Q. DO YOU PICK LOCATIONS OR DO YOUR CLIENTS?
A: My clients usually pick the locations. I encourage it to be somewhere special or representative of your style and/or relationship. You know you better then I know you and honestly, all I need is some great light and you can find that pretty much anywhere :o)
Q. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO A SHOOT?
A: Plan on two different outfits. Usually clients go with something a bit formal followed by a more casual look. Stray away from logos, bright white, anything too tight and restrictive and try not to be overly matchy matchy. I’d suggest a new outfit or something you really feel you look your best in since you’ll always look back on these photos. Also if you can plan to accommodate a car change that’s always helpful as sometimes a good place to change isn’t convenient
Q. YOUR PACKAGES INCLUDE A COMPLIMENTARY ENGAGEMENT SHOOT. IF WE FOREGO THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION, DO WE RECEIVE A DISCOUNT ON THE PACKAGE?
A: Unfortunately, no. I include engagement sessions as complimentary as I believe it is so important for us to get together and for the both of you to experience getting your photo taken professionally. It’s not something that you get done every day and can be a bit awkward at first. It helps you and I get to know each other better so that come wedding day, we all know what to expect! (and that is to have some fun!)
If you happen to not be able to get pictures done due to any other circumstance such as working out of town until wedding or you have already received engagements, then I cover an extra hour at the wedding. The package price does not change.
Q. WHAT KIND OF CAMERA DO YOU HAVE?
A: I shoot primarily with a Canon 5dmarkiii. My backup is a Canon 5dmarkii. I use mainly use prime lenses, a 35L and a 85L. Then there’s my macro and my lensbaby!
Q. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?
A: This photography business is 4 and a 1/2 years old as of 2014. This summer is my 4th summer doing weddings. I feel so blessed to be able to work with the wonderful people that I do. I love this job. A lot. Like, a lot a lot!
Q. WHAT IS A FIRST LOOK AND WHY DO YOU LOVE THEM SO MUCH?
A: First looks are where I meet with the bride and groom privately before their ceremony and I photograph them seeing each other for the first time where as afterwards we spend some time doing more formal pictures. I love doing first looks for a number of reasons.
1. This moment is sometimes the only time you will get to be alone the whole wedding day. It’s before the ceremony so your family and friends are still getting ready themselves and are busy on their own. After the ceremony, really couples just want to spend time with their loved ones. I find it helps the day become a bit more of a celebration if you get the formal pictures done early on and then you can just party with your family and friends afterwards.
2. When you are seeing each other for the first time you are usually surrounded by everyone. You have a moment yourselves, but it’s in front of a whole lot of other people. There’s so much going on that it’s difficult to share a moment of “Oh my goodness, we’re about to get married!” The first things couples do when they see each other in first looks is hug. And the moment they do, their whole bodies relax. You can see the calmness just spread over them and then that moment hits. The moment of, I can’t believe this day is really here and I can’t believe how much I love you and I can’t wait to share my life with you. You can hug and share as many little kisses are you want. The kisses are little only so that the makeup doesn’t get too too smudged 😉
3. Lighting. Lighting is so so so very important to photographs. Usually, first looks happen earlier on in the day, when the lighting is prime. I had one wedding recently where we shot the first look at about 10 when the sky was perfectly blue with a few clouds here and there. After the ceremony? Torrential downpour! We were so calm though because we knew we had that morning of pictures that had gone beautifully. This is often the case. The weather can change so much in a day. Especially in Alberta
In summary, I believe in first looks. I believe in their magic, their importance and their romance. Should you chose to forego a first look then I am just as happy. Really, I am! Your wedding day is all about you and not a second about me. I am just there to document you enjoying one of the most important days of your life.