Meet Jen McLeod, the fearless photographer who packed her bags and moved to the stunning shores of Tofino and Ucluelet, BC to follow her dreams. With a camera in hand, she made the brave leap to a new market and found success capturing the beautiful connections and bonds between people. Many photographers dream of making such a bold move, but Jen did it – proving that with courage and passion, anything is possible. Her journey from the prairies of Alberta to the coastal beauty of Vancouver Island is as compelling as the images she creates.

The Darkroom Beginnings

Jen's love affair with photography began in a dark room. Her father was the high school yearbook photographer and he had a dark room in their home. Jen’s earliest memories as photographer are of exposing the silhouettes of leaves she found in the garden on their enlarger. This early exposure (pun intended) to the magic of photography laid the foundation for what would become her lifelong passion.

In 2001, as she ventured off to college, Jen's father gifted her his beloved Pentax Spotmatic. Unfortunately, the camera was stolen shortly after, but the seed had been planted and Jen's love for photography continued to grow.

From the Prairies to the Pacific

Jen was born on the prairies but always yearned for the sand and sea. In 2017, she and her family made a bold move to Vancouver Island. "We sold our house, flew out two weeks after, and put in an offer on another house," Jen says. It was a leap of faith, made without the safety net of jobs or local connections. "We convinced the bank to give us a mortgage even though we didn't have jobs. It was nuts, now that I think about it."

The transition was not without its challenges. Jen left behind a thriving business in Edmonton and had to start from scratch on the coast. For three years, inquiries were sparse, and doubt crept in. But February 2020 marked a turning point, just before the world was turned upside down by the pandemic. "I fell in love with elopements because of COVID," Jen says. "It's an opportunity to really make a special day for just the couple, like it becomes entirely about them and what they want."

Capturing Connection

For Jen, photography is all about connection. "A photo shoot is all about capturing that connection and bond between you and your people," she explains. Tofino and Ucluelet, with their wild beauty, provide the perfect backdrop for these intimate moments. Jen's style is influenced by the 90s photography she grew up loving, focusing on creating art rather than simply recording events. "I'm not into the trendy things," she says. "I want my work to be art in the moment."

Building a Coastal Empire

Jen's success on Vancouver Island didn't come by chance. She meticulously built relationships with local vendors and venues, understanding that referrals were key to her business. "I made appointments with every single wedding venue and wedding vendor on the coast," she says. Her persistence paid off, and she quickly became a sought-after photographer for couples eloping to the area.

Her calendar is now filled with 60 to 80 weddings and elopements a year. Unlike traditional wedding photographers who book weekends, Jen's schedule is flexible, catering to couples who choose to marry during their vacation. "I only shoot about 15 weekends a year, many of my weddings are on a Tuesday" she notes, highlighting the unique lifestyle of a Tofino photographer.

The Art of Elopements

Elopements have become Jen's specialty, offering a blend of adventure and intimacy. Whether it's a helicopter ride to a remote mountain peak or a quiet ceremony on a secluded beach, Jen ensures that every moment is magical. "I often recommend people go do a helicopter elopement because that's so romantic," she says.

Her role often extends beyond photography. Given the remote nature of Tofino and Ucluelet, Jen frequently helps with planning and logistics, ensuring that each couple's experience is seamless and unforgettable.

A Family Affair

Jen's personal life is as vibrant as her professional one. She lives with her husband Layton, their two children, a cat, and a dog. In her rare downtime, she enjoys learning languages—Spanish, French, and German—and indulging in good books and black coffee.

Philosophy and Style

Jen's approach to photography is deeply personal and artistic. She avoids following trends, instead drawing inspiration from the 90s style that first captivated her. "To me, photography is an art. People forget that," she says. Her work is characterized by its consistency and artistic vision, often involving a significant amount of post-processing to achieve her desired look.

The Future of Photography

Jen remains optimistic about the future of photography, even as technology evolves and trends shift. She believes that the essence of good photography lies in the connection and emotion captured in each frame. "There's no right and wrong in photography," she asserts. "The most important thing is that you like what you're creating."

Conclusion

Jen McLeod's journey from the prairies to the Pacific is a testament to her passion, resilience, and creativity. In the wild beauty of Tofino and Ucluelet, she has found a canvas that perfectly complements her artistic vision. Her work is a celebration of love, connection, and the unique moments that define us. For couples looking to capture their special day in a truly unforgettable way, Jen McLeod offers not just photography, but an experience, a story, and a piece of art that will be cherished forever.

Website: jenmcleod.com

Instagram: @jenmcleodphoto