Meet Kiandra Jeffery, the Winnipeg-based wedding photographer who captures love stories worldwide, from  to intimate queer weddings. Kiandra isn't just about snapping pictures; she's about creating a space for love that isn't standard, where every frame tells a story that feels as unique as the people in it.

From High School Photo Club to Worldwide Weddings

Kiandra's love affair with photography began in high school. “I was in a photo club and did silly team photos," she recalls. Little did she know, those playful beginnings would lead to shooting weddings while still a student. Her first wedding gig was a blend of Disney and World of Warcraft themes, complete with a cake-cutting sword. "Those photos are somewhere on a CD," she laughs. 

After high school, Kiandra moved from Dauphin, Manitoba, to Winnipeg to attend Prairie View School of Photography. The program, which she fondly remembers, was pivotal. "I could have learned what I did in school on my own, but it would've taken ten extra years," she admits. Structured learning, critiques, and hands-on experience in a darkroom shaped her into the photographer she is today.

The Corporate Chapter

Straight out of school, Kiandra landed a job at Nygard as an in-house photographer. The experience was as wild as the stories she'd heard. Despite the chaos, the job offered invaluable industry connections and honed her skills in booking full shoots with models, makeup artists, and hairstylists.

But corporate life wasn't for Kiandra. "Being screamed at and harassed wasn't worth it," she says bluntly. She left Nygard to pursue more fulfilling photography paths, leading her to work under various mentors and attend conferences like WPPI, where she met influential photographers and expanded her horizons.

Finding Her Niche

Kiandra’s career as a wedding photographer was fast-tracked when she met Jeff Cooke of Cooked Photography.  Jeff took her under his wing and Kiandra began shooting with the Cooked team in Halifax.  She credits much of her career as a wedding photographer to Jeff and Jenn Nauss “They just let me shoot the way I wanted to and I got addicted to capturing those weeping, happy moments," she admits.

Today, Kiandra's style is distinct. She prefers dark, spooky, and emotional photos over the whimsical, natural light shots she once aspired to create. This unique aesthetic has attracted clients who resonate with her vision, ensuring she rarely has to deal with "princess bride" weddings. "I'm not shooting as pretty as they want, so the normies don't come to me," she jokes.

A Champion for Queer Love

As an openly queer photographer, Kiandra proudly incorporates her identity into her brand. "I want the little introverted gays to hire me," she says with a smile. Including "queer" in her branding has attracted more 2SLGBTQI+ clients, who appreciate knowing their photographer understands their experiences.

"It's about feeling at ease," she explains. "Knowing the person you're bringing to photograph your wedding won't misgender your friends or misuse your pronouns." This authenticity has led to a supportive community of queer clients and fellow vendors.

Despite her focus on queer representation, the majority of Kiandra's clients aren't 2SLGBTQI+. "I will be, at the end of this year, shooting only one queer wedding," she notes. "But if I could only shoot queer weddings, I absolutely would."

Balancing Work and Play

When she's not behind the camera, Kiandra enjoys a cozy life with her cats. "I could spend all my days traveling to eat enormous amounts of food and look at cool art," she confesses. But most of the time, you'll find her at home, snugged up with her cats, playing video games, watching movies, or diving into her latest hobby—be it gardening or something else entirely.

The pandemic forced Kiandra to diversify her portfolio, shifting to brand and product photography while weddings were on hold. This balance has given her the freedom to choose her projects and clients more selectively. "I've been taking probably five weddings a year," she says. "It's been honestly so nice."

Looking Ahead

Kiandra's business is on the rise again, with a significant increase in inquiries and bookings for next year. Despite her introverted nature she presented at her first wedding show—"my worst nightmare"—her February stint yielded 70 leads, proving the value of stepping out of her comfort zone.

As she continues to grow her brand, Kiandra remains committed to capturing authentic, emotional moments. Her goal? To make every client feel comfortable, seen, and celebrated, whether they're a couple having their wedding tucked away in the forest or an introverted queer couple looking for a photographer who truly gets them.

Closing Thoughts

Kiandra Jeffery isn't just a wedding photographer; she's a storyteller, a comforter, and a champion for love in all its forms. Her journey from high school photo club to international weddings is a testament to her dedication and passion. And while she might spend 98% of her time cuddled up with her cats, when she's out in the world, she's capturing moments that matter, one frame at a time.

Website: KiandraJeffery.com

Instagram: @kiandrajeffery