When you’re browsing Deanna McCollum Photography’s images, you’ll find romantic photojournalistic images mixed with creative twists on the traditional bride and groom poses. Deanna’s brides will tell you that she brings more than just fantastic photos to the table, but also a warm personality you can’t help but feel comfortable around. She’s about attention to detail and playing multiple parts - wedding planner, assistant, best friend and photographer (among others) - in order to help make the day perfect.

Having worked with Deanna on photo shoots for Vancouver Island’s launch issue of The Wedding Ring Magazine, and then following that up with interviews with the brides that love her, staff at The Ring found countless reasons to love this wedding photographer. Let us explain…

A Natural Talent

Deanna has been photographing weddings for several years, with the number of bookings on her calendar growing organically since 2008. Deanna has completed the New York Institute of Photography program and continues to learn her craft through workshops, online courses, reading and working with other photographers. That said, Deanna describes herself as mostly self-taught and admits that she is constantly evolving her style and trying out new techniques. 

Deanna loves that working with people is such a large part of what she does.  “I seem to be the planner, counsellor, cheerleader, carrier of pashminas and cell phones, director, and, last but not least, photographer!” 

What keeps Deanna inspired?  “The people I meet and the places they take me keep me excited about my work. Each couple has a unique story. Each couple has a reason for choosing their locations, dress, décor, etc. Every couple has a unique way of interacting with each other. I find it all fascinating and I love telling that story through my lens. The emotions, the adventure and the amazing people I meet make my job the only one I could imagine doing.”

While Deanna is clearly a professional, she wants her clients to feel really comfortable with the process.  “I have an easy going personality.  So I listen to what couples want from their photography, and they feel like they can relax and be themselves.  Most people are uncomfortable posing for pictures and I get that.  I strive to make it fun and memorable.  And I try to make the focus of my photos the people, not the surroundings.”

Katie McLaughlin of By Design Weddings has seen Deanna’s photography first hand and says that she’s kind, patient, talented and just a great person all around. “She is a joy to work with… A true artist… She is very photojournalistic and almost romantic… She captures moments, and looks for creative ways of getting those “traditional” poses. She’s warm and attentive, and she works within your needs and budget as much as she can. I love her flexibility. She delivers the type of photos that couples can be happy with for a lifetime. “

Deanna McCollum Photography has been published in Wedding Bells Online Magazine, Island Parent, and of course, now, in The Wedding Ring Magazine Vancouver Island and TheWeddingRing.ca.

A natural, timeless style

Deanna’s style is relaxed, natural and timeless.  She combines traditional portraits with photojournalistic images and captures the personality of each couple.  And she tends to attract brides who are looking for this exact approach. Deanna explains, “My ideal bride is easy going, flexible and organized. She appreciates nice things and combines tradition with her own unique style. She is playful, willing to have fun in front of the camera, and isn’t afraid to get her dress dirty. She trusts that I can capture her day but isn’t afraid to share her ideas with me.”

But it’s not just about the experience. It’s about the finished product. Katie told The Ring, “Deanna captures the great moments. That’s what everyone wants from their photographer.”

Matt and Shannon Ward, who were married June 25, 2011, felt Deanna hit all the notes just right and put them both at ease.  “Deanna was very professional and went above and beyond to capture the best moments of the day and the emotion that went along with it. She did a great job of capturing the moment without intruding into it.”

Attesting to her brides’ love for her work, Deanna often has couples come to her through referrals. Matt and Shannon were the same. “Deanna came highly recommended by a friend whose wedding photos I absolutely adored. Being able to see how Deanna had captured the elegance and beauty of my friends' wedding made me very confident in partnering with her. She managed to make my camera-shy husband smile and pose like I have never seen before, and as a result was able to capture us at our very best.”

Unique photo opps

From start to finish, weddings create a series of events that any couple would love to look back on as they start their new path together. One unique event she was able to shoot was the engagement itself. If you look at Deanna’s blog, you’ll find the Jack and Jill (yes, you read that right!) blog.  It’s actually a proposal story (that we ultimately ended up featuring in the launch issue of the magazine). Deanna helped to set up the proposal and then hid near by. As the groom-to-be popped the question, the bride was completely unaware that Deanna was photographing. The result was a favourite moment in both Deanna’s career and the couple’s life. Deanna was more than happy to play the part of partner in crime in order to get some incredible shots.

Leading up to your big day

Deanna enjoys the first meeting with a couple.  “In the first consultation, we generally meet over coffee. I will ask the couple about themselves, how they met, how long they have been together, etc to get a sense of who they are as a couple and what they are looking for on their wedding day.”
“I think I am chosen mostly because we got along well at the interview. They have seen my portfolio online or have been shown by a friend what I did for them, so by the time we get together, they are familiar with my work and know my photographic style. Once we meet, brides are comfortable with me, feel listened to and understood, and know that I can work within their budget to capture what they want.”

Morgan and Andrew, married Oct. 15, 2011, felt this meeting was why they chose Deanna.  “Finding a photographer that was both talented and easy to work with was of paramount importance when we began to plan our wedding. Deanna came highly recommended by our wedding coordinators, and from our very first meeting over coffee, I knew I wouldn’t have to look any further. Armed with a stunning portfolio and an easy, welcoming attitude, Deanna answered all my questions and took a genuine interest in uncovering exactly what we wanted from our photographs.”

Matt and Shannon Ward, married June 25, 2011, obviously appreciated Deanna’s laid back style during their wedding.   “There is enough to be nervous about on a wedding day without having to worry about the photos! Knowing I could count on Deanna allowed me to relax and enjoy my wedding day to its fullest! 

Deanna believes part of her role as the photographer is to help the wedding day run smoothly.  “Of course, I will answer any questions they have for me. After they book with me, I will often help plan the schedule for the day to fit in how much time they need for portraits around the other events they have. For most people, this is their first and only time getting married, and the process is overwhelming with so much to plan. As a photographer, I am very involved with the couple for most of the day.”

The Big Day

Deanna works hard to make sure the wedding day runs like clockwork. “On the day of the wedding, I arrive a bit early to set up and let the bride know I am there. I try to stay in the background until after the ceremony and it is time for the formal portraits, so I am able to capture some candid moments and emotions of the day without intruding on it. I will guide the couple through their formal portraits, posing them as necessary, and will stay as long as they want me to be there.”

“In the days before the wedding, Deanna took time out of her own busy schedule to scout out our venues; she even came to our rehearsal to get a feel for our ceremony. On the big day, Deanna’s gentle, thoughtful presence was unobtrusive and calm – much needed on such a chaotic day! She encouraged us to be ourselves, laughed with us, and quietly snapped those precious candid moments that are so rarely captured on film. She also helped to guide us through the more posed family shots, allowing that component to go smoothly and efficiently. Even my photo-phobic husband felt completely at ease and never once said “are we done yet?” The end result was a photo session that ended up being one of the absolute highlights of the entire day.  Actually, of the entire wedding experience!”

Shauna and Clayton March, married March 24, 2011, couldn’t agree more. "Deanna helped us have a wonderful day and wonderful memories. We look at our pictures almost every day. The way she captured the stunning pops of colour and helped us stage all the group poses was incredible.”

About three weeks after the wedding day, the couple will receive a link to their online gallery to view and share their photos. As well, they will receive their DVD. “If they would like to order prints or albums, I will order and deliver them as well. I will often send the couple a sneak peek of some of their images as I edit them, and will post my favorites on my blog,” Deanna explains.

Our favourite things…

• Deanna’s way of mixing professionalism with personal interest. As Katie McLaughlin put it, “Not only do I love her photos, but I genuinely like Deanna as a person and as a professional. She cares about her work, she’s a true artist, she has a great eye, and she’s just such a wonderful person and I really enjoyed working with her.”

• Proposal photography - paparazzi style, and her enthusiastic help to grooms, even if it does mean sneaking around in bushes and arranging proposal sites.  An amazing commitment to getting those perfect shots!

• Deanna’s sense of adventure for trying new ideas!  And her commitment when it comes to her clients and fellow wedding professionals.  (When the Ring asked her for some photos for our magazine – she and her patient, long-suffering, techie husband not only responded but managed to send high res pictures while they were on vacation!)

• We especially love how other wedding professionals appreciate working with Deanna.   Helena Roodball, of Bear Mountain Resort, sang Deanna’s praises.  “I love how she captures the natural moment and really gets the personality of each couple.  Deanna is an amazing person to work with. She is honest, reliable and professional. She always has the client’s best interest at heart.”

• Deanna has had photos published in Island Parent and officially takes photos for an Island swim team.  She also has what we at the Ring love to see – community involvement.  She donates portrait sessions for fund-raising events at elementary schools as well as Help Portrait and, to the Canary Foundation, which raises money to support research for the early detection of cancer.

Value

Deanna’s packages include a complimentary engagement session, all files fully edited on DVD in colour and in Black & White in high-res, and a private online gallery for sharing with family and friends. Prints and albums are also available to be added to any collection.

Deanna will meet with couples as often as needed and help them plan out the schedule of the day. Rehearsal is included, if possible. Four hour, six hour and full day coverage, ranging in price from $1200-$2000 depending on what is wanted for your wedding day.

Also offered are elopement or just-us packages for $500/2 hours. The collections can be customized to suit exactly what the couple is looking for. There is a blend of candid and posed images ready within 3 weeks.

The average bride spends...

Deanna realizes that every bride has different needs and wants for her photography, and different budgets. Some brides just want the basics covered (the ceremony, family and formal portraits) so they book the four hour package.

But she also points out that others don’t want to miss a moment and want the whole day covered (from the bride getting ready, the ceremony, family pictures, bride & couples portraits, cake cutting and first dance) which would work well with the $2000.00 package.  A second photographer can also be made available for the bride that is looking for that type of coverage.
However, Deanna has a policy of working with couples. “I am flexible in working with the bride to meet her needs and will customize any collection to meet those needs. So I guess, I don’t have an average bride. I try to create vibrant, natural images at a rate that won’t break the bank.”

Katie put it very well.  “I’d highly recommend her to any brides and grooms out there, looking for a photographer that won’t break their budget. Deanna is worth every penny invested.”

Details, details, details....

• All collections are subject to HST. As well, there is a contract to sign.
• Deposit required to book: A 25% retainer is due at time of signing, with the balance due seven days prior to the wedding day. Once the contract is signed, the day is yours. Nothing else will be booked that day.
• Months to book ahead: Anywhere from 2 weeks to 18 months prior to the wedding day. Typically, at least 6 months is best.