When I ask couples about their wedding day priorities, great photography always tops the list. But choosing the right photographer to capture your wedding memories isn’t always easy – there’s a lot to consider! Brianna, owner of Brianna K Photography, shares what inspires her and advises what couples should keep in mind when hiring their wedding photographer.

Tell us about yourself!

I was born and raised in Edmonton. At the age of 23 I moved to New York City to study photography. After receiving my BFA in NYC I moved to Paris where I earned a Master’s Degree in Photography. Living abroad gave me an appreciation for Edmonton and what I love most about it is the people.

Shooting weddings allows me to connect with some of the city’s unique and amazing couples. What sets me apart from other photographers is my ability to bring a little Paris and New York style into my wedding photography!

Why did you become a photographer?

I have always loved the arts and studied art history at the U of A. The more I studied the more I wanted to become an artist. When I was a child my family was involved in the arts and took my brother and I on trips to Europe where I gained a true appreciation for the creative world.

Who have been the biggest influences in your life (photographers or otherwise)?

I am influenced by everything around me – from the frost on the trees to the autumn leaves. I am inspired by my clients and the emotions they embody on their wedding day.

How would you describe your photography style?

I am a fine artist at heart and am represented by a gallery in Edmonton. I also shoot fashion and commercial work for magazines. My wedding style is documentary as I love to capture the intimate moments between a couple. My work is not posed, it is more natural. I really focus on the emotional aspect of the wedding and strive to achieve that in my photographs.

Do you have a favourite wedding or wedding moment that you’ve photographed?

I love all my couples! My favourite moments are when the groom sees the bride for the first time and the intimate moments I capture after the ceremony.

What are some wedding day photography tips that couples should keep in mind?

It is very important that a couple trusts and feels comfortable with their wedding photographer. Don’t choose someone simply because they are the cheapest – book a photographer who has a style you love and who you connect with. I also recommend doing an engagement session as this helps build a relationship with your photographer before the wedding.

Here’s a glimpse at some of Brianna’s recent work – gorgeous!

Visit Brianna K Photography to book Brianna for your upcoming wedding!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Nadia + Steve are getting married next August, and they’ve chosen one of my favourite photography teams to capture their special day – James Design Studios (JDS). I’ll admit I’m a bit biased as JDS shot my own wedding a couple years ago, but their amazing work speaks for itself!

Steve just returned to Edmonton after spending a few months in Eastern Canada, so last week was the perfect time to take their engagement photos. These two are so in love and they’re truly best friends – I think it shows in the photos!

Check out the full post and more beautiful couples in love on JDS Photography’s blog.

Jennifer

Meet Kelly Redinger. Kelly is the fun-natured photographer behind Kelly Redinger Studios, based out of Sherwood Park, AB.

Quick – give us your best Tweetography (ie. tell us about yourself in 140 characters or less)!

Hello. I’m Kelly. I photograph people in love. And I wake up every morning super excited to create inspiring photos. I am a happy guy.

Why did you become a photographer?

I have always been a visual person. And I love meeting people. It was a natural fit to combine these two into an awesome career. Photography allows me the opportunity to freeze in time the amazing things I see around me. And I love how looking at an image, at this single frozen moment in time, can evoke such strong emotional responses. After finishing my bachelor of commerce degree and working at a job I absolutely hated, I made the decision to wake up every day and enjoy what I do for a living. Choosing photography was a really easy decision, and I’ve never looked back!

Who have been the biggest influences in your life?

My biggest photography influence comes from master photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Julia Margaret Cameron because of their ability to capture amazingly touching moments in a time when technology made photography extremely difficult. They were photographers in the 1800’s and early 1900’s, and they could capture these brilliant moments with these antiquated tools, and their images have stood the test of time as some of the best. Especially in our tech-savvy world, it is inspiring to be reminded that a photographer is not defined by his photo equipment, but by his talent and creativity.

What are some wedding day photography tips that couples should keep in mind?

By far the biggest thing I try to encourage couples to keep in mind is to enjoy the day! This seems simple, but there is so much time and energy spent planning out the day, that often the bride and groom get caught up stressing over the tiniest details and lose sight that this is supposed to be one of the happiest day of their lives! Relax, enjoy yourselves, enjoy your guests, and be present. If you are distracted and worried about the small stuff, then your wedding photos will capture that. But if you can forget about your stress and all the little details, and just focus on savouring every moment of your wedding day, you can be sure that when you view your photographs, you will see your joy and happiness and love written all over them.

Do you have a favourite wedding or wedding moment that you’ve photographed?

This is a tough call as I find there is something special in every wedding. One of my favourite moments from this past year was working with Danielle and Christopher. They had a really small wedding, and only wanted a small and intimate creative photo session as a compliment to their day. Their energy, and love, and eagerness to have great images meant we created a TON of fantastic photos in a really short period of time. The highlight of the day (for me…I’m sure getting married was their highlight!) was having Danielle pose in the window display of Career Girl Bridal on Jasper Ave.  I love how the photos turned out. They were SO much fun to work with.

What’s in store this year for Kelly Redinger Studios?

I am looking forward to introducing some new elements into my wedding photography, continuing to evolve my style, and expanding my brand to an even larger audience. I am also developing a couples portrait session called’ 1+1 Sessions’ geared specifically towards couples (think engagement photos for people who are already married!)  Another exciting project I am developing right now is a photography workshop called I Photograph People, which will help guide photographers in working with people and getting the best results. This is shaping up to be a busy year!

You’ve been married for 10 years now – any tips for the future newlyweds out there?

Hold hands. Hug in public. Laugh. Have date nights. Surprise your husband/wife with little notes in his/her wallet, or car, or lunch bag, telling them how awesome they are. And flowers now and then don’t hurt either.

A few of Kelly’s amazing images:

Drop by Kelly’s blog to say ‘hi’ and see what’s he’s been up to recently!

Thanks Kelly!

Jennifer