One of the best things about being a photographer is meeting and getting to know so many wonderful people. I feel so fortunate to be able to capture life’s moments, and it’s my goal to photograph people in their true element — feeling at ease and comfortable, never awkward or unhappy. That’s why it’s important for you to get to know me too! Sure, you may have already read my bio, but I know that many of you are looking to dig deeper.
So, grab a coffee (or a beer) and settle in. Today, I’m answering some of the questions that I’m most commonly asked by couples and families looking to work with me.
There’s no single word that describes the way I like to show people in my work, but one thing I know for sure is that the moments leading up to most of my favourite photos have been unpredictable, sometimes chaotic, and rarely perfect. My favourite photos are filled with real expressions and emotion. I love coordinating colours, with a few hints of bold colours too. I love showing people having fun, while connecting and interacting with each other… this will never go out of style and will forever remain timeless.
The first dance! It’s one of the few moments of the day where everyone has loosened up and feels worry-free. I love seeing all the guests’ smiles and palpable joy in the same frame — 360 degrees of happy!
Our wedding day was surreal. My wife Christy and I were married at Le Belvedere—a venue that’s still on my photography bucket list—and it was the best day ever (not to sound too cliché).
Photo credit: Bobbi Sheridan of bobbiphoto.com
Being on the other side of the camera was a completely different experience! Confession: I may still have been in ‘wedding photographer’ mode as I analyzed our entire venue for the right photo angles while being photographed myself! Luckily, we had a wonderful photographer—Bobbi Sheridan—who reminded me to snap out of it and relax! Bobbi has been my wedding and family photography mentor for almost a decade now. From the moment I started my business, I knew she would be our photographer, years before I even got engaged! She is an incredible person and her work is magical. I highly recommend you check her out, and maybe when it’s safe to travel again, you can get her to fly back up here for your own special shoot too!
This is a tough one to answer. Weddings vs. family photos, hmm…. I don’t know if it’s possible for me to absolutely say one is my favourite over the other, but I can definitely say why I love each.
Weddings are full of so many emotions, and I feel extra special to have the best seat in the house to witness it all! There is so much to photograph, everyone is dressed to impress and all the guests are so happy.
My time with families for their family photos at home or at the park (especially with the little ones) are a ton of fun. Parents always express how much these new photos of their kids mean to them, and they often become an annual family tradition. Watching them grow so fast is incredible… and we often become best buds too!
I feel incredibly proud to be a Black photographer in Ottawa.
It means I have to (and continue to) overcome barriers as a business owner. With all the endless love and support that I receive from friends and family, it means I can aspire to achieve anything I put my mind and heart to. Don’t get me wrong, there are many challenges I have faced but I still consider myself fortunate to connect with the right people through my work. I am proud to serve my clients, who have been of all ethnicities over the past decade.
Being a Black photographer has enabled me to see how photography can empower people, especially among Black people like myself, and other minorities. Being an owner of a photography business has been a tool that I use to portray us to the world in ways that are uncommon. I’m a strong believer in representation, showing people as the very best versions of themselves has never been more important.
I look to continue connecting with and learning from all peoples, in this incredible journey as a professional photographer.
I hope this little Q&A gave you a bit of insight into who I am, and what it might be like to work with me, but if you’re looking to ask a few more questions, let’s connect!
