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 traveling?

—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!

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

—Personality and photographic style. Make sure you like both.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—Backwards through the fashion and editorial industry that I grew up as a photographer in Calgary. I moved to Ottawa and applied my talents on the wedding industry with the photography skills I learned in the fashion industry.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Always be open to learning and seeing new things. I studied for 4years at an Art College BUT I believe you have to study somewhere for a foundation then you learn the art and craft of the profession by actually shooting {mentoring with a PRO is always a good place to learn the day to day elements of photography}

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Th formula for photography stands true and consistent, lighting composition exposures so that supports my need for consistency BUT I love the variation I find in locations, clients and every project is just that little bit different to keep me excited about creating images and capturing life changing moments.

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

—Timeline elements. does it still scream greatness after 6 months a year even... Composition, lighting, does the emotion of the moment or personality shine thru. These elements are key for me.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—My wedding clients become my family and lifelong clients. So no weddings are usually the beginning of a long relationship. I LOVE watching my families grow up...

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Momma razzi's... and any other person who's picked up a DSLR and call themselves a professional with no knowledge of the industry or training.

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

—Not really. We all play pretty equal roles in life, we are her to support and nurture each other to walk through this journey we call life.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I like to capture beauty and moments that tell stories. Images that uplift and give a sense of pleasure or peace to the viewer.

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—As in any profession yes. Do I get stuck in them, sometimes... but sometimes its nice to add a few new elements to the creative game. Personal style and industry knowledge is always growing and changing slightly.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When client smiles, sometimes cries tears of joy at the images captured. I know I've done my job well.

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—I see wedding photography as an editorial. I LOVE documenting the day in the life elements at each wedding. Wedding photography progress's as does the world around us.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—The people I get to meet. Capturing moments for them to look back on for years to come.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—NO, They allowed me to be me and pursue my artistic side, hence falling into photography and loving it.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Telemarketers that always have the best solution to get higher rankings on google ~ LOL

—Are you photogenic?

—I believe we are all photogenic. Beauty starts on the inside and it radiates out.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—I've always been in the arts... I wouldn't know how to be anything else.

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

—ALL my favourite cameras and lenses. So I don't miss that shot...

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I would LOVE more creative time, to just make art.

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

—Work for a PRO, ask lots of questions and observe.

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

—Capturing the life force behind my subjects.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respected first – likes second.

—The best thing in life is:

—LOVE & the occasional Starbucks

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

—Lighting and emotion.

—Do you develop friendships easily?

—I like to think so.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—A bad attitude.

—Are you fond of traveling?

—Absolutely YES.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Annie Leibovitz

—What do you like least about your profession?

—The paperwork.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Constuctively.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Absolutely.

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

—YES