Over the past few weeks I have been asking some of my favorite vendors if they would be interested in writing a guest blog post for my blog.  When I spoke with Alan he jumped on the opportunity.  I always enjoy working with him.  If you are still looking for an officiant make sure you contact Alan.  He will make your ceremony exactly how you dreamed.

Making your wedding ceremony picture perfect:

The typical on-location wedding that I conduct lasts about 20 minutes. To the couple, it will seem like an instant. They will rely on the wedding photography to remember the moment in the years to come. I work very closely with photographers like Ryan to ensure that the best memories are captured.

Most experienced photographers have run into the church minister, who often decrees that no photographs are to be taken during the ceremony. The couple may get one or two furtively taken photos of their ceremony. Unfortunately, some of the best moments where the couple commit to each other and show the emotional bond between them will be lost.

I work closely with Ryan so that all the best memories can be captured. I want it to be a picture perfect wedding. I make it a priority to plan the wedding shots with Ryan before the wedding. This I know that the couple will have cherished photos of the ceremony.
Over the years, I learned the following really helps capture the special moments:

I discuss what’s happening:

This is a simple practice that I do just before the wedding starts. I go through the ceremony, highlighting special events, such as readers or rituals like the Unity Sand Ceremony. Then Ryan knows what is coming up. I also give him the cues for key times in the ceremony, like when the couple will kiss.

I work with Ryan on the visuals:

On-location weddings can offer some challenges for photography. I work to ensure that we have the best light for the couple and a suitable background. I want to ensure we have the best possible shot available. Before the ceremony starts, I ask Ryan about all the angles that will be best and adapt what I can.

You won’t see me in the background of your key moment shots:

In most wedding photos, you see the minister in the background during the kiss. Sometimes, the photographer will be clever and hide the minister behind the groom. All these are awkward compromises. I instruct the couple to hold the kiss for ten seconds, and then I just step out of the way. The result is a beautiful photo of the couple’s first kiss at the wedding ceremony. Keep it simple, just a nice embrace and smooch.
The feedback I get from couples is phenomenal. The bride and groom are so appreciative of the attention that has been placed on making their day memorable and picture perfect.

If you’re interested in learning more about Alan, check out his website:     Ottawa Wedding Officiant | Alan Viau

Hello from Mexico

Hey everyone!  I’m away from Ottawa on vacation in Mexico.  Right now I’m sitting on the beach relaxing and reading my book on famous wedding photographers.  I just got to a section on ceremonies.  What they say and I agree with is “The ceremony is the climax of the wedding day.”  This is when photographers feel the most pressure.   There is nothing in the ceremony that can be redone or paused.  The bride will only walk down the isle once, the first kiss is only the first kiss the first time.

Anyways so I have decided to work on catching moments even harder.  I now make a point to bring my camera almost everywhere and take pictures of pretty much everything.  I remember a few years a go when I brought my camera out often times I would be totally unispired and take very few crappy pictures of nothing.  Now when I take my camera out I force myself to take pictures, and I force myself to attempt to find a good picture in a seemingly boring  subject.

So to anyone out there wanting to get into wedding photography my advice is take tons of photos of everything.  Take your camera everywhere and force yourself to take pictures even if you feel they are pointless.  Some of the most important photography lessons I have learned were from taking “pointless” photos.

Take care everyone and see y0u back in Ottawa!!!

Wedding Photographers Ottawa | Ryan Parent

8 Chancellor Ct.

Ottawa, Ontario

K1V 0W7

The flowers at Luc and Monica's wedding

So over the last few months I have been reading a lot of books on famous wedding photographers from around the world.  I have been trying to really refine my way of shooting and develop a trademark style.  One thing I have learned from reading these books is all the top photographers have something unique about their style that no one else offers in such a way.  Some shoot all film, some shoot all available light, some shoot candid, some shoot more of a portrait style.  And its the mix of the and many other elements that make each of these famous photographers unique.

Here is a couple quotes from Ben Quillinan one of my favorites.

“  What separates good photographers from mediocre ones is being able to know and foresee our ever-changing surroundings and being able to control the lighting, focus and composition in a split second.

Photographers must know their equipment well enough to be able to make on-the-fly adjustments without taking their eye off the subject.  Equally important is their personality.  It helps a photographer stand out from the pack, keeps the day flowing smoothly and allows them to truly connect with their brides.”

“Only recently have wedding photographers been widely recognized for their multifaceted talent.  During the course of the day they serve as architectural photographers, documenting locations; as portrait photographers, flattering the days key players; as product photographers, shooting all the details; and as a photojournalist, telling a story, under pressure, with pictures.”

I found both of these quotes very inspirational, coming from someone whose entire life revolves around is wedding photography.

Thanks for reading and as I am in Mexico right now I will be posting some shots from my trip and hopefully have something interesting to write about.

Take care everyone!

Ryan Parent | Wedding Photographers Ottawa

Getting in the Limo

This photo is from Luc and Monica’s wedding this summer here in Ottawa, Ontario.  The light was really bad for this photo.  The sun was directly overhead and was very harsh.  I had no choice but to over power the sun with direct flash.  Without that flash the overhead sun would have created the “raccoon eye” effect.  Thanks for tuning into my blog!  I wish you all a happy New Year!!

Ottawa wedding photographer | Ryan Parent