Wedding photographers in Montreal

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

—It depend on what they are looking for.
I believe that photographs reflect a lot photographer's life view and philosophy so for me, the couple should look for the best personal match with their photographer and of course the couple should love what they see at the portfolio.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—I adore stories about love, so after finishing my studies in photography it was pretty clear for me which way to choose. First I moved to Mexico, Playa del Carmen, and there I started to tell love stories with my camera.

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

—It happened in the beginning of our professional experience here in Mexico, we went for the trash the dress photo session and we forgot all our equipment in front of our house… inside of a fence. We had to change the date for that photo session and run back home to find there our bags with equipment. Sins that time we start by opening a trunk and put there everything we need in the beginning of the day when we have a photo session.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I find that with reading awesome books about photography and analyzing I get better. But one of the most important things that I'm practicing and that is helping me a lot is to be present each and every moment while waiting for the picture and while taking it. It's also the most difficult part I believe.

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

—Success in a life is when you are doing the job you love getting enough of money for the living you are happy with and you still have a lot of time for doing other things you love.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—One of my nightmares is that I'm at the wedding that is about to start and I realize that I don't have my camera. Probably it's the most popular nightmare of any photographer.

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

—In my first vacations in Mexico, my friend and I decided to run away from the bar a long the beach without paying two piña coladas. We've been caught. It was pretty silly :)

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Sometimes we have to work more then 10 consecutive hours, and there it starts to be difficult. I'm happy shooting up to 10 hours in general.

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

—I admire the work of many great photographers. But Fran Russo's approach to the wedding photography influenced me a lot in my pursuit and I'm very thankful to him for this.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Hearing the couple saying that pictures make them laugh and cry makes me feel that I did it well. And it motivates me to do it again.

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

—Several tiny moments that are happening during the whole wedding day. Even when people saw, many times them they don't remember it in the same way it happened.

—Where would you like to live?

—Definitely in Montreal, in Costa Rica and in Oaxaca! I hope one day to experience living in these places and in some others too.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—They were ok I guess. But I would like them to have pushed more my creativity sins I was young; it would be way easier that way!

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—Mostly wedding photos, but also a lot of loving couples photos. If not, while traveling i love taking pictures of what i see.

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

—My travel diary, a book and a camera. The rest of the backpack I'll probably fill up with clothes and an extra pair of shoes.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Be in contact with people on their happy moments and save those moments for them. It is a GREAT filling.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Real people from all over the world, with different cultures and different ways of celebrating love.

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

—I wish I knew that the principal ingredient in the story-telling-picture is the spontaneity.

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

—I believe every couple is different. The most important that both are agree on their roles.

—Who are your heroes?

—People saving lives and defending rights of those who don't have voice are my heroes.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Gardening, reading books, walking out with dogs, biking, watching russian movies =)

—How do you handle criticism?

—I'm handling it good and I'm always happy to receive some from professionals.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Never wearing skirts at the weddings and never booking without a deposit.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My husband inspires me a lot as he is an authentic and creative person.

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

—It might happen but only in a symbolic way if I'm lucky enough!

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Amon some others, I would like to shoot once with Emin Kuliev.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Trying to find annoying things in a life… and mosquitos!

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

—More the picture narrates the story, more is the value.

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

—Camera grip… eheheheh I just find it completely useless.

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

—I would walk up earlier this morning.. or maybe not.

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—It will be something different, that's for sure.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I wish to be more concentrated and more patient.

—Do you develop friendships easily?

—Friends maybe. Best friends – pretty rare.

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

—trast in what you do, look for the critics.

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—world is fine, the humans could be better

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

—Dalai Lama should be the one of them.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I want to tell a story without words.

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

—Light, emotions and ''the moment''.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—I'm very bad telling jokes ehehehhe

—Are you photogenic?

—Not really, but I'm not too bad =)

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

—The education system.

—Is there life after marriage?

—A very bad joke =(

—What is special in wedding photography?

—Tons of emotions!

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

—my sleeping side)

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I love animals.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—I do and a lot.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Something new.

—What about life on other planets?

—of course! =)

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

—documental

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respected.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Never yet

—Who or what do you hate?

—Violence

—The best thing in life is:

—Life.

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a wedding photographer capture?

—Normally while there is an exciting moment happening- and all eyes are focused on that one moment- we often step back and look around to see those reactions... those expressions. Thats the fun part about documenting.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—What makes it so special is that we the photographer get entrusted with such a delicate job. It's a job we cannot do-over. We get ONE SHOT (pun intended ;) ) And really, it's our interpretation of the day, our view only. That makes it pretty special when a client chooses US ...to be their birds-eye view.

—Do you believe in the superstition that a photo replicates the soul of the pictured person?

—I do. One may not know the people I photograph but countless times I have people tell me that they can feel the emotion through the photo. I make every effort to make my client comfortable in front of my lense, so that their passion, and emotion is felt through the image to the viewer.

—How do you deal with criticism?

—Good criticism is necessary to grow. And by good- I mean criticism that comes from a good place. Not from malicious intent. I think that if any photographer wishes to succeed- they must hear openly and with a humble heart where they need to improve.

—Is there anything in your work that you treat as prohibited "tricks"?

—YES. Dress respectfully when you're working at a wedding. Whether you're the photographer, makeup artist, dj, florist. We never want to stand out too much. But rather blend in and be professional.

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

—Success is learning what truly makes you happy and learning to be content with material things. Finding that balance is key to success in life.

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

—Meeting beautiful people who come from such different backgrounds. Getting to know them and their story really excites me.

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

—The long hours sitting at my desk! Wish it was all photographing but most of it is sitting at the computer :)

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

—My husband has always been the supporter and the push to help me get this career off the ground. I have always loved people and loved photos. Once I realized that I could turn something I love into a full time passion... I went for it!

—What moment in your life you treat as the most significant one?

—Hmmmm, When I married my husband. That's the biggest decision ever. And the best one I've made so far ;)

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

—I always tell my couples- 'No matter who you choose, make sure that you get along with them. Because you're stuck with us (the photographer) alllllll day long!"

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

—Not really. I'm a careful buyer and do not impulse buy my equipment. It's just too darn expensive!

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

—More photo journalist. More moments. Not just posing. I think it's already there to be honest. It's an incredible time to be a wedding photographer!

—What side of you do you never show to the public?

—I show pretty much every side of me. I'm not afraid to show tears, happiness, goofyness.

—Whose works made an impact on you as a wedding photographer?

—In the beginning it was a lot of local photographers...now, I follow many on Instagram and am constantly inspired!

—Where would you prefer to live?

—I think in a quieter area. Or at least a quieter street from the one we're on right now!

—What cartoon, film or book character would you become if you had a chance?

—Donkey off of Shrek. He was happy, goofy and just all around hilarious. I LOVE DONKEY!

—Do you like travelling?

—YES! I dream to go to Scotland with my husband to see where our ancestors came from!

—Who would you choose to try taking photos with?

—So many ! Todd Laffler, Sue Bryce, Susan Stripling, Dave & Quin Chung to name a few!

—In your opinion, should your parents have been more or less strict to you as a child?

—If they weren't as strict as they were.... I wouldn't be who I am today.

—Have a best-loved joke? Share it with us!

—How many tickles does it take to make a squid laugh?Ten-Tickles ! :P

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

—I actually have many people I surround myself with whom inspire me.

—Do you shoot wedding photos only?

—Nope! I love portraits.... and I do some commercial work too!

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

—Emotion. If there is no emotion, what story are you telling?

—Is there anything that worries you? What & why?

—If the client is happy! If they're not happy, I'm not happy!

—What mistake in your professional experience you treat as the biggest one?

—Not having a contract for the first wedding I ever shot!

—How do you spend your leisure time?

—I read the bible, and drink really good coffee :)

—What makes a photo valuable? What are the key features of a great photo?

—Love, laughter, emotion whether good or bad.

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—A bad attitude! We've gotta be ON all day !

—What thing is the silliest one you've ever agreed to do?

—hmmmm, would have to think about that one!

—What would you have preferred to learn before becoming a photographer?

—How much work owning a business would be!

—Do you believe in the traditional gender roles?

—For sure. Both roles can be dignifying.

—Give some advice to a wedding photographer who is a beginner.

—Study, Practice, get critiqued. Repeat.

—What key message are you trying to convey with your pictures?

—I want to say and show love. Simple.

—What would you alter in yourself if possible?

—I'm always working on my patience!!

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—I ask, I research, I then practice!

—What would you prefer to change around you?

—The world. I'm working on it ;)

—Do you hate anyone or anything? Who or what?

—I hate feet. they're so gross.

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

—Never. It can always improve!

—When travelling, what do you usually take with you & why?

—Ben, my love and my life :)

—Imagine aliens come to our planet. You are the first human they meet. What would you tell them?

—Can I take your picture?

—Whom can you name as a person/people not deserving respect?

—Haughty, cocky people.

—Do you look good in pictures?

—Depends on the day ;)

—What makes you continue shooting?

—Booking more weddings!

—Cats or dogs?

—Dogs Dogs Dogs DOGS!!!

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—Absolutely...always.

—Who is the 21st century symbol to your mind?

—Anyone living in it!

—What are your plans for tomorrow?

—Some volunteering!

—What would you prefer to change in the world?

—Who rules it.

—Can you specify whom would you love to shoot?

—Raw emotion.

—Do you make friends with ease?

—I think so!

—Whom can you name as people you respect and admire most?

—My dad :)

—What's better – when you are liked or are respected?

—Respect !

—Life is great thanks to:

—Happiness

—Is there life in the Universe?

—Why not.

—Imagine that you can travel back in time. What would you do differently?

—SO much

—The most troubling thing in life is:

—Money.

—If you have a chance to shoot a movie, what genre will you choose?

—Romance

—Do you believe in life after wedding?

—???