If you google “Ottawa Engagement Photography” there’s no doubt you’re going to be absolutely flooded with options. But how do you know which photographer to choose? Is there even a difference?
From my last Engagement Photoshoot in Ottawa, with Nick and Camille at Mackenzie King Estate, I thought I’d highlight some of the things a great photographer should do for photos and memories that last a lifetime and how easily these small things (that result in massively different photo results!) can be overlooked. These are photos and memories you want done once, and you want them done right and unfortunately, once you notice these three things I’m going to mention below, you may never look at a photographers work the same way!
At the tip of the Iceberg we have #1 – Photo Editing and Subject Retouching, which we’re all pretty familiar with. This is the magic that transforms a photo into something unforgettable and most photographers are pretty great at it! However it is only the beginning of what makes for a great photo! Your photographer should be balancing colours, dialing in the photo composition, creating subject masks to improve contrast, adding linear and radial gradients for unique lighting elements, some light skin retouching and of course, making sure the photo is straight!
At #2 – Environmental Retouching and Enhancement! This is often overlooked by many photographers because it’s extremely time consuming and requires the use of multiple editing programs simultaneously, however removing unsightly distractions from photos whether that be people in the background, dust on windows, cell-phones in pockets, street signs, posts and more makes the images that more clean, elegant and beautiful. This attention to detail on all elements of the photo, foreground, midground and background is beyond important and something to look for in a prospective photographer.
Something newer to the photography space is known as “Photo Enhancement.” When photographers edit, increasing the exposure of dark photos or in the shadows of an image, they produce artificial noise. On our modern camera’s these photos are still high quality, and still look pretty great. But take a look at the photo below, when we zoom in to the detailed environment the noise is extremely apparent! I want my clients to not only be happy with small prints where these details can’t be seen, but the ability to print them for large frames around the house.
By taking advantage of modern software tastefully, without overdoing the use of AI (which makes the photo look artificial), this noise can be greatly reduced leading to a more crisp and beautiful image! Try it out for yourself with the slider below!
And finally at #3 – Personality! A great photographer can make the session relaxing, fun, and vibrant. Right away I’m sure your able to picture just how amazing those photos will turn out! Lots of smiles, playfulness, beautiful sceneries and lighting. They will work with you and your partner collaboratively with care to ensure you are incredibly happy with the process and end result. Their personality will extend not only in your interactions, but the photos themselves. Be sure to choose a photographer who cares about your photos just as much as you do, focused on the clients and the art rather than the package fee. A good photographer will do what’s required. An exceptional photographer will go above and beyond.
All the steps I’ve described above can be rushed or skipped entirely, with a photographer pumping out your photos with little worry or care. With modern software and one click, the result may not even be half bad. But compared side-by-side against a photographer who places importance on client satisfaction and connection, passion, care, and attention to detail in those images the results will be mind-blowingly different.
For photos of such an important memory that will last a lifetime, choosing your photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. If you’d like to work with me, drop me a message using the contact form below and I’d be more than happy to connect and photograph those memories together.
