Wedding photographers in Canada

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

—Be prepared with backup equipments (camera, battery, memory card etc), pre-scout locations to make sure you know exactly where to take the couple, their family and friends to do portraits, visualize some poses for the bride and groom ahead of time, plan out your shooting priorities (e.g., if getting ready is short and busy, focus on the people and not inanimate objects, you can always do the ring/bouquet shots later at reception), know your camera settings well so that you can shoot manual without taking 10 seconds to fiddle around, don't be afraid to get in front of people (shooting the back of people's heads does no one any good).

—What is special in wedding photography?

—Wedding photographers have to combine fine art photography, portrait photography, event photography, photojournalism, children photography, family photography all in one, as well as dealing with time, location and weather constraints, while keeping our couples happy and at ease. To do it well is definitely not an easy feat.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—I would love to second shoot for a fellow photographer, however I don't have anyone specific in mind, just someone I can connect with. There are a lot of great photographers in the world that I have heard of, but I'm certain there are even more great photographers in the world that I have not heard of. I don't want to limit myself in anyway that I might lose out the chance to work with someone awesome!

—What do you like most about your profession?

—That I get to make beautiful and long-lasting memories for someone's landmark day. We just photographed a wedding where the bride's mom was just diagnosed with terminal cancer. There was an extra meaning behind each click that day.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—Mostly. I would like to do lifestyle portraits for women too. Not necessarily boudoir or glamour, just capturing the beauty of different women at different stages in their lives.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Draw inspiration from a lot of great photographers on Facebook and Instagram, dissect it, soak it in, then forget it all heading into the shoot, and do your own thing.

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

—I really disliked the Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G. It was a waste of money for me, and I should have just started out with all prime lenses (35mm, 60mm and 85mm).

—The best thing in life is:

—Enjoying a cup of green tea, devouring a bowl of spicy noodle soup, and reading a Chinese KungFu novel for the 657th time, all at the same time.

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

—Check out the photographer's portfolio, make sure it resonates with you. Then meet with the photographer, make sure you feel comfortable with him/her because you will be sharing some of your most emotionally intimate moments with them! And then, just trust the photographer on the day.

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

—Light, composition and moment! Look for the light (or create your own light), compose the image well, and wait for that infectious moment!

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—The other 50% of Green Tea Photography, Mathieu Louis-Seize got started first (just one wedding ahead though!), and I joined in. It has been a steep learning curve, and I have improved so much since I first started. Just keep swimming.

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—People treat each other with kindness and respect. There are just too much unnecessary violence, crimes and sadness in this world.

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—Who knows! But right now is definitely a golden age where there are so many brilliant wedding photographers out there that are revolutionizing the way the world perceives wedding photography. It is becoming an art, not just a service.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—I love seeing different places of the world, I dislike intensely the process it takes to get to the different places of the world.

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

—Chrisman Studios and TwoMann Studios for their visually stunning and brain shocking images. But I also really enjoy fellow Ottawa photographer Christian Lee's work, it's got a je ne sais quoi quality to it.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—I do have some complaints here and there, certain days more than others, but that's true for every profession in the world.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Possibly photograph a birth for the first time! Or do laundry. Whichever comes first.

—Where would you like to live?

—Somewhere where winter isn't 5 months out of the year, ohh Ottawa!

—Are you photogenic?

—To a certain extent, I know that I look best when I smile. :)

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I'm actually pretty content with the way I am right now. :)

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

—Success = Happiness
Happiness = Reality – Expectations

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—I want to earn both!

—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...