Photographers in Montreal: wedding photography portfolios

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

—Ha, well, obviously I'm biased, but I think myself and my team are pretty great! With that being said, Montreal is FULL of amazing talent! I feel so lucky to be working among the best of the best here!

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

—A connection with the photographer as a person as well as a connection to their work! And trust....you MUST trust them.

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

—After graduating from my second photography degree, I got a job second shooting for an amazing wedding photographer in Montreal. I always thought I'd be doing magazine editorials....but I just loved the raw emotion in weddings as well as their unpredictability! I think I strive on the stress!

—How do you deal with criticism?

—I think it makes you stronger and better! There's always someone who can be a jerk out there, but I mean constructive criticism is necessary! That's how we grow~

—Do you look good in pictures?

—Oh my no way!! I'm terribly un photogenic! Thank goodness I know how to make others look amazing in pictures!

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

—Seeing my couples overjoyed with their images...making their day even more beautiful then they remembered.

—Do you like travelling?

—Love it!! Before I settled down in Montreal, my husband and I travelled for 5 year straight!

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

—Light....gosh...FIND THE LIGHT! :) Seriously. It will make or break an image.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—The raw emotion....people aren't ever ready for what emotions will creep up!

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

—Nope!

—Can you imagine what wedding photography will be like in future?

—Hmmmm, not sure to be honest!

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

—The "in between" moments... like right before the bride walks down the aisle, when everyone is staring at the back of the church, I'm looking at the groom's expression... or during the first dance when all eyes are on the newlyweds, I'm scanning the crowd to catch mom & dad looking at each other and reminiscing to THEIR wedding day. These are the moments that complete the story.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—I shot a wedding for a friend, as a favor to help him out... and I LOVED it.

—Where would you like to live?

—In my career, I have lived in different countries including Germany, England and even on a cruise ship in the Caribbean, but I grew up mostly in Montreal so this will always be home to me. I love the small-town feel of the little village I live in on the outskirts of the city with the benefits of being only 30 minutes from downtown. I love the European charm of Old Montreal just as much as the feeling of walking along the boardwalk around the corner from my house... and I love that I have wildlife in my back yard. I have a passport so I can travel anywhere, as long as I know I have my cats and my husband and my little cozy house in Montreal to come home to.

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

—There are so many things that make a photo good; the artistry, the technical proficiency, the beauty... but for me, the most important component is the emotion that it evokes. When I show my clients their final collection of wedding photos, I feel most satisfied when they laugh out loud or when I see a tear roll down a cheek. If I see that, I know I've done a good job.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I truly believe that there is always something new to learn. Every year I invest in one major photography workshop to improve on a certain skill. In the past few years, I have studied with masters in the field of wedding photography including Bambi Cantrell, Jasmine Star, Roberto Valenzuela and David Beckstead.

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

—Not really. I have always believed that I could do anything I wanted and that anyone else could too. That being said, I am still a romantic at heart, so I like the tradition of men sending flowers, opening doors and dropping me off at the door to the restaurant while they park the car :-)

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I would absolutely love to shoot a wedding in Africa on safari... with lions, elephants, rhinos, zebras and giraffes as the backdrop. Something reminiscent of "Out of Africa". That would be the ultimate way to combine my love of animals with my passion for wedding photography.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My mom. Everyone loves my mom. She is just amazing; generous, hard-working, honest, smart, considerate, supportive, able to laugh at herself... She's had a lot of ups and downs in her life, but she always stays positive and never complains. I wish I could be more like that.

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

—It goes without saying that a couple should like the style of the photographer they choose, but beyond that it's so important that they also like and trust the person behind the camera.

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

—I'm a bit of a daredevil/tomboy. I have jumped out of a plane, gone scuba diving with sharks and driven off-road with my Jeep in Moab. I absolutely love packing up my Jeep and heading out to spend a weekend camping, off-roading and socializing around a camp fire.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—I ADORE travelling. I've crossed off several places from my bucket list already including; most of North America, Machu Pichu in Peru, Paris, London, Tuscany, Venice, Barcelona and more. Next up will be Australia and Africa... and then, who knows?

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

—I love to photograph the people and places I visit, so the first thing I think about packing is my camera. Then it's shoes. I could be going on an overnight trip, but I'll pack 4 pairs of shoes. I like to be prepared for anything.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Being a photographer has a huge social component which is half the fun. I love being involved in celebrations, meeting all the characters that make up a dynamic family and documenting their stories

—Are you photogenic?

—Oh boy... When I get in front of a camera, something happens to me and I become a nervous, giggling mess. But with the right photographer, I think anyone can be photogenic – even me :-)

—What do you do in your spare time?

—In my spare time I like to cuddle on the couch with my husband and my cats, watch romantic movies or binge on a Netflix marathon while enjoying a really good bottle of wine...

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—I specialize in photographing people, so I take photos of all kinds of events & special celebrations, not just weddings.

—Is there anything among your gadgets that you wish you haven't bought? Why?

—This thing that looks like a Tupperware container that you stick on top of your flash... it's about as effective.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Yesterday. Today I'm already thinking about what I can do better.

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—I wish we could all just get along.

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

—Welcome... Can I take your picture?

—Who or what do you hate?

—Brussel sprouts and scallops.

—The best thing in life is:

—The sound of a cat purring.

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

—Jump out of a plane.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Liars and cheaters.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—You were here.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—The people.

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—Always.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Traffic.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Both!