We are a few weeks into 2025 as I write this little look back on last year and we have already seen a hopeful cease fire in Gaza, Los Angeles on fire and the unfortunate induction of Trump 2.0. 2025 is already a year to remember. 2024 on the other hand, seemed to slip by without much fuss or fanfare. I was fortunate enough to receive some good press for my photography, to work on commercials, celebrate births and new jobs with photo shoots, use art to raise money for those in need and be present for my baby girl. Rhea had a great year. She turned 2, jumped off the dock at the cottage for the first time, got potty trained, learned the joys of dancing, became a great helper in the garden and kitchen, and started daycare! We also managed to escape the snow in January with a trip to Mexico. Then we head to Florida to celebrate my birthday in March. Vancouver Island also beckoned, where we caught up with my husband’s tribe. Rhea already has ten flights under her little belt! We are so grateful.
Here are my top ten professional highlights of 2024:
- Mnemosyne in Vogue
Those of you who know me, know I submit to Vogue Italia often, always hoping to get another image published by the gatekeepers of the fashion world at large. In April 2024 ‘Mnemosyne Stands, Goddess of Memory’ became the fifth work from The Goddess Array project and my ninth publication with the PhotoVogue community. It always feels so validating to get the Vogue stamp. Here is a poem I wrote from The Goddess Array book entitled, Mnemosyne Stands:
She knows of the past, present & future,
A crow, hereditary memory,
Creator & keeper of all scripture.
Mother of Song, Dance & History,
Poetry, Tragedy, Astronomy,
Nine nights with Zeus lead to nine muses birthed,
Also Hymns, Writing & Comedy:
All artistic inspiration on earth.
Drink from the deep River of Memory,
Enlighten your soul from the trap of Time,
Living by Eternal Truths loyally
To elevating your mind’s eye so sublime.
Author of the myths, Daughter of Heaven,
Inventor of Language, recall Titan.
– from The Goddess Array by Jennifer Toole
2. Photos to Nourish
2024 saw the highest number of visitors in recorded history to the Food Banks of Canada with over two million visitors per month. Photos to Nourish is an online fundraiser offering photo prints from a number of wonderful Canadian artists with 100% of the profits going to the Food Bank. This year was the second edition of the fundraiser. I donated the above wintry image. We raised over $6000. It felt good to do a little something to give back directly to the community at large.
3. Working with Celebrated Director Tom Hooper
We flew in Director Tom Hooper of ‘The King’s Speech’ and many more celebrated films from London last Autumn to direct the Rogers holiday commercial entitled ‘Wish You Were Here.’ There is no way you missed it but here is the spot for good measure anyhow:
It is always thrilling to work alongside the greats and working with Tom was no exception. His dedication to his vision was what impressed me most. Here is a shot of him in action on set:
4. Canvas Rebel Interview
Last February Canvas Rebel called to interview me about my trials and tribulations on the road to where my photography career is today. We discussed falling out of love with commercial photography and in love with fine art projects, the joy of capturing a person’s essence on film, using the creative process to heal trauma and much more. Read the full article HERE.
5. Michalina Maternity Shoot
My beautiful friend and original muse gave birth to a healthy baby boy last November. It was an honour to capture her in full bloom.
6. Amber Maternity Shoot
I got to capture Amber and Charlie with the wee bump just a few months before Charlie became a big brother! The love of family is really what this life is all about.
7. Voyage LA Interview
In December, Voyage LA called to interview me for their site. We discussed the beginnings of my career, the surreal experience of trying to make a living through the pandemic, the importance of risking it all for your dreams and how to get the best expressions out of your subjects. Read the full article HERE.
8. Headshots
The job market is a treacherous one these days, especially for young graduates. Having a great headshot can make the difference between a potential employer digging deeper into your profile or scrolling right past. I love doing mini headshot shoots. Just send an email to jennifer@jennifertoole.com to book.
9. Skin & Bones
This is another commercial I worked on this year:
PM Lisa Ericsson and I ran a tight ship getting this spot made. I’m not a huge fan of the message, which seems to aim at scaring young people into supporting fracking in Canada. The last thing our youth of today need is something else to have anxiety about. But the production company, Skin & Bones, is made up of such a wonderful group of people that we had an absolute blast making this spot.
10. Port Hope Fair
Now, this is not a professional highlight, but I came home with so many ribbons from the Port Hope Fair last year that I feel the need to gloat. Flower and Vegetable awards really get me going these days! I love my garden. My ‘Strike It Rich’ yellow roses and my large sedum stem won first place ribbons. My kale and African marigolds received second place ribbons. And my bushel of heirloom tomatoes won third. Here are a couple photos from the garden this year:
And that’s a wrap! I wish you all a spectacular year ahead. Thanks for reading. xo
dailytoole 
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