When Candice Davidson, owner of Make a Memory Photograph, shoots a wedding, she has one goal in mind- to get the kind of shots that you can look back on in years, and remember exactly how you felt in that moment.
With a focus on natural, candid shots, Candice methodically and patiently waits for those moments that her couples will want to cherish forever.
And this Hamilton based photographer will go out of her way to make each wedding day she shoots as stress free as possible. Whether it means researching the potential photo locations ahead of time or helping her couples with their wedding day timeline, Candice goes all out for her clients. Let us explain….
Personally Speaking....
When Candice graduated from Sheridan's Applied Photography program in 2003, she knew that one day, she would open up her own photography business. But instead of just jumping in, she decided that it was crucial that she knew the profession inside and out before opening a business that she could be proud of. So, she spent a few years immersing herself in several types of photography, as an assistant, a second shooter and occasionally, as a main shooter.
And a large part of Candice's experience involved shooting weddings, as both an assistant and a second shooter. So, when she was ready to go out on her own, she had the experience and skills she needed to make couples incredibly happy with their wedding photography.
But it was the passing of her mom when she was fifteen that really pushed Candice into photography, "when we were trying to gather photos to have on display at the funeral, we didn’t have very many. This made me realize how important it is to take photos all the time. Over the years I developed my own style of photography and I have great photos that have a memory attached to them."
As Candice spent time working for other photographers, she was able to gain the experience she needed to run the best business possible, "working with other photographers taught me a lot about how the day went, how to manage the time, and of course, different styles of photography."
So, in 2007, Candice felt ready to officially open her business, Make a Memory Photography. Today, Candice shoots about twenty to thirty weddings per year.
Candice still loves it as much as she did when she first opened her business, “every wedding and every bride is so different and I love all the new and exciting experiences I get to try. Once the wedding is over I send the link to the bride and groom for their photos and wait for their reaction, it’s usually the best feeling in the world to know you helped capture such a special day in their lives and they loved everything about the photos."
Sattrena and Andrew Clarke told The Ring that they had an awesome experience working with Candice on their October 2010 wedding day, "Candice kept it light and joked around with us. My favorite thing about the shoot was that Candice caught intimate moments without us knowing the picture was being taken. Her photojournalism was fantastic. And, she was so easy going. I felt like she was a big part of my wedding day!"
Candid, natural shots
For Candice, capturing her clients in their most natural moments makes for the best photos. She’ll also do some posed shots throughout the day, but she absolutely loves taking candid’s, “the best part is the candid and natural shots because when you look back at them you laugh, cry or smile because you remember that moment.”
And while Candice loves candid shots, she enjoys capturing creative and artistic shots as well. She says that because every bride is different, she can adapt to each unique style, “I like the variety and the adventures some brides take me on. Some brides are younger, some are older, some like more traditional photos some prefer the more candid natural style, I cater to whatever the bride wishes.”
June 3rd, 2011 bride Pamela Bootsma booked Make A Memory for her wedding and says it was Candices' professionalism, artistic eye and easy going attitude that drew her to Candice, "My favourite thing that Candice did was take pictures of the real moments that were happening throughout the day. There are pictures that I have of my wedding that I would never have thought to mention to a photographer, but Candice was right in there, taking pictures and creating memories that I will cherish for years to come.
Sattrena and Andrew Clarke were impressed with the different styles and variety in her work, "Our favourite thing was the variety of shoots that where done. The poses she had us do were different than the ones she showed us in her portfolio. Other photographers had different couples doing the same poses over and over again."
If you want to do something totally outside the box, Candice says she is up for trying something new and is always open to new ideas.
Margarita Ganieva felt an instant connection with Candice and booked her for her July 2009 wedding, "I loved that she captured those small moments that stay in your memory forever. We have one photo where my husband looks at me a certain way and we didn't even know we were being photographed but I know that look of happiness on his face and now I have it forever."
Stephanie Robert says she couldn't find anyone else like Candice when she was looking for wedding photographers for her June 25th, 2011 wedding day, "When we first met with Candice we felt so comfortable with her. She came to our home, talked over the different packages that she had available and brought samples of work she had done in the past. From the moment we first started taking our pictures with her (our engagement photos) she made us feel so comfortable and at ease."
Heart and Soul
Candice’s style, which she describes as "outgoing and friendly, with a willingness to help out wherever she can", is a big part of what attracts her couples. And her patience also helps her capture the very best shots, "I don't mind waiting as long as needed to capture that perfect moment."
Bride Stephanie Robert told The Ring,"I love that she listened to what we actually wanted and how she got creative. As well, she managed to get EVERY moment of our wedding. I have no idea how she did it on her own, but she captured everything. She puts everything that she has into her work and it definately shows."
Couples also love that Candice puts her heart and soul into every shoot that she does, "I have always been complimented on and thanked for being so patient, and for the work I put into every shoot. I do whatever it takes to make sure I get the job done and make sure my client is happy."
For example, Candice finds that brides often email her with planning questions, whether you need advice about your timeline or you’re looking for any type of guidance during your planning, Candice is always willing to help.
Packages and Pricing
Candice keeps it simple for couples, with four packages to choose from. But, if you don’t see the perfect package, Candice can create a customized package that works for you.
Every package includes a Make a Memory DVD (including high resolution files of all images digitally retouched) and an online gallery that stays up for six months after the wedding. While the engagement session is included in the Gold and Platinum Packages, you can add an engagement session to the Bronze or Silver Packages for $150, something that Candice recommends, “it give us a chance to work together before the wedding and helps the bride and groom feel much more comfortable the day of the wedding.”
Here's a breakdown of the packages:
The Bronze Package is $875 and includes five hours of coverage plus an eighty page 12in x12in coffee table book
If you're looking for longer coverage, the Silver Package includes up to seven hours plus a 100 page 12in x 12in coffee table book. This package is $1175
The Gold Package costs $1595 and includes up to ten hours of coverage. It includes your engagement shoot with images on a DVD and you can choose your favourite photo for an 11x11 matted photo framed in 16x16 frame. The matt can also be used as a fun option for your guests to sign as a "guest book" - a very cool keepsake!
You'll also get a 100 page, 14in x 12in coffee table book and two 8.5inch x 11inch 100 page parent albums.
If you want the ultimate in wedding photography, you'll like the Platinum Package. It includes everything in the Gold Package with twelve hours of coverage and a 16in x 12in coffee table book for $1995.
Once you've selected the photos for your albums, Candice will do a rough design for you to look at and make any changes you'd like. This way, the bride and groom are in total control of how their album will turn out.
Allison Serra booked Make a Memory Photography for her January 2011 wedding. She told The Ring that she was impressed with the prices, "Candice was fantastic. She is accommodating and willing to work with you to achieve the best photo memories within your budget. I found that I received very good value for my money."
Giving Back
Donating her time and skills is an important part of Candice’s work. Every October, she does professional portraits at The Party in Pink Breast Cancer event in Burlington. All of the proceeds are donated to Breast Cancer Research www.partyinpink.ca
Contacting Candice....
Email or phone is the best way to contact Candice. When a bride initially contacts her, she will usually email them some galleries of full weddings that she has shot, from start to finish. With a few different styles to choose from, couples can get a feel for what type of photography they're looking for. It also shows the professional quality of her work, "there are a lot of people who would like to be wedding photographers out there, who have not shot an entire wedding. I believe this is very important."
During your consultation, you can view more samples of her work and you can ask any questions about the samples or about anything else you might be wondering about. You'll get pricing information, a copy of the standard contract (which can be changed to meet the needs of each couple) and a copy of the printing pricing chart, in case you have some favourite photos that you'd like to print after your wedding day.
Bride Pamela told The Ring about her first meeting with Candice, "Meeting Candice is what really sold me on working with Make a Memory. Candice was professional, yet easy to approach and her personality fit well with what we were looking for. Candice had a passion for wedding photography that made me feel like she really wanted to capture the special moments of our wedding day. I believe that choosing the name make a memory, came from her idea of truly wanting to create a lasting affect the beautiful moments, as they are, throughout your special day. This meant alot to me."
After your consultation, Candice will usually hold your wedding date for up to two weeks. This way, you'll get a chance to discuss everything before making a final decision. You’re welcome to contact Candice via phone or email if they think of any other questions along the way.
Once a bride books, they can contact Candice anytime with any questions, concerns or ideas they may have for their photos.
Next, Candice likes to meet with couples four to six weeks before the wedding day to start working on a schedule for the day of. She'll also make a list of the most important photos that are 'must haves' for the wedding day, including family shots. Candice will keep your list with her on the wedding day to ensure that she gets every shot on the list.
If you'd like, you can either meet a few more times to finalize things, or, since most brides are pretty busy, you can go back and forth via email. Some couples like to meet at the hall, the location of their photography session or church before the wedding to point out areas they like and don't like, which helps things run a bit smoother on the wedding day.
After your wedding, you can usually expect your photos within three to six weeks, depending on how many photos were taken. You'll be sent a link to an online gallery that you can share with family and friends. It includes all of the photos that have been retouched and colour corrected. From there you can decide which photos are your favourites for the album. Candice will do a rough design and you'll meet to go over the design and make any changes you might have. Then, you'll meet one more time to collect your album!
Candice often gets to know her couples so well that they book her for all of their family milestones, like maternity and newborn shoots as well as family portraits.
Margarita Ganieva told The Ring that she found the perfect photographer in Candice, "Make a Memory Photography will have everything that any couple getting married needs, excellent shots with creativity...we had so many gorgeous shots. With Candice we felt like she was indifferent to what wedding package we went with as long as we were happy with it, it meant a lot to us that she cared about our big day."
Details, details, details
•The most popular package is the Gold package, but most brides end up upgrading just before the wedding because they find that ten hours just isn't enough time to cover everything they would like captured.
•HST applies
•A $500 deposit is required to book with Make a Memory Photography
•It's a good idea to book eight months to a year before your wedding. Candice can accommodate last minute weddings if she's available.
•Candice is from Hamilton however, she is willing to travel anywhere in Ontario or, abroad for destination weddings
Contacting Make a Memory Photography....
To find out more, contact Candice Davidson of Make a Memory by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 905-638-4771.You can also visit Make a Memory online at http://www.makeamemory.ca
