Ben Lariviere
he/him
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 will create an unforgettable photography 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 (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 “Artist”. 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 fly in a macro photo that I took for class.)
While studying fine art and photography at university, I began freelancing in 2008. Shortly after graduation in 2012, I took a leap of faith into full-time photography, specializing in wedding photography and lifestyle portraits. I truly feel so fortunate to have been able to do this as my full-time career ever since.
When I’m not helping folks go from feeling awkward to relaxed, confident, and having fun in front of my lens, you can find me: listening to music and podcasts, defeating Bowser as Super Mario with my kids, paying extra for guac. You might also find me: sampling craft beers & ciders, or a glass of wine if the mood strikes me, and playing strategy board games with a small group of friends.
What Guides My Lens
Timeless Love
I’m not all about chasing trends. I want your wedding photos to resonate with you in 20, 30, 50 years, so they should be as timeless as your love story.
Candid Joy
Perfectly posed photos are nice, but the heart of my work is in the real, unscripted, unposed moments of pure joy that you and your favourite humans share.
Human Connection
When you look back on your photos, I want you to feel your authentic connection with your partner, your family, your friends. Deep connection is a human need.
Love Notes
“Ben made everyone feel completely at ease
and comfortable”
“he captured the very essence of our love story, preserving it in breathtaking images that will be treasured for a lifetime.”
“because of Ben’s
skilled direction and
calm presence,
we had such a fun time”“Ben made us feel at ease and really confident. He helps keep a positive vibe and generates positive energy.”
Love is All You Need
Above photos by Carly Kratzer
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.
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.
Awards
I was awarded the Diamond Award in the Waterloo Region Record’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 in both of the categories I’d been nominated in: Best Photography Studio/Services and Best Wedding Services.
Get in Touch
Fill out the form on my contact page to inquire about your date, and you’ll hear back from me within 48 business hours.