Constant Evolution

Constant Evolution.

In 2020 I had become concerned that, after photographing so many weddings, I would become complacent and was on a track to “just dial-it-in.” 

Fear of becoming a boring hack can be quite motivating.

So I challenged myself to constantly improve (it was 2020).
First lesson was to appreciate the unique social dynamics and relationships I could observe at each wedding I photographed and found that treating each person, especially in COVID times, the way they wanted to be treated created better experiences for them and in the resulting photos.

I also expanded and experimented with other forms of photography (from Santa Claus, to headshots, to architectural and even pictures of toys) and discovered that I was able incorporate what was learned in those genres into the weddings that I photographed. 

And then, in 2023, I joined the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC)

I had always wanted to join PPOC but didn’t think it applied to me (I was a “weekend warrior” until 8 years ago, when I left my daytime job as a Marketing Director at Carlingwood Mall) and had left that dream on the backburner. Knowing that I was on the road to improving the experience I provide, joining was an essential next step.

But to become a full member, I would need to seek Accreditation. 

It’s not as easy as it sounds - and that’s the reason so few wedding photographers in Ottawa have accreditations to their name (here’s a link to the directory). 

In 2024 I chose my category, Environmental Wedding Portraiture, and submitted a portfolio of ten different images from ten different weddings. Then each image was judged by a panel of expert photographers - all pictures would need to meet a minimum standard. 

It was a proud day when I received my Accredited Professional Photographer designation in Environmental Wedding Portraiture from PPOC. (I even bought hoodies with the seal) 

Next stop: National Salon Competition

At the beginning of 2025 PPOC holds an image competition “Salon” with awards in 2025. In this competition you can enter up to 4 images and they broadcast the judging on Facebook Live - which is kind of frightening, but exciting at the same time. With 1 Excellent (which was also received a Judges Choice Award and is in the Loan Collection), 1 Merit and 1 Accepted my dedication to improving is paying off.

Link: PPOC Loan Collection