Best of Red Deer: Snaphappy Photographer voted best shooter in Red Deer
Published 7:30 am Friday, July 3, 2026
The COVID-19 pandemic may have caused separation and isolation, but photographer Kim Mortimer saw families come together through the viewfinder of her camera while taking porch portraits with a zoom lens.
“For about two months I did that, just having a ball. It just brought some fun and connection,” Mortimer said about the photos she provided for free to more than 120 families in Red Deer and elsewhere in central Alberta who posed on their porches or stoops.
“I was laid off during COVID like the rest of the world. I didn’t know if I was going to get the call-back, so I just leaned into my camera and went bananas with it,” she smiled.
“It was awesome.”
Porch portraits remain a service Mortimer provides, now for a fee, through her business The Snaphappy Photographer, which she started in July 2021.
With a background in the non-profit sector and fundraising, she said her experience developing relationships as part of her former job has served her well to help evolve her business.
Previously, Mortimer did a lot of cellphone photography. But that changed after a friend gifted her the camera he bought to take photos at a wedding, which was just gathering dust in his closet.
“He gave it to me, and I killed it with so many photos,” said Mortimer about the camera that helped launch Snaphappy.
Mortimer has remained a “people photographer” with her camera poised to catch reactions and expressions that tell the story.
“You know when you’ve got it,” she said about images that capture the moment.
Through brand photography, Mortimer works with businesses and organizations so they can share what goes on behind the scenes. The majority want the images for social media content or website development.
“My bread and butter is individuals working in their space. The inner workings of a business.”
She said often when companies grow, the images they show the public are dated, especially if they have been in business for a long time.
Her work in central Alberta keeps her busy, but she has also been hired to take her camera equipment to Calgary.
“You’ll see me prowling around backstage at the symphonies that I work with because they want to promote the musicians. The personalities behind the music.”
Photographing festive events are another of Mortimer’s favourite jobs.
“Events are fun because there’s lots of personalities, energy and atmosphere,” said the photographer who was thrilled to be named Best Photography in the Best of Red Deer Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.