GJ VERELLEN A Pivotal moment that changed and shaped my life

Back in high school I had always wondered what I wanted to do in university and what field of study I wanted to get into. I was not interested in sciences, math, or languages, not that I was not up to par for it, I just didn’t feel drawn to it. Instead I was interested in arts, visual media, and communication.

For our senior trip, I had purchased my first DSLR, a beginner Nikon camera, and immediately fell in love with photography and capturing the world around me.

Photography allowed me to express myself and create in ways I wasn’t able to before. To me, Photography wasn’t just a tool for documentation; it was a way to transform the everyday into something extraordinary. That ability to shape and express my vision resonated deeply with me so I pursued it into university.

Once I started, it was hard to focus on anything else. 

I am an American-Belgian-Canadian Toronto-based photographer whose work has been internationally published and has been part of numerous gallery exhibitions—a milestone that still feels surreal at times. I hold a Fine Art and Photography degree from Toronto Metropolitan University, where I discovered my voice as an artist and began to refine my craft. 

During my studies I had spent countless hours experimenting with light, shadow, and texture, teaching myself how to bring my ideas to life. There was a steep learning curve, and not everything worked out the way I imagined, but every mistake taught me something valuable.

I learned out of my failures which led me to success. 

University gave me the space, equipment, and network to explore photography further. In my first years of studying Fine Art and Photography, I fell in love with portraiture and capturing people. I loved the connection it required—building trust with someone. This is when I realized the rabbit hole of photography had just opened up. 

Over the years, my focus has shifted to fashion and commercial photography. It felt like a natural evolution, combining my love for storytelling and creativity with a new level of precision and artistry.

Fashion pushed me to think more critically about details: the way fabric moves, how light hits your model, or how a single gesture can transform an image. It challenged me to elevate my work technically and creatively, and I’ve been hooked ever since. 

Now, my goal is to photograph clothing, people, and art; anything that challenges me and makes me problem solve.

Whether it is an editorial, a fine art collection, or the essence of a brand.

I thrive on creative problem-solving, finding beauty in the unexpected,

and turning ideas into something tangible.

Every project is an opportunity to push myself further and learn, to create work that feels both intentional and impactful. 

Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand my work internationally, reconnecting with my roots in Europe while continuing to grow in my career. Photography has given me a way to express my creative ideas and see the world in new ways. It’s a career, a passion, and a lifelong exploration of what’s possible when form, light, and vision come together.

As I reflect on the journey, I often think back to that moment in high school when I picked up my first camera. I remember how uncertain I felt about my future and how photography gave me clarity and purpose.

It wasn’t just about taking pictures;

it was about discovering who I was and what I wanted to say.

That small decision—to buy a camera for a school trip—became the foundation for everything I’ve built since.

Explore GJ’s visual diary @gjverellen

art, community, creative, culture, photographer