I’m a professional wedding photographer based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, as well as an educator and editor for other wedding photographers within Atlantic Canada. My style is inspired by classic Kodak and Fujifilm film stocks, and my goal is to create images that are true to colour and timeless so that my clients will enjoy them for decades to come. You can find me featured in some industry publications such as Dear Bride, Today’s Bride, and LooksLikeFilm.
How long have you been a photographer? What inspired you to become a photographer?
Ever since I received my first camera as a gift as a child, I have been in love with photography. I took photos of everything, and slowly (very slowly!) learned more about the technical aspects and how to connect with people in order to photograph their best selves, in an authentic way. Although there are many different divisions in the photography industry, I quickly became enthralled with photographing portraits of people in love, and this lead to a natural transition into the wedding industry. In my spare time, I also love travel photography and photographing pets!
What’s the first event you can remember working and how did it go?
Honestly, the first wedding I photographed was a total disaster! I was 19, working a 14 hour day by myself, with no experience, a small amount of gear, and no guidance on how the day would go. It was a long and stressful day, and I never thought I would do another wedding; I was asked again a few years later and decided to give it another shot, and now I can’t imagine doing anything else.
I learned so much from my early days in the event industry and it’s allowed me to become a better photographer and assist my clients in making sure their special day flows spectacularly.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced while working an event?
I think every event can come with its own challenges; that’s what keeps us on our toes and makes life interesting! Especially with weddings, it’s important to be flexible, as every celebration is different and things can go awry with so many moving parts. That said, I think one of the most challenging days in recent years was shooting during Hurricane Dorian in 2019. By 10am, the venue was out of power, the rain was pouring down, and trees were blocking the roads – and the ceremony wasn’t even happening until 5pm. We made the best of the situation with lots of candlelight, positive attitudes, and a generator for the kitchen to make sure everyone had a warm dinner.
In spite of the day’s difficulties, the couple persevered and said their vows just as the eye of the storm hit over the Atlantic Ocean. What a story to tell about their special day!
What are 2 trends in the industry that you’re excited about?
Although the pandemic has affected the event industry in many ways, the bright side in the wedding sector is that we are seeing more intimate, intentional celebrations with personalized details that sometimes get lost in the shuffle of larger wedding days – more elopements and small gatherings where the couple can really spend time with every guest!
Another trend on the rise that I love to see is a focus on sustainability, particularly because the event industry does incorporate a lot of single use items. Some of my favourites have been eschewing save the dates for invites only, using dried flower petals as confetti, and using rental decor vs. purchasing your own; better for the environment and budget friendly!
What are some things you wished you knew before starting your business?
Truthfully, I wish I had known how much I would enjoy working for myself and how much my business would grow once I took the leap to devote all of my work hours to it. It can be terrifying to take the plunge into self-employment and leave the corporate world, but I maintain that it is the best thing I have ever done! Allowing myself the space to learn and build my business has granted me the ability to reach my goals (and imagine bigger ones) and being in control of my work/life balance has been amazing.
Don’t get me wrong – running a business in the event industry is tough work. If you’re involved in the day-of operations, you’ll have some incredibly long and difficult days that might make you want to throw in the towel. That said, you’ll never be bored, you’ll have the opportunity to flex your creativity, and hopefully, you’ll feel a great satisfaction in your work that cannot be found elsewhere.
Where do you find ideas for your photography work?
Inspiration is everywhere! It could be as simple as the colour grading and styling in a movie I watch, the change of seasons, the way a wedding dress moves as a bride walks or the stunning location where a couple is about to say “I do”. I try to avoid overly trendy photography styles and focus on moments, movement, and capturing the day as it unfolds, while incorporating individual touches according to each couple and their personalities.
