Wedding photographers in Canada

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best wedding photographer in Ottawa? :)

—The best wedding photographer for your wedding is the one that you get along with best! Obviously, it is important that you like their style and photos, but most importantly you need to be able to trust your photographer. You spend a lot of time with your photographer on your wedding day so I encourage couples to find someone that they enjoy spending time with.

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

—I am always noticing (or anticipating) moments that are happening at an event. Reactions, emotions, accidents. As a photographer I also tend to see the world around me differently. I am always considering whether or not a specific place would make for an interesting background for photos. It can be hard to turn this off when I am not "on the job".

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—There are always trends, editing styles, colours (or lack there of), airy, moody, etc. I try to stay true to the day itself rather than getting caught up in all of these. I am there to document the day after all.
Although, as a signature, I do enjoy creating a few double exposures for each couple!

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

—A good photo is one that tells a story. Couple's trust me to capture the essence of their day in still life and I see this as a very important (and enjoyable!) task. With the exceptions of some of my more creative and double exposure photographs, I endeavor to capture the colours and lighting of a day accurately so that it tells the story of the wedding in a way that the couple can remember it.

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

—It can sometimes be surprising to learn what photographs from a day are a couples' favourites. Award winning photographs are not always the ones that are most important to a couple. The tearful hug of a grandparent can be significantly more beautiful than mountains.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Backing off docks in late October. Trust me, the water is colder when you are wearing two cameras. I always bring a change of clothes and, obviously, backup equipment for moments like this, but avoidance is always the best practice.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—There is something special about being invited to share in the most important day in a couple's life. Moreover, to be trusted to document it for them. I love to hear back from couples about how much they love their wedding photos.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—I love shooting with my wife Natalie, she is so talented and incredibly fun to have around. But, there are also so many other talented photographers that I would enjoy shooting with and learning from.

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

—There have been little mistakes here and there, but I have always been grateful to learn from them for the future so that they don't become big mistakes down the road.

—How do you handle criticism?

—As with anything that you pour so much of your life into, it can be hard to hear criticism, but I try to learn and grow rather than build walls.

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—I am always asking this and seeking to grow as an individual and as a business, but at the end of the day we can only guess. I look forward to the journey.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—That each and every moment is so important and timeless. It goes by so fast for the bride and groom- that is where I come in.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—It kind of just happened. It was a natural progression of taking photos personally to professionally.

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

—I try to let a person's personality come through in their photographs. The more comfortable I can make a person, the more natural they become.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—So many other wedding photographers. There is so much talent and creativity out there to be inspired by.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I am always trying new things. It keeps life interesting to experiment and grow as a photographer.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—When I got a standing ovation for a stand up routine in Minnesota... and I am not even funny.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—With a consistent routine and sufficient backups there is little to worry about. Enjoy life!

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

—If I can be a person that someone trusts whether that is a wedding couple or my family.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I want my photographs to freeze a moment, capture emotion, and tell a story.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I love to water ski, snowboard, or just be all around active with my family.

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

—Trust. You need to be able to trust them as a person and as a professional.

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

—Jack Pearson from This Is Us. But it's hard to live up that.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—The behind scenes of running a business. (Cough) Taxes.

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

—A camera. Life goes too fast not to document it.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Cellphones. Why are they even at weddings?

—Are you photogenic?

—My two year old daughter thinks I am.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I love taking photos of my daughters.

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

—Don't be afraid to ask questions.

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

—Jon Snow. #winteriscoming

—Are you fond of travelling?

—Did someone say Iceland?

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—I would love to be both.

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best wedding photographer in Ottawa? :)

—The best wedding photographer is the one whom your connect with the most. Do not go into your wedding photography search with the budget and numbers first... go in with an open mind and search out the many styles, view their galleries, testimonials and blog posts and read about the photographer.If you like what you read, meet them in person. Have a coffee with them and see if you guys vibe together! That way you know you can trust them to capture those important moments on your wedding day!

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

—I am one to notice the story behind the day. Yes the day is about focusing on the wedding itself, but there are many things happening in the background that you may not be noticing cause the day will go by so fast!I am there to capture all the reactions, emotions, laughs and tears!

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—For sure! I do believe that there are several trends to wedding photography such as props, filters, etc. Sometimes this can be a photographers signature and how they stay unique against all the others out there!

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

—The connection with your subjects – If I am photographing my couples, I want to make sure that we have chatted many times before hand about the mood and vibe for their session. Before we even start to take pictures, I want to chat with the couple and make sure they are relaxed so they can enjoy the experience!

—Are you fond of travelling?

—Absolutely! I travel all across Ontario and into Quebec for my work and also across Canada and Internationally for destination weddings! I have photographed in Mexico and Newfoundland and this upcoming year I will be in the Dominican twice and also traveling to Iceland!

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Love. I am a hopeless romantic and the fact that I am there to be with my clients to capture their most special day means the world to me.Will I be tearing up behind my camera during your vows and those speeches... absolutely!

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I am always taking workshops and mentor-ships to improve my skills as a photographer. Just like at any other workplace, I am always training myself to become better and better each year!

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—I photograph mainly weddings, elopements and engagements, though I do have time in the off season to photograph family and maternity sessions!

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—I have three amazing second photographers who are a true reflection of my business, and I love working with each of them every chance I get!