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Recent Announcements

Available Wedding Dates: All of 2012 is fully booked with the best clients ever except for ONE free date in June and ONE free date in July!!  Drop a line if you would like more information!  As far as 2013 goes, 3 dates have already been booked - let me know if you want to grab a coffee and chat!

Welcome to my Blog!

Thank you for welcoming me into your lives to capture the fleeting and precious moments surrounding you everyday. Whether it is a baby's first few days in our world, a special milestone for your child, or the beginning of a life together with your partner, my passion is transforming those wonderful moments into memories that you and your loved ones can cherish for a lifetime.

Life is a celebration of these moments, and there is little more special than being able to hang on to each and every one of them. These are more than just pictures, they are a window into your amazing life!

One of my good friends once described me as a "lifeographer" instead of a photographer, and I believe that is what I truly am. I'm not out there to simply take pictures, but to freeze time for a moment so you can look back and feel the life and love surrounding you.    ~ Justin

Happy New Years!

Hey Everyone!

Wow, 2010 has been an insanely busy and tremendously rewarding year!  I will never forget all of the amazing people who have shared their lives with me!

cruise sunset royal caribbean christmas

That there was my view over Christmas and New Years this year (shot with high-grain film through my Holga camera – no photoshop at all) – a very different experience without the snow and the freezing cold, but the most important part was that I was able to spend it with my amazing family!

So, a quick review for some of the highlights of this year, aside from working with the best clients ever!:

  • At the close of 2010 I was named as one of the 30 Most Inspiring Canadian Wedding Photographers for 2011!
  • Featured photographer in Your Wedding Day’s Fall 2010 Magazine
  • Featured photographer in Wedding Bell’s Fall 2010 Magazine
  • Featured on the Canadian wedding blog Wedding Obsession
  • Featured on the New York wedding blog Brenda’s Wedding Blog
  • Featured on the Canadian wedding blog Wedding Bells
  • Featured photographer on the newly redesigned WeddingsInSask Website and Magazine
  • Was the first photographer in North America to do a full hands on review of the new Canon 1D Mark IV, which was later purchased by CanonRumors.com
  • Was the Saskatchewan-contributing photographer for a Canadian car calendar – my pictures included that of a custom chopper, a ’72 Barracuda and a custom Ford!
  • Traveling the world fall 2010 – spring 2011 for workshops and shoots in: Vancouver, the United States, India, Indonesia and New Zealand! – visit my adventure blog or twitter for updates!
  • Traveling the world fall 2010 – spring 2011 for pictures contributing to a book in the above mentioned countries, plus: Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Australia, Greece and more! – visit my adventure blog or twitter for updates!
  • This blog has been viewed by 94,300 people between January 1st 2010 and December 31st 2010, with 51,399 of those visits being from different people from 159 unique countries!

Yup, its been an amazing year!  Add to that the friendships I’ve made, the people I’ve met, the place’s I’ve seen, and the amazing kindness I’ve experienced, I can only hope 2011 is just as great!

I wish you all the absolute best in the upcoming year!

~
Justin

Amanda and Matt | Saskatoon Wedding

Matt Gruza Amanda Volls Saskatoon Ukrainian Wedding Photography

Hey All!
Back in the country now for a week before jetting out again on and off for the next month (definitely check out my adventure blog with all my travel pics here: adventures.jgphotography.ca)

But now that I’m back I just HAD to get up this post up from Amanda and Matt Gruza’s wedding earlier this fall!  They are a completely amazing, genuine and incredibly fun couple who just happen to be having a ukrainian wedding, meaning lots of people, laughs, food and drinks!  I’ll let the pictures do the talking, but suffice it to say that if someone told me that the Kolomeyka was banned in 48 states, I would believe them ;-)

Thank you so much for making me a part of your crazy awesome day!

To see a few of my favorites, hit the link: (more…)

December 13, 2010 - 7:38 am Matthew and Amanda Gruza - Absolutely phenomenal Justin! Your amazing, artistic eye has done it again! You are definitely one with the camera!! We can't thank you enough for capturing all these priceless moments for us to cherish for a lifetime! Each and every picture will bring smiles to our faces for many years to come! :) Thank you again for all your hard work! It is apprciated more than you will ever know!

December 13, 2010 - 8:45 am Lissa and Murray Gruza - WOW! Thank you Justin for capturing so many wonderful memories of Amanda and Matthew's special wedding day. Looking at these photos today brings back so many of the emotions and experiences we enjoyed and we can't wait to see all the rest. What an artistic, wonderful record you've created to cherish and enjoy for a lifetime.

December 13, 2010 - 5:59 pm Sandra Vols - You have put together a wonderful overview of Amanda and Matthew's wedding day, memorable with detail to what is true, ceremonious and festive. A treasure for a lifetime! Thank you.

December 14, 2010 - 7:50 am Amie & Chris Link - What beautiful pictures of a beautiful wedding day! Can't wait to see them all.

December 14, 2010 - 2:40 pm Mike and Cathy Ell - What a beautiful variety of pictures.Your day was captured from beginning to end.A great keepsake.Congratulations again for a lifetime of happiness.

August 13, 2011 - 10:35 am Jason - I really like the group formals - great expressions!

Stacey and Shawn | Engagement | Vancouver

Shawn Corrigan Stacey Redle Vancouver Engagement Photography

Hey Everyone!

Out of the country again (currently in Bali, wow what an experience), and on my way out I had the awesome opportunity of working with Shawn Corrigan and Stacey Redle out in Vancouver for their engagement session before their wedding next year.

To know Stacey and Shawn, you need to know the following: stacey makes a killer Bacon and Eggs breakfast and is one of the most kind hearted people you’ll meet, that Shaw can make stacey laugh in the most beautiful way and provides the most beautiful sphere of security for stacey, and that they love each other more than can be desribed!

It was an honor working with them and I can’t wait for their wedding!

To see a few of my favorites, hit the link: (more…)

by Justin

26 comments! Drop a line!

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January 24, 2011 - 11:27 pm Liz - So beautiful!! All of them! I especially love the very first photo! So excited for the wedding Stacey and Shawn! Congrats again!

January 25, 2011 - 3:37 am Mike bruno - long time friend of shawn and these pics just capture who he is and not to mention how cute they are anyways Godbless you both mike

January 25, 2011 - 6:35 am Hannah - Absolutely beautiful photos! Oh Shawn and Stace, I just love you both so much and I am so happy for you. You look so in love! Hope to make it to your big day! Love Hannah :)

January 25, 2011 - 7:07 am Shawn Corrigan - Working with Justin was great! He worked with us to draw out our personality as a couple, allowing us to relax and enjoy the whole experience. Justin's laid back and personal approach made it easy for us to be ourselves. Can't wait for the big day!

January 25, 2011 - 11:43 am Theresa - So beautiful! He was definately able to bring out your personalities. You guys are so beautiful together! Can't wait till May!

January 25, 2011 - 2:08 pm Christine - Oh Gosh - those pictures are wonderful :) I'm so happy for you two! Much love - Christine

January 25, 2011 - 2:32 pm Christy - Oh YAY! Stacey and Shawn - I am so happy that you guys get to have Justin as your photographer for the wedding - these shots are wonderful and you going to LOVE his work on your wedding day!!

January 25, 2011 - 7:42 pm Jen - These are so beautiful!!! So much love!!!! Great job Justin! Congrats Stacey and Shawn, God Bless and I hope your enjoying every moment of your engagement, your engagement photos looks like your loving every moment.

January 25, 2011 - 8:07 pm Tim K. - These are awesome! Justin did a really good job with drawing you out and capturing who you are as a couple! Cute and cuddly as puppies! I can't wait for the wedding shots!

January 26, 2011 - 12:24 pm Kelly McLane - Wonderful!!! I love the downtown Vancouver setting... Love them!

January 26, 2011 - 11:01 pm Maria - Absolutely LOVED these! Such great picture of you two. I can not wait till may for the wedding!!!!!

January 26, 2011 - 11:13 pm Jennine - Wow! You guys look great in these pictures! I LOVE them! lookn' gooooooooood. ;) love you guys!

January 27, 2011 - 9:07 am Katie Lawson - SO BEAUTIFUL!!

January 27, 2011 - 7:10 pm Stacey Redl - We both had a blast working with Justin! He is so personable and makes it easy to relax and enjoy the whole experience.

January 28, 2011 - 1:29 pm Cameron Fradd - Holy Cow!! Those are so brilliant!! Most amazing Engagement photos ever!! Seriously!! wow they capture so much of yall and some are so intimate you almost feel like we are not suppose to be looking in a good and beautiful way, if ya know what i mean... good job!! Love and miss yall!!

January 30, 2011 - 11:10 am Pete Hagstrom - I am so impressed you used your "Blue Steel" in most of your pics! Congrats to you both and I wish you many blessings upon your day! God truely brought you two together!

January 31, 2011 - 10:53 am Mary Ellen - Most of these photos could make a magazine. You are truly very gifted Justin. Your models are great! (I'm probably biased because Stacey is my daughter). Your backgrounds are very striking. You put it all together beautifully.

January 31, 2011 - 9:42 pm Danielle - Wow, Justin. I have always been in awe at how you can capture SO MUCH emotion in pictures! These are honestly the most stunning engagement pictures I've ever seen. I like the variation in outfits, backgrounds, etc. So much fun to look through!!!

February 1, 2011 - 3:27 pm Sarah Guzik - Aw aren't you guys just the cutest! All the photos are great, and some of them are FANTASTIC! It takes a talented photographer to make you relaxed in front of a lens. Plus the two of you are just naturally good looking :p.

February 3, 2011 - 1:52 pm Hannah Fahlman - Oh Stacey, your pictures are beautiful! Love them all...

February 3, 2011 - 8:56 pm Chantal C - Amazing shots! Great photographer and great subjects! You guys are sooo cute! Praying for you!!

February 6, 2011 - 12:21 am Karen T - It's the one where you each have a little smile - like you have a secret and there are only 90 days left... Wonderful photos JG - colour and black & white - love the blue doors.

March 5, 2011 - 5:20 pm Jon Lawritson - Awesome photos! Sorry we can't make it to your special day! Enjoy and Congrats.

March 12, 2011 - 10:07 am Bridget - Gorgeous photos! Can't wait to celebrate your big day! God bless!

March 16, 2011 - 8:08 pm Melo - Beautiful photos!

May 12, 2011 - 4:38 pm Naomi Redl - Absolutely LOVE them!!! Justin Gryba YOU ARE AWESOME!!! It definitely helps having such good looking models! :) Can't wait to see the wedding photos!!!

Family Portraits in Sundace, Utah

Sundance Utah Family Photography Saltlake Childrens Photographer

Words can’t describe the amazing time I had in Sundance, Utah!  Amazing families, new friends, inspired ideas.  Just a very small sampling of some of my favorite shots.  The light, the scenery, the feeling – everything in sundance is just crazy great.

Inspiring.

Really.

Hit the link to see a few more.  Really, you want to see more!  (more…)

Andrea and Dean | Saskatoon Wedding

Dean and Andrea are two really special people!  Not “my mom says I’m special” type of special.

Rather, a type of special based on their incredibly amazing and unique personalities which match up so perfectly together it just makes you feel happy!  A type of special which allowed them to completely rock their wedding day their own special way – including a custom branded logo and all!

Its hard not to have a good time around these two.   To check out some of the awesome fun I had with these amazing people, hit the link: (more…)

by Justin

28 comments! Drop a line!

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November 3, 2010 - 8:21 am Andrea - Yah!!!!! Thanks so much Justin! You were so awesome to work with and we had a tonne of fun with you! Thanks for capturing our perfect day!

November 3, 2010 - 9:03 am Courtney - Really beautiful pictures!

November 3, 2010 - 9:15 am Erin - Awesome job Justin!!!!! I can't wait to see all of them! Thanks for capturing my sister's happy day so well! You are an amazing photographer and really fun to work with! And "Flash" did an awesome job too:)

November 3, 2010 - 9:17 am ryan - lovely photos

November 3, 2010 - 9:21 am Alynn Trottier - Love! Especially the one of Andrea from the top, with her thousands of gorgeous eyelashes and the one with Dean and his tie, and Dean on the trampoline! But beautiful photos all around. Congrats you two!

November 3, 2010 - 9:53 am kate - Great photos! I love how they are all set up on one page!!

November 3, 2010 - 9:56 am joana - wow amaing and gourges weeding god bless u

November 3, 2010 - 10:40 am Lorna Godziuk - I was very lucky to be able to attend my beautiful niece's wedding and witness the love and happiness personally but you have created stunning and beautiful memories of Andrea and Dean's special day..."WOW"

November 3, 2010 - 12:13 pm sandra webster - Absolutely stunning!

November 3, 2010 - 12:19 pm Natalie - Wow, beautiful pictures! It looks like it was an amazing day!

November 3, 2010 - 12:53 pm Erin T - Awesome job!!

November 3, 2010 - 1:02 pm Diana - What beautiful photos! They totally capture such joy! Many congratulations to Andrea and Dean.

November 3, 2010 - 3:42 pm Chantal Balash - Brings back great times. Great pics.

November 3, 2010 - 3:53 pm Siobhan Schissler - Wow, I really missed a great time.. Trapoline, light sabers and marrionettes... The pics definately make it feel like I was there and not just in thought.

November 3, 2010 - 4:40 pm Chelsey - Congrats Dean & Andrea - the pictures look great - you looked Stunning Sunshine!!!!

November 3, 2010 - 5:11 pm Chris Godziuk - Amazing pics dude!

November 3, 2010 - 5:55 pm Melissa Vasilcin - Love, love, love..the love! Fabulous pics! xoxoxoxo

November 3, 2010 - 5:56 pm Shirley Sander - What beautiful pix Dean and Andrea or Deandrea I should say what a beautiful couple and a beautiful wedding so glad that we were able to share in your special day. XOXO Shirley and Hunter

November 3, 2010 - 8:17 pm Tanya Kahanyshyn - BEAUTIFUL pictures. You both look sooooo happy!!!!!

November 3, 2010 - 8:19 pm sharon - BEAUTIFUL!!! SERIOUSLY! These are Fantastic photos. Great job being hot you two

November 3, 2010 - 9:50 pm Lydia - wow, stunning! there are some really special shots in there....

November 4, 2010 - 6:52 am colleen godziuk - Nice

November 4, 2010 - 7:39 am Amber - Congratulations Andrea and Dean! Your pictures are gorgeous!!

November 4, 2010 - 1:25 pm Kathy VanGenne - So very happy for you Andrea! It's wonderful when special things happen to special people! Hugs!

November 4, 2010 - 8:14 pm Liz - Oh so fabulous! You are a stunning couple

November 5, 2010 - 4:09 pm Laurie A. - So that's what the ceromony looked like!! We needed the BIG screens. Really nice pics.

November 7, 2010 - 9:36 am Vince M - Your photo's are fantastic! That was such a fun day :)

December 1, 2010 - 2:45 pm LEONARD GODZIUK - Fabulous pictures of my daughter and Dean.Both of you make a beautiful couple I am so happy for both of you guys.

New Delhi, India | Wedding

Indian Wedding Saskatoon Photography JG Photographyno names.

no details.

one picture.

awesome weddidng.

2011 free PAD Session applications now [closed]

Hey Everyone!
Wow, I’m finally back in Canada after a truly amazing time traveling the world for weddings, engagement sessions, workshops, and to capture the amazing vitality and life in the mini-worlds on the other side of the globe for a book to be published hopefully not to long from now!  I have so much to share (a LOT especially since I updated my travel blog about as often as you said “its too hot today” this winter!)

But in the mean time, I have exciting news!  Applications for my free Saskatoon photography a day sessions are now OPEN!!! (now closed – thanks to the over 100 people who applied!  Keep an eye on your email for a response!) Check out the updated info and leave a comment to apply if you’re interested.  Last year all the available spots filled up in 4 hours and the backup spots filled in 2 day, so hop to it!  If your comment doesn’t publish immediately or you don’t hear from me until Monday or Tuesday no worries, lots of sorting through to do ;-)

To apply, hit the link on the top of the blog or click HERE and be sure to pass the info onto all of your friends!  Lots more updates to come in the near future!!!

Justin Gryba JG Photography Saskatoon Photographer Photo A Day SessionJustin Gryba JG Photography Saskatoon Photographer Photo A Day SessionJustin Gryba JG Photography Saskatoon Photographer Photo A Day SessionJustin Gryba JG Photography Saskatoon Photographer Photo A Day Session

May 2, 2011 - 9:20 am Allison Rawlings - Welcome Home!!! Gotta see some of your amazing pics from your trip sometime! :-)

May 5, 2011 - 9:21 am jocelyn - great shots justin. love this last one.

Laura and Jake | Engaged

Laura and Jake are simply awesome people!  The beautiful warm light matches their personalities perfectly!  I can’t wait for their New Years 2012 wedding!!  Until then, check out a few of my favorites from their engagement session here: (more…)

by Justin

31 comments! Drop a line!

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October 23, 2010 - 9:38 am Laura & Jake - Justin, the pictures are awesome! We absolutely love the colours and the light. We had a great time during the session and we are very excited to have you do our wedding photos. Great job, thanks!

October 23, 2010 - 2:03 pm Kelsey - These pictures look great. I am excited to see the rest.

October 23, 2010 - 3:02 pm Ashley O - Love them!!!! What awesome pics! so cute! love the colors.

October 23, 2010 - 3:39 pm jenna - Amazing pictures!! Really captured how happy and in love they are!!

October 23, 2010 - 3:40 pm Maureen Gawley - Great pictures! I love the sunshine in the background. I will look forward to seeing the wedding photos!

October 23, 2010 - 3:52 pm Tara - Those shots are amazing!!! Laura and Jake I have no idea how you are going to decide The first one is SOOOOO Laura!!! lol and I love the one with the bridge in the background were both of you have your eyes closed. Love you both! - Tara

October 23, 2010 - 5:08 pm courtney - These are beautiful, perfect day, perfect light, perfect location and most of all perfect couple!

October 23, 2010 - 5:38 pm Danielle - Good job, Justin. Laura and Jake, you look awesome!

October 23, 2010 - 6:30 pm marianne - Wow! What a great job Justin! I say that not only for the creativity and color but for the fact that you have captured Jake and Laura's personality to a tee!! You have a very bright future in photography. By the way, hopefully they have booked you for New Years 2011 and not 2012!!!

October 24, 2010 - 10:48 am Kristine - WOW!! Great photos!! The location and light is great! I love the picture where Laura is looking over Jake's shoulder! You did a great job Justin! Laura and Jake we are soo excited to share your special day with you! Love, Kristine & Wade

October 24, 2010 - 11:14 am Jill - these pictures are awesome! you both look so happy!

October 24, 2010 - 12:08 pm Chantal - Stunning! You guys are too cute! Congrats!!

October 24, 2010 - 2:35 pm trish tallon - Absolutely beautiful pictures...the colour....the setting....you two look inseparable.....

October 24, 2010 - 4:34 pm Meagan - These pictures are awesome! There are so many to choose from. My favortie is the piggy back ride. So cute!!!! Congrats guys!!

October 24, 2010 - 4:55 pm Nathan - These pics are awesome, you guys look great!

October 24, 2010 - 10:15 pm Erika - Gorgeous pictures! I agree, the colours definitely reflect Laura and Jake's beautiful and sunny spirits. The photos also really captured the warmth, love and beauty of the moment.

October 25, 2010 - 10:47 am Jessica - My vote goes to the shot of you two laying in the grass.

October 25, 2010 - 10:55 am Robin - Oh my gosh I love them! You guys are a couple of lookers!

October 25, 2010 - 3:00 pm Troy - Great pictures guys! You are perfect together....

October 26, 2010 - 4:11 pm Joe - These are super pics, you guys look great. My fave is a toss-up between the first b&w pic and the very last one. By the way, that's an incredible ring!

October 26, 2010 - 4:48 pm Kendra - Very nice pics! You guys are adorable... my favorite is the one with your eyes closed and the bridge in the background. But they are all great!

October 26, 2010 - 4:50 pm Kerri - What can I say... all these picures are so well done! Jake & Laura look so happy and in love! I think my favourite is walking hand in hand thru the grass... what a shot!

October 27, 2010 - 3:37 pm Jill pelrine - Love love the photos so excited for the wedding

October 27, 2010 - 6:05 pm Jenn - HEy Guys! These pictures are beautiful- absolutely gorgeous! Can't wait for the big day!

October 28, 2010 - 7:37 am Hannes Uys - Love the light processing! :-)

October 28, 2010 - 1:50 pm Daryl - Great job - Such a nice variety. All done so natural. The ring shots are so clear - fantastic work

October 28, 2010 - 2:18 pm Cheryl R - Jake and Laura - what a pre-view of what your wedding pictures will capture! Justin did a great job with these!

October 28, 2010 - 2:18 pm Jill Evenson - Gorgeous engagement pictures Laura and Jake!!!! You both look amazing! My 3 favorites are the one of you two lying down on the ground, the one with your foreheads together and the big one of you guys laughing with Jake standing in front of Laura. I'm so unbelievable excited for you two!!

November 1, 2010 - 9:45 pm Veronique Larlham - I love the setting, the simplicity and I love the light in these photos. These pix are beautiful...like you two. I am so happy you're making this commitment to each other. If these are just a teaser, I'm sure the wedding photos will be great. Well done Justin!

November 2, 2010 - 11:30 am Gail Horbay - Your pictures are truly beautiful. Justin you have captured Jacob and Laura's love for each other in each photo. Can't wait to see more pictures.

November 9, 2010 - 5:07 pm Bryan & Carmen - Hey guys! We love the photos! They look awesome. Or, if Carmen was typing: AHAHAHHAHA!!! OMG!! :) THESE are BeautiFUL!! Are you EXCITED!?!?! :)

Jen and Stephen | Engagement

Jen Vail Stephen Veler Saskatoon Winter Engagement PhotographyHey Everyone!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!  Hope everyone is enjoying the snow and the new year!  India, Japan and the Caribbean have been great so far, and next I’m off to Indonesia :-D   But while I’ve been back home I’ve done some shooting around, some of which included the amazing Jen Vail and Stephen Beler whose May 28th wedding this coming year I can’t wait for!  We had a blast!  What a beautiful couple.  So many laughs, so much love!

P.S. – I’ll be doing a 2010 overview soon, as well as updating my travel blog (geeze, I’m so bad.  First new years resolution?  Don’t get behind!)

To see a few of my favorites from our session together, hit the link: (more…)

by Justin

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January 5, 2011 - 10:57 am lucien - wow, absolutely beautiful pictures.... i really like the snow in the face ones.... awesome

January 5, 2011 - 12:02 pm Stephen Beler - Great job Justin! They look awesome. :)

January 5, 2011 - 12:08 pm Kendrick - Its so nice! What a cute couple.

January 5, 2011 - 1:05 pm Steve - What a cute couple!! Great photography.

January 5, 2011 - 1:55 pm Margaret Beler - Wow, I am so impressed! What a beautiful couple (& a great photographer)! Makes me feel so proud to be one of the Grandmas, & I can't wait to see you again.

January 5, 2011 - 2:19 pm Laurissa - exquisite!! Great pictures!!! I like how its Stephen Veler now...;)

January 5, 2011 - 2:19 pm Anita Neumann - These pictures are magical!!! Jen, I'm so glad that you've found your Mr. Darcy! I wish you all the best in this new journey in your lives!

January 5, 2011 - 2:21 pm Jen - Justin, what a fantastic job! I love them. What a fun time and the pictures are so amazing!!!!

January 5, 2011 - 3:54 pm Tolysha Dale - These photos COMPLETELY capture Stephen and Jen's personalities!!! Haha. Wow. SOOO much JOY!!! Incredible again, Justin! You never fail to amaze me!

January 5, 2011 - 4:58 pm Sr. Charlotte Beler - What a handsome/beautiful couple and EXCELLENT photography! Seems like you can't keep your eyes off each other! That is wonderful. Hope the love lasts forever.

January 5, 2011 - 5:10 pm Glenna - Super cool action shot with the snow....you sure don't see that very often. Loved the pics of the rings, nice to see you went outside the box! Nice highlights Jen, glad to see you want to be just like your favourite Aunt!! LOL

January 5, 2011 - 5:27 pm Lauren Myatt - Aw my goodness these pictures just capture the magic of these two beutiful people. I can definitly feel how much they are in love with each other.

January 5, 2011 - 5:44 pm Jeremy Beler - lovely pics you guys! very nicely done!

January 5, 2011 - 5:58 pm Maryann Edenloff - You make a LOVE-ly couple! Congratulations...may your life be blest!

January 5, 2011 - 7:58 pm Carla Jackson - The photos are BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! Congratulations Jen and Stephen. May your life together be filled with God's blessings and much love and happiness!

January 5, 2011 - 8:39 pm Lanna Vail - WOW!I Fantastic....I LOVE the first picture. Snow pics are fun. You two look good with each other. Love ya lots.

January 5, 2011 - 8:48 pm Krista Vail - Awe they turned our so great! Congrats!

January 5, 2011 - 9:45 pm Lloyd Beler - What a handsome couple! Didn't realize Stephen looks so much like his Grandpa... but which one???

January 5, 2011 - 10:06 pm Karen - An absolutely beautiful couple! Thank you for sharing your joy with us!

January 5, 2011 - 10:10 pm Brenda Beler - Justin, you did an awesome job capturing Stephen and Jen's love for each other. Thank you. Stephen and Jen, we pray that God continues to Bless the love you have for each other, for all eternity.

January 5, 2011 - 11:49 pm Micah - These pictures, are just lovely, some of the credit may be given to the photographer, but mostly i think it is because you two are really really ridiculously good looking.

January 6, 2011 - 12:05 am Luke - These photos are amazing! Congrats to Jen and Steve!

January 6, 2011 - 7:34 am Kellan - Pictures look great guys! You two look great together.

January 6, 2011 - 8:04 am Michelle - Beautiful people make beautiful pictures...congrats you two!! Looking forward to May!!

January 7, 2011 - 11:27 am Dennis Schafer - What great pictures! You have captured the love these two people have for each other. All the best to Stephen and Jen.

January 7, 2011 - 6:12 pm John - I really enjoy the last picture!

January 7, 2011 - 8:44 pm Kelly McLane - Wonderful! So much fun! Jen, you look stunning! Stephen, you look great too (but not as lovely as Jen, of course). Justin, great job, as usual. I LOVE the winter setting...

January 9, 2011 - 4:41 pm Stephen Beler - Thanks everyone for your comments! We are certainly pleased with the way the pictures turned out. Even though our faces and hands and feet and everything were numb, Justin did an AMAZING job working with cold hands, cold cameras, and a cold couple. Hats off to him! ...And to Jen for being so darn cute. ;)

January 10, 2011 - 10:29 am Marisa Pavelich - Wow! You both look amazing, the pictures are beautiful!!! So cute and playful!

January 13, 2011 - 12:18 pm Nicole Dunlap - This winter scene engagement session is amazing, love it so much! what a beautiful couple!! You will not regret having Justin capture your wedding day, (he did an amazing job of mine!!). So much happiness captured in this blog!

January 29, 2011 - 11:20 am Joanne Danyliuk - Jennifer I am so happy for you - the pictures all beautiful. Congratulations to you both on your engagement. My very best wishes are yours - always!!

February 3, 2011 - 1:54 pm Hannah Fahlman - Jen your pictures are beautiful!! Congratulations again :)

May 10, 2011 - 1:25 am Jan O'Kane - Jennifer through the years you have brought many tears to my eyes. From the second I held you for the first time just after you were born until now. You bring a smile to my heart and tears of happiness to my eyes. Stephen is one lucky fellow! As for us...hmmm...I guess we'll get use to him LOL (just kidding Stephen). Love you Jennifer yesterday, today and tomorrow.

And I’m Away!!

Saskatoon International Photographer | JG Photography

Hey Everyone!

It has been an absolutely amazing year.  I have worked with so many amazing people who have truly touched my life – making it richer than I could have ever imagined.  And the amazingly kind words that I hear too often just bring a huge smile to my face, knowing that these amazing experience were mutual and the friendships created true.  This blog has been visited an astounding 88,117 times this year between January 1st 2010 and November 22nd 2010, and I am so glad that I was able to connect with all of you – in person, over the internet or through the art presented here.

Indeed its been an amazing year – and its time for me to head out for a little bit!  For the next 5 months I’ll be in and out of the country working on various projects, visiting beautiful places, and working with amazing people!  From workshops in the United States and in Bali, to a project in India, to sessions in New Zealand, to travels to Japan, Europe and more, it is going to be an amazing half year.

An eye opening half year.

A life changing half year.

If you want to check up on where I’m at, what I’ve been doing and what I’ve been seeing, be sure to drop by my Adventure Blog that I hope to keep updated on a fairly regular basis:

Saskatoon International Destination Photographer JG Photographyhttp://adventures.jgphotography.ca

I will be back in the country on and off for a short period many times over those 5 months, so if you have any inquiries or even need to schedule a meeting we should be able to work something out!  And then I’ll be back in the country around the middle of April and will begin shooting again the 1st week of May.  I look forward to sharing with you all my discoveries from my adventures and the opportunity to work with my amazing clients in the new year!

Until then, thank you again to everyone who has touched my life this past year, and enjoy the amazing year to come!

~
Justin

Nicole and Matt | Saskatoon/Moonlake Wedding

Nicole Bourgette and Matthew Dunlap Saskatoon Moonlake Wedding Photography

Wow, these two are so into each other!  The way they tenderly looked at each other coming down the aisle I think is a little glimpse as to how they will live their lives together, carefully cherishing every moment, every glimpse, and every touch.   They are super fun to be around, funny, easy going, but it is that strong gentleness towards each other that is just inescapable.

Perfect.

To see more of their awesome day and their reception out at Moon Lake Golf and Country Club, hit the link: (more…)

by Justin

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November 4, 2010 - 7:30 am Nicole Dunlap - Justin, thank you so much for everything. Working with you over the past year and a half through engagement photos, photos of my niece and nephews and now the wedding has been amazing! You make the whole process very relaxed, fun and professional at the same time. In every project we have done together you have had the ability to capture each unique special moment in a picture!! We will continue to recommend you to all of our family and friends. Thank you for everything you do, we had a great time with you on our wedding day and cant imagine having spent it with any other photographer! Cant wait to see the CD with all the rest!!! Nicole & Matt

November 4, 2010 - 8:22 am Carla - Love the pictures Justin. You did a really good job. Thank you

November 4, 2010 - 1:11 pm Erin Jenness - Wonderful photos! I love the one with the whole wedding party walking down the road... beautiful!

November 4, 2010 - 1:12 pm Kendra - LOVE the pics Nicole you look stunning!...miss you tons!

November 4, 2010 - 1:14 pm Joan - Your so gorgeous Nicole! ;)

November 4, 2010 - 1:15 pm Joan - Beautiful pictures, so professional!

November 4, 2010 - 2:02 pm Brooke Wills - The photo's are absolutely beautiful!!!!! amazing work!

November 4, 2010 - 2:10 pm Amanda - These pictures are so gorgeous! Justin, you've done a wonderful job of not only taking their pictures, but of capturing those moments of happiness and pure love. Great job!!!

November 4, 2010 - 3:52 pm Carrie - Beautiful photos!

November 4, 2010 - 7:01 pm Richele - Great photo's, love the originality!

November 4, 2010 - 7:14 pm Megan Chmarney - Wow great pictures!! Looks like just the perfect day!! (love the flowers!)

November 4, 2010 - 7:28 pm Nadine Olson - Great pictures.

November 4, 2010 - 8:26 pm Denine Christianson - Beautiful, beautiful pictures, the one walking down the road is lovely with the whole wedding party!!

November 4, 2010 - 8:29 pm crystal - how perfect!

November 4, 2010 - 8:41 pm Adam Bailey - Great Pictures....wonderful day! Glad we were a part of it in more ways than one. Love you both!!

November 5, 2010 - 2:05 am araan - beautiful pictures. looks like you had a great day. Love the pictures of you and your dad dancing.

November 5, 2010 - 12:02 pm Renita Clermont - These pictures are gorgeous! You have definitely captured the love these two share for one another.

November 5, 2010 - 1:39 pm Katherine Olson - Love the pictures very nice...

November 5, 2010 - 1:40 pm Dale Olson - Very nice (Poppa of the bride)

November 5, 2010 - 1:41 pm Darrell - Thank you Justin very nice job...

November 5, 2010 - 2:51 pm Jamie - Beautiful pictures Justin! Can't wait to see the rest! What an amazing day, so glad we got to be a part of it!

November 5, 2010 - 9:09 pm Mary Anne Yeo - These pictures are fantastic! They have captured Nicole and Matt's special day and their love for one another beautifully. A treasure they will have forever! Congratulations to all!

November 6, 2010 - 11:10 am Leanne - Awwwwww sweet pics. You look gorgeous Nicole!

November 6, 2010 - 11:23 am Pat Novak - Beautiful photos of Matt and Nicole's wedding day! Gorgeous gown on a gorgeous girl!

November 14, 2010 - 10:11 pm Niki - Stunning pictures Nicole!!!

November 17, 2010 - 11:27 pm jess - deadly as per usual. great job!

Olson Family | Oh the irony

Lisa Olson Family Photography Saskatoon

Haha, wow, the irony – the day after I prepare my previous post about having faith that there will be great pictures from your session as long as you have fun, I get the opportunity to work with the amazing Olson family – and Tom and Dave, aside from being great guys, really didn’t want anything to do with the photoshoot.  Like they would rather be caught at a Justin Beber concert than have their pictures taken, haha! (and I thought that since my blog readership isn’t typically females aged 5-15, I should be fine with posting that comment, lol)

So in light of my previous post with the current predicament of two two photophobic boys, the whole trusting that I’m getting awesome stuff was put to the test.  It was funny though – throughout the ensuing chaos, Lisa had complete faith in what I was doing and that I was getting awesome shots, whereas it was actually myself that was sometimes caught doubting if I was getting great shots.

But I should have taken my own point, because the session turned out great and I can’t wait to hear what Lisa thinks of the shots we got!  It took some work and some time, but really in the end, once people loosened up and were themselves, how could I not get a great picture – awesome people make for awesome pictures!

It was great working with your family Lisa!  I know the session wasn’t the first thing on the boys list to do that day, but thing sure turned out and I had a lot of fun with you guys!

To see a few of my favorites from their session, just hit the link:  (more…)

October 26, 2010 - 12:56 pm Lisa Olson - These pics are awesome ...I knew you'd get some good ones despite the lack of cooperation :) Thanks again Justin! Lisa

October 28, 2011 - 9:45 pm Danielle Acken - That B&W picture of the two boys laughing is AMAZING. Please tell me it;'s going to be a giant canvas somewhere...

Povhe Family | “Did you get anything good??”

At the beginning of October I had the chance to work with the Povhe family.  This whole family is just great!  I had a lot of fun with you all and I can’t wait to show you all of the pictures.   It turned out to definitely be one of my favorite sessions of the year! But before that, I first want to post about something:

A few times throughout and even at the end of this session, as well as during some other sessions, Nicolle (and some other clients) asked something along the lines of “Did you get anything good?” and “Have you ever had a session where you got nothing good?”

Side note: In my email to Nicolle, I joked that nothing turned out and that I would be giving her a refund, lol.  So just letting you know Nicolle, things turned out amazing!  Hmmm, was that a horribly cruel and mean joke to play on such a fun and nice person?  Haha, well, now we’re even ;-)

Early on I used to be a little hurt by those questions, as if my clients didn’t trust that I could get good pictures with their family.

Granted, my family and kids sessions aren’t typical in a traditional sense -  any of my clients can attest to the fact that my family portrait sessions are little more than organized chaos (“organized” being used very loosely, haha).  Kids are running around, exploring, not sitting still, and I’m not overly involved with poses and commands.  Rather, I often just walking around, snapping away after a few suggestions as to what they might want to explore next.   From a typical, traditional family portrait session perspective, this probably looks like I’m a photographer who has no clue how to run a session!

But now, I’ve starting taking those comments as both a compliment and a challenge.

… A compliment in that it tells me that this is different than anything they’ve ever experienced before – which is perfect!  Thats what my photo sessions are – they are real life.  They are kids running around like crazy, not listening all the time, and only smiling when something is actually funny.  I love capturing it, and it comes out so amazing!

… A challenge in that it tells me that somewhere along the line we’ve lost sight of how the sometimes crazy life we live is actually the most beautiful thing around, and I want to help remember!  What I try to capture is your family, not just some image with your family in it.  Its about stopping for a moment and becoming aware of the surging life and vitality within your family!  Expressions, emotions, interactions – all beautiful, amazing and powerful.

Haha, so, “Did I get anything good?”   Let me know what you think!  And if we, my readers, have a session together in the future, don’t worry when your kids would rather be themselves than cooperate with more formalized ideas, I got it covered :-D   Just enjoy the regular, beautiful, and sometimes crazy interactions within your family!

To see a few of my favorite shots for this awesome session, hit the link: (more…)

October 20, 2010 - 7:30 am Nicholle & John Povhe - I knew it! You are so going to get it! I’ll catch up on my sleep tonight or tomorrow! They are absolutely beautiful, just like I hoped! Organized chaos is absolutely the theme in the Povhe house, that’s for sure. Being the artist that you are, I just could not believe that there wasn’t anything we would love, you had showed me so many wonderful ones that night. But John said, it’s ok, “it just wasn’t meant to be, we’ve had RETAKES before!” What is worse than retakes? I know you went on to explain but I didn’t mean to offend you, it has just been our experience that some photographers just kind of give up when the kids get squirmy and don’t listen but that is the real beauty in your photographs, everyone is just as they really are and that’s what I’ll remember about that afternoon and evening. Besides, I’m so thankful we’re not going again especially because the weather is so much colder and things couldn’t have been any better that night! The kids all look absolutely amazing, like they genuinely had fun! Thank-you very much, please post gallery! There are many that I love already. Will be very difficult to decide! Bye for now – pulse is reaching normal levels again!

October 20, 2010 - 11:46 am Reska - Wow, these pictures are great! It's evident that you all love each other very much -- especially in the ones where John is making lovey dovey eyes at Nicholle. It's hard to pick my favourite, but I'm partial to the black & whites and the ones at sunset. Overall, they portray what's evident to all who know them, that they're just a very beautiful and fun-loving family.

October 21, 2010 - 9:31 am Kristina Bykowy - Justin you made me cry! I love how you said you try to capture a moment of our crazy family lives and I agree with everything you said. Those stolen moments of laughter that we sometimes over look in our busy lives are the moments that need to be captures and you do an amazing job of that. Thank you for capturing our families smiles amongst the chaos. Kristina

October 21, 2010 - 9:58 am Barbara Levesque - I think the photos are very beautiful and natural. To me they capture the love the family has for each other.

November 1, 2010 - 10:50 am Nicole - This brought tears to my eyes. There are not many photos that can capture the "love" within and among the family. Absolutely stunning!

Shancelle and Andrew | Saskatoon Wedding

Hildebrandt St Annes Parish Saskatoon Wedding

When you meet Shancelle and Andrew, you notice three things: that they are incredibly in love, that they are two of the nicest people you’ve ever met, and that their lives are completely grounded in faith.  They truly are an awesome couple and it was awesome to be  a part of their wedding day! And really, someone up there must have been looking over them – there were so many opportunities for things to take a bad turn during this wedding (including getting stuck behind a train!), but yet everything ended up turned out perfectly!  And Shancelle and Andrew weren’t dazed a bit – they just enjoyed their beautiful day and enjoyed being in the arms of the person they love.  Beautiful!  Congratulations you guys!

To see a few of my favorites from their awesome day, hit the link: (more…)

by Justin

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October 18, 2010 - 8:37 pm pavel - nice pictures. who is the ring barer? (there wasn't a ring bearer - Justin)

October 18, 2010 - 9:34 pm Armand & Claudette Thibodeau - Some pretty amazing photos. The pictures truly reflect the a very happy and loving wedding. The moments have been well captured, but then what would one expect with a couple whose life is centered on Christ.

October 18, 2010 - 9:34 pm Dan Thiessen - These pictures are very well done, I especially like all the sunset photos. Good Job!!!

October 18, 2010 - 9:40 pm Bonnie - These pictures are very original--unique. It looks like everyone was having a great time--very candid picture of guests--I enjoyed that! Of course the Bride is very beautiful!

October 18, 2010 - 10:02 pm Genevieve - Wow, Amazing photos! Great job capturing this great couple! Your depiction of them could not have been more accurate Justin. This was an absoloutley beautiful wedding!!

October 18, 2010 - 10:27 pm Fenrichs - Awesome pictures ! Especially the couples ones with the sun in the background and the one with all of you on the gravel road. Thanks for sharing them !

October 19, 2010 - 12:20 am Debbie - Shancelle and Andrew What a great day, what a blessing to have shared it with you. The pictures are excellent. Congrat's With love Debbie and Bill

October 19, 2010 - 1:20 am Krista Reid - Wow!!! what an AMAZING bunch of pictures!! Justin is so talented! Shancelle and I have been friends for many years and I cannot be happier for both her and Andrew. The minute I met Andrew I knew that he was the one for Shancelle. Andrew and Shancelle are truely BLESSED to have found one another and I am so PROUD to have them both in my life. I also have to add that we live in Calgary but I will definately call Justin to see if we can get him to do our family pictures when we come to Saskatoon next August!

October 19, 2010 - 8:17 am Michelle - They look fantastic. Love the sunset ones.

October 19, 2010 - 8:33 am Carmen - Andrew & Shancelle........what a beautiful portrayal of your day. Justin did a spectacular job! I couldn't be happier for you guys.

October 19, 2010 - 8:54 am Melanie - I absolutely LOVE these pictures!!! It almost makes me feel like I was there (sorry I couldn't make it Shancelle & Andrew...I see that your bracelet made it into quite a few pictures though;) ). Justin, you are an incredibly talented photographer. I've seen quite a bit of your work through various friends that had you for a photographer and I'm always amazed and how unique and personalized the photographs are. You have a gift of being able to bring out the personality of the individuals through your photography. God Bless!

October 19, 2010 - 9:02 am Luanne Sirota - Great Pictures. Dan & I had a great time. Thanks for inviting us to share in such a special day.

October 19, 2010 - 9:41 am Celestin and Athena Marchildon - Absolutely beautiful pictures!We all love the ones on the road; so sweet! What an honour it was to share in your special day, we love you!! Mononcle Celestin, Aunty Athena and all those cousins!

October 19, 2010 - 10:04 am sherri - Absolutley beautiful pics...was so happy our family could share that special day with you...you too are sooo much in love:))

October 19, 2010 - 12:44 pm Ray & Lisa Marchildon - The pics are gorgeous!! My favorite is the one of Father Yves praying over you both. Clearly, God is central in your lives! The beauty and love exchanged between you as a couple, together with the beauty of God's graces everywhere around you in each frame (picture) brought tears to my eyes!! Thank you for sharing them with us! Hugs and blessings to you both... xoxox

October 19, 2010 - 12:45 pm Leo and Joanne Fontaine - We were so honoured to share your special day with you. The wedding was a very loving, spritually and fun filled day. What an honor to have your uncle preform the ceremony!! The pictures are absolutely the very best, Justin captured every moment of the day not only of the bride and groom but of all the family also. May God live in your hearts forever!!

October 19, 2010 - 1:53 pm Maureen McLane - We were blessed and honored to attend your wedding, Shancelle and Andrew. The photos reflect your beauty. God bless you always. Jim & Maureen

October 19, 2010 - 3:55 pm Chantel McCloy - They are so beautiful!!!

October 19, 2010 - 4:12 pm James Riley - Awesome wedding Shancelle & Andrew! Awesome photos, Justin! Love the casual "getting ready" shots, the outdoor shots and back-lighting in the reception shots.

October 19, 2010 - 4:36 pm just us - Breathtaking. The pictures really capture the feeling of the day and the pics of the boys really captured their character.

October 19, 2010 - 9:23 pm chantelle - love people who are beautiful ontehinside and on the outside...you always see this with your photos J!

October 19, 2010 - 9:57 pm monica - these photos are very classy and have such a calm yet joyful feel to them!! I think Shancelle and Andrew look amazing!!

October 20, 2010 - 7:31 am Fr Yves - How in the heck did you manage to turn Saskatoon into Hollywood ; ) Great pics and wonderful memories, glad I was a part of it, can't wait to see the happy couple again.

October 20, 2010 - 10:16 am gem - every bit radiates love and angles are perfect...it captured the precious moment!

October 20, 2010 - 5:47 pm Yvette Siermachesky - These pictures are awesome.

October 20, 2010 - 8:06 pm Neil Hildebrandt - Soooo....many SMILES caught in all their essence.All to match a most beautiful WEDDING DAY of a most AWESOME COUPLE!! Andrew & Shancelle, you are BLESSED! Justin was SUPER in candidly catching all of us with his camera during the entire day!

October 21, 2010 - 12:07 pm Michelle Spray - WOW!!! Your pictures are amazing! So beautiful!! You guys make a perfect couple!

October 22, 2010 - 5:10 pm Sherwin Lining - These pictures are so good...It looks like we almost need to go to Hollywood and be an actor and actresses since we all look good on these ones.. :)

October 23, 2010 - 7:37 am Danielle Baillargeon - Wow! These are phenomenal! They really capture how beautiful the day truly was. I love the pictures and I LOVE the couple. :) (and the photographer is fantastic!)

October 27, 2010 - 4:13 pm Colette & Rob Stang - Beautiful pictures, a reflection of Love,God's gift to Shancelle and Andrew. You two look amazing together. We were happy to share your wedding day with you two. Courtney's comment "The pics are PRO"

November 3, 2010 - 9:11 am Chuck and Sandi Lalonde - Awesome Pictures ...awesome couple. Just wish we could have been there, it looks like it was such a beautiful day and great gathering to celebrate and bless this union. Love you

November 10, 2010 - 9:22 pm Thomas & Colleen Marchildon & boys - What a beautiful bunch of pictures We all enjoyed looking at them a lot they all are good byt my favorit one is the one with the sun set very good love and prayes colleen,tom ,gab and pascal

March 1, 2011 - 2:56 pm Lorenz - Beautiful

The Nagy Family | Saskatoon

mamarazzi-photography-sarah-naggy-saskatoon-family-photography

Its always an honor to be asked to photograph other photographers families!  After a few reschedules I finally had the pleasure of working with Sarah Naggy (from Mamarazzi Photography) and her awesome little family!

Its funny how most photographers don’t have pictures of themselves with their family (I have very few myself!), so doing things like this to get pictures with the whole family and of the photographer with their own kids is awesome awesome!

It was just a short session but the weather was great and the light was beautiful!  It was awesome working with you guys and hopefully we bump into each other again in the future to swap photography talk :-D

To see a few of my favorites from the session, hit the link: (more…)

October 14, 2010 - 9:47 am Sarah Nagy - Hey Justin! They look awesome, thanks so much!

October 20, 2010 - 12:00 am Brittni - Justin your family sessions are SO great, you do a really great job of capturing the personality of a family. Really nice work :)