We wanted to review James Roberts Photography because he gives you the best of many worlds - from the 'how-did-they-get-those-shots?!' photos to those that capture the glamour of it all. Owner, James Roberts (known to his brides as Jamie), concentrates on what he considers to be the "fine art of your day" - beautiful photography that captures the emotion, glamour and authentic moments of your wedding day.

Jamie focuses on delivering photography that represents your day in unique ways. Influenced by painting and sculpture, by photographic history and contemporary fashion photography, Jamie describes his signature approach to photography in a way any bride could love, "You will look spectacular, and you'll have fun doing it."

For a bride who puts photography at the top of her wedding priorities, James Roberts Photography is a great find. Let us explain...

Personally speaking...

Jamie Roberts has always been interested in storytelling and how, he explains, "... Art can represent our deepest hopes and dreams." And his education and training certainly reflect this intense interest in visual imagery, communication, and narrative.

At the University of Waterloo, while Jamie was working towards his undergraduate and graduate degrees in English Literature, he was also studying the visual arts. He took studio art training, film, book design, and, of course, photography. After completing his education, he says he knew right away that he wanted to pursue and perfect his own approach to the art of photography - both behind the camera and in the darkroom. "I learned on film" Jamie says, "but the digital darkroom lets me make fabulous prints, and has its own advantages." He shoots in digital today, using the best portable equipment he can get, and is a recognized expert in the art of digital printmaking. But Jamie can still shoot film at your request for a different look in your prints. Jamie told us that he invests in both his equipment and training, using multiple lighting and cinematic effects.

Today, Jamie even spends some of his time teaching York University students more about communication. The fact that he's a teacher seems only natural due to his open nature and easy-going personality.

After working with film and then taking a leave from shooting weddings, in 2003 Jamie opened FouldsRoberts studios (with Doug Foulds) and they shot weddings professionally for three years together. Due to demand for their individual services, Jamie and Doug have recently opened separate studios, and now Jamie is concentrating on providing local brides with his unique vision. His focus now is reflecting the whole emotional story of your day. He says, simply, "first and foremost, I'm a storyteller."

Jamie is a trained photographer and an active member of WPPI (Wedding & Portraits Photographers International), where he takes courses and contributes to the photographic community. "Photography is in my blood," Jamie told us, "I grew up with it." Always an avid student of photography, he embraces all of the latest tricks and tools while still respecting the basics of composition, light, and the other technical aspects. Jamie also attends personal courses regularly, annual conferences in Las Vegas and New York, and works with other wedding photographers to keep up-to-date on the ever changing techniques. “Regardless of style, what makes a photograph great, and worth paying for - in these days of cell-phone cameras - is careful and interesting composition and the varied use of light.” Jamie knows that he'll never stop learning how to develop his expertise or evolve his own personal style.

Signature style

True to his word, Jamie offers photography that is strongly narrative - and there's more to it than that. He offers wedding memories and beauty from angles that may have never occurred to you before. His sharp eye for making brides look and feel their very best on their wedding day is just one of the things that has brides booking Jamie up to a year in advance.

James Roberts Photography is a blend of true photojournalistic shots, interactive shots and formally posed photos - which always include the scenic and fashion details of your day. Mostly sticking to a documentary-style of photography, Jamie says he blends into the background of your day. “I don’t want to feel that I’m impacting or directing the wedding. I want my photography to be an observance and recording of the couple’s day.” That being said, Jamie still gets the mandatory posed shots because he knows that it's important to have those for your family records. "There's something special that captures the essence of someone on a very special day. The really great photos reflect someone's soul."

Jamie further describes his photojournalistic approach as the re-creation of a person’s honest emotional responses with light, shadow, and gesture. This means, James won't alter the mood, ambience or atmosphere of a reception or ceremony space for the sake of the shot. "If you want candlelight, you’ll get it," he says. With the use of lens and remote flashes, Jamie says he can pick up extra light to get that perfect shot without altering the ambience you love. The resulting photos truly represent the interactions among the bride and groom, their families and their guests. He works diligently at this artistic representation, which extends to fine printing, and you can see the way he captures emotion and storyline in the photo galleries found on the James Roberts Photography website.

Great wedding photography, Jamie says, "is not just a record of the day, it’s a consistent and interesting art: you're making a family heirloom here, not just taking snapshots." Jamie considers this careful style of work an honest reflection of the uniqueness and beauty of your wedding day.

Quality in digital, film and in print

Jamie believes that all of his clients are entitled to comprehensive wedding day coverage and excellent presentation of their photographs. "Quality is the only option when I am involved." Every couple will receive his personal attention, down to the last details. Anything less, he feels, is false economy: you don't get a chance to do this over again.

Jamie will only work with what he finds to be the best quality portable photographic equipment he can. While he appreciates the level of control he has with digital photography and printing, he will happily shoot medium or 35mm format film as well. He says he is constantly upgrading his techniques and equipment to include the latest top-notch products from the best suppliers. "No expense is spared to produce high quality images from both digital and film originals", he explains, and notes that he actually sends out special printing all the way to Australia to get some of his fine prints made - just to ensure that his clients are getting the very best in the business. "I use album suppliers from all around the world, including the United States, Italy and Japan... Whatever it takes to deliver the best possible presentation a bride and groom could hope for."

What to expect

When you contact James Roberts Photography to book a date, Jamie will come to you in order to meet you and your fiancé for an initial consultation of about one to two hours. During that time, he will get to know you and discuss your wedding day plans to be sure he can fit everything in, and plan your locations for photos. The purpose of this meeting is to ensure compatibility of styles and desires.

Jamie explains, "When choosing your photographer, you have to pick someone who is right for you; someone who offers you the best photographic experience for the best value. You also want to be with a photographer who makes you feel comfortable, because that contributes to great photography. After all, when the wedding is over, your photos are the main keepsake of your day--they're that important!"

An engagement photo shoot is part of every wedding package. It gives couples a chance to get used to being photographed and for Jamie to find the best way to capture each unique couple on film. "Everyone is photogenic," Jamie told us, "it’s the photographer’s job to show that to you!"

For your wedding day, James Roberts Photography offers comprehensive coverage with packages that include up to ten hours for a flat fee, with a broad selection of photo finishing options. Coverage includes all of the important locales of your wedding - where the bride is preparing for the ceremony, where the groom is preparing for the ceremony, at the ceremony, and he can even stay through until the first dance.

While he's taking your wedding day photos, Jamie will often take brides and grooms (and their parties) to less than conventional locations. "I prefer to shoot in spaces that are as unique as the couple," he told us. This can include upscale bars, your favourite date spot, or in a place that you never would have imagined could make for such gorgeous shots.

Jamie at your wedding

Jamie told us that while he offers his photography services for portraiture and commercial work, he especially loves photographing weddings. His goal when working with a bridal couple is for them to have as much fun as possible and to simply relax into the moment. "I like working with people, and have a genuine rapport with my couples," Jamie says. There’s nothing stuffy about his photos, even when they're formal. “On the day, it’s all about fun. The more fun you and your guests are having, the more relaxed you’ll be and the better your photos will be too.” After all, your photos will be a reflection of how Jamie saw and experienced your day.

To truly capture a bride and groom's relationship, Jamie says he likes to make sure that he has some time to shoot just them with no one else around.

Pricing and packages

Packages start at $2495 with James Roberts Photography, which includes an engagement shoot and 11x14 matted engagement photo, eight to ten hours of coverage, an online gallery, electronic proofs, printed 4x6 proofs, raw digital negatives, and a disc of high definition images. From there you can add albums and prints to your package or select one of his other packages that includes these.

Jamie's albums are really more like works of art - they're hand edited and printed in either Italy or Australia.

Flying for photos

While Jamie resides in Ontario and has local and area brides covered, he also shoots destination weddings. More couples are opting for an out-of-town wedding, but more of them are choosing less tropical locations. He recently shot a wedding in Canmore and Banff, Alberta, in the Rocky Mountains. “More and more couples are looking for something cool and different,” he said, "the camera and lighting equipment I use is airport-friendly, and has stood the test of commercial shooting as well as weddings. I love to travel, and the costs are often more reasonable than people expect," Jamie told us.

Details, details, details

• It's recommended that you book with James Roberts Photography at least 6 months in advance.
• In order to book, there is a 50% deposit required, with the other 50% due two weeks before the wedding.
• Inquire about a custom quote to suit your specific needs.
• Travel within the GTA, the Golden Triangle or west to London is covered at no extra charge.
• Payment in full for albums or prints is required when placing your order.
• Jamie can arrange and coordinate an additional photographer.

In other words...

"My husband and I are so happy we decided to have Jamie do our photography! From our engagement shoot right through to the day of the wedding... Jamie was so in-control of things and made us feel so comfortable, like we could completely trust him... which we did. Our proofs are gorgeous..." - Elizabeth & Steve

"Jamie, I am supposed to spend every waking hour between now and next Tuesday finalizing details for a three week honeymoon in Europe. And juggling the demands of a brutally exacting job. But I can't. I just keep going back to your pictures, at all times. They are that good. You are a magician." - Jing & Fred

Contacting James Roberts Photography

Jamie Roberts at James Roberts Photography can be reached by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 519-622-1156. You can also visit James Roberts Photography online at http://www.james-roberts-photography.com.