Hi, I'm Nancy Tillberg, owner of Shine Photo Studio

Once upon a time, I traded fingerprints for fairy lights. After 29 years in policing and forensics, I retired in 2017 and picked up a camera full-time, determined to capture stories that sparkle a little brighter.

What began as a creative side hustle in 2012 has grown into Shine Photo Studio, a thriving photography studio in Thunder Bay, Ontario, blending artistry, storytelling and imagination. In 2022, I opened our Red River Road studio, a creative space where laughter meets lens flare and clients become friends.

From family portraits and newborns to graduates, headshots, school and sports photography, imaginative Express Sessions and our signature White Glove experiences, Shine is built around making professional photography fun, personal and memorable. Our intimate wedding experiences and model programs have grown from that same belief: people deserve to feel comfortable, confident and celebrated in front of the camera.

When I’m not behind the camera, I’m usually dreaming up new sets, playing with my dog, or teaching other photographers. After all these years, I still believe the best photographs are the ones that remind us what, and who, we love.

Frame What You Love!

Nancy Tilllberg and Solo being mischievious

At Shine Photo Studio, we believe great photography should feel magical, meaningful and unmistakably yours. For more than a decade, we’ve created imaginative portraits and experiences designed to celebrate the people, relationships and milestones our clients treasure most. From a quick Express Session to an elaborate White Glove experience, our mission is simple: create photographs worth keeping and an experience worth remembering.

At Shine Photo, we believe photography is about more than just pictures. It’s a powerful tool for confidence building, connection, and  the story of life. The right photo can change how someone sees themselves and how they’re remembered for generations.

We build trust before we ever click the shutter, then use expert lighting, thoughtful posing, and creative vision to craft images that feel timeless and true. Whether you love natural beauty or dreamlike edits, we’ll help you shine just as you are or as you imagine yourself to be.

Great photos aren’t just for today. They’re for always.

At Shine Photo, service is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in service to our clients, our community, and our Creator. We believe in working with integrity, using our time and talents wisely, and striving for excellence through ongoing education, growth and care.

In a world of quick clicks and disposable trends, we’re here to create lasting value through meaningful images and genuine connection.

Located in the heart of Thunder Bay at 268 Red River Road, our studio is designed to make you feel comfortable, confident and creatively inspired. You’ll find private change rooms, salon-style prep stations, and all the little extras that help you relax and enjoy your session.

Our extensive wardrobe, prop and backdrop collections give us enormous creative flexibility, from clean, classic portraiture to elaborate themed sets and immersive White Glove experiences. With dedicated spaces for families, children, newborns, graduates, athletes and professional portraits, Shine Photo Studio is where imagination meets experience.

Looking for something close by but extra special? Just five minutes past Whitewater Golf Course, our private 16-acre Slate River farm offers a beautiful outdoor setting with winding paths, open fields, birch groves, old fences, rustic buildings and plenty of room to create.

The farm is available for select family portraits, personalized portrait sessions, seasonal Express Sessions and other outdoor photography experiences. It is also home to our intimate wedding experiences, offering couples a private country setting just outside Thunder Bay.

Have another location that means something special to you? Ask us about creating your session there.

For ten wonderful years, the Old Crawford Street School was home to Shine Photo Studio. When the photography studio moved to Red River Road in 2022, we kept this special space and gave it a new purpose.

Today, 1315 Crawford Avenue is home to the Time to Time Dress Shop, our bridal and formalwear boutique featuring a hand-picked collection of gently loved wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, mother-of-the-bride styles, prom gowns and accessories.

The dress shop also supports our Inspired Weddings intimate wedding experiences, bringing photography, beautiful attire and thoughtful wedding services together under the Shine family of businesses. Dress shop visits are by appointment.

To learn more, inspiredweddings.ca, has all the details on how to consign your gown, book a private try-on appointment, and discover the magic that happens when something loved finds love again.