Choosing Your Wedding Photographer// PART TWO

Before you read further, if you haven’t already, you can read Part One of this little trilogy here: PART ONE!

PART TWO

IMPORTANT INFORMMATION YOU DON’T NEED

That doesn't sound right does it? I'm here to dispel questions that wedding sites may tell you to ask your potential wedding photographer during the booking process, and instead give you the real important questions.

What you don't need to know and what to ask instead:

1. What equipment do you use?

This question gets asked a lot but to be honest, unless you are a photographer yourself, the answers you'll get to this question won't really mean much to you. Knowing that I shoot with two Canon 5D Mark IVs, 35mm lens, 50mm lens, and 85mm lens doesn't really help you out when trying to decide. I know nothing about Nikon cameras!

Instead ask: what made you choose the equipment you shoot with? 

This will give you more of an idea of how your photographer shoots and why they are passionate about their art. I don't shoot with zoom lenses because I absolutely love the way I have to move around more to get different angles. I get to move with you as a couple, give you space when I need to and get right all up in your business when you're comfortable. Plus me moving helps you to move around too and feel comfortable and we get much better images!

2. Have you shot at my wedding venue?

I totally understand why this question is asked, however, it isn't all that necessary for a photographer to have shot at a venue before. Yes, they might know their way around a little bit better, but as a whole, we wedding photographers have really good eyes and can spot a good location a mile away. Plus, shooting a venue doesn't always mean that the pictures will be the same. Weather plays a HUGE role in how our images turn out. I really wish I could control the sun and the clouds! So I might shoot at your venue the weekend before your wedding, but those same spots I used might not work on your wedding day because of time of day, weather, different aesthics, mobility of dress, size of wedding party etc. There are so many factors invovled that I find myself changing spots whenever I shoot at a venue more than once!

What to ask instead: Can I see a full wedding album?

This question is great because even if the album is not at your venue, you can get an idea of what a full gallery will look like. Keep in mind things like weather and lighting though! No two weddings are the same! Be aware too that not every photographer will show you a full gallery, for client privacy reasons.

3. How many weddings have you shot?

Again, a totally valid question, however the number of weddings doesn't necessarily mean they are better or worse. There are new photographers who are incredible, and more experienced photographers who haven't grown or progressed in their skill. Quality over quantity is more important. You definitely want to make sure you are getting some experience (unless you are looking for a newer photographer to help them start out their business in exchange for a lower price tag, which is great! We all have to start!) so you can use the portfolio to see the variety. If you keep seeing the same faces over and over again, good chances are that the photographer is starting out. Which again, is not necessarily a worse thing.

What to ask instead: What are common wedding complications that you have come across? 

This is a great question because it asks about experience. Chances are you are reaching out to this photographer because you like their style (and hopefully their personailty!) Hearing stories about common wedding problems is great for two reasons. I would tell you how I would handle the situations, giving you reassurance that I am comfortable even when things are not going well, and gives you an idea about what might go wrong at your wedding! The most common wedding issue is time deficits. I try to minimize this by helping you with your schedule before the wedding and booking plenty of photo time, because photo time is what gets pushed when your hair&makeup takes a little longer than expected, or your ceremony starts fifteen minutes late. 

4. Can I just have all the images from the day, even if you don't edit them?

The answer 99.9% of the time will be no. The RAW images that come straight from my camera are unfinished pieces of art. It would be like buying a painting but asking to be able to finish it yourself. Most people don't have the software to even open RAW files, let alone the skills and programs to edit them. Plus, shooting styles vary between photographers based off our our editing style. I tend to shoot a little darker because I love having shadows and contrast, whereas someone who shoots lighter and airier will shoot brighter so they can achieve their look in post processing. The images coming off my camera are not a good representation of my final work and I want you to have the best of the best! Plus, on a typical 8 hour wedding day I will take about 4000-6000 images, if I have a second shooter and they shoot 1000-2000, you could be looking at way more photos than you need and the magic moments get lost in between all the closed eyes and repeat photos. Trust me, let me go through the 8000 photos so that you get the best ones.

What to ask instead: If I wake up with a huge zit on my face, can you fix that?

The answer 99.9% of the time will be yes! Most photographers now try to not alter the way you look because we want a more realistic and natural documentation. I usually don't edit out scars, or tiny "flaws" or skin tones (please don't get a spray tan!) but I promise you, if you have a distracting new blemish on your face, arms etc. I will definitely take that out for you!

AND

5. Do you have a degree?

Photography is an art. It can and is taught in schools, but it is also learned and developed with passion outside of a classroom. There are so many excellent photographers who went through traditional education to train and others who didn't. Neither one is better. A degree doesn't necessarily mean you have a good photographer. For most, photography was a hobby which grew into infatuation, and then obsession turned career! It comes down to passion, practice, and (you guessed it) personality! Oh and for the record, I do have a degree. In English Literature and Psychology. It helps me read people. (DID YOU SEE WHAT I DID THERE?!)

What to ask instead: Why did you become a wedding photographer?

To me there is only one answer to this question. I LOVE weddings, I LOVE love, and I LOVE going through 8000 photos until my eyes burn out. Just kidding, it's not all glamorous! This question will show you the passion your photographer has for weddings and love and photography. This is a better gage of how invested your photographer is in their career and in your wedding. This is the important one.

Phew. That was longer than I thought it was going to be! *insert "that's what she said" joke here

Continue reading PART THREE!

A Year in the Life of a Photograhper

One of the biggest blessings in my life is being able to do what I love for a living. While there are definitely areas of my job that I would rather not do, I LOVE being a photographer. Being able to celebrate life’s major milestones over and over again is indeed a blessing.

Being a photographer in Ontario has it’s own challenges. We have less impressive landscapes than other areas of Ontario but after travelling quite a bit this year, I’ve realized that without the distraction of mountains and canyons, oceans, and the focus of photography can actually be on people. I can focus on capturing those moments, creating those moments that you’ll remember and that you will be the focus of those memories.

Plus we get all the best seasons, especially those glorious fall colours! In spring we can go to the Guelph Arboretum for cherry blossoms in your engagement or family session. In the summer we can head to Burlington beach for some super fun beach sessions, In the fall, everywhere you look has the most beautiful reds and oranges and yellow. Then those winter sessions which are few and far between are so magical! We are so luck to have the array of different seasons here and being able to capture everything from engagements to weddings to maternity sessions, and family sessions, and solo sessions. I have the best job in the world.

And I could not do what I love without the support of all of the local wedding vendors in the areas. This year every wedding was incredible and so special shout outs go to Cellar52, Cambridge Mill, and Langdon Hall, thank you for having such incredible venues in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region!

Thank you to all my couples, families, and entrepreneurs for supporting my business. For trusting me with capturing your life and you as you are, thank you!

The F Family // Lifestyle Bump to Baby Session

One of the best parts of my job is meeting new people and people who have a love for photography. I try to get to know my clients and build that relationship with them for two reasons. First off, my clients are some of the most amazing people, they are fun loving, creative, and kind and have a joy for life that I just love. Second, getting to know my clients helps me capture their lives on a much more personal level, creating a deeper emotion that I could have if I was just a stranger taking their pictures.

Some clients turn into friends and I get to follow along in their lives for the long term. Monica and Stuart are one of those couples. You can view the post about their distillery district wedding here. From their engagement session to their wedding and now I got to be a part of their pregnancy and welcoming baby O into the world. Their lifestyle bump to baby session included an hour maternity session and then about a month or so later a lifestyle newborn session in their home! I love this family so much and they created such a beautiful baby girl together.

From my own experiences with pregnancy and being a new mom I remember those feelings of hating being pregnant but also the excitement of getting to meet my new little one. To that first beautiful snuggle and all the quiet (and not so quiet) late night nursing. That beginning of motherhood is one of the most beautiful moments in life and I’m so blessed to be able to freeze these fleeting moments for some of my favourite people.

**Also side note: it is my firm opinion that every session should end with pizza.

Jacob + Hannah // A Kitchener Backyard Wedding

It is not very often that a groom reaches out to me to inquire about wedding photography, it is usually the bride. However, Jacob was the one who filled out my inquiry form and I knew right then that I wanted to capture this beautiful couple’s wedding day. He spoke about their love for God and their desire to get married in 2020, even with all the wedding restrictions going on. They wanted to start their lives together and I knew they were a very special couple.

Their day came quickly and I was so grateful to witness their beautiful families coming together to celebrate Jacob and Hannah. After spending the morning with the groom and his groomsmen, laughing and dancing it up while getting ready, we all gathered at their home for the ceremony. As a religious person myself, I was touched by these families love for God and the prayers that were said filled my heart. God had brought J+H together and as much as this was a day to celebrate the two of them, it was also to celebrate God’s work and plan for their lives. It was a beautiful day!

After the ceremony and family pictures that had me smiling from ear to ear, we took some time away for the bridal party pictures and of course, photo time for Jacob and Hannah. They selected Rockway gardens for their wedding photos. I had never been before so I went a couple days earlier to check it out. I loved the fountains and the tall trees and all the beautiful flowers that were in perfect bloom in August! We had a blast with the wedding party and then kick them out so I could get some wedding photos for the newlyweds! Another great thing about Rockway gardens for wedding photos is where the sun hits it in August. It’s on higher ground so the sun just glows there and it was the perfect setting. It was pretty magical and J+H were a dream.

As per the COVID restrictions on weddings, they weren’t able to have all of their family and friends celebrate with them directly so they planned a drive-by parade so that everyone could be there to celebrate! There was lots of honking and waving and cars all decorated for the happy couple! I love seeing how couples adjust their wedding plans to fit into 2020 and still celebrate in a big way!

The rest of the evening went off without a hitch, with seriously perfect weather. The food was delicious, the speeches were both funny and touching, and the families were a riot! Everyone was having so much fun and I loved the energy of this crowd. My face hurt from smiling so much. And after a bit of dancing in the starlight I was reluctant to leave such a lively celebration!

I think all those involved in this backyard wedding celebration will look back and remember how much love, fun, and family are in their lives and thank God for it.

Laura + Taj // A Mississauga Backyard Wedding

Have you been to any weddings this year yet? Usually by this time of the year I’ve worked quite a few and am swimming in galleries to edit and love stories to document. I have felt so incredibly sad for my 2020 couples that have had to postpone their weddings and joining my 2021 tribe of brides. A couple of my couples have decided to still get married this year and hold their receptions next year when they can celebrate with all their family and friends.

To be honest, I love this idea. I have always loved smaller weddings and as much fun as big weddings are, there’s something to be said about smaller, more intimate ceremonies and back yard weddings. As a wedding photographer in Ontario I feel so blessed to be a part of so many different styles of weddings! COVID or not, people fall in love and I am here for that!

Laura and Taj made the difficult decision to move their reception but didn’t want to wait to get married. They did a beautiful job bring their families and cultures together for their two wedding ceremonies. I have fallen in love with the Nikah ceremony and culture and being able to be there to capture their wedding was truly an honour.

We started at the MNN Mosque in Mississauga. Okay side note. So usually on a really sunny day I get to the venue and look around for spots I can work with given the full blaring sun. The guests make a comment about how beautiful the day is and inside I just wish for some clouds! The sunshine is so pretty but can be tricky to work with. There was no shade at all surrounding the mosque so I was a little concerned about shadows and squinting. Buuuuuuuut I LOVE how these images turned out. I gave myself a little pat on the back for using that full midday sun to my advantage! Plus it made for a great gallery because all of the outfits for the Nikah ceremony were bright and beautiful and it juxtaposed well with the Christian outfits and backyard ceremony that were later in the day!

I loved seeing these two families and these two cultures coming together to celebrate the love between Laura and Tajwer. I love that L+T made room in their lives for the traditions that are so important to them and their families. I am very excited for the reception next year where we can celebrate these two love birds even more!

I hope you enjoy these images as much as I do!