Full of talent and with the sweetest smile, Jackie
loved working in Portugal, and she’s already planning to come back…
As for us, we took the chance for a short interview that you’re going to love!
Hello, Jackie! To start, can you tell us a little about your professional journey?
How did you start photographing weddings, and what motivated you to pursue this career?
“Thank you so much for having me in this interview, I’m really happy to be here. My journey with photography started when I was quite young back in high school in Canada, I first picked up a film camera and quickly became fascinated with photographing people. Human connection has always been at the heart of my work; I’ve been drawn to the way people relate to one another, and capturing those moments has always felt really meaningful
to me.
Like many wedding photographers, I stumbled into this path when my friends began to get married (you know, when you hit a certain age, everyone gets married hahaha). One of my friends asked me to photograph her engagement, and I loved the experience. Soon after, another friend encouraged me to start an Instagram and
put some photos on a website, which I did while still working a full-time job. Over time, I realized how much joy
this work brought me, and I eventually transitioned fully into wedding photography.
For me, what makes this career so motivating is that weddings bring out such a wide range of emotions, the chaos, the calm, the tiny in-between moments, and the big joyful celebrations. It’s such a privilege to witness people in these heightened states of love and connection, and to translate that into images.
At the core of it all, my inspiration is always people and their communities :).”
We know you are originally from Canada, but currently live in Hamburg, Germany. How does your multicultural experience influence your work as a photographer?
“Yes, I’m originally from Canada, but my story is a little more layered than that. I was actually born in Hong Kong and lived there for 12 years, then spent another 12 years in Canada before moving to Germany, where I’m now based and in the future I will be partly based in Portugal. As of now, I am very happy and grateful that my clients fly me in for their weddings in Portugal or worldwide because they resonated with my work.
Growing up in Hong Kong shaped me in a very unique way. It’s such a vibrant place: a concrete jungle with neon lights, constant movement, and this chaotic beauty that somehow feels very organized at the same time. I often think that my brain is quite chaotic with million thoughts going through, just like my desktop screen with lots of screenshots, I think this is an influence from Hong Kong haha. That early exposure to color, energy, and East Asian art definitely influenced the way I see the world. And in Hong Kong, emotions are often expressed more subtly, through eyes or small facial shifts, which made me very observant. Later, when I moved to Canada, I noticed how much more openly expressive people were, and I think those contrasts gave me a special sensitivity to human emotion and very helpful in terms of wedding photography.
In Canada, I also had an amazing art teacher who introduced me to North American artists and photographers. That exposure to creativity, combined with the openness and friendliness of Canadian culture, gave me the confidence to connect with people easily. I think that’s why at weddings, couples often feel I’m more like a friend than just a photographer.
Now, living in Europe, I’m surrounded by so much history, art, and cinema, and that keeps pushing me to grow and to see my work through a broader lens. So I’d say these different cultural chapters in my life (Hong Kong, Canada, and now Europe) all influence how I connect with people, how I read emotions, and ultimately, how I capture weddings.”
Your photographic style is described as artistic, documentary, and editorial.
Can you explain how these influences are reflected in the images you capture?
“My photographic style is often described as a mix of artistic, documentary, editorial with a mix of childlike whimsy and I think that really comes from the blend of influences I’ve had throughout my life.
The artistic side comes from my background in painting and sketching, and from always being drawn to color, composition, and symbolism in art. I love weaving those elements into my images in a way that feels intentional but still natural.The documentary side is about pure observation, catching the subtle twitches in a face, a fleeting glance, or those in-between moments that aren’t staged but tell the truest story. That connects a lot to my cultural background, where I learned to pay attention to both expressive and very subtle ways people show emotion.
And the editorial side is about creating images that feel timeless and polished, like they could live in a magazine spread, but without losing authenticity. It’s more about guiding people just enough so they feel comfortable, while still letting the realness shine through. One couple once told me they were drawn to how I use composition, the way I bring together gestures, garments, accessories, and the environment to create shapes and chemistry in the frame. They also noticed how intentional I am with choices like film vs. digital, or color vs. black and white, and I do think that’s true. Every decision is deliberate, maintaining the artistic and editorial side, while still being very human.
I also incorporate a bit of inner child whimsy (I fear I will never grow out of my inner child like tendencies hahaha) keeping the work playful, alive, and full of joy. The second is subtlety. I love the art of suggestion in photography: not showing everything outright, but hinting at it in a way that lets you feel more than you see. Sometimes it’s just the trace of a hand reaching, or the way light falls on a veil; those indirect moments often carry so much emotional weight.”
You work globally, photographing weddings in different locations. What draws you to international weddings, and how do you prepare to photograph in different cultures?
“I photograph weddings in a lot of different locations: Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, and beyond. I think I’m especially drawn to international weddings because of my own international background. I love interacting with people from different cultures and noticing the little differences in how they celebrate.
Each place has its own aesthetic, its own rhythm, even its own light. It might sound funny, but I truly believe sunlight feels different depending on where you are, and it changes how colors and moods appear in photographs. A wedding in France feels different from one in Portugal, or Germany, for example, from the timing of the day to the traditions and the atmosphere. That variety keeps me inspired and challenged, because no two weddings are ever the same.
To prepare, I do a lot of research on the couple, the venue, and sometimes even the region’s traditions. I usually arrive a few days early to walk the space, study the light, and get familiar with the environment. I also create mood boards and talk through ideas with the couple. It’s less about following a formula and more about adapting to each wedding’s unique energy and cultural context.”
You had the opportunity to photograph a wedding at Hotel Casa Palmela in Portugal. How was this experience, and what impressed you most about this venue?
“Photographing at Hotel Casa Palmela in Portugal was such a wonderful experience! The venue itself is obviously stunning because it has all these classic Portuguese aesthetics that I adore, paired with vineyards, white walls, and beautiful blue interiors. Each room feels like it has its own character: one with dramatic red wallpaper, another with a bathtub in the living room, it's so special! Every corner offers something unique for photographs.
From a practical side, the light there is amazing, and the fact that guests can all stay at the venue makes it such a seamless experience for a wedding. And the staff were incredibly kind and supportive, which really makes a difference when you’re working on such an important day. I’d absolutely recommend it whether for a wedding or even just as a place to enjoy in the quieter season.”
As a photographer, what is your approach to capturing spontaneous versus posed moments? Do you have a favorite technique to ensure every emotion is recorded?
“My approach to spontaneous versus posed moments really starts long before the wedding day. Preparation is key for me. I have several calls with my couples so I can understand how they connect with each other, and if they book me for a welcome party, I always go. That way, by the wedding day, I’m not just a stranger with a camera instead, I’m someone they know and feel comfortable around.
Every couple interacts differently. Some are more playful and spontaneous, others prefer a little bit of editorial direction. I pay close attention to their personalities, even in our calls like how they talk about each other, how they move together and then I adapt my approach. I never want to force people into something that doesn’t feel like them. If I feel that some couples are down to being creative and funky, then let's do it!
When I do pose, it’s gentle guidance just enough to create a moment of connection that still feels natural but at the same time maintaining that sense of creativity and playfulness throughout. And when I’m capturing spontaneous moments, it’s about being observant, noticing the small gestures, the subtle glances.”
What were the biggest challenges and lessons learned when working at a wedding in Portugal, away from your usual base?
“Honestly, I’ve had such wonderful experiences photographing in Portugal. The couples, the venues, the vendors — everyone has been so generous and collaborative. I’m constantly impressed by the level of artistry and creativity from planners, florists, and other creatives there; everyone really brings their A-game and puts so much heart into making the day extraordinary.
If I had to name one challenge, it’s more of a practical one: always giving myself extra time to get to venues in case of unexpected traffic (if you think you carved out enough time, carve out even more time!). I always arrive way way wayy earlier to a wedding venue, but hey, it's better to be safe than sorry! But that applies to any destination wedding haha, not just Portugal. Overall, the experience has been incredibly smooth, inspiring, and rewarding.”
Has working in Portugal brought you any new inspiration or changed the way you view wedding photography?
“Working in Portugal has absolutely brought me new inspiration. The light is so distinctive, the landscapes are stunning, and the venues are full of character. Couples who choose Portugal often love that aesthetic too, and it becomes this beautiful collaboration between their vision and the environment.
I’m also really inspired by the creative community there. Wedding planners, florists, designers, so many of them have such innovative ideas and strong artistic visions. I love meeting them before a wedding for coffee and hearing about their process. Those conversations always spark new ideas for me, and it makes me want to deliver something equally meaningful for the couple and for the whole creative team.”
What is your favorite part of the wedding photography process? Are there any moments or details you always aim to capture?
“That’s always such a hard question for me, because I genuinely love the entire process, not just the wedding day itself, but everything that comes before and after. For me, it starts the moment a couple chooses me as their photographer. I love those first calls where I get to discover who they are, like their personalities, their aesthetic vision, their influences, even the little details they’re excited about, like the napkins or the floral tones. That discovery process is endlessly inspiring.
On the wedding day, I honestly can’t choose a single favorite part. Getting ready is always beautiful and emotional, cocktail hour is full of energy and connections, and couple portraits give me space to create something a little more intimate and artistic. I also love connecting with the vendors and observing how they bring their artistry into the day.
As for moments I always aim to capture, I’m very drawn to the in-between moments, the spontaneous gestures and subtle glances that often say more than the big staged ones. I like to tell stories through composition and symbolism, sometimes even experimenting with flash or camera settings to bring out a certain feeling. My goal is always to let the day unfold naturally and capture it with a mix of authenticity, whimsy, and playfulness.”
Who or what are your main influences or sources of inspiration in the world of wedding photography?
“My main sources of inspiration actually come from outside the wedding photography world. I’ve intentionally stepped back from looking at too much wedding photography on social media, because I want my influences to be broader and more personal.
Growing up in Hong Kong, I was surrounded by art, from traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy to oil painting and sketching. The colors and energy of the city itself are also a huge influence. Cinema plays a big role too: directors like Wong Kar-wai/cinematographer Christopher Doyle, Wim Wenders, and Park Chan-wook inspire me with their use of storytelling, light, and atmosphere.
I also draw from art movements across the world. In North America, I was influenced by photographers like Joel Meyerowitz and by artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jackson Pollock. I just love their boldness and playfulness with color and form. In Europe, I’m drawn to Monet’s softness, Caravaggio’s dramatic light, Van Gogh and Picasso’s way of transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Having a multicultural background has given me access to so many different artistic languages. Speaking Chinese, English, and German means I can explore art, films, and literature across cultures, which opens up perspectives I might otherwise miss. All of these influences filter into my photography, whether it’s in the way I use color, light, or composition to tell a story.”
Finally, Jackie, we loved having you in Portugal! Have you thought about returning to photograph weddings here? What locations or types of weddings would you like to explore in the future?
“Thank you so much! Photographing in Portugal has truly truly been a dream! The warmth and hospitality I’ve experienced there, both from couples and from the creative community, has made it feel like a second home. My long-term goal is actually to spend most of the year based in Portugal, and I already have several weddings lined up there for 2026, which I’m so excited about.
In terms of locations, I’m literally open to anywhere. From the dramatic landscapes of Sintra to intimate boutique venues or large historic estates. Each space has its own magic, and I love the variety. As for the types of weddings, I feel very lucky that the couples who find me tend to have incredible taste: they’re artistic, they have a strong sense of style, and they care about creating an atmosphere that feels authentic to them. Pairing that with the Portuguese backdrop, whether it’s coastal, countryside, or city, creates something truly special. I’d love to keep exploring that mix of elegance, creativity, and a little bit of joyful chaos that makes weddings in Portugal so unforgettable :).”