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!

Choosing Your Wedding Photographer // PART ONE

I’ll give you a little secret… this is all the information I send out when someone inquires about my wedding photography services. So now you’ll have it before you even reach out or if you just need a little extra help in choosing your wedding photographer!

WELCOME TO LIGHT AND LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY!

So, you just got engaged and you're planning a wedding?!

This is so exciting! But I also know how completely overwhelming it can be which is why I'm going to give you everything you need to know about choosing the right wedding photographer!

Fair warning... I use a lot of exclamation marks because I feel like I sound too mean if I use periods. Plus, I'm a pretty emphatic speaker so if I had word bubbles over my head when I talk, they would all end with a big !

I'll give you the best piece of advice first before we get into the other little things. 

Choose the photographer who you get along with the most! 

Basing your decision solely off of price, and even aesthetic, can sometimes turn out to be a huge mistake. Not because the photographer isn't good, you could have the best photographer in the world but if your personalities don't mesh well and if you don't feel comfortable, it will show in the images. Your photographer will have a hard time feeling inspired and you will leave feeling unsatisfied. 

Personality is THE most important part of choosing your photographer! 

So what will you get if you book with me? 

Personal

I'm a half extrovert, half introvert. I love a good party, and I am okay with being in the spotlight. Unlike some of my fellow photographers, I'm also pretty comfortable infront of the camera, almost as much as I am behind it! I also love staying at home for weeks at a time just spending time with my husband and our kids!

I'm a pretty easy going person, I don't get stressed out easily, and I am of the mentailty that "everything will work out." Staying positive is a huge asset in the wedding industry!

I'm going to be silly! Somestimes I might make fun of you but in an endearingly joking way. It's how I show affection, you can blame my family for that! The more comfortable I am with you, the more jabs I might throw! I hope that's okay!

As Your Photographer

My shooting style is a mix between documentary and lifestyle. I love to capture real moments so sometimes I'll stay quiet because I don't want to break the spell, and other times I'll give an action instead of a stiff pose to do, accompanied with a joke or something because laughing pictures are my favourite.

It is my goal of every session to get a huge laughing picture. No pressure. 

When it comes to your wedding day, I am commanding and confident. I can direct a crowd and use my charm to get your family members to listen to me! 

I am not a fly on the wall photographer. I love to interact with people and get to know your family and guests. I'll be the first one on the dance floor and I love chatting with the people at my dinner table. I think this gives me a more personal perspective to your day!

CONCLUSION

Why do I feel like I’m back in high school and I’m following the “hamburger” outline of an essay?

In conclusion, while budget and aesthetic are very important, being comfortable with your wedding photographer is always going to be the most important part of the decision. So if you are going back and forth between two similar photographs, choose the one that made you feel the most confident in their ability and the one you vibe with the most. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to have the same personality as you. As much as I’m an extrovert, I’ve booked many introvert couples because they want someone who will be able to bring extra fun and be very vocal about directing them, so keep that in mind!

Your wedding photographer will be with you in your most important and intimate moments of your wedding day so it is so important to feel very comfortable with them!

Follow along with PART TWO and 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!

Ready for a Wedding Adventure? Here are 5 Reasons Why You Should Elope.

You’re engaged! Yay!! Congratulations! If you’re here, maybe wedding planning has gotten a bit overwhelming and you’re looking for reasons why you should elope. Or maybe it’s what you’ve been hoping to do all along. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. Are you a couple who is super adventurous? Not-so-traditional? Not a people-pleaser (or trying to not be)? Eloping is the perfect way to celebrate your love for each other and be authentically you. Put all the pressures aside. All you need is your love (and an amazing photographer to capture it). Check out these 5 reasons why you should elope.

You can do what you want

When you plan a wedding, everyone, and I mean EVERYONE has an opinion. Even though family and friends are usually well-meaning, let’s be honest for a second… you couldn’t possibly please them all. Maybe you have that ultra-conservative relative who will definitely notice (and judge) that you’re not wearing white (which, by the way, isn’t even all that long-standing of a tradition!). Or maybe your in-laws (gotta love ‘em) are just a tad overbearing and insist you invite a bunch of their friends that you’ve never met and will never see again. All the conversations can become incredibly uncomfortable. How do you say no, right? That’s why you should elope! Eloping removes all of that pressure and other people’s expectations of your day so that you can just be you and celebrate your love for each other. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most. 

You can plan your own adventure!

Maybe your dream for a wedding is to hike up a mountain and share your vows surrounded by a panoramic view of the mountains. Perhaps you’ve pictured your special day underwater, in an ice castle, floating in an air balloon, or at an iconic landmark that just can’t accommodate a long list of guests. That’s why you should elope. Eloping gives you the freedom to do something amazingly adventurous. No need to worry about your friends not being keen on hiking for hours or taking scuba lessons for your big day - you can savour the moment together (and I’ll be there to capture those lasting moments for you!)

You’re not a fan of tradition

You might not be one of those “cookie-cutter” couples. The mention of a traditional religious ceremony and classic banquet hall make your eyes roll so far back they fall out the back of your head. There isn’t an emoji or GIF that could even begin to express your disdain for all the traditions and rules that come with a wedding. So if tradition isn’t your thing, it’s definitely another reason why you should elope. When you elope, no one is telling you to follow traditions X, Y and Z. Who needs tradition when you have each other?

Use that budget for an adventure

Another reason why you should elope? Have you seen how expensive weddings are? The venue, the caterer, the dress, the cake, the flowers, the tux, the band, the photographer… need I go on? It adds up so quickly and let’s just take a minute to remember that you don’t have to spend it on those things if you don’t want to! Perhaps you’ve dreamed up something outrageously exciting for your wedding - now you can do it! Or maybe you would prefer to spend it on a longer honeymoon or destination ceremony. Or there’s always the responsible thing of using the money for a house down payment or home renos. When you elope, you can use your wedding budget for an amazing adventure rather than spending it on all the wedding things out of sheer compulsion. 

Why You Should Elope: It’s authentic to you

If you’re imagining your wedding and just dreading having to put on a show for all your friends and family… is it really about you? Sure, it’s the happiest day of your life, but is it authentic to who you are as a couple? You might be a more introverted couple and just want the day with each other. Your wedding day should reflect your personality as a couple, your beautiful love story; not everyone else’s. When you elope, your wedding can be exactly how you want it to be. 

If you do decide to elope, you will definitely want an adventurous photographer to be there to capture all the beautiful moments together. And that’s what I do! I bring the energy, the spunk, the silliness that helps you relax as a couple and get the perfect photos that tell your love story. Whether you travel to another country, hike up a mountain, or you have a meaningful location nearby, I just might be your girl! I absolutely LOVE talking to new couples to help get a feel for their day. If you have an elopement planned, I would love to chat! Contact me here. 

My favourite unique wedding venues in Kitchener Waterloo

As a wedding photographer, I have had the opportunity to explore and photograph beautiful wedding venues. It really is magical how you can tie together a venue so perfectly for the wedding couple and see their vision come to life. I always try to suit the couple’s style when shooting photos for a wedding or an engagement, and I love seeing venues come together for the same purpose. On your wedding day, it is important to have every aspect reflect you and your partner’s personalities to make for a special and unique day, perfect for the two of you!

After shooting at so many venues, I may have discovered a few favourites as well. I love taking photos at unique venues because I live for the creativity and fun-loving nature of them. With that said, here are a few unique wedding venues in Kitchener Waterloo that may be perfect for you!

Descendants Beer & Beverage Co

Descendants Beer & Beverage Co. is a brewery in Kitchener that prides themselves on being a fun community, welcoming everyone to experience their unique space. Although they have more than just beer available, they are convinced they can change all the beer-haters’ minds! In terms of wedding venues though, they can host semi-private events up to 80 people and private events up to 150 people. The atmosphere here is more of an industrial, well, brewery type of vibe. Similar to our first wedding venue, this can make for lovely wedding photos as well. I don’t know many people who get married at breweries like this one, so it is definitely unique if that is the style you are going for! This is one wedding venue in Kitchener Waterloo you should check out.

Pine Valley Chalet

Pine Valley Chalet is located on River Rd E in Kitchener, Ontario and suits a very rustic environment. They have a beautiful log-style venue with over 9,000 square feet of space to host anywhere from 20 to 125 guests. There are indoor and outdoor options to suit either taste, or to provide a back-up plan in case the weather does not pull through on your wedding day – I know, every couple’s worst fear! The exposed wooden beams outdoors and high-ceilings inside make for stunning backdrops to any type of décor you would like.

I always feel that rustic styled venues make for beautiful wedding photos with tons of photo opportunities and that is especially true for this venue. Pine Valley Chalet is bright and has a stunning colour story, so your photos are bound to be perfect. You can find a virtual tour of this venue on their website if you’d like to see for yourself!

Langdon Hall

Langdon Hall is a stunning venue that is something out of a fairytale. Nestled in the gorgeous countryside, there are a ton of beautiful, natural settings for photos across the venue. This award-winning venue has a prestigious reputation and features luxurious accommodations & fine dining experiences for your guests.

The newest event space is the Firshade Room & Summer House which can fit up to 120 guests. There is a lovely garden view with elegant wood paneling across the side walls. For a smaller wedding of up to 20 guests, Colonel Langdon’s Room & Adjoining Conservatory is a perfect option. This has an antique dining table, large windows and a fireplace.

This is the most traditional venue on the list and definitely on to check out!

DTK Chapel

Transform how you think about city hall weddings with the DTK Chapel. The DTK Chapel has been newly renovated and is a fantastic option for an inclusive downtown Kitchener wedding venue. All love is welcome here! The chapel is bright & minimalist with a beautiful white millwork feature wall and concrete floors. You can easily personalize it with florals and decor to make it your own. With a total capacity of 40 in the chapel, this is a beautiful option for a small, intimate wedding.

The DTK Chapel pride themselves on lighthearted and meaningful ceremonies. There are a couple of different ceremony options and the venue includes your marriage officiant. They love to ensure that the ceremonies are relaxed & fun for both you and your guests. They do also have packages that include your ceremony at the DTK Chapel with your reception at the nearby Walper Hotel.

As far as nearby photo locations, you have a ton of options such as Vogelsang Green, Goudie's Lane, the Walper Hotel, King St. and of course, the Victoria Park Clock Tower.

Cellar 52

Last but certainly not least, Cellar 52 is located in St. Jacob’s, Ontario. The two lovely ladies who own this venue are not afraid to push traditional wedding limits, bringing a creative and unique flair to the industry. Cellar 52 is a very charming venue with a cozy vibe delivered through their fireplaces, string lights and wooden tables. The accommodations with this venue are impressive as well. Cellar 52 can make any wedding vision you have come to life effortlessly. They are able to host up to 165 people with up to 20 tables for your guests. 

I seriously love looking at unique wedding venues in Kitchener Waterloo and trying to find the best ways to capture special moments of every couple’s wedding day! If you are interested in any of these particular venues, I would totally check them out and you will not be disappointed. If you are interested in talking photos and need a Kitchener Waterloo wedding photographer, I would love to work with you. I love working with fun-loving and creative couples and getting to know them personally to help bring their wedding photos to the next level.