From New York Fashion Week to personal art projects, photographer Jordie Hennigar follows inspiration wherever it leads
Meet Jordie Hennigar, the Tofino-based photographer behind the fashion shoot in this edition of LIV Central Island. A browse through Hennigar’s photography portfolio shows work that sits at the intersection of portraiture and fashion, combining polished imagery with a strong sense of connection. Drawn to natural light, subtle shadow and thoughtful composition, she creates photographs that feel intimate and emotionally grounded. Her work often explores themes of identity, authenticity and personal strength, with an emphasis on helping subjects feel comfortable in front of the camera. Whether shooting backstage at New York Fashion Week, creating editorial work for agencies and magazines or developing personal art projects, Hennigar approaches every shoot with honesty, empathy and a clear artistic voice. Her images are both stylish and deeply human. See more at jordiehennigar.com
Nice to meet you, Jordie. Where were you born, where did you grow up and how did you get to Vancouver Island?
I grew up in a small town called Munster Hamlet in Ontario. I had family out here and after I visited at age 17, I knew I would make it back. Something shifted and I knew this is where I’m supposed to be.
What has been your career path and what eventually drew you to photography?
I am self-taught. It took people reminding me that I used to do photo shoots growing up with friends and cousins to realize that being behind a camera always came naturally to me. I was always drawn to it but didn’t realize until my early 20s that it was something I was going to pursue. Initially, I planned to pursue fashion design, but then I bought a camera, and it took over. It was like an energy that surged right through me, telling me this was the direction I should go. It felt very grounding, and it was probably the first time I felt a real passion for something.
What do you hope people feel when they see your images?
Honestly, I just hope they feel something. I try to dig in deeper with any type of work I am doing, and I feel that’s why people connect with my work.
Your work often feels very intimate and emotional—what helps you bring that out in your subjects?
I have been told I make people feel very comfortable. I also think I am a very tuned-in human, for better or worse, I can sense shifts in people and know when to push and pull back. When you are leading a shoot, you absolutely have to keep the energy high and positive. Of course, a lot of things happen and there are so many different personalities to navigate, but you cannot let them see you sweat. I aim to always keep a really good atmosphere, and this creates the space for me to get a
great image.
What excites you most about where your work is heading right now?
I think my confidence in myself and my work. I mean, it’s always a roller coaster—as it probably is for every artist—but I’m getting to a point of really trusting myself and my work. I’m also excited by creating more projects where I can express deeper concepts and ideas and using the medium to tell stories and express my inner world.
How would your friends describe you when you’re not behind the camera?
They’d probably say I am quite the hermit. I do feel lucky to have found photography as it truly and consistently pushes my boundaries and has exponentially pushed my creativity and confidence in every other aspect of life. At the same time, they would probably say I know how to have a good time, and when she’s out, she’s out (ha ha). That’s when you’ll find me dancing, laughing and being weird with friends.
What does a perfect day look like?
It depends on the day, but having a nice sleep-in, going on a beautiful walk, having chats with friends at happy hour on a sunny patio, having a little dance somewhere and/or a cozy movie night in!
What do you do to reset when you’re feeling creatively drained or emotionally drained?
I “hermit.” I usually will sleep a lot, and no one will see me for at least a week. I also try to read more—my imagination always gets revived and inspired after reading.
Where do you find inspiration outside of photography—music, travel, people?
Oh, everywhere and anything. I think my inspirations are constantly evolving. The more I grow, the more open to the world I am, the more I see so many things differently. And that allows inspiration to flow in from anywhere. It’s the best feeling.
Morning person or night owl?
Night owl, for sure.
What do you always bring to a shoot?
Water, my Alanis Morissette pin (it lives in my camera case) and a notebook.
A place you’d love to shoot next?
I don’t know if there is a specific place, it’s more about doing certain projects that I have been dreaming about for years and working more with motion.