Blonde woman in brown t-shirt and jeans holding a camera with strap against white background.

 

Welcome friend, I am Catrina Gardner.

 

THE ONE BEHIND THE LENS

I have been taking photos for as long as I can remember. My first real camera was a Christmas gift somewhere around middle school — circular, colorful, took a special film size, and I took it absolutely everywhere. I was photographing everyone and everything. I was taking selfies before phones had cameras, using the screen of my karaoke machine to make sure I was in frame. I was bringing my camera to school, to every after school hangout, and to dance class. The second Facebook existed I was the one uploading albums of a hundred photos from every house party, bowling session, walk to Dunkin' in between dance classes.



Those albums have since been privated. You cannot go look at them. Thank you very much. 🙃


The point is — capturing a moment in time has always been one of my favorite things.

Featured in

Photography by Catrina Gardner has been featured in:

family holiday mini session. photography Christmas card session at Christmas tree farm in Central Massachusetts

How Studio Joki got started

 

In high school I took a film photography class where we used a darkroom and actually built our own cameras. I learned the real mechanics of how photography works. In college I studied graphic design, minored in studio art, took two more photography classes, joined the photography club, and eventually became president of it. I did a photography internship where I learned professional lighting and photographed actors in Boston. Right out of college I jumped into freelancing — weddings, engagements, the works.


And then I pumped the brakes.

I realized quickly that I wasn't fully ready. I didn't have the gear. And honestly I didn't have the life experience yet. So I stepped back from freelancing and went full time into the working world instead — and photography came with me. For years I shot product photography for catalogs distributed nationwide. Today I work at a marketing agency where I photograph anything my clients need.


Over the years I offered portrait sessions to friends and family when they asked. In 2026 I finally decided to jump in. Studio Joki is what happened next.

Smiling blonde woman in glasses, pink t-shirt, and jeans sitting on a chair with an Apple Watch on her wrist.

Why Studio Joki?


Joki is my maiden name. Also, I have the kind of brain that is always starting something new — a graphic design business, a photography business, an Etsy shop selling stickers, embroidery hoops at craft fairs. A lot of those businesses had Joki in the name because that was my last name when I was building them. When I got married, keeping it felt even more important. It's mine. So it stayed.

peony flower macro photography. Nicewicz Farm Bolton MA

My Style


I love dreamy, warm, and full of delight. I believe in a well lit photo. I'm personally not a fan of dark images where it's hard to make out the details. You know, like watching the battle in the Game of Thrones finale. If you know, you know.


My clients have told me my work feels romantic. Comfortable. Fun. And that the unhinged things that pop into my head and fly out of my mouth during a session make the whole experience entertaining in the best way.


When you look at your photos from a session with me I want you to remember the joy. Not just of the session itself, but of that time in your life.

A Little More About Me


I'm a boy mom to two sons — a five year old and a baby who isn't quite one yet. When I'm not behind a camera or at my day job, I'm reading a book. There is a very good chance it has fairies in it, though I've been deep into historical fiction this year and a good thriller is always an excellent palate cleanser between fantasy novels.


And yes, there is almost always a Diet Coke nearby. 🤍

maternity family photo. mom holding older son, 30 weeks pregnant. in-home photography session.

Based in Millbury, MA — serving Central Massachusetts and Worcester County



Portrait sessions, micro weddings, elopements, maternity, and commercial photography. If you're looking for a photographer who will make you laugh, put you at ease, and send you photos you'll actually want to look at — let's talk.

Catrina Gardner Photographer Studio Joki Worcester MA Millbury Massachusetts

 

Get in touch

 

Let’s get to know each other

 

Catrina Gardner Photographer
Studio Joki Commercial Brand Headshot Photography
DAHCI-SNOW CROCI

 

CATRINA WAS AN ABSOLUTE DELIGHT! I USUALLY FEEL AWKWARD IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA, BUT HER GENTLE, INTUITIVE GUIDANCE HELPED ME FEEL AT EASE AND TRULY SEEN