In the bustling city of Montreal, amidst its vibrant cultural tapestry, Jessica Samyn emerges as a celebrated wedding and lifestyle photographer. Known for her love of Belgian chocolate (to honour her roots), aversion to spiders, and an innate ability to capture the essence of life's beautiful moments.
Jessica's journey into the world of photography began with the arrival of her first child. A simple request for a camera marked the genesis of a self-taught exploration, where she immersed herself in learning day and night with the help of YouTube tutorials and workshops from colleagues in her city. Her passion for photography, however, truly ignited when she discovered the enchanting world of weddings.
Initially hesitant after her first two wedding experiences, Jessica's perspective shifted when she became an assistant for another photographer. Inspired by their client-centric approach, she re-entered the wedding photography arena equipped with better gear, leading to an evolution in her style from posed to documentary, capturing the organic flow of a couple's special day.
When asked about mentors and influences, Jessica acknowledges the unwavering support of Julia Garcia Pratt and draws inspiration from photographers like Joel & Justyna and HanGuyen Photo.
For Jessica, weddings are not just events; they are a celebration of love. Her style reflects this sentiment, evolving from a list of posed shots to a more candid, documentary approach that follows couples through their special day.
While her bustling family life with three hockey-playing boys poses challenges, Jessica strategically balances her career by taking weddings almost only during the high season (April through November). Instagram serves as her primary platform for attracting clients, supplemented by referrals from wedding planners and recommendations from past clients or friends and family.
A typical week during the wedding season sees Jessica juggling editing, emails, and marketing while cherishing moments with her children. Balancing family and career, she ensures she's present for her kids during the winter months when wedding season takes a back seat.
Staying inspired during busy times is crucial for Jessica, who follows photographers worldwide and explores new places for inspiration. Styled shoots with wedding planners also play a part in fuelling her creativity.
Acknowledging the isolating nature of her career, Jessica humorously admits to enjoying a lot of naps and finds solace in the weekend chaos of her kids' hockey games, fostering a sense of community.
As a Canadian wedding photographer, Jessica takes pride in bringing a unique vision to weddings with an artistic and editorial flair. Despite the playful comment about the limited working months due to Canadian winters, Jessica Samyn stands tall, creating visual stories that resonate with warmth, authenticity, and a touch of chocolate sweetness in the heart of Montreal.
Visit her website to see more of her amazing work www.jessicasamynphotographie.com
Written by Canadian Wedding Photographers founder Joel Boily