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vendor reviews: photographers
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Interviewing Jennifer Nahwegahbow, Photographer and Owner of Depiction Photography
Jennifer Nahwegahbow, Photographer and Owner of Depiction Photography, offers a clean, classic shooting style.
Jennifer studies the natural connections of each couple and with the help of observation and questionnaires, she says she's able to discover the very essence of each couple's love story. "I use it to create stunning pieces of art that reflect the true devotion, strength, and love the bride and groom share..." That said, Depiction also reflects the fun, friendship and laughter that comes naturally to true friends and close family.
In the end, Depiction's work shows off a collection of casual poses and natural body movement, all shots obviously designed to capture some of the best planned (and unplanned) moments of your wedding day.
Working from the brand new Waterloo studio she shares with a couple local artists, Jennifer is known for more than just her credentials and reputation. Jennifer's creativity, amazingly short turnaround on your proofs and prints, flexible approach to shooting and pricing, and her easy-to-love personality has this K-W photographer booking solid with weddings each season. Let us explain...
Accidentally in love... with photography Jennifer Nahwegahbow seems to have fallen in love with photography, almost by accident. Admittedly a lifelong photography buff, this young professional had never considered photography to be a career path because it had never occurred to her to look at it as work. Until she found the courage to take the leap, Jennifer had planned on a career in counseling in which she has her university degree. She realized, however, that photography is the passion that pulled her to towards happiness and success. She worked as an assistant with local photographers that she admired and studied photography practices and techniques before ultimately opening the doors to her own accidental true love, Depiction Photography.
Megan, who was married July 26, 2008, told us, "Jenn sees pictures that another photographer just wouldn't see (in my opinion!) She's taking your photo and you think, 'why on earth does she want this pose?' Then you get your pictures back and that's your favourite shot! She has ideas for fun and silly things to do, but always captures the seriousness or significance of the occasion as well. Myself and my husband really thought that our engagement photos captured exactly who we are and that our wedding photos somehow found every positive moment, experience and emotion of the day and captured it."
In early 2007, Jennifer became an affiliate member of the PPO, a widely respected photography association that encourages strong business ethics, peer reviewing and competition for excellence. In addition, Jennifer is a part of the WPPI (Wedding Portrait Photography International). Jennifer says she chose to get involved with WPPI because she sees it as an association of creative, young, hip photographers who share resources and cutting edge ideas. Between the PPO and the WPPI, Jennifer is constantly learning, measuring, testing, competing and growing Depiction Photography.
Jennifer says that capturing real life in print feels natural to her. "I photograph from the heart, and for me that is what true connection is all about." She admits that she finds herself indirectly applying her own life experiences to each event, making it easier for her to relate to brides and grooms. This includes the experience of her own wedding, only five years ago. "The memories of the planning and stress that led up to the wedding day are still fairly fresh in my mind... They make it easy to notice the details that are so important but not always visible on the surface."
Teaming up to shoot Over time, Jennifer has been building a team of 'second shooters' that she trusts to assist her on the wedding day. By having second shooters at each event she says she can ensure Depiction is always covering the day from every angle and memory. "I spend most of the wedding day focusing on the bride and groom... Unfortunately this means that I don't always have the opportunity to capture those cute moments where the flower girl is playing with her dolls or a groomsman is holding a make-up purse for the Maid of Honour... That's where the team comes in."
The Depiction style Depiction Photography's work includes digital images of casual poses that capture in-love brides and grooms laughing, dancing and of course, saying 'I Do'. Jennifer bases her photography on the style and desires of each couple. She says that she takes inspiration from everywhere, "...especially from brides and grooms."
That said, Jennifer admits that some of the best moments captured are the ones that were never planned in the first place. "One of my favourite moments from a recent wedding is when a bride put down her bouquet and wrapped her arms around the milk man who had come to her farm for his weekly pickup," Jennifer explained. (The entire family considered him to be a part of their family, having come to their farm every week for so many years.) "Next thing you know, I'm getting this awesome shot of the bride climbing up the ladder of that huge milk truck with the aid of this big-smiled milk man in overalls. That was an accident and one of the best shots I took that summer." She says her style encompasses the candidness of life, with a touch of fashion imaging.
When you meet Jennifer, the first question she will ask you is 'What do you envision when you see your dream photo album?' This is because with Depiction Photography, your wedding memories, the way they are shot and your resulting images in your photo album are all planned, shot and displayed according to who you are and what you see in your own wedding dreams.
Jennifer says that she's both flexible and open to suggestions from her couples. "Each couple is different and I wouldn't hesitate to use a suggestion, a favourite pose or a location." Even Jennifer's wedding packages and pricing are 'built to be broken', so to speak. "I offer basic services with easy to understand fees and then alter, change, add or delete as the bride and groom specify."
Depiction includes a free engagement shoot (or 'Depiction Date Night session') with every wedding package to give more time in those crucial first months of planning to get to know each other and to allow her to get to know you from behind the lens. In about three days after your shoot you'll have a link to your own online gallery containing an entire collection of all the best shots taken on the 'date'.
Your wedding day isn't work at Depiction Photography. Jennifer explains, "By the time the day comes along, I have usually established a bond with couple at that point. I'm genuinely excited to be there and find that I easily get caught up in the moment - your moment - with you."
One shot Jennifer loves to get is a full group shot of everyone at the ceremony. She then shoots the family to free them up for the reception and give time to the wedding party to escape for their own photo location shoots.
This young, eager professional can cover just a few hours of your wedding, or shoot to the wee hours of the night, depending on what you are looking for. At the end of the night when Jennifer gets home, it's not uncommon for her to do a quick review of the images from the day and post a few of her favourites to her blog so that the bride and groom can see them before leaving on their honeymoon. "I also post a few images from the Depiction Date Night session as soon as I get home... I can't help it!"
Last but not least (and for a lifetime), when the wedding day has come and gone Jennifer knows better than anyone that you'll be dying to see your wedding photos. That's why she makes it common practice to have your proofs via online gallery to you within seven days of the wedding, and your final prints within ten days of your selection. Kate and Richard Evans (married July 5, 2008) are living proof, telling The Ring they loved "The efficiency of Jenn's work! She was done very quickly with her editing of the photos."
Jennifer has been asked quite a few times to do weddings outside of the K-W, Cambridge, Guelph area. "A fair number of my weddings are around the local area instead of in it. I also find myself being asked to go much further distances such as Collingwood, which was absolutely beautiful... Toronto... I love to hit the road and work at places that I've never seen or heard of before."
In fact, Depiction has 'gone international' this past year, being called upon to shoot several weddings in foreign countries. With new interest coming in from afar, Jennifer created Destination Wedding Packages that will have you getting the memories you love for next to nothing. If you are planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean, for example, her photography would be free when you cover the cost of her trip. And then you get more than just great photos of your wedding, you get great photos of your vacation. (Prints and albums are an additional charge.)
Beyond just great photos, choosing Depiction Photography means that other options are available to you including customized reception cards, DVD slice shows, wall collages, designer guest books full of your engagement images, announcement post cards, save the date cards, thank you cards and more. Albums come in different styles from designer coffee table style albums to leather, hard cover and more. They often incorporate collages designed from your photos as well as prints ranging in size from 2 1/2x3 all the way up to 11x14 and larger.
Our new favourite thing: Date night! Who says engaged couples can't date like celebrities? Instead of traditional engagement portrait sessions, Jennifer often does 'Depiction Date Night sessions' with her couples. With Jennifer tagging along, couples ditch the park poses for a date at the carnival, restaurant or favourite hangout. Jennifer snaps engagement photos that truly reflect their personality and what's to come on the wedding day. "It's a chance for the bride and groom to enjoy being a couple in love, and it gives me a chance to see how they respond to the camera." After your shoot, you'll get to check out all the images, pick out what you love and don't love, and better prepare for the perfect wedding photos to come. These images are also often used to create a fun and chic guest book for the wedding guests to share and sign throughout the night.
Wed December 31, 2007, Karen and Mark Smith still think back fondly on their wedding with Depiction, and told us about their 'date night' photo shoot. "Jenn lets you be yourself when taking pictures. We met up and did an engagement shoot which allowed us to get to know her and she could get a sneak peak at how Mark and I photographed. We walked through Victoria Park and she just followed us and allowed us to be natural. She was never intrusive and captured great photos without us even knowing."
detailsdetailsdetails • Weddings with Depiction Photography range from $675 to $2795 for a 3-hour package all the way to $1800 to $5400 for an 8-hour package and some packages include many extras!
• You will have two photographers shooting your wedding when you book Depiction. • You will have unlimited locations on your day. • Jennifer likes to come to you for your first meeting with her, wherever is convenient for you. • Jennifer will most often attend your wedding from start to finish, including the bulk of the reception. • Depending on the package you choose, a hi-resolution DVD of your print-ready images is available. • There is a very fast turnaround - you can expect to see a your entire collection of wedding photos in your online gallery in approximately 7 days after the wedding.
• Jennifer can also offer you photo editing services if needed. She has removed or changed elements of photos from tattoos to facial lines. • Jennifer recommends booking approximately 8 to 16 months in advance of your date but welcomes all inquiries. • Your Depiction deposit is based on the package you choose. "I'm happy to create a payment plan that works with your budget," says Jennifer. Your balance is due within 7 days of the wedding.
You can check out the Depiction Photography portfolio at their new studio (by appointment only), at 665 Colby, Unit 12, Waterloo. For more samples of Jennifer Nahwegahbow's work in weddings and portraiture, you can check out her recently made over website at www.depictionphoto.com. To contact Jennifer, you can do so by email to jenn@depictionphoto.com, or by phone at 519-729-6341.
- The Staff at
TheWeddingRing.ca |
Capturing
the candidness of life and love, Depiction shoots from the heart
Measuring up
Experiencing
your wedding with Depiction Photography...
Throughout the
wedding planning process, you'll be talking with Jennifer by email and phone to
address details, ideas and scheduling. "No request or question is unthinkable.
I love everyone's input and ideas... I enjoy taking photographs and drawing on
the creativity and perception of people. I have studied both humanity and photography. My accumulated
knowledge helps me find defining character and art in every situation. Through
photography, I reveal the real you, not the image most cameras capture... I
would be enriched as a result of getting to truly know you and depicting you in
a new and exciting way."
Hitting the road
The fun stuff...
•
Every wedding
booking with Depiction includes your planning and consultation meetings, a free engagement
(date night!) session, online albums, custom designed photo cards to share with
friends & family pointing to your online gallery (pictured right) and
in-studio viewing sessions.
•
Printed proofs are
quick - ready within only 10 days.
More
from Jennifer...