The Province article

My company and I were recently featured in The Province Newspaper. This was very exciting because within the interview I was able to add some pointers for choosing a wedding photographer. As you can see with this blog I am really into helping people. In the past I have had married women, when they find out I am a wedding photographer, cry and cry on my shoulder and tell me their horror stories. Below is the interview that was featured. Thanks to Jeani Read for the excellent interview. Enjoy and I hope it helps.

Capturing life as it happens

Jeani Read, The Province

Published: Monday, April 17, 2006

Lara Hildebrandt

Owner, Greysquare Photograhics

Photography: first love?

"During high school I lived in the darkroom. During college it was the same. When I walked into the Alberta College of Art and Design I thought, 'I'm home. This is it.'"

Wedding photography: crucial?

"People can have a wonderful wedding but if the photographs aren't good I've seen so many brides just cry and cry and cry. It's horrible."

Wedding photography: ingredients?

"You need an eye for the detail of tabletop photography combined with the action of sports photography. It's capturing moments. Plus you need a feeling for people."

Wedding photography: great or gruesome?

"I won't lie -- it can be both. The great part is I get to meet people at their happiest and create an heirloom for them. The gruesome part is you never know when your camera will fall apart. Your batteries will die in the middle of the ceremony. Your film will start rewinding in the middle of the silent prayer. I once went through three cars for one wedding. My car broke down on Wednesday and I borrowed another, which broke down on Thursday. Finally I rented a car. All these things happen but you learn from it and move on."

Top tips for choosing a photographer?

"Check the photographer's portfolio, how recent it is and how diverse. Sign a detailed contract, even if the photographer is a friend. This will secure the date and make sure the photographer won't let you down for a higher-paying job. Make sure there's a clause to cover what happens if the photographer gets sick. Do you like the back-up photographer? Do they both have backup equipment? Try to have the photographer take engagement photos of you to double-check you like their work and them."

You: urban or suburban?

"Urban all the way. Give me the city with all her people and life. But I also enjoy the natural world and the snowboarding I can do on it.

Guilty pleasure?

"Shoes. There is nothing like getting a new pair of shoes. I know I should say something like romance novels but I take photos of the brides' footwear mainly for myself. I was in Dallas last year and was able to visit a Jimmy Choo store. Absolute heaven!"

Career advice?

"To a new photographer coming into wedding photography I would say, don't listen to other photographers complaining about the market being saturated. If you are good at something and you have a passion for it, it will happen. "

jread@png.canwest.com