About

NICE
TO
MEET
YOU!

You deserve photos of yourself that you will want to share with everyone - photos that make you smile because when you look at them, you see timeless love, candid joy, and human connection. You see the things you aspire to be and feel: confident, connected, and blissfully in love. You see you and your loved ones at your very best; your favourite memories - frozen in time - forever.

I feel my most confident when I’m behind a camera, creating images of irreplaceable memories that I know my clients will relive for a lifetime. But like most people, I freeze up a bit when a camera is pointing back at me. I get that it can be intimidating to be photographed and I aim to consciously make it as natural and easy as possible. My naturally calm demeanor, and years of honing helpful direction, have allowed me to develop a process to create dynamic, yet natural photos, while making the whole experience fun and natural for you.

I will guide you through
my unique process so you'll feel relaxed and at your most confident
each step of the way.

Creating photo memories shouldn't feel stiff or awkward, it should be fun and natural. Let me show you how I create the best possible experience for you.

Learn more about my client experience

MY STORY

Hi, I'm Ben Lariviere. I’ve had the pleasure of being a full-time photographer since 2012, specializing in weddings and family portraits. Living in sunny Kitchener, Ontario with my awesome, supportive wife Kat, our unreasonably cute and brilliant sons, Rylan & Kyden, and our three fluffy, mischievous cats. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Toronto Metropolitan University's (formerly Ryerson University) School of Image Arts.

Raised in the small Waterloo Region town of Baden, a short drive from Kitchener, I always had an interest in art and storytelling, but struggled for many years to feel like I was creative enough or skilled enough to call myself an “Artiste”. It wasn't until I began to experiment with photography in high school that I felt that I had finally discovered my medium. (I have a vivid memory of my photography teacher's enthusiasm about the clarity of the fuzzy butt of a macro photo of a housefly that I took for class.)

While studying fine art and photography at university, I began freelancing in 2008. Shortly after graduation, I took a leap of faith into full-time photography in 2012, specializing in wedding photography and lifestyle portraits. I truly feel so lucky to have been able to do this as a career since then.

When I'm not helping folks go from feeling awkward to feeling relaxed and having fun in front of my lens, you can find me: listening to podcasts, defeating Bowser as Super Mario, paying extra for guac, and sampling craft beers & ciders, while playing strategy board games with a group of close friends.

Ben Lariviere (he/him)

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED

ben lariviere with his wife and two sons

The love story between my wife Kat and I began in high school, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. After living in Toronto for about 10 years, we got married in 2016, and then moved back to Waterloo Region. We welcomed our sons, Rylan & Kyden, to the family a few years later. A loving relationship with my best friend and teammate through life is all I’ve ever known, for literally half of my life.

My wife and kids are always teaching me more about what it means to have unconditional love for the people who mean the most. These life experiences influence my photos in ways I’m not even fully conscious of. Most of all, I'm reminded of how fast life moves, how precious every moment is and important it is to record your cherished memories.

pride flag paint splatter

Values & Inclusivity

Ben Lariviere Photography has always been and will always be an inclusive space for all. In both my business and in my personal life, I'm committed to always being accepting and respectful to all others, including clients, subcontractors, and colleagues, no matter their race, religion, how they identify, or who they love. Discrimination of any kind is unacceptable, including unequal treatment based on age, ethnicity, disabilities, or body type. I stand up to injustice & bigotry and I will only support, partner with, and recommend other businesses who share those same values; including my second photographers, businesses with which I share images, etc. Ben Lariviere Photography is a safe space and ALL ARE WELCOME.