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vendor reviews: london ontario wedding photographers
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Reviewing Tricia McConnell, Photographer & Owner of snapdragon images
It was a privilege to meet Tricia McConnell, Photographer and Owner of snapdragon images. The Ring had seen her work at local shows, and had found it to be inspired, creative and injected with a sense of whimsy that many modern brides are looking for. Tricia instantly strikes you as a young, trendy, professional who easily connects with brides and their needs, dedicated to her craft and determined to give couples the most artistic photos that are consistent with the couple's personalities.
We first sat down with Tricia in her home office several years ago to find out more about what this talented artist had to offer our local brides, and since that time we have watched her business, her skill, and her pool of happy clients expand every year. With a goal in mind to balance elements of the traditional with the most creative compositions and styles around, brides are turning to snapdragon images for the stunning end result, and the fun process you take with Tricia getting there. Let us tell you more...
Personally speaking... Tricia learned the art of photography at Langara College in Vancouver, were she was fortunate enough to study with several well-known Canadian photographers. In addition, she had the privilege of working as an assistant with a major photography company, gaining extensive and invaluable knowledge of the art and the industry.
In addition to her photography diploma, Tricia also has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Sociology. Explaining this seemingly unrelated degree, Tricia told us that her education helps her in her every day dealings with clients, "I think my overall education makes me better at what I do. I think I have a better understanding of my brides and grooms because of it."
From Psychology and Sociology to photography, Tricia made a sharp turn in her career choice. When we asked Tricia what made her choose photography after university, her only response was, "The people. It's as simple as that. I always loved photography. It was never a career plan, just a much loved hobby that evolved. Fine Art photography is great... but it's fabulous when you add people to the scene."
After success in Vancouver, Tricia and her hubby decided to relocate to London, where they have chosen to raise their daughter. With a focus on London and area brides, Tricia took her background experience and training and created snapdragon images in 2004. That flourishing business of hers now allows Tricia to shoot an average of twenty to twenty-five weddings per year.
The snapdragon style Tricia describes her style as 'creative artistic'. Her images capture all the tangible and intangible things that make a wedding special, using a creative flair and touch of fun. She'll do posed and traditional shots if requested, because she believes that the bride and groom should get what they want. "It's so easy to give a bride and groom exactly what they want. They choose me because they like my style, or they respond to something in my pictures. After that, it's a matter of capturing all the special moments of their day." Tricia thinks of her photography as 'customized art', "I want my couples to hang a piece of art in their homes not just a wedding photo. It will be something that reflects the couple themselves."
For her August 30, 2008 wedding, Katy Hurst worked with Tricia. "... she listened to what we were looking for in a photographer, appeared professional, but still approachable and seemed to really take an interest and care about ensuring she provided a service that was of high quality and fit our needs." Katy went on to tell us that Tricia's style was perfect for the mix of trendy and traditional that she and her husband wanted, "I could see that she had a creative eye, but that the photos were tasteful and fun and not too off-beat. She also made the brides in her pictures look gorgeous and my husband and I look great in our photos."
In addition to her wedding photography, Tricia also does portraits, corporate, family, kids. "Anything with people. I always shoot on location. I get better images when I'm shooting in a person's natural environment. They're more comfortable, and therefore more open to the process."
Developing relationships Tricia approaches the relationship that she develops with her couples as an integral part of the photography process. She enjoys meeting with her couples prior to the wedding and views the engagement session as a great way to learn more about the couple.
Whatever your style, Tricia will work to connect with you, but she admits her ideal clients are the ones who are open to new ideas, "I love the outgoing, down to earth, 'anything goes' couple." Often it's the type of wedding that combines elegance with a little 'funky' where Tricia finds herself. "I have had the privilege of shooting in urban, country, beach, church, and backyard settings, to list just a few. I suppose one of the things that may define all of my previous clients is a sense of fun. My clients tend to be very laid back, down to earth people, whose goal is to have a lot of fun on their wedding day. Since my work is not very traditional, I tend to attract people looking for something different. Photography that captures the emotion of the day, and compositions that are fun, creative, artistic and original."
And if it's fun you're looking for, Tricia says that's the mood she creates during wedding day shoots. "I have been told by my clients that it was a fun and easy experience to be photographed by me. Many people aren’t interested in having their photo taken, let alone be the centre of attention for the day," Tricia told The Ring. "My personality helps the couple to feel relaxed, and free to be themselves. I am often complimented on my ability to capture the essence of my subject."
Christy Cunningham-Clarke hired snapdragon images for her October 2008 wedding and told The Ring that both the experience and the end result were exactly what she was looking for. "After meeting her, we had the sense that her goal was to capture us... not force us into a mold. The photos are beautiful! We were absolutely thrilled with all our photos," Christy told us. "Aesthetically, the shots are fantastic... but more importantly, Tricia captured us; the spirit of our wedding and home and relationship. You can't ask for more! Our experience working with Trish was wonderful, effortless, and enjoyable. The behind the scenes prep was easy and well coordinated. The engagement and wedding day shots felt natural to us - nothing contrived. Tricia has a very warm and unobtrusive presence that allowed us to feel comfortable to be ourselves."
A passion for the job After all this time Tricia still loves the creativity of photography. "I shoot beautiful connections between people. When a couple connects with each other, everything else just falls into place. I barely have to do anything other than point and shoot," she told us "I love capturing the chemistry of the couple." And Tricia pointed out that while weddings are part of her regular routine, each wedding is completely exciting and memorable in its own way, especially to the couple she's shooting. "... it’s hard to imagine more fun than working with a couple on one of the most memorable days of their lives. In many cases, I also have the privilege to memorialize other major events in my couples lives, by continuing to work with them during pregnancies and babies. I guess you could say that helping people to document life's big moments keeps me coming back for more."
A caring eye Tricia says it's important to her to not only provide you with the photos that you've hired her to take, but to do whatever she can to make your day run smoothly and to keep the mood light. Heather and Darryl Morrison, who booked snapdragon images for their August 8, 2008 nuptials, told us about the effect Tricia had on their day, "Even when emotions ran high pre-ceremony, she was a calming influence; she really has the ability to put people at ease with her smile and genuinely happy demeanor. When we decided to hire snapdragon we had no worries; we knew they would be there, be organized and get all the group shots and other elements we wanted."
Adrienne Seabrooke and her husband Mike recounted to us that Tricia took on every complication they presented to her with care and professionalism for their June 28, 2008 wedding. "Unfortunately I had a fair amount of 'drama' involved in my wedding, both the several months before and the weekend of. Trish was key in keeping me calm and focused on the day. A lot of the things that happened ended up affecting the photos, so I would call her with yet another new request or piece of information and she was NEVER anything but supportive and helpful, explaining to me all the things she'd seen in the past and reassuring me that it would get better." Amazingly, Tricia knew exactly what this bride needed and made all the difference. Adrienne told us, "On the day of, it was her and my new husband that made me feel so special and beautiful."
On location While Tricia doesn't restrict the number of locations that she'll shoot at, she does caution couples to keep a few things in mind. If you would like to have your photos done at several locations, you need to allow extra time to capture all the shots. The last thing you need is to feel rushed on your wedding day! Also, keep in mind that moving from place to place can interfere with creativity or any flow that may be created during shooting.
One of our favourite things about Tricia's wedding photo shoots are her use of backdrops. She brings these with her on the wedding day so that she can shoot the bride with a blank canvas, producing a stunning portrait with varying feels, depending on the colour backdrop used.
Getting the shots Tricia shoots with a digital camera, which allows for a more customized end result for the client. "I enjoy shooting digitally because it gives the client the opportunity to decide the ratio of black and white to colour images." It's for that same reason that she doesn't limit the number of shots that she takes. Tricia will take as many photos as necessary in order to capture the moment, the essence and the personality of the wedding. Tricia strives to make sure that every special detail of your wedding - from your dress, to the flowers and decor - will be documented, as will all the smiles of family and friends and bridal party.
Tricia will have an assistant with her during the entire day. Her assistant has been working with her for two years and is trained in photography formally and through experience. Her assistant will also be taking pictures throughout the day and is often able to get great candid shots of the wedding guests while Tricia stays focused on the happy couple.
Pricing information Although Tricia does have some pre-existing packages, she prefers to create a custom package for her clients. She says that she finds it most beneficial for the couple if they sit down together to discuss all the options and needs. "What I offer is a customized experience for my couple. No two couples are the same, and so my packages and the end result of photography are specifically tailored to each individual couple."
Snapdragon images offers three packages for couples including options such as prints, wedding and parent albums, and original files on disc. Pricing of the packages ranges from $1499 to $2500, and you can choose coverage for four hours, five hours, or six hours. Additional coverage can be added on at $225 per extra hour.
Adrienne told The Ring that Tricia's prices were fair and definitely worth the price, "Her prices were an excellent value!"
Inotherwords... "I really feel that snapdragon is a personal and professional company and I would definitely recommend them to anyone who wants to have photos that are not only gorgeous in their own right, but are unique, colourful, fun and beautiful all at the same time." - Heather & Darryl Morrison, married August 8, 2008
"I liked that Trish was approachable, but professional. She performed her duties in a manner that was respectful and fun, but also efficient given the timeframe I had hired her for. She was able to lead the wedding party and family and keep control of the crowds that were somewhat distracting during our photo time after the ceremony." - Katy Hurst, married August 30, 2008
To contact Tricia... If you'd like to see more photos by snapdragon images, take a look at the recently updated galleries online at www.snapdragonimages.ca. To make an appointment or to speak with Tricia McConnell, you can reach her by phone at 519-673-0411, or by email at tricia@snapdragonimages.ca. If you'd like to meet with Tricia in person, please call to make an appointment to ensure that she can give you her full attention.
- The Staff at TheWeddingRing.ca * Prices are all approximate and are subject to change and verification by authorized staff and management of snapdragon images. |
Brides
are choosing snapdragon for fun, artistic, gorgeous shots they'll love for a
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