There’s a quiet kind of bravery in starting something entirely new—especially in your late 20s, especially with two kids in tow. For Winnipeg-based wedding photographer Lynelle Kratz, it all began in 2021 with a single decision: to pick up a camera. No formal training, no decades of experience—just an insatiable curiosity and a YouTube queue full of tutorials. What followed wasn’t just a career pivot; it was a calling.
Lynelle is the creative force behind Sullus Photography, a name derived from a Gaelic word for "light"—a fitting moniker for someone so devoted to uncovering the luminous, in-between moments that define a wedding day. “I strive to capture the ‘hidden’ light within all of my clients,” she says. Her approach is grounded in warmth and empathy, not just aesthetics. She’s not chasing perfection—she’s looking for real.
A Self-Taught Path with Soul
What makes Lynelle’s journey especially compelling is how deeply personal it is. Without industry connections or a traditional photography background, she forged her own path—one free shoot at a time. A referral led to her first engagement session. A gamble led to her first wedding. And a fire was lit.
“I accidentally became a wedding photographer,” Lynelle laughs. But what began as a hobby quickly evolved into something much more deliberate. She devoured educational content, enrolled in business mentorship programs, second-shot whenever she could, and filled her calendar with styled shoots and real weddings to hone her craft.
That early hustle paid off. But as she discovered after photographing 15 weddings in a single year, even passion has its limits. “That ran me into the ground,” she admits. Today, she’s more intentional about the work she takes on. “My goal is sustainability—building a business that doesn’t ask me to sacrifice being a mom in order to succeed as a photographer.”
A Signature Style: Candid, Comfortable, Intentional
Lynelle’s style is often described by clients as candid and documentary—but it’s her ability to put people at ease that really sets her apart. She brings a calm presence to the chaos of a wedding day, helping couples relax and be themselves in front of the camera. “I hate being photographed too,” she says. “So I work really hard to make people feel comfortable. I want the photos to feel like them, not like something forced.”
Whether it’s a tearful first look, a stolen glance, or a burst of laughter during speeches, Lynelle is there—quietly, attentively—finding the moments no one else sees. Her favorite part of the day? “That feeling you get when you show up—knowing someone is getting married today. That energy never gets old.”
Growth Without the Grind
Unlike many in the wedding world chasing back-to-back weekends and six-figure milestones, Lynelle is focused on meaningful growth over maximal hustle. “I used to think being in the driver’s seat was always the best place to be,” she reflects. “But then I second-shot a wedding after a long run of my own, and I thought—this is kind of nice.”
Her version of success includes flexibility, creative fulfillment, and summers with her boys. In 2025, she plans to take on just six weddings of her own, along with a healthy mix of lifestyle sessions and second shooting gigs. That might sound modest to some, but to Lynelle, it’s the sweet spot.
And while her business remains anchored in Winnipeg, she’s open to a little travel—especially within Manitoba or nearby Ontario towns like Kenora or Clear Lake. A destination wedding? Maybe someday. But for now, she’s focused on building a solid foundation close to home.
Art That Matters
Photography, for Lynelle, is about more than composition or branding—it’s about legacy. “We lost a couple of grandparents this year,” she shares. “And going through slideshows, those images mean the world now. That’s the stuff that lasts.”
She approaches each wedding with that in mind—not chasing portfolio pieces, but preserving moments for the people who lived them. Whether it’s a candid of Grandma laughing during speeches or two friends reuniting during cocktail hour, she knows these seemingly small captures are often the most treasured.
As she puts it, “This work is bigger than me. It matters.”
Website: sullusphotography.com
Instagram: @sullus.photography
