Kathy DeMerchant Photography should be on the must-see list of any Hamilton area bride who’s on the hunt for a fabulous photographer. Kathy’s work is all about creating imagery that captures and evokes people's emotions. Drawing inspiration from other photographers and from the fashion world at large, Kathy shoots in a modern, fresh, fun style without missing the romance and timeless sentiment that wedding photography requires.

When we met with Kathy and checked out her portfolio, we were taken into the moments she's captured, as if we were there, and fell in love with her vibrant colours that make her subjects' lips pop and shoes shine. No doubt, Kathy's ten years of experience in image processing and enhancing allows her the freedom to create unique post-processing effects, turning your photos into fine art pieces.

Specializing in wedding photography, Kathy focuses on developing personal and relaxed relationships with her couples and their families, always striving to have fun and put them at ease. Brides who visit Kathy want photography to be an important part of their big day, and with her quiet confidence and friendly personality, we think that Kathy would be easy to trust to make sure that happens. Let us tell you more…

Personally speaking…

Surrounded by photography her whole life, Kathy grew up with a father who was an avid amateur photographer, which she then perfected even more through lighting and portraiture courses at Mohawk College.

For Kathy, the decision to leave her full time job and venture out on her own was an easy one. She had a talent for photography and an inspiration for being a witness to people who are in love. So, what better way to express these two things than capturing weddings on camera? "Having ten years of experience with image processing and enhancing for a major newspaper made this an easy transition," she told The Ring.

Kathy opened Kathy DeMerchant Photography in 2007 and says that she absolutely loves every minute of it. "Capturing the feeling of love in photos is something I will never get tired of looking at," she says. "I absolutely love creating imagery that evokes emotions in people."

Drawing inspiration from the best in the industry and the world of fashion, Kathy and her husband Rick are the primary photographers and image enhancers for about twenty to twenty-five weddings per year. They also work with a close network of other professional photographers who they say play a key role in product development and business growth.

While Kathy is always the lead photographer, a second shooter attends some weddings, depending on the package booked. "I have some fantastic photographers to shoot alongside me at weddings," Kathy says. "They all enjoy the experience of capturing the love of couples and their families as they celebrate together." She adds that having a second shooter for the day gives her the ability to provide the bride and groom with a wider variety of candid images and different angles.

Chemistry 101

While Kathy photographs bellies, babies and families, she says that she focuses primarily on weddings, which gives her the chance to really focus on each client and develop a personal and relaxed relationship with them. With an intimate and casual approach, and a belief that there should be chemistry between her and her couples, Kathy effectively captures the magic of their wedding day, making her photos artistic, documentary, elegant and timeless.

One of the biggest reasons that Monika and John Azevedo chose Kathy as their engagement and October 2009 wedding photographer was for the natural, candid shots that she takes and the way she later presents them as a story. "She is up for anything during a photo session, and it's very refreshing," adds Monika.

Kathy believes that couples need to feel 100% comfortable with their photographer and have a high level of trust in them, which makes a big difference in their ultimate photos. "We strive to have fun with our couples and to really tell their story, to show their true beauty and love for each other by capturing real moments and real emotions, and turning those into art," says Kathy. In doing this, Kathy says she's very focused on the role she plays in each couple’s wedding day, which is reflected in her work. "I think that my couples have a really great experience with me on their wedding day. I make them feel beautiful and at ease," she adds. "We laugh, and we have fun."

Such was the case for Jodie Golini during her October 2009 wedding day photo shoot with Kathy, which she says was relaxed. "Kathy allowed me to be myself," says Jodie. "Our experience was totally laid-back and comfortable. She put us at ease and went at our pace." She adds that as soon as she and her then fiancé Daniel met Kathy they knew that she was the right photographer for them (after they had met several others). "We just got a really good vibe from her," they told The Ring.

Monika and John Azevedo told us that the best part about their photo shoots with Kathy was that they had fun. Monika says that she's not a big fan of having her picture taken, but Kathy made her and John feel comfortable right from the start. "Kathy is extremely personable, patient and will make anyone feel comfortable… throughout the whole process, from engagement session to ordering pictures to the wedding day, she makes you feel like you are the only client that she is working with."

Making memories pop

Kathy’s experience with digital post-processing from her previous career gives her the freedom to turn her photos into fine art pieces – and the work speaks for itself. Images pop with vibrant colours in some images where others have an entirely different vibe thanks to vintage-style techniques. She says she likes to take a few photos out of a wedding day shoot and do something “extra special” to them. "Whether it’s adding a texture or a little vintage colouring," she explains. But she adds that for most of the photos, she sticks to post-processing that is elegant and timeless. The idea is to be able to encompass a number of incredible images that are as creative as they are crucial to your wedding memories.

Elizabeth and Christopher McAllister enjoyed the entire experience working with Kathy for their September 2009 wedding photos, telling us that Kathy was approachable, friendly and professional. Elizabeth adds that her photos “look beautiful and polished, but still capture the emotions of the moment… and each [photos] was unique.” They adds that during their shoot with Kathy and Rick, they never felt awkward or posed. “The shoot felt very natural.”

Packages & prices

While Kathy has four packages with different options depending on what you're looking for, she will also do custom packages upon request. Depending on the package you book, it can include an engagement session, online gallery, hi-res edited wedding files on DVD, custom coffee table books, parent books, brag books, print credits and custom thank you cards. Package prices start at $2500 and go up to $4700 for varying options and hours of coverage.

"I feel that Kathy's prices are very reasonable and match the value you receive," Monika says. "When I compared her work and her packages to other photographers I was looking at… the prices and what you received for the price was not comparable."

Elizabeth and Christopher loved the 'brag books' that Kathy offered, saying that they hadn’t seen them offered by any other photographers. “Kathy offered the best quality photography for the best value. Her photos were beautiful.”

If the package you choose doesn't include some items you want (like thank you cards or an album), you can also add them à la carte. Kathy says that her wedding albums are popular amongst couples because they're a coffee table-style of book that is custom designed and produced in Italy. "They truly make the perfect first family heirloom," she says.

Jodie loved the coffee table book that she got with her wedding package, telling us that it was incredible. "I took it to work to show my co-workers and they were all upset because they all wanted one but were never given the offer from their photographers." She adds that Kathy's prices are very fair. "The prices totally match the value. In fact, we should have been charged more!"

Walking you through it…

Kathy recommends booking her a year to a year and a half before your wedding day. But before you book, she wants to make sure that everyone gets along and is on the same page, so she recommends meeting with her for a consultation, which she can do at her home studio (or your place, if that works better). Consultations are free for couples and there's no pressure to book.

When you realize that Kathy is perfect for you, and you're ready to book, a $1000 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your day. The remaining balance is due one week before the wedding.

Since all of Kathy's packages include an engagement session, between booking and the wedding day you'll meet up with Kathy for that. She says this really helps her and the couple feel comfortable with each other.

Monika and John told us that their engagement session with Kathy went really well and allowed them to get a feeling for how the wedding day would go.

On the wedding day, Kathy says she likes to spend very little time on formal portraits (fifteen minutes tops for group and family photos) so she can spend more time capturing expressions and emotions of the actual day.

Jodie found Kathy's creativity during her wedding day shoot to be amazing, telling us that she had ideas that Jodie and her fiancé never would have thought of. "She had an image in her head, asked us if we were game, and then took the most amazing photos that I have ever seen." She adds that Kathy's accessibility before and after the big day was helpful as she kept in contact with Jodie and Daniel on a consistent basis and was always easy to get a hold of.

One of the coolest things that Kathy offers (and something not seen too often) is reception cards that tell guests where they can view and purchase the pictures online after the wedding day.

Kathy believes in delivering quality more than quantity by spending valued time on each detail. This means that the finished product is as important to her as photographing the day and you can expect a high level of quality in Kathy's post-processing.

It's not just brides who seem to love this photographer, as Marcel Klema from United Media Videography told us that Kathy is personable, professional, and efficient, which he believes are the most important characteristics for anyone involved in the wedding business. As a wedding videographer who works with a variety of photographers, Marcel attests to Kathy's professionalism in dealing with each couple, their guests, the surroundings, and others involved in making the day run smoothly. "It is important to me to work with a photographer who understands that it is crucial to see and not to be seen," says Marcel. "I have seen Kathy perform under various conditions, and the results are always no less than spectacular."

Details, details, details

• Kathy recommends booking her 12 to 18 months before your wedding day.
• A $1000 deposit is required to secure your day, with the remaining balance due 1 week before the wedding.
• Packages range in price, hours of coverage, and options from $2500 to $4700 (plus taxes), with extra items available to purchase. The average bride spends about $3500 at Kathy DeMerchant Photography.
• Extra time can be added to packages for $200 an hour for the first hour, and $150 for each hour after that.
• Kathy mainly photographs in and around Hamilton, but will travel for an extra fee (if it's more than 80 km outside of Hamilton). She's happy to be part of your destination wedding, too, and welcomes inquiries for a custom quote.

Contacting Kathy DeMerchant Photography

Kathy DeMerchant at Kathy DeMerchant 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 905-746-4279. You can also visit Kathy DeMerchant Photography online at http://www.kathydemerchant.com.