Wedding photographers in Canada

—What things that common people don't usually see can a wedding photographer notice?

—Well, the bride & groom are caught up in their moments. There day passes by so fast that they barely have a chance to focus on other things. A photographer will see something in a different light. A different angle. In doing so, he/she can bring out or emphasize more a story. There will always be the party shots that will be captures.
But overall, a whole story could happen in a fraction of a section and that, most people miss out on.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—I have to say that my biggest influence since I was a child was my uncle. He always had a camera in hand, and therefore, so did I. I love life, and I love to show others the beauty in it. So in my career, I get to do that every single day. I have the privilege to be at everyone's important events and capture them through my eyes. I have the honour to be trusted by others for me to capture their personality and to later justify that trust. I simply love what I do.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—Absolutely! We love in this world. The boundaries of my life are not only the city lines, province lines, country lines... but the whole planet we live on. I love to experience all cultures and way of life. When I travel to do a destination wedding or event, I make sure to capture everything starting from the moment we leave until the moment I get back. I want them to have their whole trip captured.

—What are the most important components of a good photo in your opinion?

—For you to see yourself in there. For you to, not only remember the moment captured, but the emotions you were feeling at that moment. I want my clients to look back at their photos and relive each special moment. For them to look back and say "Yes, that was us". To evoke that emotion all over again, wether it be laughter, love, passion and even sadness at times.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—The fact that I can show my clients the beauty in what I see trough my lens. That I can tell a story of their special day. That I can make anyone feel beautiful and photogenic. The ability to ave someone look back at their wedding and cry, smile, laugh and feel every ounce of emotion they felt then. To show them what I see.

—Are you photogenic?

—Ouff... even though I don't believe I am, I still have to say yes. The reason is that everyone has their photogenic side. Every person is unique and each uniqueness is beautiful. I have to follow what I preach because I know that I can capture the beauty in anyone I photograph.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—I can't bring it down to one moment, or even a few. I want to have as many impressive moments as I can. Life is not about waiting for that one moment or measuring it up to everything else. It's about finding all the small moments that bring you joy.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—That I can't clone myself and be in more places. That I am always tempted to do more. It's hard for me to stop shooting. I always want to keep going. As mochas I love my work, I always want to push to do more.

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—For now... drones, in terms of tech. But for the art of it, it the classic side of it will always remain. Trends come and go and come back again. I can't say exactly what will happen, but I know that for as long as it exists, people will always be people... there will always be emotions and there will always be light. Photography is light.

—What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

—Not accurate to answer this at all because there will always be something to learn. Who I am today as a photographer was because of what I knew then and how I grew it from there.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—I adapt to my clients. I am passionate in what I do and therefore it translates into my work. I am not only there to capture their moments, but I am also there to make them feel great. All my couples feel comfortable when I am around. I help them enjoy each moment.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Anyone as passionate as me. (I will give a shoutout to Yervant. I love his work and love his sense of humour and passion in what he does. He LOVES photography and life itself.)

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—Yes, tons... too many to list. By the time you read this, more new ones will start. But, since I am asked, here are a few. (smoke bombs, back lighting, fun shots, jump shots, candids will always be in)

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Hmmm... anything disrespectful I guess. I'm ok with having uncle bob shooting alongside of me. I will actually help adjust his camera so he can get better pictures. :)

—What should be the criteria for a bride and a groom to choose their wedding photographer?

—Meet your photographer. Sit down and chat with them. They will be with you for your whole day so having a good connection with them is key. They work will speak for itself, so now, speak with them.

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—Just to have everyone take a moment and realize that we are all connected. To stop fighting with each other. To do good deeds, to be selfless. To love and enjoy life.

—How do you define success? How do you measure it?

—By my client's reactions. By seeing the tears in their eyes, hearing their laughter. Seeing them tell everyone else that they have to go with me for their event.

—How do you handle criticism?

—As openly as I can. My ultimate goal is to offer the best I can to my couples. Needs change.. and if I don't listen and am open to it, then there is no point.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Missing a moment. That will always be there. I always strive to capture everything so it's normal to worry about missing something.

—What is the biggest mistake you have ever made at work?

—Ouch! I don't know if this would count, but once had the wrong file setting for my pictures. It meant I had to edit more afterwards.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—oh boy... I will fill this field in after. Too many to tell and choose from. Meet with me and I will tell you a few. Deal?

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—By letting my inner creative side talk. I also get inspired by going to work shops and watching the work of others.

—Where would you like to live?

—Too many places to choose from... but I love Europe overall. I would love to travel all over the world.

—If aliens come to the Earth and you are the first person they meet, what will you tell them?

—I would probably crack them up and we would be best friends. I would tell them how amazing life is.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—I've been doing it long enough and love it way to much to be affected by anything.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—Same as a previous question, I am who I am know because of my past. No changes. :)

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I want the story of that moment told. The emotions that were felt at that moment.

—What about life on other planets?

—I believe in them. I am sure that we are far from being the only ones out there.

—When you're going to travel, what do you take with you and why?

—Everything! I can't have a moment where I will say "If only I brought..."

—Do you believe in the traditional roles for men and women?

—Nope.. we are all equal and should be open to doing anything we like.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Same as before, anyone that helps make this world a better place.

—If you were a cartoon, book or movie character, who would you be and why?

—Superman... simply because I want to help and save anyone I can.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—more photos and editing and making people laugh... enjoy life.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When my couples are overwhelmed in emotion and satisfaction.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I love all animals and have a gorgeous Berner names Maximus.

—Is there anything that you wish you hadn't bought among the gadgets that you own? Why?

—Everything I bought, I have used and made the best of it.

—What's the side of you that the public never sees?

—hah hah... if I said it, then it defeats the purpose. ;)

—What person can be the symbol of the 21st century in your opinion?

—I honestly don't know how to answer this one. Sorry.

—Who are your heroes?

—Anyone that helps make this world a better place.

—Do you develop friendships easily?

—Don't you feel like you are my friend already? :)

—Do you believe that you replicate the soul of the person you are shooting?

—In capturing who they are, then I would hope so.

—What's the stupidest thing you've ever agreed to do?

—Wear a mankini in public for losing a bet.

—If you are called to shoot a movie, what genre will it be?

—Romantic-Action-Comedy... does that exist?

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—My weight.. I would like to lose weight.

—Is there anything around you that you would like to change?

—hmmm... I would like a million dollars.

—If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

—Same answer as before as well. Nothing.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My uncle. He grew this passion in me.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Socialize, play games, walk my dog

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—I love life and always will.

—What influences the value of a photo? What are its elements?

—Emotions and the story told.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Everything and everyone :)

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—I can't choose. Sorry.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—not to enjoy it. lol

—Can you give a few tips for wedding photographers who are just starting out?

—Trust your eye

—Is there life after marriage?

—of course.

—The best thing in life is:

—to enjoy it

—Whose work has influenced you most as a wedding photographer?

—Yervant

—Who or what do you hate?

—Nothing

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—Nope

—The secret we all want to reveal – who is the best wedding photographer in Ottawa?

—Best is a relative term... Ottawa has photographers with a range of styles, from photojournalists to formal photographers. My personal opinion is that the bulk of online awards are popularity contests and do not reflect top talents. I would consider any of my fellow photogs on MYWED to be among the best.

—What should future newlyweds pay attention to when looking for a wedding photographer?

—Stability, professionalism, service....we have seen hundreds of photographers come and go in Ottawa. Very few brides check the Better Business Bureau listings...they should.

—How did you start working in the wedding photography field?

—I have a degree in Journalism and was asked by a friend to photograph her wedding....that was a thousand weddings ago...lol

—Do you like travelling?

—Yes...I have been fortunate to have shot professionally everywhere from the Caribbean to the Arctic Circle...So glad that the digital age allows me to carry way less equipment...

—What is success to you? How can one measure it?

—Successfully operating the longest standing studio in the city...as well as successfully raising...with my partner...two daughters who are successful in their own careers.

—What is there in your work that brings you joy?

—Being able to reprint an image we shot 30 years ago...
Getting a hug from the bride at the end of the day...
Capturing that key image that personifies the day...

—Do you shoot wedding photos only?

—We are the widest ranging studio in the city....I have shot everything from Arctic scenery to photojournalism for the cover of Time.

—Do you look good in pictures?

—Hah...no. Perhaps I am good at my craft because I know how most people feel when they look at portraits of themselves...

—What makes you continue shooting?

—I have not "needed" to continue shooting for over a decade...I do it because I love it.

—What are the key elements that make a photo attractive?

—I am a stickler for technical professionalism...but lets face it...EMOTION is the key...

—What person in your life is your muse & source of inspiration?

—I am a big fan of Annie Leibowitz as well and Richard Avedon.

—Is there anything in your work that you don't like or even hate?

—A gazillion hours of Photoshop....I like to shoot...

—When are you totally satisfied with the results of your work?

—Never...I am only as good as my next shot.

—What devices that you own you regret you bought and why?

—My cellphone...