Why a Good Wedding Photographer is Worth Every Penny

As a professional wedding photographer based in Jasper National Park, I can tell you firsthand that hiring a photographer should be one of the biggest investments you make for your special day. I know that wedding photographers can be expensive, but I'm going to explain why that is; and why that's a good thing.

Your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable days of your life, and it goes by in the blink of an eye. That’s why it’s so important to hire a skilled photographer who can capture all of the special moments and emotions of the day. A good photographer will be able to tell the story of your wedding through stunning images that you will cherish for a lifetime. Your experienced photographer will also know how to pose you and give you easy to follow instructions so that you can look your absolute best and be excited for the photos that are delivered!

But beyond just the end result of beautiful photos, there are many other reasons why hiring a wedding photographer should be a top priority for your wedding.

For one, a professional photographer has the experience and expertise to handle any situation that may arise on your wedding day. From dealing with uncooperative weather to handling difficult lighting scenarios (with specialized gear), a professional photographer knows how to adapt and get the best possible shots. We know how to handle high stress situations, tricky family dynamics (don't worry, most families have a few of these) and can generally help the flow of the day because we've done all this before. Many times.

In addition, a good wedding photographer will have a strong understanding of wedding traditions and etiquette, which is especially important if you’re planning a traditional or formal wedding. They’ll know when and where to be to capture all of the key moments, such as the exchange of rings, the first dance, and the cutting of the cake.

Your professional photographer will have a well-organized workflow that allows them to efficiently capture all of the important shots without interrupting the flow of your wedding day. They’ll work discreetly in the background, ensuring that you and your guests are able to fully enjoy the festivities without feeling like you’re being constantly photographed.

A good wedding photographer will also be able to offer you a wide range of services and products, such as custom wedding albums, wall art / prints, and digital files. This step is an important one and it often gets overlooked by cheaper photographers. A beautiful print of your favourite wedding moment will let you relive it over and over again. This service also allows you to fully customize your wedding photography experience and choose the products that best suit your needs and budget.

There are also many things happening once your wedding is over and your photographer starts prepping your photos for delivery. First, every single image is scrutinized so that no moment is forgotten but there are no unflattering shots either. Next, your photos are uploaded into high quality editing software where they are meticulously combed over and finessed for the final version that you will eventually see. Learning how to edit like this is a skill that can take years to perfect. This is why it is important to choose your photographer based on their editing style, because in a way it's how they express their art and you have chosen the artist based on the style of photos you have seen from their portfolio. Once the hours and hours of behind the scenes editing is done your photographer will be just as excited to deliver your photos as you are to see them all!

So there you have it, why hiring a professional wedding photographer should be a top priority for your special day. Not only will they capture beautiful, timeless images of your wedding, but they also bring a wealth of experience, expertise, high tech gear and professionalism to the table. Don’t skimp on this important investment – your wedding day is absolutely worth it.

Overcoming Wedding Anxiety: 4 Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding

Wedding planning can be an exciting and joyous endeavour, but it can also bring on a lot of stress and anxiety. From worrying about logistics and budget to feeling overwhelmed by all of the decisions that need to be made, it's completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed during this time. If you're struggling with wedding anxiety, here are four ways to overcome it:

Seek Support From Loved Ones

Talk to your partner, family, and friends about your anxieties and concerns. They can offer valuable advice and support to help you feel more at ease. You may be able to ask them to help you cross tasks off of your list or be able to assign them jobs on your wedding day as well. This way you have peace of mind knowing that the people you trust most will be helping you behind the scenes and you can then relax and enjoy your special day.

Practice Self-Care

Take breaks from wedding planning to focus on yourself and do things that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it's going for a walk, practicing yoga, or getting a massage, make sure to carve out time for self-care. This is important for your actual wedding day as well, make sure to plan some mini breaks into your timeline so that you can relax between the big events during the day. This will translate into better photos as well because you won't be as stressed in front of the camera.

Book An Engagement Session With Your Photographer

One of the biggest sources of wedding anxiety can be the thought of being in front of the camera all day. An engagement session with your photographer is a great way to get comfortable with being photographed and build a rapport with your photographer. This can help you feel more at ease on your wedding day and once again translates into better photos all around.

Hire A Wedding Planner

A wedding planner can take a lot of the stress and worry off your shoulders by handling all of the logistics and decision-making. This can free up your time to focus on the parts of the wedding that matter most to you, and allow you to enjoy the planning process more.

By implementing these strategies, you can reduce your wedding anxiety and focus on what really matters - celebrating your love and commitment to your partner.

Why You Should Choose Jasper National Park for Your Proposal

As a professional photographer who lives and works in Jasper National Park, I can confidently say that there is no more beautiful or romantic place to propose to your significant other than here. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is home to breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable vistas that are sure to make your proposal truly special.

There are few experiences more romantic than getting down on one knee and popping the question while surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Jasper. Whether you choose to propose at the top of a mountain, beside a beautiful lake, or in the midst of a lush forest, Jasper truly has it all. The natural beauty of this park is unmatched and will provide the perfect backdrop for your proposal. Plus, when you book your proposal photos with me I have a handy guide for all of the best locations for the big moment!

It's not just the stunning scenery that makes Jasper the perfect place to propose. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, elk and bighorn sheep. Imagine getting down on one knee and proposing to your partner while a curious elk or majestic bighorn watches on in the background. That's part of the fun of Jasper, you never know what could happen! What is guaranteed is an experience that both you and your partner will never forget.

Another reason to propose in Jasper is for the mini vacation that you can make out of the trip as well! Jasper has the best date options you could ask for, whether you are looking for something more cozy and romantic or wild and adventurous; this place has it all! Looking for those intimate vibes? Rent out a cabin with your own fireplace to curl up in front of. Stroll around the town and grab a bite to eat at a high end restaurant. Want more adventure? Head to Marmot Basin to have fun on the slopes or if it's summer take the Sky tram to the top of Whistlers Mountain! It really is a choose your own adventure type of place. Plus, it's super easy to continue on a scenic road trip into BC or Banff from here.

So what are you waiting for? Let's get planning something special, you and your partner deserve it!

Choosing your Jasper Wedding Photographer

So, you’ve said yes and now come the big decisions. Venue, guests, food, decorations, and most importantly; the photographer. When it comes to picking the right photographer there is a lot more involved than just looking at previous pictures they’ve taken and swiping right. Your photographer(s) will be around for your entire day, you will lean on them to ensure that you are looking fantastic and to keep the timing of the day as well. Wedding photographers play an unsung role in the organization and often in our case have saved the day in some way or another. This guide will lead you through some of the more important things that should be considered when choosing a photographer for your wedding in Jasper National Park and beyond!

1. What is important to you that needs to be captured?

With so many things happening you will want to figure out exactly what parts of your day you want to be captured professionally. Most photographers will offer different packages based on the hours required so its easy to plan out. When you look at your day from the very beginning to the very end try and identify which areas you want to be covered. Some suggestions are:

• Bride and bridal party getting ready

• Groom and groomsmen getting ready

• Venue location shots

• Detailed decor shots – like your table settings, floral arrangements, seating chart

• Bridal party transport to the venue

• First look

• Wedding ceremony

• Bride and groom portraits

• Bridal party portraits

• Family portraits

• Pre-dinner drinks

• Speeches

• Reception Traditions

• Dancing

Just remember that if you have a big list of shots you want captured, your photographer could need to organize a second shooter (luckily with us a second shooter is included in most packages). A second shooter is essential if you want shots of yourself walking down the aisle, along with a photo of your partner’s face when they see you for the first time –a difficult task to capture these at the same time. Standard practice dictates that the more coverage you need and the more details you request, the more hours you will need included in your package.

2. Book an engagement session with them

Wedding photography is probably the most important investment, so if you are still unsure of a particular wedding photographer then check them out with an engagement shoot first. You will receive amazing engagement photos to share with your family and friends, to post online and use in your wedding invites/décor. It’s also the best way to see how you all work and flow together as the session gives you the opportunity to get to know one other and form a connection before the wedding. If you’re a little camera shy and feel nervous or awkward in front of the lens, you can also use your engagement shoot to build up your confidence in your photographers and yourself. Lastly, it’s a great way to explore in person the spot that you will be getting married in and which areas would be great for photos in the future.

3. Talk to them live!

So many wedding photographers nowadays simply communicate through emails or texts; reach out and communicate with your potential photographers on the phone or preferably through a video conferencing app like ZOOM. This gives you an intimate and detailed session to communicate your needs as a client as well as get a chance to really get to know your photographers and their personalities, which is a perfect way to feel less like stranger the first time you stand in front of their camera! Look for photographers who want to talk to you live as soon as possible, these are the people who are committed to understanding what you want for your day the most. After that you can email and text all you want but now you know exactly who you are chatting with!

4. Have your questions prepared beforehand

You want to come into any conversation with your photographer with some pertinent questions ready to go (if you will be talking to me as your photographer, don’t worry, we will talk about these things during your planning call). If this is your first wedding (might not be!) then you can use this handy list below to see if your photographer is a pro or a weekend hobbyist:

• Are you available on my wedding date and how far in advance should I book with you?

• What kind of deposit is required to secure the booking?

• What kind of packages do you have available? What would you recommend based on my

  requirements?

• How would you describe your photography style?

• How do you like to work on the day – discreet, or very present?

• Will you have an assistant or second shooter?

• How long have you been photographing weddings?

• What is your general turnaround time for receiving the photos after the wedding? How will they

  be sent?

• Do you offer photo albums, and is this an additional cost?

• Have you shot any weddings similar to ours in terms of style and guest numbers?

• Do you have all of the necessary insurances and licensing required?

• What information do you need from us before the big day?

• Do you have any testimonials from past clients?

  * As an addendum to this list: Licensed photographers in Jasper National Park are required to have

liability insurance; a parks and or municipal business license, as well as WCB coverage. If your photographer is

coming from outside the park, they will need to purchase an additional photography license in

order to work in the park; please ensure they have this license or you and your vendor could face

heavy fines. When you choose a local photographer it saves you money with any associated travel costs that an out of town photographer may charge and you will not need to pay extra for the licensing/insurance that the photographer requires.

5. Find local photographers

Your best photos will be captured by the people who know the area the best; it is important to find local photographers who fit your photo style. Not all photographers shoot the same; some are more traditional with rigid posing for images and a high-end magazine-esque final product and some shoot in a more documentary style which aims to capture a natural and relaxed image. In any case the right photographer for you more than likely is practicing in the area you are planning to get married in; so, support them and show them how much you value their work and their expertise of the area. Trust them to find you the most amazing spots to wow you.

We hope this information is helpful for you wherever you may be getting married, however, If you are planning on tying the knot in Jasper National Park we would love to be considered as the photographers you choose to help capture your special day. For more information on wedding day services feel free to say hello and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Why You Should Elope in Jasper National Park for 2024

So you’ve heard this term “Eloping” thrown around a few times before, maybe even while planning your wedding; let’s talk a little more about it and discuss why this option might be the right fit for you! Without further ado, here are my top reasons that an elopement in Jasper National Park might be the right choice for you and your partner.

6. The Experience

If getting married is supposed to feel like the happiest day of your life, then eloping will take that feeling to the next level. While fun and memorable, a full-on wedding day can carry headaches like timing, budgeting, venue booking, seating, and dinner planning. An elopement will take all those stressors out of the picture which leaves you with an intimate day and the freedom to do whatever makes you happy. It will also give you time to slow down and enjoy the day itself as well as each other. Since elopements in Jasper National Park are limited to 25 guests you’ll get an more personal experience with your closest friends or family that you’ll look back on for years to come.

Eloping takes the focus away from “the wedding” and puts it back on you and your love for one another; and gives you the chance to celebrate in your own completely unique style.

5. Cost

The average wedding cost in Canada is currently $30,000 dollars; with around 70-80% of that pricing being for the reception alone. When couples decide to elope, they can usually pay anywhere from 1/3 of that cost to less. Most of the clients that I photograph on their elopements have budgeted for their dress/suit, rings, officiant, hotel, dinner and their photographer. It really covers the most important parts of your day and the rest of the savings can go towards a mortgage, honeymoon or whatever else life is throwing your way!

4. Location

Probably the biggest draw of an elopement in Jasper is the fact that you can get married almost anywhere in the park, so let your imagination run wild. Want to get married on a mountain top? By a spectacularly blue lake? In a field of wildflowers? Whatever you’re dreaming of we can make it a reality with a bit of planning. People come to Jasper from all over the world to witness its beauty, so why not make it the most awe inspiring backdrop for your wedding day?

3. Travel

Never been to Jasper before? This is the chance to escape and get away somewhere exotic and new, a great reason to finally take the trip to a place you’ve both dreamed of seeing and getting married there as well. Make Jasper the place where you tie the knot and have your honeymoon all rolled into one! In the park there are so many things to do and spots to visit. You could easily spend a week or two exploring after your elopement, or even travel to British Columbia or Banff afterwards.

2. Environmental

Large weddings generate a ton of trash; from napkins to centerpieces and decorations, so much is thrown away after the day is over. Eloping reduces the environmental load that comes with a larger celebration. The fact that there are less guests travelling to the wedding cuts back on CO2 emissions and if you also make Jasper your combined honeymoon destination as well you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint from not flying to another spot on the globe. Truly, all you need is each other, an officiant, and of course a photographer. You can cash your karma points in with Mother Earth after!

1. Photos

An elopement is a chance for a couple to create a tailor-made experience to remember forever, the pictures captured during an elopement are a true representation of who you and your partner are as a couple. Every standard wedding has similar themes and tones that their images reflect, but every elopement, even ones in similar locations are unique and personal; and the images show that well.

Of all things your photographer is the most important decision when it comes to an elopement! Do your research and always choose local; these are the people who know and love the area you are going to and they are the ones who will show you its deepest beauty and the secrets it has to offer! If you are thinking of eloping in Jasper National Park feel please reach out to us, we look forward to making your celebration of love everything you dreamed of and more.

4 Stunning Locations to Propose in Jasper National Park

So you want to propose to your partner in Jasper, but have no idea where to find the perfect spot. There can be a lot to consider when picking your proposal location, from which backdrop is most important to you, if it's sheltered from poor weather, if it's easy access in nicer clothing or finding a more secluded site.

That's where I come in, as a photographer who lives in the park I know all of the best places and I can help your romantic vision become a reality! Popping the question can be stressful, so let's at least make the planning part easy.

Jasper Park Lodge

This proposal location is probably the easiest to pull off if you're wanting to dress a bit more formal. The Lodge is a little more high scale, so dressing up to go for supper here and a romantic stroll through the gorgeous grounds afterwards doesn't usually raise too many suspicions, especially if you're staying at the hotel. If getting a manicure done beforehand is important to your partner you can book them an appointment at the Wild Orchid Salon that is on location and simply say they had a promotion when booking the room. When you finally do ask the big question, the backdrop of Beauvert Lake and Whistlers Mountain is perfect for picturesque photos. In the winter the Lodge typically has Christmas lights decorating and lighting up the grounds as well, talk about romantic!

Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake is perfectly Canadiana for your proposal backdrop. Once again, you can stay at the resort so that a small stroll outside after dinner is an easy way to steer your partner into the proposal location of your choice. In the summer there are docks that you can walk out to and in the winter there is typically a skating area set up with bonfires going to keep you warm. The one downside to this location is the amount of tourists walking around, therefore you must be okay with a bit of an audience when you pop the question.

Lake Annette

This charming little lake has some of the most incredible glacial blue waters in the whole Park. It makes for stunning photos and has an easy (paved) trail all the way around the lake. The lake itself is about 15 minutes from downtown Jasper and under 10 mins from the Jasper Park Lodge, so it's easy to drive there after any dinner dates in town. It is wonderfully sheltered so that even if it's cold and rainy you can easily duck into the treed paths to help cut back on the wind and rain if necessary. One thing to keep in mind with this location is that it can get incredibly busy on hot summer days as many people escape to the beaches there. Parking may not be easy to find. If you are set on this location I recommend proposing at sunset, when most of the crowds have gone back to town.

Whistlers Mountain

If you are looking for that wow factor with 360 degree mountain views, this is the option for you. You don't need to scale this mountain by foot for the pay off, simply book a ticket up the skytram to get you into some of the best views in Jasper. Some planning ahead is required as you will need to book your tickets up the mountain for you, your partner and perhaps a photographer if you are hiring one to capture it all. You'll also need to consider the fact that the weather can be extreme on a mountain top; hot sun, intense wind, snow and rain are all possibilities and sometimes you'll experience all of it in one trip up the mountain! However, if you are prepared it can make for an amazing and memorable experience. So be sure to pack warm/waterproof clothes beforehand to keep yourselves comfortable up there.

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I love all of these locations as each one is unique and beautiful in it's own way. However, if I had to pick my favourite it would be Annette Lake. With it being so easily accessible, sheltered and downright gorgeous it makes for absolutely fantastic proposals in Jasper National Park. So which location are you choosing to pop the big question?

Do you want your own proposal captured like this so that you can look back on the memory forever? We can help with that!

Request More information:

5 Reasons To Bring Your Dog On Your Photo Shoot

Our dogs are our best friends in life and they can make us feel relaxed. Having your dog at your photo shoot will keep your energy happy and chill which will make for great images. Dogs are also the best at PDA (public displays of affection) which means that those pictures are going to be full of the purest love around! Dogs tend to love attention most of the time so their energy will help you enjoy the camera lens on you too!

Why pay for a dog sitter when Jasper has 18 places to stay that are all pet friendly! From AirBnb's to mainstream hotels; Jasper has a healthy attitude towards our furred friends and is happy to let them stay and enjoy the vacation with you as well. What could be better than being able to bring your best friend along for a day of adventure in the mountains and then being able to curl up with them at night in your hotel room?

Bringing your dog along on a portrait or branding session allows your clients and customers to automatically build a more authentic relationship with your images and your brand. The vast majority of people have some kind of pet, so when they see one in your branding images they can relate and feel a connection to you. Seeing a glimpse of what your life is like outside of your business helps to build a stronger emotional relationship with your potential clients, which then translates into more marketing leads for you!

Our dogs are our best buds and it's hard to imagine a life without them. However, they aren't around as long as the rest of the family, so it's important to capture images of our furry friends while we can. I've had many images requested for a re-send by my clients as a memory keepsake after their beloved dog has passed on. So make sure you work on collecting those memories now.

Like kids, pets can be tricky to photograph. They are always on the go, can be moody and might not be willing to sit for long. This makes photos tough to capture! So why not leave it to a pro? When a pet comes along on a shoot I always make sure to take a few shots of just them so that I can pass them along for my clients to cherish. I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help keep any pups interested in my camera. So let's book a photo session today for you and your fur baby, I promise you'll be glad you did!

Why is it Important to Photograph Your Mom?

Your Mom doesn't need a coffee gift card for Mother's Day. What she wants is to spend time with her children, with you. Especially as you get older and your life gets more busy as you focus on advancing in your career or starting your own family. Your Mom totally gets it, but it makes that time you spend with her now all that more special. So why not book a photo session with her for an afternoon of fun together taking beautiful images that you can both cherish forever?

Moms tend to be the one behind the camera capturing moments of their families but seldom are the ones being photographed. Sometimes it's because it was too hard to set up the camera for a group shot and sometimes it's because she was too self conscious to be photographed. It happens to the best of us. But when was the last time you had professional photos done with your Mom? For most people it was at their wedding, which is important for sure but it's nice to take the time to focus a little more on the woman who raised you. To make sure she feels comfortable in front of the lens and take some photos in a more relaxed environment, where you can spend the time together and make your relationship the priority.

The photos that you get with your session are ones that you can cherish for years to come. These photos of you both together are something that she will adore, because the best gift you can give your Mom is you! She loves the photos of her family, but it's time to put her in them. It's also something that you can pass along to your kids one day, when they want to know more about Grandma and see you as a younger woman. These photos can accompany the stories you tell them of the most important woman you know.

So let's book a photo session for your Mom and your siblings. Let's get the crew together for some family bonding time. Make the trip to Jasper for a weekend of relaxation or adventures, whatever your vibe might be. I promise you this is the thing she will remember forever, the thing she truly wants this Mother's Day.

Prepping Your Masculine Partner For A Photo Shoot

Blog Post written by Jeff Baker

Professional photos are a daunting task for any couple; they are a major step for a newer relationship and for a relationship that spans years and countless casual but loved snaps of each other it may not seem worth it; and then when the choice is made to have professional pictures taken there is the potential for reluctance from boyfriends/husbands etc... Because honestly, pictures for a masculine personality can be extremely intimidating; they will show us being vulnerable with someone we love, they will ask us to put on uncomfortable clothes and stand in awkward positions and the fear that we might not look good in them either. A major part of any couples shoot is helping the other person to feel comfortable and excited for the pictures as much as possible; here are a few tips I've learned from clients over the years as well as some from my own private stash as a man who is photographed quite often.

For most men, dressing up is an intimidating prospect; though most guys will never say it a lot of them feel self conscious putting on dress clothes and shirts. Its hard to feel masculine when you aren't in your comfortable pants or shirts or you think your gut has gotten a little rounder over the years and the arms have shrunk a little bit. The positives of hiring professional photographers is our knowledge of how to pose your body to make you look good. We understand that most people have hang ups on aspects of their own bodies and we will make sure that those things are less noticeable or don't even show up at all in your images. A big recommendation is to talk with your partner and discuss what you can wear as a couple in your pictures; talking to each other openly about how certain articles of clothes make you feel about yourself will not only help you gain a deeper understanding of each other but will prevent you showing up in a too short, too small shirt with a bad mood.

The best part of coming out to Jasper for a professional shoot is the fact that you can make an amazing vacation out of it, meaning the whole reason of the trip isn't just for a photo shoot. Jasper offers so many places to stay and a mind blowing amount of activities to do as well. Jasper Park Lodge has one of North Americas premiere golf courses attached to it, and a beautiful outdoor patio to relax on at night with a drink under the stars in our dark sky preserve. You can rent mountain bikes to fly around the trails, or a canoe to paddle our fabulous celestine blue waters, or maybe hike to the top of a mountain. All of these activities are the best things to add adventurous and experienced photographers too so they can follow you around as you adventure together capturing every moment; adding in an activity/holiday to a photo shoot weekend helps everyone feel more relaxed and excited to capture images of the places they go and the things they do. At the end of the weekend you'll leave with the memories and the amazing images to go along with them.

Eat and drink before the session! We realize that no one is themselves when they are hungry, so coming to take pictures when you aren't feeling 100% satisfied will be extremely difficult to do. Our sessions can last for a good chunk of the day, so when we have discussions with our clients before their shoot we like to find out what kind of snacks and drinks they enjoy so we can bring them along on trips in case someone needs an energy boost. Jasper has some of the most amazing restaurants available to choose from so grab an appetizer or have a nice brunch before the shoot; you will be amazed at how the mood can change when you are full. Now when I say drinks I do mean “drinks” if this is your proposal or engagement shoot bring a bottle of bubbly to pop or your favourite beer to crack. Having a drink can be a game changer when it comes to your mood it can really relax you and your partner and popping a bottle of champagne also makes for some pretty spectacular shots!

Sometimes the biggest issue isn't the clothes or the time, its convincing your partner to even go and get the photos done in the first place. Sitting down and telling your partner why these pictures matter so much to you will go a lot farther than telling them they are getting them done. Over the years so much subtle change can happen as a couple that most of the time you don't realize things are different until its even happened or things have changed so much that there isn't any going back; these photos will capture moments you wont even realize you'll cherish in the future. Instead of telling your partner that you are doing photos, have them involved in the decision from the start; pictures together can be an amazing experience if you are both comfortable with it.

On the note of comfort, our goal as professionals is to ensure that our clients are feeling happy and relaxed. We are very experienced at reading people's body language and emotions and adapting our styles and mannerisms to provide an environment that even masculine personalities can relax in and show intimacy in their images. While we are both extremely proficient photographers we are also very laid back and fun people as well, we have been capturing images for a very long time and have come to the conclusion that our clients want an adventurous amazing experience and not a drawn out posing session; we inject a lot of life and candid energy into our shoots making it easy to relax and enjoy the experience instead of dreading and hating it. Hopefully this will help you understand your significant other's hesitation with booking a shoot and you can help them realize that they can have have a good time too!