Photography JOurney

My love for photography started long before I ever imagined becoming a photographer.

Growing up, I remember my mom bringing her Pentax film camera everywhere — to my recitals, family gatherings, celebrations, and trips. She was always documenting our lives, even the seemingly ordinary moments.

And then came one of my favourite parts: waiting for the film to be developed.

There was something so exciting about picking up that little envelope of prints and finally getting to see the moments she had captured. Those photographs would eventually find their way into albums that we could pull off the shelf and look through again and again.

Even now, looking through old photographs feels a little like time travel. A single image can bring you back to a person, a place, a laugh, or a version of life that doesn't exist in quite the same way anymore.

I don't think I fully understood how important those photographs would become until I experienced loss myself.

In early 2019, my father passed away unexpectedly. Losing him completely changed the way I looked at life, time, and the memories we leave behind. Somewhere in the middle of navigating grief, I had an epiphany: life is far too short to keep waiting to do the things that matter to you.

So, a few months later, I decided to take a chance on something I had loved for most of my life.

And Vivian Grace Photography was born.

What began as following a passion eventually became something much more meaningful to me.

Photography isn't just about creating beautiful images. It's about preserving pieces of people's lives — the way your little one fits into your arms, the laugh your partner makes when they're genuinely happy, the chaos of your family together, the quiet moments in between, and the people you never imagine you'll someday miss.

Over the years, I've learned firsthand just how priceless a photograph can become.

That's why I don't want every moment to be perfectly posed. I want movement. I want laughter. I want connection. I want the little glances and imperfect in-between moments that actually feel like you.

Because one day, these photographs won't simply show you what everyone looked like.

They'll remind you what this season of your life felt like.

And being trusted to preserve those memories for other people is something I will never take for granted.

Life Behind the Lens

When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll usually find me at home in Winnipeg with my husband, Dillon, our daughter, Alaina, and our two fur babies — Stella, our dog, and Celeste, our cat.

I’m a little bit of an extrovert and a little bit of an introvert — basically, an ambivert through and through. I love connecting with people, laughing until my cheeks hurt, and being around good energy, but I equally love slowing down and recharging at home.

A few things that make me, me:

• My friends would probably describe me as a bubbly soul — I love to laugh, connect, and make people feel comfortable.
• F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is my ultimate comfort show, and yes, I will happily rewatch it for the hundredth time.
• Give me an afternoon wandering through HomeSense, Chapters, or Michaels, and I’m a happy girl.
• Autumn has my whole heart — cozy sweaters, changing leaves, crisp air, and all the warm, earthy tones.
• And then there’s Christmas. The decorating, the traditions, the twinkle lights, the nostalgia — I love every bit of it.
• At my core, I’m sentimental. I love the little moments, the stories behind people, and the memories we get to carry with us.

Maybe that’s part of why photography means so much to me. I’m drawn to the moments that feel real — the laughter, the connection, the in-between moments and all the little pieces of life you wish you could hold onto forever.