Jessie Bigler is a passionate and skilled photographer and videographer based in Calgary, Alberta. Since 2019, Jessie has dedicated herself to capturing life's most precious moments, specializing in weddings, engagements, and family shoots. By 2023, she had already documented over 100 weddings, a testament to her dedication and expertise. Jessie aims to create unforgettable and comfortable experiences for each client, driven by the belief that life should be lived in the moment. This philosophy underpins her work, as she strives to help clients preserve their cherished memories for a lifetime.
Jessie's journey with the camera began at the tender age of ten. She turned everyday moments into mini-stories, from documenting her cat's antics to persuading her sister to act in home movies. This childhood hobby evolved into a professional passion after she graduated with a diploma in Film Production from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in 2020. Initially starting her career as a videographer, Jessie embraced photography during the pandemic, transforming her love for capturing moments into a full-time profession.
Beyond weddings and lifestyle shoots, Jessie's skills extend to corporate video, social media content, drone photography, and real estate media. Her technical expertise, combined with a positive and infectious attitude, ensures that clients feel comfortable and enjoy their sessions. Jessie is known for making each session a fun and memorable experience, using her creativity and technical skills to craft beautiful, lasting memories.
Jessie is driven by the belief that life is short and memories are precious. She captures and celebrates special moments because she understands that the people in our lives won't be here forever. Jessie's work aims to transport people back in time with a single image, capturing both candid and posed moments with equal skill.
Jessie’s approach to wedding photography is marked by her ability to connect with clients on a personal level. She believes in the importance of building relationships with her clients, ensuring that she captures their love authentically. Jessie prefers to meet with both partners during consultation meetings, emphasizing that understanding their dynamic is crucial for capturing their special day.
Jessie’s ideal clients are those who value photo and video, have strong family relationships, and enjoy incorporating their families into their weddings. She loves working with couples who are adventurous yet appreciate the finer things in life. Whether it’s a fancy venue or a muddy off-road adventure, Jessie’s clients reflect her own love for both elegance and adventure.
Jessie’s focus on building genuine relationships with her clients and other vendors sets her apart in the wedding industry. She understands that wedding photography is not just about capturing beautiful images but also about creating an enjoyable and seamless experience for her clients. Jessie’s dedication to her craft and her clients has led her to become a trusted and sought-after wedding photographer and filmmaker in Calgary and beyond.
Jessie uses a variety of methods to attract her ideal clients. She has a Facebook group that helps build a community of vendors and couples, fostering connections and collaborations. Instagram has been a significant platform for her, where she consistently shows up and engages with her audience. Her podcast is another avenue through which she hopes to attract clients, sharing insights and stories that resonate with potential customers. Word of mouth remains a powerful tool, with satisfied clients referring her to their friends and family.
As a wedding photographer, burnout is a real challenge, especially during the busy season. Jessie experiences burnout but has learned to push through by reminding herself of her mission and the reasons she became a wedding filmmaker. Taking regular breaks, such as solo trips, helps her recharge. She also practices taking one day off a week, striving to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Jessie draws inspiration from her clients and their unique stories. She believes that each couple brings something special to their wedding, and this fuels her creativity. For instance, when working with a Disney-loving bride, Jessie watched "Beauty and the Beast" to draw inspiration for the wedding film, incorporating elements that resonated with the couple's love for Disney. This approach helps her create personalized and unique wedding films that move beyond the cookie-cutter format.
Jessie Bigler’s journey from a ten-year-old with a camera to a successful wedding photographer and filmmaker is a testament to her passion, dedication, and talent. Her ability to capture the magic of life’s special moments ensures that her clients will cherish their memories for a lifetime. Jessie's commitment to building genuine relationships, staying inspired, and providing exceptional experiences makes her a standout professional in the wedding industry.
Website: Jessie Rae Films
Instagram: @jessieraefilms
