Wedding Photographer Q&A

In this blog post, I tried to put myself in a couple’s shoes and ask questions I think most would want to know when choosing their wedding photographer. Let me know if you can think of anything else you would like to ask me!

What is your training in photography?
Both my parents loved capturing the world around them through a lens – either a 35mm camera or an 8mm film camera. And since I was always a quiet (ok, shy) and curious child, I spent a lot of time looking and exploring rather than being the centre of attention like my brother. I got my first camera in the early 80s – a Kodak disc (remember those?). My first attempts at being artistic where not great but I still kept taking pictures. In high school I discovered the magic of a darkroom and was President of our Camera Club. Then I discovered the power of story telling through moving pictures and won awards in video competition. This led to my application to Ryerson University’s Image Arts: Film Studies program. I absolutely LOVED my time at Ryerson. It was so hands on and we were encouraged to be creative and being with other creative people just kept feeding the fire. By my fourth year, I realized that working in the film industry was not for me. I loved documentary work and cinematography but could see how difficult it would be to make a living being so young and needing to work my way up the ladder to prove myself. In school there was freedom but in the real world, it all seemed too scary so I played it safe. I moved to Ottawa and started working for an arts organization. Luckily, through this and subsequent jobs, I discovered a new art form that utilized my keen visual sense – graphic design. Over the years I took courses, both in photography and graphic design. I subscribed to PhotoLife magazine, bought countless photography books, joined a local camera club and never stepped shooting. I was feeding my creative soul outside of work but as I got older I started having a strong desire to combine the two. I think everyone dreams of making a living doing what you love. It took a long time (and a husband with a good job) for me to have the courage to take such a huge risk but I am so happy to have made the plunge. Now that this is my business, I continue to hone my skills by taking workshops, attending industry conventions and finding inspiration online, in magazines, films, television and every time I step out the door – studying the light and noticing interesting locations. I live and breath my art every day.

Why wedding photography?
Wedding photography first caught my interest when the style changed to photojournalism rather than taking traditional posed portraits. With my background in film studies, I am all about telling a story with even one image. What also made me fall in love with wedding photography was attending more and more wedding as my friends and cousins started getting married. Of course, like many guests, I carried my own camera around and more than once heard the comment that the ones I took were better than the professional photographer’s. These comments planted the seed but it wasn’t until I got married and watched our photographer at work (Storey Wilkins) and saw how much fun she had that I thought: “yes, this is what I want to do”.  Being a bride myself and understanding what I wanted was a real turning point for me. It still took me two years to get the confidence to just do it because I knew there would be pressure to capture precise moments that only happen once and also making sure everyone (especially the bride) looked gorgeous in all their pictures. It is quite intimidating to take the leap which is why, like many, I asked to shadow and second shoot with a seasoned photographer. I feel really blessed to have worked with such amazing wedding photographers like Storey Wilkins (named one of Canada’s top 10 Wedding Photographers) and Claude Gagnon (internationally renowned Master Photographer). I then felt confident to shoot solo and LOVED it! Of course, the pressure is there but it pushes me to strives for excellence. My goal is not only to meet expectations but to surpass them. I want my clients to feel that truly understand how important their day is and how important I see my job to capture it in such a way that when they look at their album in 10, 20 or 50 years that all the emotions they felt come rushing back.

Have you ever shot a wedding  at _____ (insert your venue here)?
If I have never seen the church or reception venue you have booked, I will make a point to scout it beforehand (with the exception of destination wedding – although that would be nice!). I will also make sure what the rules are for photographers in certain venues so that I can prepare my game plan accordingly (i.e. some churches do not permit the use of flash photography).

How far would you travel for a wedding?
I have travelled extensively and absolutely love the opportunity to go anywhere and everywhere. Please factor additional costs to cover my travel expenses if your wedding will take place 100km outside of Ottawa or the Kawartha Lakes.

Do you use an assistant or second shooter?
Depending on the size of the wedding, I would recommend hiring a second shooter. This would be at an additional cost but can be well worth it for the added coverage they can provide (I still haven’t figured out how to be in two places at once!). I only hire fellow professional photographers to second shoot with me so that my high standard is always met.

Why is it important to have an engagement session?
I want my clients to feel comfortable and confident that I can really capture who they are and that comes with trust. I like to meet with couples beforehand so I can get a feel for their personalities and also put them at ease in front of the camera. That is why I include an engagement portrait session with all my packages. It breaks the ice and there is no pressure so it’s a fun way to prep for the big day. Of course, you can choose to start with an engagement session as a real test to see if I am the right fit for you. It is a small investment with no strings attached. There is no minimum order requirement from this session so the couple can simply enjoy having a look at my style or can purchase images that can be used in wedding websites, newspaper announcements or a custom guest book that people can sign during the reception as well as any of the many products I have to create beautiful artwork for your home. If I ‘pass’ the test, the engagement session fee will be deducted from the wedding package you choose.

Why don’t you have a package that only includes the digital files?
I completely understand the desire to own the digital files from your wedding which is why I include them in my higher packages. However, all my packages include an album because it is my belief that a disc of images will just sit there collecting dust for months and even years if you don’t get an album made right away. I have heard this so many times from friends who still don’t have a wedding album many years (and a couple of kids) later. That is tragic. All the time, effort, money and emotion that go into your special day should be showcased and an album is one of the best ways to do so. I also encourage my clients to use photography as wall art in their home. The images I have on my walls make me smile every time I see them. Although many of us have made digital albums using software or online tools, the quality available to me from suppliers that only deal with professional photographers is far superior and I want to make sure your album and artwork are the very best quality. Like many who regret having hired a cheap photographer, don’t regret making a cheap album.

Do you offer customized packages?
Absolutely! I created packages I thought covered what most couples might want but I am entirely flexible in terms of coverage and products included. I would be happy to build you dream wedding photography package and give you a discount once you reach certain price points. My motto in life is to not have regrets so my goal for my clients is the same. I want to make sure you get everything you want so you can look back on your wedding day with nothing but fond memories and a smile on your face.

I know it can be overwhelming trying to sift through the many wedding photographers to choose from so I hope this helped you find out a little more about me and if you think we could be a good fit, please contact me to set up a time to meet in person.

Thanks!

Your Ottawa Wedding Photographer,

Vanessa

Avoid Hiring a Cheap Wedding Photographer

After checking out the Wed By Hand event here in Ottawa last Saturday and meeting some great vendors, I was happy to see a wedding show that didn’t try to see overwhelm future brides and grooms with an endless array of choices. I remember planning my own wedding – this was before I became a professional photographer myself but having a background in film and being an avid hobbyist, I knew photography was one the most important things for me. That and having great food and a good dj so people would have the best time (and they did)! I was definitely a little overwhelmed and gave my husband the task of securing those 3 key elements (he did a great job so don’t worry ladies, it’s ok to get your fiancés to do some of the work). The first one was easy, Storey Wilkins happened to be a good family friend with a cottage near my husband’s in the Kawartha Lakes and had become a wedding photographer a few years earlier. She is now considered one of the top wedding photographers in Canada. After seeing and loving her work, she in fact inspired me to launch my business. I was even lucky enough to shoot several weddings along side her so I would be comfortable enough to go out on my own. Thanks Storey!

And now here I am on the other side, listening to brides and grooms who seem to want awesome photography for a rock bottom price AND own all the digital negatives at the end of the day. Trust me, I know how expensive a wedding can be and how desperately you want to cut a few corners to bring the overall cost down but I just don’t think photography is the place to do that. It will be your only lasting visual reminder of your day and frankly, if you are spending a good chunk of change on your wedding, you want professional artwork to remember it by and not just settle for snapshots.

I don’t think many people know what it takes to shoot and edit a wedding and create a beautiful album. I have spent up to 12 hours on the day of a wedding then more than 40 hours editing and laying out an album, making revisions, etc… As a professional, I value my time as an expert and an artist. I want to work with clients who value my work as well and don’t just see me as another line in their budget. Yes there are ‘weekend warriors’ out there who offer their time and all the files for ridiculous prices, but I can almost guarantee they aren’t making any money and the quality is not nearly as good since they are still working other jobs that are allowing them to pursue this as a hobby. Professionals are constantly working to improve their craft through workshops, forums, conferences and competitions, as well as investing in top of the line equipment and software and using professional labs and suppliers that really produce a far superior product than any online or in store photo lab.

I also know so many people who just got the files and didn’t do anything with their images for well over a year! The advantage of having someone else create an album for you is that a) it actually gets done and b) a good photographer is building a story when choosing which moments and details to capture. How is someone else expected to sift through hundreds of images and figure out the best way to tell it? It would be like asking a bakery to give you all the ingredients and you would then have to make your own wedding cake. I can guarantee it won’t be nearly as nice or taste as good as it would be if you let a professional do their job. And if you really, truly cannot afford a professional, find someone who is striving to be one, whether a student or someone looking to build their portfolio. Help them out by showing them the style of photography you love and I’m sure they will do their very best. And you never know, you just might be hiring the next rising star!

I hope this helps educate engaged couples about the value of hiring a professional and doesn’t come across as a rant. I just want brides and grooms to be left with nothing but the best memories from their wedding day. Don’t just take it from me, here is a blog post I came across where a bride DID choose a cheap photographer and regrets it.

Ok, so now that you know WHY it’s better to hire pro, HOW do you choose? Well, a portfolio is a good indication of their skill but the best way would be to meet face to face and see if not just their style but their personality and philosophy fits with yours. The last thing you want is someone you don’t click with because you just won’t get the same results as you would with someone who totally puts you at ease.

Happy Wedding Planning!

Your Ottawa and Kawartha Lakes Wedding Photographer,

Vanessa

Bancroft Wedding

On Saturday, I had the privilege to be the second shooter on a wedding with Claude J. Gagnon. He is a Master Photographer from Timmins and had photographed the bride since she was a young ballerina (he did all the dance recitals in town) so she absolutely had to have him do her wedding. Since his associates were busy with another wedding, he put a call out to the Professional Photographers of Ontario membership to see if anyone would be free and able to travel to Bancroft. Well, it’s not too far from my own cottage in the Kawartha Lakes so I jumped on board.

It was a very laid-back, fun cottage wedding but I love that the bride and groom invested in an excellent photographer to capture their day. When all is said and done, the photos (and perhaps a boxed up wedding dress) are all that is left from all the blood, sweat and tears that inevitably go into planning a wedding day. Having amazing photographs will honour all that hard work and let you relive that magical day. I have no doubt that Scott and Lindsay will love their photos and I was so happy to share in their joy and capture some of those special moments. Plus, I got to learn from a great photographer!