With a busy photography company, chic Waterloo studio, tons of experience in the art of shooting weddings and multiple national PPOC accreditations to her name, Pamela Wideman Photography has everything you'd want in a wedding photographer. Add to that her great mix of shooting styles, an obvious passion for what she does, a fun personality and a talent for turning wedding day shoots into a blast, we have a lot to share about this talented, well-known and highly respected Kitchener-Waterloo area photographer. Let us explain...

Background

Pamela Wideman first got a real taste of photography through the Advanced Photography program at Fanshawe College in London. She graduated in 2003 and assisted well-known London area photographer, Trish Roberts, of Custom Concept Photography, for two years.

Even though Pam says there was no specific moment or event that gave her that final push to open her own business, she admits to always knowing that she would. "I knew that I loved working for myself and that I had a great talent in photography as well as in business management."

For Pam, it's about the thrill of seeing clients' reactions when they see their photos for the first time. "I look forward to that with every single wedding," she admits. And when it comes to family portraits and sessions, she feels lucky to witness family trees merging together in front of her eyes (and camera) for the photo shoot, and then growing in new directions. She sees this evolution from shoot to shoot, from engagement to wedding, baby belly sessions to newborn, and children to reunions and birthdays.

Today (in her seventh year of business) Pam is an active member of the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC [www.ppoc.ca]) and has received 4 national accreditations from the PPOC - in maternity, portrait, couples' portrait (engagement), environmental family, and boudoir. She has shot close to 200 wedding days, many of which were in the London, Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding Southwestern Ontario areas.

PWP in person

PWP is based out of a gorgeous, contemporary styled studio in Waterloo. When you visit her there, you'll find leather couches, oodles of wedding albums and samples of work and her studio in the back.

Having used Pam for couples photos before her August 2008 wedding, Angele Bignell told us that she had seen the caliber of Pam's work and couldn't trust anyone else to shoot her wedding. "She offered us piece of mind, knowing that we'd have beautiful photos of our day, having her experience, great work and personality to back her up." Being a lover of photography herself, Angele knows that it takes more than just a nice camera to get great photos, adding that "with Pam we didn't have to worry, we knew that everything she shot was great, we knew that at the end of the day we'd have a beautiful wedding album that we could cherish for years to come."

Even after seven years, Pam opts to remain hands-on with her brides. She's often the first person they'll talk to when they call or email, that they meet with for a casual consultation, and if they choose her, that will be the primary photographer at their wedding.

Associate Photographer, Heather Burley, is the other key player at PWP, coming to the table with her two years of wedding photography experience and college courses in photography as well. Couples choose who they'd like to have for their wedding. You have your choice of your main photographer when you first sit down with Pam to talk about (and ultimately book) your wedding with her.

Why a bride would love PWP

Pamela Wideman believes brides choose her because of her membership to the PPOC and because she offers what they need - that personal, professional and detailed photography service. She also says it's because she offers what brides want, as well - a fun personality and genuine sincerity for the importance of the day. "We don't consider it our job to just be photographers on your wedding day," she explains, "We will go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that your wedding day runs smoothly and you're having a blast!"

Past bride, Stacey Clarkson, used Pamela Wideman for her October 2008 wedding, choosing her because she loved the beauty of her images and the fact that no two photos looked alike. "The photos tell a story and they capture the special moments of the day... Breath taking!" Stacey's favourite part of her wedding day shoots with PWP was how easy it was to work with Pam. "She is so much fun, she always makes you feel comfortable..."

Angele completely agrees, telling us that Pam always made her and her fiancé feel comfortable, too, while still making the photo shoots fun. "As much as I hate getting my photo taken, Pam somehow finds a way to make you forget that that's what you're there for," adds Angele.

Pam's ideal bride is one who recognizes and puts a high priority on fabulous photography and who isn't afraid to take the time to capture all her favourite poses and memories on the wedding day.

Alicia Smith, who was married in September 2009 and had Pam photograph her engagement and wedding photos, told us that Pam was personable and easy to get along with. "Pamela and her staff are hard to beat for personality."

PWP offers a mix of photography styles that Pamela considers "classic yet candid in style and professional yet personal in service." While browsing their work, you'll see images with a bit of edge, softer more romantic ones and everything in between.

Alicia told us that her photo shoots with Pam felt natural. "Pam has a way about her that makes you relax and just go with the flow," she says. "My entire wedding day was captured in photos. Some of my favourite pictures are not the ones we posed in but the ones that were taken randomly throughout the day."

To make sure nothing gets missed, PWP offers both primary and secondary shooters on the day of the wedding. The primary photographer focuses predominantly on the bride, groom, critical moments, portraits and that sort of thing. The secondary photographer focuses more on the candids, capturing the memories you can't plan but will always remember.

Walking you through it

PWP is ultra tech-friendly, admitting that emailing them is by far the quickest and easiest way to get a hold of either Pamela or Heather.

If you've checked out this review and their website or blog (at pamelawideman.wordpress.com) but want to know more, Pam invites you in for a casual consultation at the studio. "That's where we can go over your wants, desires and vision of the day." There are mountains of samples for couples to look at if they want to see and learn more.

"Pam is an awesome person to work with," Angele told The Ring. "She sat us down and went through my entire list of family members and genuinely cared about us and about fulfilling our want and needs. She is super fun and friendly."

If you find that you click with Pam and/or Heather, a $500 deposit books your wedding day and a contract is signed (either by email or in person). From there, you'll schedule a fun, romantic, get-to-know-you photo shoot. And closer to the wedding date - roughly one or two months ahead - you'll get together again over coffee or tea at the studio and get down to business. "That's when we discuss all of the nitty gritty details... Everything from family, wedding party, times, locations, directions, shot lists and more."

Prices and packages

PWP wedding photography offers two options; wedding packages, which start at $1495, and more time-oriented 'A La Carte' pricing that starts at $200 per hour. "Their prices were amazing... Much better than everyone else in the area," bride, Stacey, told The Ring.

PWP photography is subject to 13% taxes and there are no hidden fees. They want you to choose your package or services based on the fact that you just have to have their photography, not because of aggressive sales tactics. "Our average bride will spend approximately $2500 to $3000," she told The Ring, but obviously this is dependant in large part on what the bride is looking for.

Angele felt that Pam's prices were comparable to other photographers on the market, but extremely affordable when compared to the quality. "The quality of her work is by far superior to that of other photographers in the same price bracket," Angele says.

Boudoir with bridesmaids!

Boudoir sessions have got to be the most popular request with soon-to-be and past brides right now at the PWP studio.

Pamela offers boudoir sessions with just the bride or with the entire wedding party. "Ladies LOVE our boudoir parties. It's a fun way to get your bridesmaids together and everyone leaves, having their hair and makeup, boudoir session and albums to keep. It also gives the bride a wedding day gift for her new husband!"

Details, details, details

The average bride spends... Our average bride will spend approximately $2500 to $3000. But this obviously has a large range depending on what our bride is looking for.

Taxes, gratuities, fine print that applies... 13% taxes and no hidden fees.

Deposit required to book… Reservation fee of $500 (not additional, just removed from total due), half of remainder due at month before meeting and the final amount due within 30 days of the wedding.

Months to book ahead… 6 or more.

Contacting Pamela Wideman Photography

Pamela Wideman at Pamela Wideman 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 519-570-7077. You can also visit Pamela Wideman Photography online at http://www.pwphoto.ca.