Capturing Love and Life, One Frame at a Time

At Level Up Club, we love spotlighting women who bring heart and creativity to everything they do  and Gem Lloyd-Jones is exactly that. A ‘90s baby with an eye for nostalgia, Gem has turned her passion for capturing memories into a flourishing photography career right here on the Isle of Man. From shy beginnings to confident storyteller behind the lens, her journey is full of warmth, resilience, and a dash of humour. Here’s her story in her words: 

I’ve loved the magic of nostalgia and capturing moments for as long as I can remember. I’m a '90s baby, what can I say! I’ve always been the one to stop and take a photo so I could relive the moment later. For me, photographs tell stories. They’re not just pretty to look at… they’re memories frozen in time.

I was that girl on every night out with a tiny digital camera in hand, a mini paparazzi! I suppose that’s where my journey started: making sure we got all the snaps and curating the perfect Facebook album the next morning. Sure, it might seem cringey now, but I love looking back on those chaotic, brilliant nights. Even then, I just wanted to give people something to hold on to,  maybe not always a drunken photo! But a memory, nonetheless.

When I came back to the Isle of Man after university, my now-husband Ben bought me my first DSLR, one of the fancy professional ones! I was so excited to test it out. I started by posting flower and landscape shots on a Facebook page called Ginger Snaps (because of my ginger hair… we thought it was a great pun). Later, I rebranded to Gem Lloyd-Jones Photography. At the time, I expected a few likes from friends and family, nothing more.

But things grew. I built up the courage to ask a friend if I could do a maternity shoot for her. It went really well, and when I shared the photos on Facebook, others started reaching out. In 2014, I booked my first wedding. It was a small, intimate day, which was perfect for me at 22… shy, anxious, and desperately hoping I got the right angles! But it was a success, and from there, it all snowballed. On the Isle of Man, word of mouth is powerful, chances are, you know someone at every wedding, and one shoot often leads to the next.

Over the past 11 years, I’ve photographed so many wonderful couples, even one wedding in the Lake District! What I love most is meeting people from all walks of life, coming together to celebrate love. Being able to capture that energy, joy, and connection is an absolute privilege.

There are so many talented photographers here with such different styles. Manx couples are spoilt for choice! I think being a female photographer brings a unique energy to the day. Brides often feel more relaxed around me, especially during those behind-the-scenes “getting ready” moments. I’ve been known to help with veils, buttons, even the odd garter! I always say I’m an extra bridesmaid, there to capture the day but also help however I can.

My advice for other women wanting to start in weddings, newborns, or events? Just go for it.Set up a social media page. Ask friends if you can practise with them. Share your work and you never know who might see it. Volunteering at charity events is also a great way to build experience and grow your people skills, as well as your photography ones.

This job has been so much fun, but it’s also built my confidence massively. I can now gather 90 strangers into a group photo and not even feel anxious! Outside of weddings, I also work at The Sensory Hub, home to Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense, where I’m affectionately known by many as “the Toddler Sense lady.” Teaching sensory classes to toddlers and babies has honestly helped so much with public speaking, confidence, and navigating any kind of social group, including wedding guests!

I also have a 3-year-old daughter. I want her to grow up knowing she can do anything she wants. She doesn’t have to have her whole life mapped out by 16… She can explore, change paths, and turn her passions into a career if she wants to. I always knew a desk job wasn’t for me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have a job that allows me to express myself creatively.

Gem’s journey is a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and authenticity can transform dreams into reality. From that ‘90s night-owl with a camera to a confident creative entrepreneur, Gem shows us that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about showing up, learning as you go, and embracing every twist along the way. Her story is a powerful reminder to all of us here: when you dare to follow your passion and lift others as you climb, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Here’s to Gem, and to every woman ready to Level Up her own story.