Meet the Miss Friend Photography Team
Janelle Friend | Lead Photographer & Digital Marketer
Janelle is the creative force behind Miss Friend Photography & Digital Marketing, based in Northern Alberta, in the County of Grande Prairie, Alberta. A natural artist and visual storyteller, she finds joy in capturing life’s laughter, beauty, and authenticity through the lens of creativity.
Her approach is rooted in capturing real moments, with bold energy and a creative heart. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, launching a brand, or embracing a personal transformation, Janelle works with small businesses, families, couples, and individuals to craft meaningful, visually compelling narratives. She believes your story deserves to be seen and celebrated.
Janelle has been pursuing photography part time since 2015, while working full time and building her brand. In 2023, she made the leap to running Miss Friend Photography & Digital Marketing full time. She also attended the University of Alberta, earning her Digital Marketing Certificate in 2023–2024, further strengthening her ability to support clients through both visual storytelling and strategic marketing.
Janelle is an internationally (U.S.) and nationally published lifestyle and pin-up photographer, known for her signature vintage-inspired sessions. Based in Northern Alberta, she regularly travels to Southern Alberta for collaborative projects and themed events with True North Pin Up Magazine.
She is also a living kidney donor—a deeply personal act that reflects her lifelong commitment to community, compassion, and making a difference. As a passionate advocate for giving back, Janelle has created charity retro calendars, raising over $6,000 for the Kidney Foundation of Canada and the Alberta Ronald McDonald House. She donates her time as an event photographer for the World of Wheels Car Show and Boogie in the Badlands, in collaboration with True North Pin Up Magazine for the last 3 years.
A proud supporter of small business and women’s empowerment, Janelle believes in building confidence through the art of pin-up and showing people—at any age or stage of life—just how powerful and beautiful they truly are. Her work spans pin-up, pole dance, portrait, family, business branding, and event photography.
Tneshia Thompson | Creative Director & Set Designer
Based in Northern Alberta, Tneshia is the Creative Assistant, Creative Director, and Set Designer behind the captivating visuals of Miss Friend Photography. A vital part of the team, she brings her creativity, hands-on skills, and visionary mindset to every shoot. Tneshia works closely alongside Miss Friend in the set design process, collaborating to create unique and immersive environments that elevate each session and bring every concept to life.
Tneshia works closely alongside Miss Friend in the set design process, collaborating to create unique and immersive environments that elevate each session and bring every concept to life.
Tneshia travels with Miss Friend whenever possible to Southern Alberta, lending her expertise to signature sessions and adding her distinctive flair to each location. Her ability to bring ideas to life — from concept to final frame — makes her an invaluable asset to the team.
Known for her kind heart and collaborative spirit, Tneshia is the embodiment of teamwork and positivity. Her dedication to her craft and her role as a supportive, talented creative make her a true standout.
Born and raised in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Tneshia has always had a deep love for storytelling and building worlds from imagination. She believes every space has the potential to tell a story. Her work is rooted in crafting layered, surreal environments and guiding models into character to capture moments that feel alive. Occasionally, she steps in front of the camera herself, modeling to help bring a creative vision fully to life.
Before working in set design, Tneshia honed her eye for detail through costume creation — building intricate outfits for Comic Cons where every stitch and prop mattered. That same meticulous attention to detail now defines every project she touches.
A lifelong passion for the arts runs in her family. Her grandmother, a lasting source of inspiration, introduced her to art, culture, and the endless possibilities of creativity, encouraging her to dream boldly and push boundaries.
Her time working with Festival Mural in Montreal further shaped her creative approach, allowing her to collaborate with incredible artists and witness how even the smallest details can transform a space entirely.
Today, Tneshia continues to blend her love of art, design, and human connection in everything she creates. Whether crafting an elaborate concept, fine-tuning a model’s pose, or stepping into the frame herself, she is always chasing that rare moment where creativity meets emotion — and leaves a lasting impression.
Keri Loojen — Creative Coordinator & Creative Assistant
A Trailblazing Force in Vintage, Tourism, and Community Empowerment
Keri Looijen is the definition of a powerhouse collaborator—an unstoppable force in marketing, tourism, and the pin-up world. As the founder of True North Pin Up, she has cultivated a vibrant, empowering space for vintage enthusiasts while also using the platform to champion women’s initiatives through the Heels & Hearts Initiative. Whether she's running high-impact fundraisers, organizing epic photo shoots, or curating one-of-a-kind events, Keri’s work is rooted in passion, creativity, and an unshakable commitment to community.
Her creative synergy with Janelle Friend of Miss Friend Photography has resulted in some of the most iconic collaborations in Canada’s vintage and pin-up scene. Together, they have:
• Brought vintage glamour to major auto events like World of Wheels and Boogie in the Badlands, seamlessly blending classic cars with pin-up flair to celebrate retro culture.
• Created jaw-dropping calendar collaborations, capturing the timeless beauty of pin-up with a modern Canadian twist.
• Revolutionized aviation photography, turning aircraft hangars into vintage dreamscapes that capture the golden age of travel and adventure.
• Brought the bizarre to life in the Freakshow shoot, an avant-garde spectacle that redefined alternative pin-up photography.
• Elevated the True North Pin Up brand, producing stunning editorial and promotional content that has made waves in the industry.
Their collaboration extends beyond pin-up into the world of tourism, where Janelle has also worked with Keri at Travel Drumheller, helping shape the region’s visual storytelling and showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of the Badlands. Together, they have harnessed the power of photography, marketing, and community engagement to drive economic impact and create unforgettable experiences.
Based in Drumheller, Keri adds team support for Drumheller and Calgary-based signature sessions, solidifying their influence in the vintage and tourism industries. From car shows to calendars, from tourism campaigns to groundbreaking visual art, Keri and Janelle are a dynamic duo proving that creativity, collaboration, and a little bit of vintage magic can change the world.
Amy Jean | Hair & Make Up Artist
Amy Jean is a talented and beautiful hair and make-up artist, lending her skills to Miss Friend Photography for signature sessions in Grande Prairie and the Area. With an eye for detail and a passion for bringing out the best in each person, Amy ensures that every client is ready to shine.
Beyond her work with Miss Friend Photography, Amy is actively involved in the Grande Prairie Live Theatre scene, both on stage and in the green room, where she uses her expertise to enhance performances with her hair and make-up artistry.
A professional by day and an incredible mother and spouse, Amy's warmth and positive energy are contagious. Everyone she meets leaves with a lasting impression of her positivity, love, and dedication. Amy is the embodiment of grace and talent, both behind the scenes and in life.
A Look Behind the Scenes with Miss Friend
