Jesse Villemaire

“My background is colourful, just like me! For nearly 20 years I was a professional body piercer and owner of a high-end, reputable tattoo studio in Cambridge, Ontario. My former life allowed me to travel across Canada and the US, educating other tattoo artists and piercers on the importance of health and safety practices in the Body Art industry.

Throughout my travels, I picked up a hobby that would later become the driving force in my life – photography. My camera gave me a new perspective on the world and became my main tool for self-expression and creative exploration.

I’ve found myself all over the map in hot pursuit of the next unique wildlife encounter – hiking and paddling in places I would have otherwise bypassed if it were not for my love of adventure. Nothing brings me greater joy than spending time in nature with other photographers, collaborating and exchanging tricks of the trade.

These days I spend a great deal of time rolling around on the ground photographing dogs from all around the globe, and sneaking out in the wee hours of the morning to catch a glimpse of moose, posing majestically against the backdrop of Algonquin’s misty lakes. It’s rare that I’m in the same place for very long, so it’s only fitting that I be continuing to build experiences and workshops that I can share with other photographers in hopes that we can witness all the magic this planet has to offer!”

– The Lovable Extrovert

Susan Villemaire

“I could talk at length about the last 10 years of my career as a Producer, serving Fortune 500 brands with 500px, Stocksy United and Shutterstock. About how I spent the better part of 2021 pivoting Shutterstock’s once tech-based company into long form programming – mining the 400 million images and 21 million videos from the Conde Nast, NY Times, Rex Features, ITV, and Life collections to generate original IP. About how I spent my impressionable 20’s as a reporter, writing bylines about art; climate change, mental health, music, and politics across the GTA. Or, about how I photographed catalog raisonnés for many artists now featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

But, I’m much more interested in how I can combine all of these experiences to craft timeless images for your brand. 

I enjoy a challenge and finding creative solutions to complex projects. My friends would describe me as a perfectionist – which, lucky for you, means I plan shoots meticulously and deliver my A-game, every time. When someone can look at a photograph I’ve taken and say that I captured their authentic self, I’m happy. 

Okay, because you asked, here are a few fun facts about me: I’m a bonafide Tolkienite. Yes, I know more about Middle Earth than I care to admit. I’m a member of the Production Coordinator Caucus at I.A.T.S.E. 411 and studied Film Production at the Vancouver Film School. I’m a registered yoga teacher. And, if music is playing in my house, it’s 99.9% of the time Tom Waits. I have kind eyes, a soft heart and a knack for juggling high-stakes productions. Let’s create!”

– The Endearing Ambivert