Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor • Interviews with past brides
Paula Churchill and her fiancé are the first to admit that they weren’t looking forward to their engagement photo shoot. Both being a bit camera shy, they couldn’t imagine anything more awkward than sitting for hours, posing for pictures. But at the same time, they didn’t want to regret not having these precious moments of their engagement captured on film. So, they mustered up some enthusiasm and headed out to meet their photographer.
Paula and Jeff had a fantastic time at the engagement session and found themselves looking forward to one part of their wedding day in particular....their photos! The reason for the sudden change of heart was clear: their photographer, Todd Durnan of TJ Durnan Photography. Todd's ability to make the couple feel at ease and draw out their personalities led to a portfolio of amazing shots. “We didn’t feel like we were posing for the camera. Our photos turned out very natural and we had such a great time.”
And many couples throughout Southwestern Ontario would agree. In fact, Todd’s ability to make people feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera is one of the many reasons why he is quickly becoming a “go to” wedding photographer in the tri-cities. Let us explain.....
Personally Speaking....
For Todd, it has been a natural progression into the world of professional photography. Although TJ Durnan Photography officially opened in January of 2009, he has been focusing on weddings and engagements for the past five years, "I always just followed what felt right when taking pictures." Todd has shot everything from small, intimate weddings of twenty people to larger events with more than 300 - and he loves every minute of it, "From shooting the engagement to wedding day and bridal sessions, I’ve really enjoyed being a part of all the stages that a bride and groom go through."
A Stand Alone Style
One of our favourite things about Todd is that within minutes of meeting him, you’ll feel as if you’ve known him for ages. He has a terrific sense of humour, bringing fun and playfulness to every shoot. And after talking to his past brides it was unanimous: you’re going to have a good time with your photo session if Todd is your photographer.
And while Todd is the first one to crack a joke to loosen up a stiff groom, his couples appreciate how serious he is about the outcome of his work. One of the stand-out qualities of TJ Durnan Photography is that Todd produces a thoughtful, high quality photo, every time. He shoots with a purpose and really thinks about each shot before he takes it. Since he aims to get it right the first time, he doesn’t need to take a billion pictures that are just ‘OK’. For him, it's all about the quality.
Todd’s success also in great part due to the connection he builds and the time he takes to get to know every couple he works with. When the team at The Ring met Todd for the first time it was clear that he genuinely loves meeting and working with new couples and being a part of their wedding day, “Capturing images for people and seeing the results just makes me love what I do. I work with couples to get them to a comfortable place with me taking pictures of them being together.”
Another thing that has been clear in getting to know Todd- he has a true love of photography. The Ring recently had an opportunity to take part in a photo session with Todd and we were incredibly impressed with two things: how much research Todd puts into finding the perfect locale based on his clients personalities and, how far he’ll go to get the perfect shot. During part of our session, Todd actually got right into a (freezing cold!) bog in order to get the shot he was looking for. “I provide 100% effort from the moment I start to the moment I leave. Their wedding is treated like it was my own.”
Classic, Timeless Photos
Todd’s gift for making couple’s feel comfortable in front of the camera is part of his secret to capturing genuine emotion and in turn, creating those incredible shots that will bring you back to that very moment, years after your wedding day. And this is exactly what is at the forefront of Todd’s mind when he shoots weddings, “I want you to be able to look back at your photos when you’re older and see a classic, timeless photo. My style isn’t old-fashioned, but you will always be able to look back and love your photos.
Todd also tries to focus on the natural. With a trend toward lots of post processing, he would rather create images that stand on their own without the fading quality of a ‘once upon a time’ fad technique. “A good photograph is like good architecture, it should look as good in 100 years as it does today.”
Versatility
There really is no event too big or too small for Todd. Bride Brandie Davidson’s hired Todd to shoot her engagement shoot, pre-wedding henna party and 13 hour Canadian/East Indian wedding. Brandie was so impressed that Todd remained patient and focused, even as he was photographing her 19 person wedding party! According to Brandie her wedding party was, “unique, loud and very energetic” and she couldn’t believe how good Todd was at directing everyone in a relaxed yet professional manner.
And with his love for shooting weddings, comes his ability to Todd work with a wide range of clients, from tattooed live theatre actors to fashion models- all of whom hold his talents in high regard. “All I want is to capture my couples as they are and for the images to show the bond that they have.”
Packages & Pricing
Considering what's included in his packages, Todd admits he aims to keep value high - starting at $1700. All packages come with an engagement session, which includes a high resolution DVD of the images, and an online gallery. The hours of coverage for standard packages range from six to ten hours, or more for custom packages. Prints, DVDs and albums of wedding images are also available for additional fees, and with all that, Todd says that the average bride spends about $2100 with him for all things photography related. He also offers bridal year one boudoir and a vintage film sessions, an option for something a bit different.
Past bride Helena Redshaw told The Ring, “I was so impressed with the outcome I would have been willing to pay more than our estimate." She adds that she would and regularly does recommend TJ Durnan Photography to other couples planning their wedding.
Getting in touch
If you’re interested in booking Todd, send him and email or give him a call to set up a time to meet. He’ll usually meet the bride and groom for the first time in an informal setting, such as a café over a cup of coffee, where you’ll chat and you can get to know each other.
Here, Todd will also find out about your wedding day timeline and help you put shape to your day. He also likes to find out exactly what you want from your photos so that he has a clear vision for your wedding day.
On the day of, Todd is always the primary photographer. If a second shooter is requested, he can bring one in for the couple. Oftentimes, second or assistant photographers shoot the groom and his party getting ready as well as any additional candid shots. Todd is very careful about who he has on his team and always makes their work available to potential clients so they can see the high quality of people he chooses to work with.
Details, Details, Details
• It’s best to book TJ Durnan Photography at least 10 months before your wedding. However, dates closer to the wedding may be available.
• Packages start at $1700 (plus HST) and include an e-session, DVD of engagement shoot photos, 6 to 10 hours or more of coverage, and an online gallery.
• A deposit of 30% of the package price is due to secure your wedding date.
• Online galleries are ready within about 3 weeks of your wedding day.
HST is applied to all packages, but there's no fine print, Todd lays everything out for you in the contract. "I absolutely feel as though we got our money's worth," says Paula Churchill. "They are such wonderful photos that we will treasure for a lifetime."
HST is applied to all packages, but there's no fine print, Todd lays everything out for you in the contract. "I absolutely feel as though we got our money's worth," says Paula Churchill. "They are such wonderful photos that we will treasure for a lifetime."
Paula Churchill and her fiancé are the first to admit that they weren’t looking forward to their engagement photo shoot. Both being a bit camera shy, they couldn’t imagine anything more awkward than sitting for hours, posing for pictures. But at the same time, they didn’t want to regret not having these precious moments of their engagement captured on film. So, they mustered up some enthusiasm and headed out to meet their photographer.
Paula and Jeff had a fantastic time at the engagement session and found themselves looking forward to one part of their wedding day in particular....their photos! The reason for the sudden change of heart was clear: their photographer, Todd Durnan of TJ Durnan Photography. Todd's ability to make the couple feel at ease and draw out their personalities led to a portfolio of amazing shots. “We didn’t feel like we were posing for the camera. Our photos turned out very natural and we had such a great time.”
And many couples throughout Southwestern Ontario would agree. In fact, Todd’s ability to make people feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera is one of the many reasons why he is quickly becoming a “go to” wedding photographer in the tri-cities. Let us explain.....
Personally Speaking....
For Todd, it has been a natural progression into the world of professional photography. Although TJ Durnan Photography officially opened in January of 2009, he has been focusing on weddings and engagements for the past five years, "I always just followed what felt right when taking pictures." Todd has shot everything from small, intimate weddings of twenty people to larger events with more than 300 - and he loves every minute of it, "From shooting the engagement to wedding day and bridal sessions, I’ve really enjoyed being a part of all the stages that a bride and groom go through."
A Stand Alone Style
One of our favourite things about Todd is that within minutes of meeting him, you’ll feel as if you’ve known him for ages. He has a terrific sense of humour, bringing fun and playfulness to every shoot. And after talking to his past brides it was unanimous: you’re going to have a good time with your photo session if Todd is your photographer.
And while Todd is the first one to crack a joke to loosen up a stiff groom, his couples appreciate how serious he is about the outcome of his work. One of the stand-out qualities of TJ Durnan Photography is that Todd produces a thoughtful, high quality photo, every time. He shoots with a purpose and really thinks about each shot before he takes it. Since he aims to get it right the first time, he doesn’t need to take a billion pictures that are just ‘OK’. For him, it's all about the quality.
Todd’s success also in great part due to the connection he builds and the time he takes to get to know every couple he works with. When the team at The Ring met Todd for the first time it was clear that he genuinely loves meeting and working with new couples and being a part of their wedding day, “Capturing images for people and seeing the results just makes me love what I do. I work with couples to get them to a comfortable place with me taking pictures of them being together.”
Another thing that has been clear in getting to know Todd- he has a true love of photography. The Ring recently had an opportunity to take part in a photo session with Todd and we were incredibly impressed with two things: how much research Todd puts into finding the perfect locale based on his clients personalities and, how far he’ll go to get the perfect shot. During part of our session, Todd actually got right into a (freezing cold!) bog in order to get the shot he was looking for. “I provide 100% effort from the moment I start to the moment I leave. Their wedding is treated like it was my own.”
Classic, Timeless Photos
Todd’s gift for making couple’s feel comfortable in front of the camera is part of his secret to capturing genuine emotion and in turn, creating those incredible shots that will bring you back to that very moment, years after your wedding day. And this is exactly what is at the forefront of Todd’s mind when he shoots weddings, “I want you to be able to look back at your photos when you’re older and see a classic, timeless photo. My style isn’t old-fashioned, but you will always be able to look back and love your photos.
Todd also tries to focus on the natural. With a trend toward lots of post processing, he would rather create images that stand on their own without the fading quality of a ‘once upon a time’ fad technique. “A good photograph is like good architecture, it should look as good in 100 years as it does today.”
Versatility
There really is no event too big or too small for Todd. Bride Brandie Davidson’s hired Todd to shoot her engagement shoot, pre-wedding henna party and 13 hour Canadian/East Indian wedding. Brandie was so impressed that Todd remained patient and focused, even as he was photographing her 19 person wedding party! According to Brandie her wedding party was, “unique, loud and very energetic” and she couldn’t believe how good Todd was at directing everyone in a relaxed yet professional manner.
And with his love for shooting weddings, comes his ability to Todd work with a wide range of clients, from tattooed live theatre actors to fashion models- all of whom hold his talents in high regard. “All I want is to capture my couples as they are and for the images to show the bond that they have.”
Packages & Pricing
Considering what's included in his packages, Todd admits he aims to keep value high - starting at $1700. All packages come with an engagement session, which includes a high resolution DVD of the images, and an online gallery. The hours of coverage for standard packages range from six to ten hours, or more for custom packages. Prints, DVDs and albums of wedding images are also available for additional fees, and with all that, Todd says that the average bride spends about $2100 with him for all things photography related. He also offers bridal year one boudoir and a vintage film sessions, an option for something a bit different.
Past bride Helena Redshaw told The Ring, “I was so impressed with the outcome I would have been willing to pay more than our estimate." She adds that she would and regularly does recommend TJ Durnan Photography to other couples planning their wedding.
Getting in touch
If you’re interested in booking Todd, send him and email or give him a call to set up a time to meet. He’ll usually meet the bride and groom for the first time in an informal setting, such as a café over a cup of coffee, where you’ll chat and you can get to know each other.
Here, Todd will also find out about your wedding day timeline and help you put shape to your day. He also likes to find out exactly what you want from your photos so that he has a clear vision for your wedding day.
On the day of, Todd is always the primary photographer. If a second shooter is requested, he can bring one in for the couple. Oftentimes, second or assistant photographers shoot the groom and his party getting ready as well as any additional candid shots. Todd is very careful about who he has on his team and always makes their work available to potential clients so they can see the high quality of people he chooses to work with.
Details, Details, Details
• It’s best to book TJ Durnan Photography at least 10 months before your wedding. However, dates closer to the wedding may be available.
• Packages start at $1700 (plus HST) and include an e-session, DVD of engagement shoot photos, 6 to 10 hours or more of coverage, and an online gallery.
• A deposit of 30% of the package price is due to secure your wedding date.
• Online galleries are ready within about 3 weeks of your wedding day.
HST is applied to all packages, but there's no fine print, Todd lays everything out for you in the contract. "I absolutely feel as though we got our money's worth," says Paula Churchill. "They are such wonderful photos that we will treasure for a lifetime."
HST is applied to all packages, but there's no fine print, Todd lays everything out for you in the contract. "I absolutely feel as though we got our money's worth," says Paula Churchill. "They are such wonderful photos that we will treasure for a lifetime."
