Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor • Interviews with past brides • Our experiences
Every bride wants to have some attention on her wedding day... but what if you want to feel like a star? Heather MacEachern of HRM Photography and her team will make you feel just that. It's not just her university degrees (in Photography and Education), experience and continual education in photography that sets Heather apart. We also happen to think that her enthusiastic approach to all things wedding, her evolving unobtrusive style, her work with internationally known bands, and her commitment to creating lasting relationships with her clients that also contribute to HRM's popularity. Heather takes all of this experience and translates it to what she loves most... Ontario weddings, which continue to inspire her even after shooting over 500 of them!
With a reputation for an adaptable, fashion-oriented shooting style that precedes her, staff at The Ring already knew that HRM was fabulous as we've used her services and featured her photos over the few years we've been working with Heather; but, we wanted to learn more about this professional's unique approach to photographing weddings in London, Toronto and beyond. Let us explain...
Styling your wedding
Heather and the team at HRM Photography have their own approach to wedding photography. She describes the HRM Photography approach as, "... fun, fresh and unobtrusive." Because Heather has spent a great deal of time studying various styles of photography, she also often refers to HRM’s technique as 'chameleon-like'.
Since HRM has a personalized approach to every wedding, they define their style based on what the bride and groom want, whether that be urban & funky, timeless & romantic, fashion oriented, photojournalistic, a combination of many styles or something completely different. “We are well versed in different photography styles and techniques and believe that it’s up to the photographer to shift their approach to document a wedding in a way that genuinely reflects the couple’s day," says Heather.
Such was the case for Morgan and Geoff Mitchell whose engagement, April 2009 wedding, and soon to be maternity photos were shot by HRM Photography. They told us that Heather was warm and fun loving, supportive and kind. "On the wedding day, her team was unobtrusive and yet they were able to get amazing photos of everyone who was important to us."
An inspired background
Heather has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Photography from Ryerson University, as well as a Bachelor of Education from University of Toronto.
Although Heather doesn't teach on a regular basis, she admits that the skills gained from her teaching degree are used regularly when facing the challenges of any given wedding day. Drawing on her teaching experience, she is able to better orchestrate people, poses, environments and situations so that she can get her job done in the best possible manner for her clients.
Heather's upbringing also plays into each wedding that she shoots. Her mother is an art librarian and her father is a social documentary photographer so she's grown up immersed in the beauty of a still image.
The HRM team…
Always striving for the best, Heather and her team are continually improving and fine-tuning their skills through workshops, networking and being a part of professional organizations. Heather is an award-winning member of the ISPWP (International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers), and a founding member of Best of Wedding Photographers (an exclusive group of the top 350 wedding photographers in the world). HRM's work has been featured in national publications such as Wedding Bells and on international websites such as Style Me Pretty.
Having shot over 500 weddings, Heather has all the experience you want in a wedding photographer. She now shoots a maximum of 40 weddings per year, but tells us that even after so many weddings, she still loves them. “It’s evolved, though it’s always been about the emotions," Heather says. When Heather was engaged, it was the anticipation of her own wedding that inspired her. Now, as a married woman and a mother, Heather says she continues to be inspired by the whole family affair as the bride and groom start a new life together.
To help her out with the busy wedding seasons, Heather has hired a team of associates who shoot an average of twenty weddings each per year. "All associates are handpicked and personally trained (in addition to their formal training)," explains Heather. They start with HRM as assistants and work their way up to full associate when they have gained enough experience.
What initially attracted Liz Tate to HRM Photography for her engagement, bridal shower and August 2008 wedding photos was associate photographer Lindsay's portfolio, "It included exactly what we were looking for – a perfect mix of candid and posed..." Liz has since also used HRM for a family photo shoot, and adds that she loves the choice and variety HRM offered for her wedding photos. She told us that there was both a balance of photos for the older, more traditional family members, as well as more contemporary photos for the younger generations.
A moment in time
"I like to think of the couple as the star of the show and their wedding party as their backup band," says Heather, who has spent a lot of time over the past fifteen years not just shooting weddings, but also live music shoots for the likes of Radiohead and Queens of the Stone Age, to name a few. At just 14 years old, photographing live music events is where Heather got her start in photography, and says that concert photography "really teaches you a lot about photographing any live event. Live music photography is a fast paced shoot with difficult lighting; you don’t miss a moment since it can’t be repeated." And with her music documentary work being published in the Globe and Mail, Elle Magazine and the Toronto Star... Heather has perfected the art, which translates well into her wedding photography.
Gianna Gonzalez Pina had HRM photograph her engagement and October 2008 wedding photos and definitely thinks that her photos tell the story of each moment of her day. "Every time I look at my wedding pictures it is like I am living the day again," she told The Ring. She adds that Heather was very friendly but professional, and it helped that she had a game plan for the photo session. "Heather is a very creative photographer…."
Taking comfort in consultations
Heather likes to consult with her couples numerous times before the big day to determine exactly what it is they are looking for in their pictures. As your wedding plans evolve, so will your plans with HRM Photography in regards to the style and shots you want to include. Gianna told us that Heather was "always on time for our appointments and always there for what I needed at any time or any day."
Consultations are also a great opportunity for couples to ask Heather any questions they may have, which she highly recommends. “Don’t be shy to ask your vendor for advice," she says. "They provide a specific service but can also help with the total experience. This is your first wedding, but it’s not theirs.”
Liz told us that her experience working with HRM Photography was fantastic. "Heather is incredibly accommodating and always willing to answer even the craziest questions. She even sent me an email on my one year wedding anniversary."
Aside from consultations and endless email communication between booking and the wedding day, Heather also encourages an engagement session with her couples as she says it helps the photographer to understand how they interact with each other and how comfortable they are in front of the camera. "We get to know each of them better and learn how to ensure that they're themselves in front of the lens," Heather told us. "They also get a sense of how we shoot and of our style. They learn to trust us to make them look their best."
Elana Jacobs Cochran and Dan Cochran hired HRM for their engagement and August 2009 wedding photos and raved about how great their whole experience was. They especially loved their engagement session, which they agreed helped them make a connection with Heather before the wedding. Elana described HRM’s style as "creative, fun, flirty... and modern."
The creative checklist
HRM uses a creative checklist to ensure that all of the important moments and shots are captured and that your photographer understands your style and vision for the wedding. Working together, sometimes using tear sheets from magazines, Heather wants to know what inspires you - whether it's from a bridal magazine or a fashion magazine. "Sharing sample images with us goes a long way to help ensure you get what you’re looking for. We want the images we capture to accurately portray the vision you have of your wedding day," says Heather.
Understanding the experience
It's no secret that Heather has a passion for weddings (not just the photography part of it), telling us that it's not unusual for her to tear up at her clients' weddings. "I'm there to tell the story of their weddings through photographs," she says. "Having an emotional connection to what I’m photographing is very important to me."
Angela and Jeff Middleton had HRM photograph their engagement photos and November 2007 wedding photos and say that they love the uniqueness of HRM Photography’s style. "You can see that they are really putting their heart and soul into their work," says Angela. "Not to mention, I had a very specific idea of what I wanted my photos to look like and Heather was more than willing to work with me on that."
Heather also has a personal interest in all things weddings - she married her sweetheart, Eric, on July 2nd, 2005 in her parent’s backyard here in London. "I relate well to my clients because I've been there! The joy of my own wedding day and my wonderful marriage are a constant source of inspiration for my work."
"Heather and her associates are fun, young and have a passion for weddings," Liz told us. "Our wedding pictures are gorgeous and truly represent what the day was like."
With so much experience shooting (and attending) weddings, Heather also has advice for couples so they get the most out of their photographer. “Schedule your hair appointment early!" she says. "If you’re late at the salon, it sets the whole day behind. Give yourself enough time to get ready so you don’t feel rushed or run behind… A happy bride is a relaxed bride.”
Heather also likes to stay in contact with brides throughout the wedding planning so she can help them with any part of it, if need be.
Morgan and Geoff told us that Heather went above what they expected out of a photographer and not only helped them with forming a timeline for their day, but also assisted them with finding some of their other wedding vendors.
Heather also suggests that you make your wedding, and specifically you photo shoot, personal. For example, taking your engagement photos at the spot your proposal happened or going to the place where you had your first date. "It’s the personal touches that your guests will talk about and remember. They’re the photos that mean the most.”
On the day...
Shooting the day as it unfolds, Heather says she and her team are unobtrusive without trying to direct; but adds that in some cases your family may be more "boisterous and require extra direction with a gentle touch."
Such was the case for Angela and Jeff who say that Heather and Lindsay kept them on track the entire day. "They had fun with us but at the same time took their job very seriously and kept us on schedule to ensure we got all the photos we wanted."
Both the main photographer and assistant will be dressed to blend with the crowd but also to get the shot, whether that means climbing a ladder, walking through a muddy field or lying down in a snowbank. It all comes down to making sure that every moment is captured perfectly. For Angela and Jeff that meant that HRM shot their wedding photos outside in the blistering cold for hours. "And they didn't complain about it once," says Angela.
"HRM knows how to get a good picture and are willing to run across the street pregnant and barefoot to do so," Liz told us of her fun experience with HRM while Lindsay was seven months pregnant.
HRM also likes to think of themselves as extra bridesmaids, helping to keep the bride calm, and offering assistance wherever it's needed to make sure she has a really fun day. Such was the case for Gianna who told us that Heather went over and above anything she ever expected. For example, Gianna ran into make-up issues the day before the wedding and with a few phone calls Heather arranged to have two make-up artists show up at 6 am on the big day. "She also carried a bride emergency kit," says Gianna, so if she needed a hairpin or needle/thread, safety pins, or anything you could think of, Heather was ready.
Owning the high resolution files
One of the things that we found unique about Heather is that she is one of the few photographers who include each couple’s digital negatives as part of their wedding day coverage. You can order albums and prints through Heather at reasonable prices or if you prefer you can put together your own albums and reprints.
Sharing your images...
HRM Photography also offers an online gallery of your wedding photos after the day has come and gone. You can share the link with family and friends so that your photos are conveniently available to them to view and order if they'd like. Personalized announcement cards to give to all of your guests with instructions on how to access your gallery are also provided with this service. Heather says that many couples enjoy this feature, but it's especially great for those with a lot of out-of-town family and friends.
Package options...
All of HRM’s wedding packages are customizable in terms of hours of coverage, album and print options – a flexible approach that Heather thinks is just one of many reasons brides love HRM. "Our packages are just starting points. It’s so hard to know exactly what you want until you’ve seen your pictures so we’re happy to custom design your package based on your needs," Heather says.
All packages include:
• A pre-wedding consultation and scheduling assistance
• A lead photographer and assistant/second shooter
• A DVD with high resolution, print-ready images
• A bridal album credit or proof album
• An online gallery for viewing and ordering your images for one year
HRM's photography packages include two photographers, high resolution files on DVD and a beautiful custom designed bridal album. Half day coverage (5 hours) starts at $2495 and full day coverage (8 hours) with an engagement session is $3495. Full pricing details are available on the HRM Photography website.
"HRM’s prices are fair and very competitive for the quality and professionalism they provide to their clients," says Liz. "In the end, their pictures are priceless."
Not just a wedding photographer
Many of HRM's clients love them so much that they end up being clients for life and continue to use Heather long after their wedding day. For this, Heather has a natural light studio in London, Ontario where she photographs families, boudoir sessions, moms-to-be, and newborns.
Details, details, details
• Heather recommends you book your wedding with HRM Photography 8 to 12 months ahead of time, but they have accommodated later requests - even 1 week or 1 day - at times.
• A deposit of 50% (of your package price) is due to book; 25% is due 1 month before the wedding; the remaining 25% balance is due when your online gallery is ready (usually about four weeks after your wedding). They also offer payment plans and bridal registry options. HRM now offers fun photo booths for your reception, including props and backdrops!
• A variety of specialty items such as coffee table books, custom designed save the date or thank you cards and canvas prints are available to order in packages or as add-ons after your wedding.
• HRM Photography loves to travel and are available for weddings throughout Ontario and beyond. Inquire within for a custom quote.
Every bride wants to have some attention on her wedding day... but what if you want to feel like a star? Heather MacEachern of HRM Photography and her team will make you feel just that. It's not just her university degrees (in Photography and Education), experience and continual education in photography that sets Heather apart. We also happen to think that her enthusiastic approach to all things wedding, her evolving unobtrusive style, her work with internationally known bands, and her commitment to creating lasting relationships with her clients that also contribute to HRM's popularity. Heather takes all of this experience and translates it to what she loves most... Ontario weddings, which continue to inspire her even after shooting over 500 of them!
With a reputation for an adaptable, fashion-oriented shooting style that precedes her, staff at The Ring already knew that HRM was fabulous as we've used her services and featured her photos over the few years we've been working with Heather; but, we wanted to learn more about this professional's unique approach to photographing weddings in London, Toronto and beyond. Let us explain...
Styling your wedding
Heather and the team at HRM Photography have their own approach to wedding photography. She describes the HRM Photography approach as, "... fun, fresh and unobtrusive." Because Heather has spent a great deal of time studying various styles of photography, she also often refers to HRM’s technique as 'chameleon-like'.
Since HRM has a personalized approach to every wedding, they define their style based on what the bride and groom want, whether that be urban & funky, timeless & romantic, fashion oriented, photojournalistic, a combination of many styles or something completely different. “We are well versed in different photography styles and techniques and believe that it’s up to the photographer to shift their approach to document a wedding in a way that genuinely reflects the couple’s day," says Heather.
Such was the case for Morgan and Geoff Mitchell whose engagement, April 2009 wedding, and soon to be maternity photos were shot by HRM Photography. They told us that Heather was warm and fun loving, supportive and kind. "On the wedding day, her team was unobtrusive and yet they were able to get amazing photos of everyone who was important to us."
An inspired background
Heather has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Photography from Ryerson University, as well as a Bachelor of Education from University of Toronto.
Although Heather doesn't teach on a regular basis, she admits that the skills gained from her teaching degree are used regularly when facing the challenges of any given wedding day. Drawing on her teaching experience, she is able to better orchestrate people, poses, environments and situations so that she can get her job done in the best possible manner for her clients.
Heather's upbringing also plays into each wedding that she shoots. Her mother is an art librarian and her father is a social documentary photographer so she's grown up immersed in the beauty of a still image.
The HRM team…
Always striving for the best, Heather and her team are continually improving and fine-tuning their skills through workshops, networking and being a part of professional organizations. Heather is an award-winning member of the ISPWP (International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers), and a founding member of Best of Wedding Photographers (an exclusive group of the top 350 wedding photographers in the world). HRM's work has been featured in national publications such as Wedding Bells and on international websites such as Style Me Pretty.
Having shot over 500 weddings, Heather has all the experience you want in a wedding photographer. She now shoots a maximum of 40 weddings per year, but tells us that even after so many weddings, she still loves them. “It’s evolved, though it’s always been about the emotions," Heather says. When Heather was engaged, it was the anticipation of her own wedding that inspired her. Now, as a married woman and a mother, Heather says she continues to be inspired by the whole family affair as the bride and groom start a new life together.
To help her out with the busy wedding seasons, Heather has hired a team of associates who shoot an average of twenty weddings each per year. "All associates are handpicked and personally trained (in addition to their formal training)," explains Heather. They start with HRM as assistants and work their way up to full associate when they have gained enough experience.
What initially attracted Liz Tate to HRM Photography for her engagement, bridal shower and August 2008 wedding photos was associate photographer Lindsay's portfolio, "It included exactly what we were looking for – a perfect mix of candid and posed..." Liz has since also used HRM for a family photo shoot, and adds that she loves the choice and variety HRM offered for her wedding photos. She told us that there was both a balance of photos for the older, more traditional family members, as well as more contemporary photos for the younger generations.
A moment in time
"I like to think of the couple as the star of the show and their wedding party as their backup band," says Heather, who has spent a lot of time over the past fifteen years not just shooting weddings, but also live music shoots for the likes of Radiohead and Queens of the Stone Age, to name a few. At just 14 years old, photographing live music events is where Heather got her start in photography, and says that concert photography "really teaches you a lot about photographing any live event. Live music photography is a fast paced shoot with difficult lighting; you don’t miss a moment since it can’t be repeated." And with her music documentary work being published in the Globe and Mail, Elle Magazine and the Toronto Star... Heather has perfected the art, which translates well into her wedding photography.
Gianna Gonzalez Pina had HRM photograph her engagement and October 2008 wedding photos and definitely thinks that her photos tell the story of each moment of her day. "Every time I look at my wedding pictures it is like I am living the day again," she told The Ring. She adds that Heather was very friendly but professional, and it helped that she had a game plan for the photo session. "Heather is a very creative photographer…."
Taking comfort in consultations
Heather likes to consult with her couples numerous times before the big day to determine exactly what it is they are looking for in their pictures. As your wedding plans evolve, so will your plans with HRM Photography in regards to the style and shots you want to include. Gianna told us that Heather was "always on time for our appointments and always there for what I needed at any time or any day."
Consultations are also a great opportunity for couples to ask Heather any questions they may have, which she highly recommends. “Don’t be shy to ask your vendor for advice," she says. "They provide a specific service but can also help with the total experience. This is your first wedding, but it’s not theirs.”
Liz told us that her experience working with HRM Photography was fantastic. "Heather is incredibly accommodating and always willing to answer even the craziest questions. She even sent me an email on my one year wedding anniversary."
Aside from consultations and endless email communication between booking and the wedding day, Heather also encourages an engagement session with her couples as she says it helps the photographer to understand how they interact with each other and how comfortable they are in front of the camera. "We get to know each of them better and learn how to ensure that they're themselves in front of the lens," Heather told us. "They also get a sense of how we shoot and of our style. They learn to trust us to make them look their best."
Elana Jacobs Cochran and Dan Cochran hired HRM for their engagement and August 2009 wedding photos and raved about how great their whole experience was. They especially loved their engagement session, which they agreed helped them make a connection with Heather before the wedding. Elana described HRM’s style as "creative, fun, flirty... and modern."
The creative checklist
HRM uses a creative checklist to ensure that all of the important moments and shots are captured and that your photographer understands your style and vision for the wedding. Working together, sometimes using tear sheets from magazines, Heather wants to know what inspires you - whether it's from a bridal magazine or a fashion magazine. "Sharing sample images with us goes a long way to help ensure you get what you’re looking for. We want the images we capture to accurately portray the vision you have of your wedding day," says Heather.
Understanding the experience
It's no secret that Heather has a passion for weddings (not just the photography part of it), telling us that it's not unusual for her to tear up at her clients' weddings. "I'm there to tell the story of their weddings through photographs," she says. "Having an emotional connection to what I’m photographing is very important to me."
Angela and Jeff Middleton had HRM photograph their engagement photos and November 2007 wedding photos and say that they love the uniqueness of HRM Photography’s style. "You can see that they are really putting their heart and soul into their work," says Angela. "Not to mention, I had a very specific idea of what I wanted my photos to look like and Heather was more than willing to work with me on that."
Heather also has a personal interest in all things weddings - she married her sweetheart, Eric, on July 2nd, 2005 in her parent’s backyard here in London. "I relate well to my clients because I've been there! The joy of my own wedding day and my wonderful marriage are a constant source of inspiration for my work."
"Heather and her associates are fun, young and have a passion for weddings," Liz told us. "Our wedding pictures are gorgeous and truly represent what the day was like."
With so much experience shooting (and attending) weddings, Heather also has advice for couples so they get the most out of their photographer. “Schedule your hair appointment early!" she says. "If you’re late at the salon, it sets the whole day behind. Give yourself enough time to get ready so you don’t feel rushed or run behind… A happy bride is a relaxed bride.”
Heather also likes to stay in contact with brides throughout the wedding planning so she can help them with any part of it, if need be.
Morgan and Geoff told us that Heather went above what they expected out of a photographer and not only helped them with forming a timeline for their day, but also assisted them with finding some of their other wedding vendors.
Heather also suggests that you make your wedding, and specifically you photo shoot, personal. For example, taking your engagement photos at the spot your proposal happened or going to the place where you had your first date. "It’s the personal touches that your guests will talk about and remember. They’re the photos that mean the most.”
On the day...
Shooting the day as it unfolds, Heather says she and her team are unobtrusive without trying to direct; but adds that in some cases your family may be more "boisterous and require extra direction with a gentle touch."
Such was the case for Angela and Jeff who say that Heather and Lindsay kept them on track the entire day. "They had fun with us but at the same time took their job very seriously and kept us on schedule to ensure we got all the photos we wanted."
Both the main photographer and assistant will be dressed to blend with the crowd but also to get the shot, whether that means climbing a ladder, walking through a muddy field or lying down in a snowbank. It all comes down to making sure that every moment is captured perfectly. For Angela and Jeff that meant that HRM shot their wedding photos outside in the blistering cold for hours. "And they didn't complain about it once," says Angela.
"HRM knows how to get a good picture and are willing to run across the street pregnant and barefoot to do so," Liz told us of her fun experience with HRM while Lindsay was seven months pregnant.
HRM also likes to think of themselves as extra bridesmaids, helping to keep the bride calm, and offering assistance wherever it's needed to make sure she has a really fun day. Such was the case for Gianna who told us that Heather went over and above anything she ever expected. For example, Gianna ran into make-up issues the day before the wedding and with a few phone calls Heather arranged to have two make-up artists show up at 6 am on the big day. "She also carried a bride emergency kit," says Gianna, so if she needed a hairpin or needle/thread, safety pins, or anything you could think of, Heather was ready.
Owning the high resolution files
One of the things that we found unique about Heather is that she is one of the few photographers who include each couple’s digital negatives as part of their wedding day coverage. You can order albums and prints through Heather at reasonable prices or if you prefer you can put together your own albums and reprints.
Sharing your images...
HRM Photography also offers an online gallery of your wedding photos after the day has come and gone. You can share the link with family and friends so that your photos are conveniently available to them to view and order if they'd like. Personalized announcement cards to give to all of your guests with instructions on how to access your gallery are also provided with this service. Heather says that many couples enjoy this feature, but it's especially great for those with a lot of out-of-town family and friends.
Package options...
All of HRM’s wedding packages are customizable in terms of hours of coverage, album and print options – a flexible approach that Heather thinks is just one of many reasons brides love HRM. "Our packages are just starting points. It’s so hard to know exactly what you want until you’ve seen your pictures so we’re happy to custom design your package based on your needs," Heather says.
All packages include:
• A pre-wedding consultation and scheduling assistance
• A lead photographer and assistant/second shooter
• A DVD with high resolution, print-ready images
• A bridal album credit or proof album
• An online gallery for viewing and ordering your images for one year
HRM's photography packages include two photographers, high resolution files on DVD and a beautiful custom designed bridal album. Half day coverage (5 hours) starts at $2495 and full day coverage (8 hours) with an engagement session is $3495. Full pricing details are available on the HRM Photography website.
"HRM’s prices are fair and very competitive for the quality and professionalism they provide to their clients," says Liz. "In the end, their pictures are priceless."
Not just a wedding photographer
Many of HRM's clients love them so much that they end up being clients for life and continue to use Heather long after their wedding day. For this, Heather has a natural light studio in London, Ontario where she photographs families, boudoir sessions, moms-to-be, and newborns.
Details, details, details
• Heather recommends you book your wedding with HRM Photography 8 to 12 months ahead of time, but they have accommodated later requests - even 1 week or 1 day - at times.
• A deposit of 50% (of your package price) is due to book; 25% is due 1 month before the wedding; the remaining 25% balance is due when your online gallery is ready (usually about four weeks after your wedding). They also offer payment plans and bridal registry options. HRM now offers fun photo booths for your reception, including props and backdrops!
• A variety of specialty items such as coffee table books, custom designed save the date or thank you cards and canvas prints are available to order in packages or as add-ons after your wedding.
• HRM Photography loves to travel and are available for weddings throughout Ontario and beyond. Inquire within for a custom quote.
