Posts Tagged: Edmonton wedding photographer

04/15/10

In the Limelight with Stephanie Cragg Photography

Stephanie of Stephanie Cragg Photography, is an Edmonton-based photographer (and self-proclaimed shoe junkie!) who has shot weddings all across the country. I spent some time getting to know Stephanie and it sounds like she has an exciting year ahead!

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

When there is a lull in conversation, my husband jokingly will ask me, “So…do you like…stuff?” Yes. Yes I do.

Why did you become a photographer?

I think it was just a natural progression, as throughout my life I’ve participated in, and continue to enjoy many of the visual arts (and crafty pursuits!).

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

Biggest influences artistically include Picasso for his general ‘unusualness’, as well as The Group of Seven for their realistic and abstract visions of nature. Photographically, I’m inspired by the work of fashion and commercial photographers who achieve making beautiful and linger-worthy images by combining photography and digital-artistry.

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

Here’s one from the funny-but-true files: Careful with the ‘glitter’ make-up…the wrong brand, applied too heavily and in the wrong spots, often results in it ending up on other peoples’ dark clothing (ie. men’s suits) and can look like dandruff in photos.

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

Favourite wedding moments are the heart-felt ones. The unexpected onset of emotion. Like when the normally shy and reserved groomsman says something verrrrry funny in his speech, it makes the bride so suddenly laugh that she spits out a mouthful of wine. Or the child who spontaneously and tearfully rushes the altar, upon hearing that her parents are ‘now pronounced’. Or the bride who breaks down when she looks at her father before they depart for the ceremony, leaving the house that she has lived in her whole life. Real life is way better than the movies.

What’s in store this year for Stephanie Cragg Photography?

I’ll be photographing a terrific variety of wedding themes, locations and travelling! Off hand, I know that some coming up include a Scottish themed wedding, an East Indian celebration, a lakeside tented wedding in Ontario, a trip to California, couples from overseas getting married in Jasper and Banff, both city and country weddings, and even some celebrity nuptials!

You’ve been married almost 13 years – any marriage advice for the brides and grooms out there?

  • Pick your battles;
  • Do and find things to make each other laugh as often as you can; and,
  • As long as you can sincerely say it, promise your spouse that if times get tough you’d still live with them no matter what – even if it’s in a cardboard box.

~~~

Check out some of Stephanie’s gorgeous work below and on her website:

Thanks Stephanie!

Jennifer

02/17/10

In the Limelight with Kelly Redinger

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