Let’s get to know each other
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Erika – Owner + Photographer
Cat lover, mama, and questioning why I put my cat first on this list…
I’ve owned this business for 12 years, photographed weddings all over the province and proudly call myself a Durham wedding photographer.
It’s been 12 years that I’ve been at this and I’m at the point in my career where I can say ‘Been there, done that, freaking crushed it!’ and this is the experience, knowledge and enthusiam I bring to your wedding.
My job is to use the skills I have not only as a photographer, but as a person, to connect with you and your partner and turn your feelings for each other into a beautiful love story of photos.
I absolutely adore working with people who think they’re “awkward” in front of the camera; those are always the couples who are the most fun and have amazing stories to tell! Sure the camera is fancy and the lenses are too, but the real skill comes in getting people to open up, show some vulnerability and put their personalities on display. This is our jam! (Can I say that or am I too old? I never know anymore…)
My goal by the end of every session is to have you think that I’m not really a photographer, I’m just a few friend with a nice camera who you got to hang out with. This is the secret to how we approach our craft.
Erika’s portfolio
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Our Portfolio
Being a Durham wedding photographer means that I’m in an exceptionally lucky position – literally! I think being on the East side of Toronto has one of the best places to be as a wedding photographer. My service areas include all Toronto weddings as well as Prince Edward County and beyond. I’ve been fornuate enough to get to see so much of beautiful Southern Ontario without having to stray too far from my own backyard. (If I wouldn’t go blind from eye-rolling so hard, this is where some folks would write #blessed, but imma pass on that one.)
IT'S PAID FOR ITSELF
A worthwhile investment
The detail I got from Erika was more than I ever expected. She really listens and cares about you and is able to understand your business and what you need to do to help yourself out. She was really open about everything and wasn't afraid to say what I needed to hear. My bookings are up, I'm getting clients that match me and I'm so confident in my brand now. I'm so glad I worked with Erika!
EVERYTHING YOU COULD WANT
Communication, artistry, passion and more
Bree Rody-Mantha
PILLAR OF STRENGTH
LIKE WORKING WITH AN OLD FRIEND
Erika and her team are so professional. Everything from quick answers to our questions to helping us through some of the more stressful parts of our wedding day. It didn’t feel like we were working with just another “vendor”, it felt like we were working with a friend.
HONEST + PURE
A TRUE REFLECTION OF THE DAY
We didn’t want to look too posed in our photos but we also wanted someone who was comfortable working with people who needed some guidance too. We feel like “us” when we look at our photos and we were so comfortable the entire day. I’m so happy with my wedding photos!
the blogs
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the featured
STORIES
Durham Wedding Photography:
Our Approach
Let me walk you through what a wedding day is like when we work together.
Well before the wedding we make sure we get our ducks in a row and get organized; lists of important family photos and areas where you want extra focus will all be discussed.
Once the wedding day rolls around, we take a documentary approach for the majority of the day. We use light, the existing surroundings and the emotions present to craft memories for you without being intrusive and we never ask you to repeat things for the sake of a photo.
The formal photos are a bit different; getting family to gather without someone taking lead is a bit like wrangling cats. We provide gentle direction and throw in a few prompts and questions for everyone to make things light-hearted and focus on having a genuinely fun experience with formal photos.
We take a similar approach with the couples photos; giving you gentle guidance and prompts to work through. We help you relax, let your real emotions and personality surface, and create a situation where you forget you’re even being photographed! This is how we we avoid cookie-cutter photos.
Once the reception rolls around we’re back into ‘hands-off’ mode and channel our inner ninja; focusing on you, your friend and your family – even on the dancefloor!
If you like what you see, swipe right?
(Is that how this works? I’ve never used Tindr…)
WHY I FREAKING
LOVE WEDDINGS
In a world filled seemingly overrun with wedding photographers, knowing why someone has chosen to be a wedding photographer helps set the right-choice apart from the rest.
I love weddings because I value connections. Connections with friends, family and friends who are like family. I grew up in a small town surrounded by family; aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents just a short drive away. As an adult, every single one of us lives in separate towns, cities and even countries. I miss my family and I value every memory and every photo more than anything else in my life. Weddings are all about connections and moments and helping provide you with lasting memories is what brings me joy.
IT'S PAID FOR ITSELF
A worthwhile investment
The detail I got from Erika was more than I ever expected. She really listens and cares about you and is able to understand your business and what you need to do to help yourself out. She was really open about everything and wasn't afraid to say what I needed to hear. My bookings are up, I'm getting clients that match me and I'm so confident in my brand now. I'm so glad I worked with Erika!
EVERYTHING YOU COULD WANT
Communication, artistry, passion and more
Bree Rody-Mantha
PILLAR OF STRENGTH
LIKE WORKING WITH AN OLD FRIEND
Erika and her team are so professional. Everything from quick answers to our questions to helping us through some of the more stressful parts of our wedding day. It didn’t feel like we were working with just another “vendor”, it felt like we were working with a friend.
HONEST + PURE
A TRUE REFLECTION OF THE DAY
We didn’t want to look too posed in our photos but we also wanted someone who was comfortable working with people who needed some guidance too. We feel like “us” when we look at our photos and we were so comfortable the entire day. I’m so happy with my wedding photos!
5 Reasons to Hire a Durham Wedding Photographer
Geographical convenience, really… I laughed so hard when I came up with this reason, but really – it’s true! Durham is a hub for eastern Toronto; it’s a quick drive into the city and it’s a quick drive to Prince Edward County, this gives us infinite opportunities for helping choose amazing photo locations for you!
We know all the good places. There are some hidden gems out the outskirts of the city and we aren’t afraid to explore them! Everyone knows about graffiti alley and Osgoode Hall, but we can find the intimate photography locations that scream “OMG Ontario is so freaking pretty!”
We’re experienced. This is something I cannot stress enough; you have one chance to get wedding photos right. There are no do-overs. This means that couples need to be extra sure they’re hiring someone who not only can take pretty pictures, but can take pretty pictures even under the most challenging of circumstances. We’ve captured over 800 weddings and engagements – this means we’re bringing one hell of a unique skill set to your wedding.
We’re just as cool as the Toronto folks (even though writing this makes me sound anything but….) Sometimes people think that they can only get the ‘best’ in Toronto – but that’s not true in the slightest. Talent isn’t limited to any city and being a Durham wedding photographer actually means I’m a Toronto one too, so don’t let the name fool you!
We’re not limited to just Durham – This goes back to the first point; I may be a Durham wedding photographer but this title actually allows me to wear several hats including Toronto and PEC weddings too. Have car, will travel…. (also sometimes this mama needs a break from the kiddo so yeah…)