Q. What influenced your decision to become a wedding photographer?
A. My entire life I had a camera in my face! My mom never left the house without her canon SLR (it annoyed the heck out of me through my teenage years) and I am so thankful for all the cherished memories she captured for our family. For years I had the secret dream of being a professional photographer. After some friends got married, and after my own wedding, it was official. I knew without a doubt what I wanted and it feels so right!

Q. Describe your wedding photography style:
A. Hmmm, real, fun, classic, light, fashion-y (does that make sense?!). I take a lot of inspiration from magazine ads and fashion and i love being in the background and capturing real moments. I strive to capture the emotion of the day so that when you look at your images you are taken back and remember exactly how you felt. I want to be able to use your wedding images in five years from now when meeting with a new couple. Capturing true emotion isn’t a trend!

Q. Describe your perfect client:
A. All of the couples I have for 2010 are people I want to hang out with. I leave a meeting excited and have to call my husband immediately to tell him what rockstars they are!! I think it is very important to “click” with your clients. If I want to hang out with my bride and we really enjoy each other’s company then I know their images are going to turn out great and we are going to have an awesome experience together.

Q. What is your favourite part of the wedding day(s)?
A. Oh my goodness. All of it!! I love love and every part of a couples wedding day is so special and important to document. I do have to say that I still get butterflies in my tummy when it is time for portraits of the newly married couple and I get to capture the private moments. Oh, also, I am shooting two weddings coming up where the couple has opted for a “first look” and portraits prior to the ceremony and I am so excited to be their to capture that!

Q. Where are your favourite places to shoot in Edmonton?
A. I love wide open spaces and greenery as well as urban. I always look for different locations to take couples that suit them and who they are! Outside for sure;-)

Q. Do you photograph weddings outside of the Edmonton area, and if so, where are you able to travel?
A. I shot my first wedding of the season in Hanna, AB (the one you are seeing here!) and am all over traveling for your big day! I would go as far as you want me. I have visions of beach weddings and sunset shoots in the ocean. Ahhh, one day!

Q. What makes you different from other wedding photographers?
A. I always have my toenails painted. Hehehehe! Gosh, I don’t know. It is truly a difficult thing to toot your own horn in an industry where everyone is doing such amazing things. However, there are some things that clients have told me which I love hearing. I am fun! I will get along with everyone around and blend into your day, and maybe even supply some laughs too. I care. A lot. About making sure I am doing the best I possibly can for you on the most important day. I am doing this because I love it and am so passionate about it. The moment I am not as excited for your wedding as I was for the first wedding I shot, I am out. You deserve 100% for your day.

Q. If you were getting married (or if you were to do it all over again), who would you choose to photograph your wedding, and why?
A. If money were no option and my husband and I were doing it all over again I would hire a couple different photographers for some different events!
Engagement session- nichole v photogrpahy
Wedding Day- jasmine star (l.o.v.e. her photography but also just want to hang out with her and JD all day!). we would also have a first look and do our formals prior to a late ceremony.
Day after session (not trash the dress, but more couple images in our wedding finest)- simply bloom photography
Honeymoon session (I picture sunset on the beach, bathing suits…)- jose villa
Ahahaha!! Can you tell I have given this some thought?!

Q. Do you photograph anything else other than weddings?
A. Yup, I do “bombshell” (which btw are so fun to sneak in on your wedding day , family, newborn, maternity…

Q. What influenced your decision to become a wedding photographer?
A. To be 100% truthful, it just kind of happened. I’ve always had a love for the camera and my point and shoot is always in my purse. I have an amazing Fiance that bought me my first SLR and amazing friends that let me explore my ideas. One thing lead to the next and now I’m here. Its been amazing.I was asked to shoot my first wedding over a year ago. That was my inspiration to work hard to give them everything they wanted on their big day.

Q. Describe your wedding photography style:
A. would have to say personal, relaxed, and unique. Whether it be a portrait shoot or a wedding day, I love to tell the story through the lens. I’m known for capturing my clients in the full and really being able to feel emotions through a picture. Anyone can take a picture, but bringing out the true feelings, thats my favourite job.

Q. Describe your perfect client:
A. Nah, no such thing. I have been blessed to shoot over 80 shoots and meet some amazing people, most whom I have managed to maintain friendships with afterwards. I love capturing everyones true personality, or maybe even something they never knew they had. All clients are great clients.

Q. What is your favourite part of the wedding day(s)?
A. Definitley formals. Although I do love watching the process of a young lady go from a tired sleepless girl into a beautiful bride.

Formals is my time to work closely with the clients and build that relationship. Those are the pictures that get hung on the wall and that get looked at 20 years down the road and smiled at.

Q. Where are your favourite places to shoot in Edmonton?
A. Everywhere and Anywhere. I think location is definitly important but I am pretty good at making anything work. I love every style from beautiful parks to broken down buildings. Everything works, its just how you use it.

Q. Do you photograph weddings outside of the Edmonton area, and if so, where are you able to travel?
A. I absolutly do shoot outside of Edmonton. I actually recently shot a wedding in Cancun,Mexico which was stunning. I am also originally from Medicine Hat,Alberta. I am always up for travel all over Alberta…and I wont complain if you want to take me somewhere warm and beautiful! My 15 wedding locations for the rest of 2010 include Edmonton, Calgary, Medicine Hat and everything in between.

Q. What makes you different from other wedding photographers?
A. From the feedback I have received I would have to say my personality is what makes me different. I love being there with you for your day, again whether it be a portrait shoot or wedding. I love the relationship we are able to build. One wedding I spent most of the morning playing with the brides sweet one year old girl. I’m not your boring, “cookie cutter” photographer. I’m there to make your day be everything you want it to be. And I love the big hug at the end of the night once we’ve spent a great day together.

Q. If you were getting married (or if you were to do it all over again), who would you choose to photograph your wedding, and why?
A. Ha ha this one is funny. I’m actually getting married next year in Mexico and this is my biggest struggle. I don’t know who I am going to book yet but being a photographer its one of the most important parts of my day.

Q. Do you photograph anything else other than weddings?
A. Absolutely, I shoot almost everything. I love portrait sessions but also do boudoir, maternity, and family as well.

Q. What influenced your decision to become a wedding photographer?
A. I love to photograph all kinds of things for fun – landscapes, animals, junkyards even – but people are by far the most interesting. Watching their expressions through my lens and knowing that I have the ability to capture their emotions is captivating. That’s why I chose to become a professional photographer – families and weddings are intimate and allow me to get caught up in the moment with people who I might otherwise have never met.

Q. Describe your wedding photography style:
A. If you wanted to hear a technical term, I’d call myself a “documentary” photographer, but what does that really say? I like to be there for the moment, though I can create a moment out of nothing but two people and a wall if that’s all I have to work with. I am just as comfortable posing people naturally, or following them around at a discreet distance and catching the moments they create themselves. Personally I like clean, colorful, bright pictures best – the kind that don’t just look like someone played with them on a computer because they weren’t good enough. On the other hand, I also really love image editing, depending on the photograph – I just like natural or dramatic better than a lot of the textured and dark work that’s popular these days. I like drama, extremes, angles, I love a photograph that really shows the personality of the people in it – and I always aim for personality photos, whether in an urban space in the city or in a park or a field on the prairies.

Q. Describe your perfect client:
A. My perfect client has a personality that makes people sit up and take notice, thinks beauty is about more than an image and thinks life would be boring without color… They would enjoy me as a person and have enough fun in my company to forget the camera’s glaring lens and just share the beauty of the day with me. Ideal clients for me are the kind of people who value memories and emotions and are looking to entrust their special day to someone, not just a random person with a camera to snap a few pictures.

Q. What is your favourite part of the wedding day(s)?
A. I love the moments when the bride and groom get away from the crowd for a few minutes and just snuggle up to each other, enjoying their special day. In the end, you might not even remember the ceremony, but you’ll probably remember holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes – so even though there’s lots of contenders for this spot, that’s my favourite part of the day.

Q. Where are your favourite places to shoot in Edmonton?
A. So far I haven’t had a lot of chances to shoot in Edmonton, though I really love the personality of Whyte Ave. and parts of downtown for Urban style photographs. I’d also love to go exploring and find great places to take photos. I also adore shooting in playgrounds, with all the fun and color!

Q. Do you photograph weddings outside of the Edmonton area, and if so, where are you able to travel?
A. My family is in Saskatoon, and I’m originally based there. I’ll be in Edmonton from September 2010 to May 2012, but I’d love to travel anywhere in Canada or for destination weddings. I’d be happy to stay in someone’s house or drive instead of fly (I have done both of these before!) to cut your costs. And you can feed me sandwiches or something – so if you’re looking for a cost effective traveller, I’d be happy to come out, I love to travel and meet new people and see new places.

Q. What makes you different from other wedding photographers?
A. I don’t just try to take the perfect or most artistic photograph. Some people have heard an old story, which is actually true, that certain tribespeople used to refuse to have their picture taken because they thought it captured their soul. I got into photography not to capture an image through a lens, anyone can do that, but because I have the gift of soul-connection – I can capture a little bit of soul in photos I take, and I revel in it. It’s the photos with a little soul in them, a little laughter, emotion, an enigmatic smile – those are the ones that last.

Q. If you were getting married (or if you were to do it all over again), who would you choose to photograph your wedding, and why?
A. I am getting married, this summer! I chose a Saskatoon photographer, Mike Boyce, based on where my fiance’s taste and mine overlapped in images, first of all. I chose him because his photos just vibrate with the personality of his subjects. Honestly, I chose him because he’s exactly the kind of photographer I strive to be – talented, precise, technically savvy, and the kind of person who makes others comfortable.

Q. Do you photograph anything else other than weddings?
A. Actually I specialize in family photography year round, and I absolutely love all kinds of event photography – grads, sports events… I’ve been shooting basketball for seven years, since I was in high school! I haven’t had the chance to shoot someone’s anniversary celebration yet, but it’s one of the things I’d love to do. I did a “going away” shoot for a group of girlfriends that was tons of fun.

Q. What influenced your decision to become a wedding photographer?
A. I’ve been a photographer for most of my life, but always saw it as a hobby or a creative outlet. I used to have a very sensible job working for government, but after my children were born, I realised I had to live my life with creativity and passion, and compartmentalizing my work, which consumed 8-plus hours of my day, away from my “real life”, was no way for me to live. A friend suggested opening a photography business, and a light went on in my head (and my heart!) I had an amazing mentor (Chris, from CU Photography) who helped me get started, and it’s been all sunshine and daisies since then! Every single time I make a connection with a new client, I send up a little thank you to the universe in gratitude for this amazing job. 

Q. Describe your wedding photography style:
A. Freestyle, but creative. A little bit mad-scientist. I studied microbiology at university, and I think the training in observation influences my work. I like to put people in a situation, and see what happens. I’ve been described as a ninja photographer – I like to blend in with the scenery and record the emotion that is happening – husband and wife, mother and daughter, father and son. On the creative side, I love finding interesting backdrops. But even in posed photography, I only give small nudges of direction. 

I like to laugh a lot and often say the most embarrassing things, which I think helps to relax people. This is good, because I know that being in front of the camera can be nerve-wracking. 

Q. Describe your perfect client:
A. A couple who says “I trust you. Do whatever you want”. It’s such a leap of faith to turn that control over, but when they do, they love their pictures. We work as a team to turn the magic of their relationship into photographs. I love working with people who have a sense of humour and are not afraid that they might look silly doing something. 

Q. What is your favourite part of the wedding day(s)?
A. Two things – watching the families interact, and my time alone with the bride and groom. I also love working with couples after the wedding designing their albums, which will last for a lifetime. 

Q. Where are your favourite places to shoot in Edmonton?
A. Can I first just say how terribly unhappy I am about the new anti-graffiti move in this city? 

Ok – places I like. I live in the inner city and I love the aesthetics here. Cool old buildings, awesome paint jobs, lots of colour, vibrancy and life. On the completely opposite end of the scale, I get all weak-kneed over the Alberta prairie landscape. I love big skies, fields of (non-GMO) canola, stands of aspen trees, summer thunderstorms. 

Q. Do you photograph weddings outside of the Edmonton area, and if so, where are you able to travel?
A. You bet. Whereever you want me to go. I have two current passports (British and Canadian) and also love road trips. 

Q. What makes you different from other wedding photographers?
A. My ninja, mad-scientist, say embarrassing things self! Really though. I think the most important part of photography is the relationships we create with people. It’s so important to click with your photographer and really trust them. 

Q. If you were getting married (or if you were to do it all over again), who would you choose to photograph your wedding, and why?
A. Oh boy! There are so many great photographers to choose from both locally and internationally – I think I may have a paparazzi-style wedding! Photography would be the first thing on my budget. Flowers are beautiful (and add to the ambiance) but they die. The cake gets eaten, the dress gets stored, and any location can be beautiful. I often tell my couples about my photographs from my wedding. Even though I am no longer married, I still value my wedding photographs. The ones that (are still) the most meaningful to me are those that my mother-in-law took. She’s brilliant at catching the emotion of a moment. However, I wish I would have hired a professional to get creative, posed shots too. For my next wedding, I want someone who can get the emotion shots and create beautiful artsy shots.

Q .Do you photograph anything else other than weddings?
A. My love of recording the emotional interactions between people translates well to family photography. I love photographing all stages of the family journey from babies in the belly to kids who are bigger than their parents.

Q. What influenced your decision to become a wedding photographer?
A. It just naturally progressed to that stage. After being approached to do my first wedding I figured I would take a leap of faith and try it out. My first wedding came on a day of constant down pour, but it was amazing! It was a complete rush and from there I was hooked. I loved every aspect of shooting weddings, from meeting the client, hearing their vision and helping them achieve it.

Q. Describe your wedding photography style:
A. Very relaxed, very candid. I am the type of photographer who likes to tell a story about your day. From the engagement photos all the way to the wedding day I like to have them flow. I enjoy showing the world how much these two people love each other, and incorporate their personalities from every angle. I am more candid than posed, but always there to set up the shot. 

Q. Describe your perfect client:
A. If every client were the same, life would be boring. There is no such thing as a perfect client as every client/couple I have worked with has brought something different to the table. Every bride and groom has their own day in their head and I love getting to make that happen. Of course it’s always a bonus when they give you creative freedom! 

Q. What is your favourite part of the wedding day(s)?
A.My favourite part of the day is the formal photos. You’ve waited so long to work with your clients, you’ve been with them all day by this point and finally it’s time to let loose and get the photos going. I love seeing how in love people are, especially right after they say “I do” 

Q. Where are your favourite places to shoot in Edmonton?
A. My favourite places in Edmonton to shoot are the places where you would never know you’re in Edmonton. I seek out bushes, treed areas, fountains, running creeks, broken down barns – anything that is out of the ordinary. Although I do love the river valley, the skyline and of course Whyte Ave for it’s graffiti. 

Q. Do you photograph weddings outside of the Edmonton area, and if so, where are you able to travel?
A. I am always willing to travel the globe. With weddings all over Alberta, including Medicine Hat, Red Deer, and Fort Saskatchewan, to Manitoba and even to the Dominican Republic. 

Q. What makes you different from other wedding photographers?
A. What makes me different? I guess is I’m not there to just be your photographer. I’m there as someone who wants to make your day the best it can be by providing the photos you’ve dreamed of. Most clients remain friends and that’s what I love. I love that I can go for coffee after with my clients and they feel that comfortable around me during their own wedding. 

Q. If you were getting married (or if you were to do it all over again), who would you choose to photograph your wedding, and why?
A. That’s a tough question and I don’t think I can answer it! There is something about every photographers work I appreciate and respect – how could I ever just pick one? 

Q. Do you photograph anything else other than weddings?
A. I photograph family, boudoir and portrait photography.

Q. What influenced your decision to become a wedding photographer?
A.  I went to school for commercial photography, where I discovered that my passion was people. Weddings are the perfect way to experience people at their greatest. They are full of excitement and emotion. My life is about connecting with people, and through wedding photography I have the opportunity to connect with many people. I get the opportunity to explore the connection between the couples also, and show them what I see.

Q. Describe your wedding photography style:
A. My style caters to the clients that I am working with. We spend time going over what they like and dislike so that I can tell the story of their wedding their way.  It can be fashion derived, artful, quirky, stylish, sexy or romantic. Regardless, I always focus on the connection between the couple.

Q. Where are your favourite places to shoot in Edmonton?
A. My favorite place to shoot, is somewhere new. I like architectural backgrounds, color, texture and sometimes grit. I love fields and trees and bridges. I love places that have beams of natural light! I like to shoot in a location that speaks to something about my couples.

Q. Do you photograph weddings outside of the Edmonton area, and if so, where are you able to travel?
A. I shoot anywhere people are willing to take me! I love travel as much as I love photography!

Q. What makes you different from other wedding photographers?
A. Every photographer is different.  I personally focus on the relationship between my clients and myself. They feel comfortable enough with me to show their true colors, whatever those may be! I like uniqueness and I strive to offer that to my clients in the work I produce. I offer luxurious and stylish products and I have speedy turn around. My clients always come first.

Q. If you were getting married (or if you were to do it all over again), who would you choose to photograph your wedding, and why?
A. I would never change the photographers from our wedding. We had Fuller Edge from Calgary shoot our wedding, three years ago, and they were perfect! They did an awesome job capturing our style! Love them! If I were getting married again, it would be them hands down and would recommend them to anyone!

Q. Do you photograph anything else other than weddings?
A. I have a boudoir company also: www.lipstickandlace.ca. Women are too hard on themselves these days! To be able to show them the beauty that they hold and sometimes can’t see, is a gift to me. It is also a very personal and unique gift for a groom, or anniversary gift and so it is a perfect pair with wedding photography. I also shoot awesome families being themselves. Oh and Dogs, love them and adore photographing them being dogs!