A few weeks ago, I posted a rapid fire Q&A reel on my instagram.
As fun as it was, I wanted to take some time to expand on my answers and connect more with you all!
Q&A
About the photographer
Q: Why did you choose to be a photographer?
A: My photo journey started way back when I was about 12. My parents gifted me a "point and shoot" digital camera and from that day on I was obsessed! It all started with nature photos, but once I found out this could be a career, I was set in making it happen. I attended Fanshawe College in 2017 to better my skills and started capturing moments for couples and families in 2018 professionally. From that first session to now, photography has never lost it's magic for me and I would chose this career in every single lifetime.
Q: How long have you been doing photography?
A: I started professionally capturing sessions and weddings in 2018, but launched Flower Child Photography as a full-time business in 2020. Since then I have captured hundreds of lifestyle sessions and over 50 weddings.
Q: How would you describe your photography style in five words?
A: Authentic, Warm, Natural, Emotional, Timeless
Q: Do you edit every photo yourself?
A: Every single image in your gallery has been hand picked and edited by me! I take great pride in delivering the best images possible and would never outsource my culling or editing to another person or AI.
I especially have trust issues when it comes to allowing AI access to change the images.
Q: Do you watch or listen to anything while you edit?
A: Editing time is podcast time! Ladies and Tangents or Smosh Reddit Stories
are almost always playing when I'm in my office.
Q: If photography didn’t exist, what would you do?
A: If I had to choose a completely different career, I believe I would have ended up in the library system or working in childcare. I have worked part-time doing both and absolutely loved it!
Q: What do you do when you’re not doing photography?
A: When I'm not behind the camera or editing a session, you'll find me spending time with my pets, in nature on hikes, or playing video games like COD or Stardew Valley.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of photography for you?
A: Preserving people's memories for a lifetime. There is no better feeling than seeing how much joy the images I've captured have brought to clients! My job isn't about just creating art, it's about capturing the small moments that you may miss, that will be treasured for years to come.
Q: What is the most common misconception about your work?
A: That my camera "takes great photos" or "all you do is click a button".
Photography is so much more than having a fancy camera and pressing the shutter. It takes years of training and experience to confidently capture lifestyle sessions, and weddings can push you to your stress limits. Photographers become your planner, stylist, and coordinator before the session and your editor, printer, and customer service afterward. They will manage and direct hundreds of people on your wedding day or engage with your kids to get the perfect smiling photo.
When you hire the right photographer, they do way more than just take pretty photos.
You become a part of their family and your important memories become some of their favourites too.
Q: Favourite photo you’ve ever taken?
A: It's too hard to chosen one and it changes all the time. So, here are four of my current favourites.
Q&A
Lifestyle
Q: How soon should I book my session?
A: This recommendation can vary depending on the season. Busy season for myself is between May-Nov and my schedule becomes booked quickly. If you're looking to book a session within those months, I would recommend booking as soon as you know which date you'd like your session captured. This can help to avoid the disappointment of last minute bookings not lining up with my availability.
If you're looking for a timeline of when to reach out, I suggest 1-3 months before your session at a minimum.
Q: How do you help clients get comfortable?
A: This is extremely important to me. I want to make sure everyone at the session has a good time and leaves thinking "That wasn't so bad, I'd do that again!". Before the session, I can help guide you on what to expect and how to arrive ready. From outfit planning to location selection, I will be there every step of the way. When starting a session I like to keep the mood light and fun, especially while working with children. We can take our time to let the kids adjust and get their shyness or excitement out before beginning the session. While capturing photos, I'll very lightly guide you through poses that lead to connection and bring the focus to your loved ones with you. If at any point during the session someone isn't comfortable with a pose, we can find an alternative! Some poses will add movement and excitement to keep the kids (and adults) entertained and laughing. After the session, you will have stunning images to treasure forever.
Sessions should be easy and enjoyable, I strive to make all sessions as stress free as possible in every aspect.
Q: tips for sessions with young children?
A: My biggest tip, allow the children to be themselves! The silly faces, running around, playing with their siblings, all lead to fantastic candid opportunities. It may seem chaotic, but I promise you'll love the images.
If you're wanting practical tips I'd suggest bringing snacks for hungry littles, baby wipes to clean up faces, their favourite toy to "assist" me in taking their photo, and a reward for afterward. These things are not necessary but can help a lot when the kids hit a wall and need a break or fun way to get through the last few minutes of a session.
Q: Can we keep photos of our children private?
A: Yes! Your privacy is my top priority. If you'd prefer your images not be shared, please let me know!
Q: What should we wear?
A: I suggest - neutral colours, choosing a pop of colour or pattern to add as an accent, keep colours consistent or within the same colour family in different shade, and most importantly sticking to what makes you comfortable.
Q&A
Weddings
Q: What are some tips for couples on their wedding day?
A: Here is a small list of things to remember on the big day.
- Stick together - your wedding day will be extremely busy and guests will pull you two away from each other at times. Remember the day is about you two as a couple, try to soak it in together.
- Take a moment for yourselves - 5-10 minutes, away from the crowd and noise. Use this moment to take in all the excitement from the day and just breathe.
- Pass off responsibilities - Hire a day of coordinator or assign all tasks of the day to a trusted family member or your bridal party. This will prevent you from having to answer a million questions. Instead you can just enjoy your day while your trusted person handles the rest.
- Try to stay in the moment - the day will fly by, remember to take a few moments to slow down, look around at all your loved ones, your partner, and reflect on the journey that got you there.
- Real > Perfection - Small things may go wrong and in the moment, and it can feel big. This is easier said than done, but try to not let it ruin the mood. Your wedding is about focusing on your love, not a perfectly staged event. Sometimes the best moments are the ones that are completely unplanned. Your day will be beautiful, no matter what, because you get to marry the love of your life.
If you'd like to read more suggestions head to the blog post "6 Wedding Reminders you Need to Hear."
Q: Biggest Wedding Photography Mistake you see?
A: Hiring a photographer you've never worked with solely for their price and not because you love their work.
Nothing leads to photo regret faster than this. The saying "you get what you pay for" can certainly be true in the photography industry, but you can also find a great photographer at any budget. The important thing to remember is cost doesn't always translate to value. I will always highly recommend working with your photographer before the wedding day to get a feel of how you work together and if you like the images you receive. A portfolio can be a great indicator, but in today's world of AI and photography scams, the best way to know if you'll love the results is to work with them personally. Engagement sessions are a great way to trial run your photographer and decide if you'd vibe well on your big day.
Q: Do you ever cry at weddings?
A: All the time! Especially during private vows, first dances, and speeches. Hearing the couple and their family express their love will always have me tearing up. That's when you'll catch me hiding my face behind my camera the most.
Q: What’s your dream wedding to photography?
A: A November or December wedding in New Zealand during Lupin blooming season!
If you've never seen this, give it a Google. It's stunning!
Q: How far out do you need to book a photographer for your wedding?
A: Personally, I recommend reaching out around 6-8 months out from your day at a minimum. This gives amply time to get into your photographers schedule before busy season fills up and your date is unavailable.
Q: How do you choose the right wedding vendors?
A: Here is how I personally would find the right vendors for my day. These are all suggestions and should be taken as such. There is no right way to choose a vendor, but this can help narrow it down to only the best choices.
- Research - check out instagram, google, bridal shows, etc. and find vendors you love.
- Check reviews and referrals - find vendors with 4+ stars and experience.
- Compatibility - reach out to vendors and chat, this can help find vendors that fit your vibe.
- Ask questions - ask about experience, backup plans, and what's included in your package.
- Get everything in writing - make sure your contract includes the cost, deliverables, and return date.
- Prioritize popular vendors - highly sought after vendors book months in advance, book them first.
My recommended booking order would be: Venue - Planner - Photographer - Videographer - Florist - Makeup & Hair - Entertainment
