, when I got my dream camera. A Canon R5. After doing some research, I came across Learn Photography Canada, which offered in-person courses in Calgary. I reached out to David, we had a call, and the rest was history, I decided to enroll in their Mastery Program.
Fast forward to now, my skills and knowledge in photography have grown exponentially. I’m so incredibly happy I took the leap. The community at LPC has been so inspiring, and I have yet to find something I don’t enjoy photographing. My favorite subject is where my two passions meet, dogs and photography but I’m also discovering a love for nature, landscapes, and even people, couples and family photography. The list goes on......
By day, i am a project coordinator in the oil and gas sector, a role I've held since 2012. Photography is both my hobby and second job. Outside of photography, i am passionate about dog training and compete in IGP and PSA, as well as tracking and trailing.
As I continue this journey of learning and growth, I invite you to see the world through my lens, a little piece of me captured in every shot.
Welcome to my website!
Experience
Most of my experience has come through LPC as i am on the tail end of my certification journey, but outside of classes, I’ve also worked as both a second shooter and a primary shooter for other photographers in the area.
I’ve been a second shooter for Dallas Wingerak of Sable Fox Photography at an IGP trial and for Cortnee Leeh at the 2024 IGP Prairie Regionals. I’ve also been a primary shooter for Kevin Davies of Northern K9 Photography at PSA trials and Club Bite Day Fundraisers.
I have also spent some time with Melissa Waters of Sleeping Dog Studio helping with her client dogs in the studio at a few fundraisers, however i was not behind the lens for those but still learned a lot.
Beyond that, I’ve gained experience on my own journey, in dog portraits, people, couple, family photography, as well as landscape, birds, street and wildlife photography. I never want to limit myself when it comes to learning new things. I am a forever student.
My Approach
My photography isn’t just about taking pictures, it’s about telling a story, your story, through my lens. Whether on the trial field, training ground, in everyday life, in nature or doing portraits, i aim for my images to reflect the raw emotion. I don’t specialize in just one type of photography because I enjoy the challenge of adapting to different subjects, but dog sports are where my passion and experience truly shine.
When I photograph dogs in action, I aim to go beyond simply freezing movement. I want to tell a story, whether it’s a dog launching into a bite in PSA, tracking with deep nose commitment in IGP, or celebrating a perfect run in obedience. Timing is everything, and understanding the sport allows me to anticipate those split-second moments that define a performance.
For competitors, I strive to create images that reflect the hard work, dedication, and bond they’ve built with their dogs. Whether it’s an intense trial shot or a candid moment between runs, my goal is to provide photos that people can look back on with pride. When shooting for clubs or events, I focus on capturing the energy and excitement of the day, ensuring the images showcase both the competition and the community that makes these sports special.
Beyond dog sports, my approach remains the same, observe, anticipate, and capture what makes each moment unique. Whether it’s a dramatic landscape, a candid portrait, or a fleeting interaction, I look for authenticity in every shot.
Ultimately, photography is about preserving moments that matter, and my goal is to deliver images that do just that.
My Mentors
Photography is often seen as a solitary pursuit, just you, your camera, and the world through your lens. But behind every great photographer is a network of influences, inspirations, and, most importantly, mentors. My journey in photography has been shaped not just by my own experiences but by the invaluable guidance of those who have taken the time to teach, critique, and encourage me along the way. I want to recognize my mentors by featuring links to their websites on mine. I encourage you to check them out!
