From Germany to the Columbia Valley, camera in hand

Denise Hoffgaard found her calling in the wild beauty of Canada—and made it her profession

— Photos courtesy D.Hoffgaard Photography

From Germany to Invermere, Denise Hoffgaard’s journey to professional photography began with a spontaneous camera purchase and a deep love for the Canadian landscape. Today, she’s known for her light-filled, emotionally rich images of families, couples, and wild spaces throughout the Columbia Valley.

Hoffgaard’s style blends natural beauty with authentic connection, and her clients trust her to capture the moments that matter—big and small. We caught up with her to talk about her creative process, favourite sessions, and what it means to see the world through a camera lens.

How did you first get into photography, and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?

I bought my first camera in 2018, right before heading to Canada for a work-and-travel year. I have always been interested in photography, but being abroad gave me that final push—I literally bought the camera one day before my flight! And it was the best decision ever. Canada’s landscapes, the nature, and wildlife blew me away. I’m from Germany, and we don’t have much wildlife left, so seeing elk, deer and even bears in the wild was just amazing! I got really into wildlife photography and soon upgraded my gear. I wanted to show people how beautiful Canada’s wilderness is and why it's worth protecting.

My camera came with me everywhere. When I wasn’t out hiking or chasing wildlife, I was taking pictures of families and friends. Photography, for me, is about preserving the moments. It moves people. It stays when everything else fades. Being a photographer means so much to me—I get to capture those little moments that fly by so fast. I see the world differently through my lens, I see connections between the families and that’s exactly what I want to share. That’s why I decided to make it my job.

How would you describe your photographic style or aesthetic?

I would say my style leans toward “light and airy,” but I don’t like sticking to just one look. Every session is different, different people, different light, seasons, and of course places. Nature provides me with all I need, and I work with that. It might be a dreamy sunset or dramatic clouds on a stormy day—whatever it is, I try to highlight that feeling in my editing. So yeah, I don’t fit into just one box.

Do you have a favourite type of session to shoot—weddings, portraits, branding, lifestyle, etc.?

That's a tough one! My sessions are usually a mix of posed portraits (that’s what people think they want), and candid lifestyle shots, which end up being their favourites. I just love capturing connection. After about fifteen minutes in, most people start to relax and show their real selves. It’s so beautiful to see. Whether it’s a couple sharing a quiet moment, a kid running into mom’s arms, or a dad giving a piggyback ride, it’s all about those real-life moments. And of course weddings have tons of emotion too. I’m always excited... and nervous! I don’t think that will ever go away, and maybe that’s a good thing.

What role does the natural beauty of Invermere and the Columbia Valley play in your work?

Nature is my canvas—she provides! And this area is just incredible. We’ve got rivers, lakes, wetlands, mountains... Who wouldn’t want that as a backdrop in their family photos? But it’s more than that. I once heard that people only protect what they love, and maybe it’s a bit naive, but I hope that by bringing families into these beautiful spots, they’ll feel more connected to the area. Maybe they’ll cherish and protect it too.

How do you help your clients feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera?

I like to come prepared. I get a sense of the family's vision during our emails, and I also send a questionnaire during booking—things like what the kids are interested in, what makes them laugh, what Mom and Dad imagine for the session, and so on.

On the day of, I give them some time to settle in. We might play a few games with the kids or blow some bubbles that I bring to our session. Usually after 15 minutes or so, everyone’s warmed up. I share some stories about my life here, and they get to know me a bit, too. It helps make the whole thing feel less awkward, less like a stranger is asking them to do funny poses.

What’s your process from first contact to final delivery of photos?

It usually starts with some emails where we figure out the best date and time. I try to get a sense of what they’re looking for, and as mentioned, I include a little questionnaire during booking. Before the shoot, I usually sneak out about 30 minutes to an hour early to check the light at the location. That way, there are no surprises and I can give them the best experience. My clients get a fully edited online gallery where they can choose their favourites. I don’t use presets, so every gallery is edited just for that client.

What’s the most memorable photo session you’ve ever done in the area?

Ah, that's so hard—I really can’t pick just one! Every session has something special. I did a winter maternity shoot where the mama wore a stunning dress and open shoes in freezing wind and snow, and she just rocked it! The wind in her dress gave her the ultimate movie star look in her photos and she was super happy in the end.

Another one was a session with a family and their special needs child. We captured these sweet, honest moments like laughing and cuddling, it was so touching and really stuck with me.

How do you tailor your sessions to reflect the personalities and stories of your clients?

Preparation is key—even if it sounds boring. The more I know beforehand, the better. And the other big part is simply intuition. I think that’s what makes the difference between someone "with a camera" and an actual photographer.

A photographer sees through their lens. They can create and notice those little moments—the light, the wind, the bokeh, they can enhance something that's barely visible. It's really about capturing and freezing these feelings between people, or the way the sun hits the grass, and how the scene flows together. It’s hard to explain... but you just feel it when it's right.

Do you work with local businesses or entrepreneurs for branding and promotional photography?

Yes, I do! I recently worked with Chris Conway—he’s big in landscape and real estate photography here—and it was such an honour that he asked me for his branding photos.

I also worked with Kelsey Vain Ray, an amazing muralist and artist. It’s fun working with other creatives—they just get the vision right away.

Is there anything else you would like to mention?

Just a big thank you to all my amazing clients. Without them, I couldn’t do what I love. And to anyone thinking of booking—just go for it! I promise it’s going to be fun and relaxed, and maybe a bit windy too, who knows.