From photographing an event for Grammy award-winning artist David Foster to the Delux Burger Bar Celebrity Chefs, Moments in Digital photographers Bruce and Sarah Clarke bring their experiences capturing unique events to your wedding day. Their mantra? Take beautiful photos while having a whole lot of fun!

We had the pleasure of working with Moments in Digital Photography on Sherena + Clay’s gorgeous wedding last fall. Some images from their day are included at the bottom of this post.

Read on as Bruce and Sarah share their top wedding photography tips and why they love being behind the lens.

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Credit: Pink Sugar Photography

Quick – give us your Tweetography (tell us about Moments in Digital in 140 characters or less)!

We are a fun-loving husband and wife team who love telling people’s stories through our photography. Capturing moments while having fun is what we are all about!

Why did you become photographers?

Photography was something that we both always enjoyed and like most people, our interest in photography began as a hobby. Growing up we were both fortunate to be raised in families who loved to document important moments with a camera. Later in life, it was travel and the desire to to do a better job of documenting our journeys that led us to want to learn more about photography. That eventually evolved into pursuing photography professionally and we realized how much we loved to tell people’s stories with our photography so documenting weddings became a natural evolution for us. We love getting to know our couples and we think that helps us create genuine images that really show off their personalities.

One of the other motivating factors that got us into wedding photography was the experience we had with our own wedding photography. Regretfully, we put budget ahead of the skill and artistic vision of the photographer we chose to photograph our own wedding, and the result was images we weren’t over the moon with. If we could go back in time, we would definitely spend more time finding the right fit of personality, experience and vision and not worry about spending a bit more to get images we’d be happy with for the rest of our lives.

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

Our parents were definitely large influences on us although it wasn’t until recently when we started to dig around in their basements looking for vintage cameras to add to our growing collection that we both realized how many cameras our families owned. Even though neither one of us had any professional photographers in our families, photography and photographs were always prevalent in our lives.

In terms of other photographers, we draw a lot of our inspiration from a mixture of old and new photographers including Ansel Adams, Cartier Bresson, Bambi Cantrell, Jesh deRox, Joe McNally, Jerry Ghionis, Kevin Kubota, and many others. We also love movies and get a lot of inspiration for lighting and composition from them.

How would you describe your photography style?

Most people would say our photography style is laid back and fun. We love to laugh and goof around with our couples but we also take what we are doing very seriously. We try to keep our images fun and fresh while at the same time making sure the finished product is clean and timeless. There are many trends in photography and in post production that are here today and gone tomorrow. While we do like to keep up with the trends, we also try not to overdue it with any one trend as we think it will quickly date our clients’ images. We don’t want them looking back on their images in a few years and thinking that they look old and dated. Trends like selective color or applying a vintage wash to an image might look interesting for awhile but quickly lose their appeal. We love bright, bold, and colorful images along with classic black and white photography.

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

It probably sounds cliché but there has been something special about every wedding we have photographed. Most recently, we had the opportunity to travel to India to photograph a destination wedding at a palace in the middle of a lake so that would probably rank up there with one of our more memorable weddings. Another wedding we really enjoyed was Hunter & Rod’s intimate wedding at Rutherford House. It was a small family affair that was anything but traditional and included a casual dinner with close family and friends followed by parlour games and everyone sharing stories about the happy couple.

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

• Relax and have fun. Don’t feel you always have to be looking at the camera. Interact with each other and your friends and family and you’ll wind up with more natural looking images from your wedding day.
• Discuss your schedule with your photographer. Make sure you leave plenty of time for photographs. Often couples underestimate the amount of time they’ll need for photos and forget to plan for things like people being late, traffic snarls, and travel time between locations. Great images take time to create and if you and your photographer are pressed for time, you’ll both be stressed and it will show in the images
• Also, talk to your photographer about what time of day will be best for your wedding photos. Many people think that the middle of the day during a summer wedding would be a great time for photographs because it will be nice and sunny out but that is actually one of the worst time to do your photographs. If it’s a hot summer day, you and your wedding party will be uncomfortable and at that time of day the sun is high in the sky resulting in harsh, unflattering shadows.

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Thanks for sharing, Bruce and Sarah! Head on over to the Moments in Digital blog to view more of their work and to book this fun-loving couple for your wedding day.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Although the formal photo session is often the least interesting part of your wedding day, it is important to capture images of your close family members and the special people in your lives. After all, there’s no guarantee that candid photos of Grandma on the dance floor will turn out!

Most photographers are happy to work with a list of important family / formal photos, but it’s always best to check with your photographer first and discuss how s/he prefers to handle this part of the day. The photo list can be a great guide for your photographer, but it can also hamper their creativity.

Use the following checklist as a guideline only and edit it to your own specific needs:

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Bride’s Side

Groom’s Side

Both Sides

Clinton Family Wedding Photo

Wedding Party (often handled before or after family photos)

Other

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Tips to keep in mind:

• The longer your list, the longer the photo session will take. Ensure that your wedding planner or coordinator is aware of this list so s/he can build it into your wedding day itinerary.
• Always inform your photographer and wedding coordinator if there are any sensitive situations in your respective families, such as divorced parents, step-parents, recently deceased family members, etc.

Jennifer

Holly + Ben are one of the most relaxed couples I have worked with! They are both so easygoing and calm – there was no doubt in my mind that they would enjoy their wedding day to the fullest.

Their outdoor ceremony was held at Ben’s family acreage just outside of Devon, AB. The property was absolutely beautiful as the family had worked hard all year preparing for the wedding. Their efforts definitely paid off – the lawn was perfectly manicured and gorgeous flowers were in bloom everywhere! Here’s a shot of the lovely trellis that served as the focal point for Holly + Ben’s ceremony:

Holly + Ben chose a really unique format for their wedding reception. After the ceremony they held a private dinner for their bridal party in the Fantasyland Hotel’s L2 Grill before heading upstairs to join guests at their cocktail reception. This gave them the opportunity to spend some quality time with their closest friends.

Here’s a look at Holly + Ben’s relaxed, fun-loving day, courtesy of Shandro Photo:

Check out Shandro Photo’s blog post on Holly + Ben’s special day, and while you’re there be sure to spend some time looking at their awesome work!

Jennifer

Photo Credit: Shandro Photo.

I had the pleasure of working with Infused Studios on a 3-day convention earlier this year. The creative eyes behind the cameras belong to Anthony + Rina, who not only capture spectacular photos, but they seek to tell your love story through imagery. When I sat down to chat with Anthony + Rina, what really stood out to me is how much they strive to personalize the wedding photography experience for each and every couple they work with. I hope you enjoy getting to know them!

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

Visual Poets :: Love stories are our inspiration & it is an honour to tell them. Big kids at heart, we love to have fun, eat food & travel.

Why did you become photographers?

Rina :: After getting my Bachelor of Design I worked primarily as a graphic designer. I also did some art directing and fashion/ commercial photography. There was a disconnect between myself and the models and after I shot my first wedding I realized why. Capturing a pretty face is one thing; capturing true love and the connection between people is entirely different. It’s more challenging and also more rewarding.

Anthony :: I never owned a camera as a kid. I was raised in a traditional Chinese household, so my career path had 4 options; doctor, lawyer, accountant or engineer. I chose to be a mechanical engineer and became a successful project manager at a reputable oil and gas company within 3 years of graduation. Deep down something was missing – I knew there was always this yearning to express myself artistically though I never had the chance…until Rina came into my life.

She introduced me to her collection of camera equipment and I was instantly hooked. It was like an addiction, every day I would be excited to get through my day at the office because then I could get my photography fix at night. I was intrigued with the idea that I could express myself and create art without limitations, equations, or constrained by the laws of physics. On one chilly October afternoon, I gazed out my office window and asked where I saw myself 20 years down the road…I knew intuitively that I couldn’t see myself like my boss across the hall. The next day, I handed in my resignation letter and never looked back.

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

Rina:: I look for paintings and drawings for my inspiration. Monet for his Impression of landscape paintings. Picasso, Degas, da Vinci and Michelangelo for pushing body movement. Dali for creating the surreal and unnatural forms of life. Also music videos and movies.

Anthony :: One of my biggest influences are movies…and especially ‘chick flicks’ because they have the best cinematography and lighting. C’mon, I mean who can forget epic scenes like the boat scene from “The Notebook,” or even the forest scene from “Twilight?!”

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

• Before booking a photographer, make sure you see an entire wedding that they’ve shot. Teaser images from blogs & website don’t convey how well a photographer can capture a wedding.
• Plan to schedule at least 2 hours to spend time with the photographers (ideally, we’d love to have 4+ hours)! And if there are people that you want to have photos taken with, let us know beforehand so we can be on top of it for you.
• Select based on who you want as a guest at your wedding. Yes, we’re there to work, but really, do you want to hire someone you don’t like to attend your wedding?
• When considering your photography budget, instead of choosing a price point choose the style ‘musts’ that you want. Then look at who photographs in that style and work out a price range from there. It’s heartbreaking when couples choose based on price and aren’t satisfied with their images — after all, you can’t redo your wedding day!

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

Every wedding that we have shot so far has been an exciting moment — our clients are beautifully unique. Photographing the epic “pearl harbor” moment at the Cold Lake municipal airport with the plane flying in the background while Kylie and Warren kissed stands out. We had one chance to get the shot and it turned out exactly how we imagined. Anthony got the shot and Rina was so excited she jumped in the air and whacked him on the head with her telephoto lens!

What’s in store this year for Infused Studios?

• We’ve shot 3 destination weddings so far and are shooting across Alberta through to the fall.
• We’re shooting inspired engagement sessions with our couples and continuing our pursuit of artistic expression.
• We’re also looking out for new studio space but this summer we’re immersed in love stories!

What’s unique or interesting about you two?

Rina:: My closest friends know that I’m goofy, VERY clumsy and still a kid at heart.

Anthony :: I’m dorky, VERY easy-going yet a deep thinker at the same time.

Together :: We love watching classic Disney cartoons and we have a combined collection of stuffed animal friends around our place.  =)

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Here are some amazing images by Infused Studios. You can see more of their stunning work on their website and blog:

Thanks, Anthony + Rina!

Jennifer

More and more couples are choosing to break tradition and see each other before they walk down the aisle. While this change of format isn’t for everyone, taking photos before the ceremony offers a few key benefits:

• Calm those nerves: If you’re the anxious type, hanging out with the bridal party beforehand will help you relax before the ceremony;
• Feeling fresh: You (and your flowers) will look your best during photos;
• Gone with the gap: If your ceremony and reception are being held at the same venue, taking photos first makes a lot of sense and saves your guests the painful wait in between events;
• Capture the moment: You can still have a wonderful first moment together, and your photographer(s) can ensure it’s captured at all angles.

Check out these adorable pictures of Jacqui + Steve’s first look at each other (photos by the talented Kelsy Nielson):

…and here’s a look at their stylish, modern wedding held at The Westin Edmonton last summer:

Think about it – this might be a great option for your wedding day!

Jennifer

Photo Credit: Kelsy Nielson.

I had the pleasure of meeting Cosmin and his wife Ioana last November. They are wonderful, genuine people and if you follow his blog you’ll learn quickly that Cosmin is a spunky character! Oh, and he takes some pretty awesome photos too!

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

I have a camera and I’m not afraid to use it!

Why did you become a photographer?

I didn’t take a picture until the age of 24. At that point I started to work on cruise ships and visited some of the most amazing places. I just felt the need to show my family and friends all of those places and the only way was to take pictures. The rest is history…

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

That has to be my wife! Yes, definitely! Everything I was able to accomplish in the last 10 years it’s because of her love and support. I wouldn’t even be in Canada if it wasn’t for her. Also I like to believe that I’m learning every day from all the people I meet. It’s amazing how much you find out if you open your eyes and ears.

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

Stressing on the wedding day is not going to help anybody. It’s a good idea to have somebody – like a professional – to keep things organized. You should have only beautiful memories from the day, so just enjoy it!

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

One of my favourite events I’ve had the chance to be part of was my first East-Indian wedding. It was a 4 day one and I got to know the family quite well and I got attached emotionally. It was an extremely overwhelming experience!

What’s in store this year for Cosmin Danila Photography?

4 weddings and…another wedding, and another one, and so on. It’s going to be a crazy busy summer! I’ll also be travelling more for weddings, which is good, because when I grow up I want to be a destination wedding photographer.

You’ve been married for 10 incredible years. Any marriage tips for the newlyweds out there?

It’s an obvious one, but I have to say it: LOVE each other. If you do, everything else falls into place. And don’t be afraid to show it! I consider love to be contagious and soon enough it will work in everybody’s advantage!

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Check out some of Cosmin’s gorgeous work below and on his website:

Thanks for sharing, Cosmin!

Jennifer

Amanda + Kelly’s wedding day was filled with love, laughter and a lot of rain – oh, and a little snow too! Both the ceremony and reception were held at the Executive Royal Inn West Edmonton, and the ballroom looked beautiful in purple and gold accentuated by tall dendrobium orchid arrangements.

I had the pleasure of working with two very talented photographers: Tricia from Tricia Moskal Photography and Bruce from Moments in Digital. Tricia and Bruce did a great job of capturing the details of the day and the happy friends and family who were there to celebrate Amanda + Kelly’s love.

Special thanks to my assistant Krista for helping wherever needed, and to Laura and Micheline for assisting with the ceremony setup.

(All photos below are courtesy of Moments in Digital.)

Congratulations Amanda + Kelly! I wish you and your families the very best in the future.

Jennifer

Bruce Swanson of Swannie Lake Photography took a few shots of Krista (one of my awesome Assistant Coordinators) and I in action at Kathleen + Robert’s May 8th wedding:

Outside the church doors

Getting the Groom ready for his big day

Testing some aisle shots before the guests arrive

Bruce is a member of the Professional Photographers of Canada, and is available to shoot weddings, families and corporate portraits. Thanks again, Bruce!

Jennifer