As a Kitchener-Waterloo photographer specializing in family portraits and branding photography for women, it truly breaks my heart when I see how many incredible women step in front of my camera and immediately tell me what they dislike about themselves.

More than 80% of the women I photograph share concerns about their appearance. I hear everything from “I need to lose weight first” to “Can you Photoshop this?” to “Maybe I’ll just wait until I feel better about how I look.”

Here’s the truth: If we all waited until we felt “ready,” most of us would never show up in a photo again. And that’s the real tragedy.

Whether it’s a LinkedIn profile you’ve been meaning to update for years, or family photos where you say, “Just the kids — I don’t need to be in them,” I want to lovingly call you out (and call you in). Because you do need to be in them.

Your kids need to see you in the frame. Your business needs to reflect the real you — today, not ten years ago. And most importantly, you need to see yourself as you are right now: beautiful, worthy, and enough.

The Photo That Never Gets Taken

So many of us have that one “perfect” photo from a different season — maybe we were younger, maybe we were slimmer. And we cling to that version like it’s the standard we need to get back to before we’re allowed to be seen again.

But that photo? It’s not who you are anymore. And that’s a good thing. Because you’ve grown. You’ve changed. You’ve done hard things. That deserves to be celebrated.

I’ve worked with women at every age and stage, and what I hear time and time again is regret. Not about how they looked — but about not showing up in the photos at all.

Your Legacy Is In These Images

To the mamas who say, “Oh, I’ll just photograph the kids,” let me tell you something: you are everything to them. Your laugh, your hugs, the way you brush their hair behind their ears or tie their skates — they’ll want to remember all of it.

Be in the photos. Even if you don’t feel “ready.” One day, those images will be priceless to the people who love you most.

Branding Photography Builds Confidence

My branding clients? Same story. They know the value of putting their face to their business … but still wrestle with showing up. I get it. Visibility is vulnerable. But showing up in your brand photos — authentically, powerfully, imperfectly — tells your clients you’re real. You’re trustworthy. You’re confident (even if you’re still figuring that part out).

And let me tell you a little secret: confidence isn’t a prerequisite. It’s the result. It happens when you see yourself through a lens of kindness — and that’s where I come in.

A Note From Me (Kendra)

I’ve been different sizes throughout the seasons of life. I’ve had photos taken where I felt chubby at the time, and looking back? I actually wish I looked like that again!

But I’ve never once regretted being in the photo. Not once.

Part of my job — and my joy — is making you feel like the best version of yourself. Not because you changed who you are, but because you finally saw the beauty that’s always been there.

Words from Women Who Felt Empowered

“Kendra truly stands out for her ability to combine professional polish with genuine warmth. If you’re looking to feel seen, supported, and confident in your images, she’s exactly the kind of photographer who delivers that experience — not just a photo session, but a boost to how you see yourself.“

“I came into the session nervous about how I’d look. I left feeling like a goddess. Kendra doesn’t just take photos — she reminds you how powerful you are.“

“I almost cancelled my session because I didn’t feel great about myself. I’m so glad I didn’t. The images Kendra captured are now my favourite photos of me — ever.“

So to every woman who’s waiting … this is your permission to stop waiting.

You are beautiful. You are worthy.

And you deserve to be seen.

If you’ve been waiting, let’s change that together — I’d love to help you see yourself the way your loved ones already do. Let’s get you in the frame.