Blog
A collection of real stories, photo session tips and personal work.
How to Choose Your Perfect Wedding Photographer
Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, because these are the photos you’ll keep forever. As a Kawartha Lakes wedding photographer, I’m sharing exactly what to look for: price, posing, full galleries, reviews, editing colours, AI use, hidden download fees, and the questions most couples forget to ask.
Pop-Up Wedding at The Saucy Willow Inn
Small wedding, big feelings! I’ll be behind the camera at The Saucy Willow Inn’s Pop-Up Wedding Day in Coboconk on June 5, 2027. With a waterfront venue, officiant, florals and photography included for $2,500, you can focus on marrying your favourite person while I capture the happy tears, laughter and fridge-worthy photos.
Winter Mini Photo Sessions | November 29 | The Saucy Willow Inn
Book your winter mini photo session at The Saucy Willow Inn & Cottages in Coboconk, Ontario. Featuring festive holiday décor and indoor and outdoor locations, these 15-minute sessions are perfect for couples and families of up to five people. Sessions run rain or shine and include 10 edited, high-resolution images delivered within 10 days. Pricing is $150 + HST, with a 50% deposit required to reserve your time slot.
Sunday, October 18 Fall Applewood Mini Sessions
Celebrate pumpkin season with a cozy 20-minute fall mini session at Applewood Farm & Winery on Sunday, October 18. Sessions are $150 + HST and include 50 high-resolution digital images for groups of up to six people. Limited time slots are available—reserve yours today!
A Playful, Cozy Anniversary Session at Birchwood Luxury Camping
A cozy, playful anniversary session at Birchwood Luxury Camping in Port Perry… complete with bear masks, blanket moments, and a hot tub finale that felt completely, unapologetically them.
How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in Ontario?
How much does a wedding photographer cost in Southern Ontario? This guide breaks down real pricing tiers, what affects your investment, and how to budget with confidence. So you know exactly what to expect.
A Gothic Romance at Penryn Park | Danielle & Andrew’s Engagement Session
Danielle and Andrew’s engagement session at Penryn Park in Port Hope blends gothic romance, Victorian architecture, and cinematic photography using a disposable lens technique for a modern-meets-film aesthetic.
Wedding Photographer in Kawartha Lakes (and beyond) for Couples Who Want Candid Emotion + Gentle Direction
Wedding Photographer in Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, Whitby, Oshawa and Uxbridge (any beyond) for Couples Who Want Candid Emotion + Gentle Direction
Booking a wedding photographer is a trust decision, not just a style decision.
Avery & Rachel’s Whimsical Summer Wedding
Some wedding days feel joyful. Some feel emotional. And then there are wedding days like Avery and Rachel’s. The kind that feel alive from the very first moment. From the soft pastel colour palette to the deeply personal vows and tributes woven throughout the day, their wedding was a heartfelt celebration of love, family, and authenticity.
October Mini Sessions
I’m offering Fall Mini Sessions on Sunday, October 5th at Applewood Fruit Farm (2055 Saintfield Rd, Sunderland, ON). Each 20-minute session runs between 11:30–4:00 and includes 50+ images for just $150 + HST. Images will be delivered in an online gallery within 2 weeks (live for 1 month + shareable). Great for engagement shoots, families, friends, or headshots (limit 6 per group). A $84.75 deposit is required to book, with the remaining due before delivery. 🎃 Applewood has a maze, drinks, and pumpkins—free entry for photo-only guests, wristbands required to stay for activities. 📸 DM to book your slot today!
Wedding Photography in Ontario: Styles Explained
What is Wedding Photography? Wedding photography is the art of capturing the events, people, and emotions of a wedding day and its related events.
It combines elements of portrait photography, family and group shots, and documentary-style candid images to tell the story of a couple’s big day.
What is Candid Wedding Photography?
Candid wedding photography is all about capturing genuine, unposed moments that happen naturally, resulting in photos filled with real emotion. Unlike traditional posed photography (where everyone stops and smiles for the camera), candid photography lets events unfold organically. “Fly on the wall” approach. Always ready to snap the real smiles, tears, and laughter as they happen. In other words, a candid wedding photographer is there to document the feeling of the day, not direct it.
A Family Photo Session at Beachwood Resort
Rather than a full set of posed portraits, Pat asked for only five or six traditional group shots. The rest? She wanted the moments in between, the ones that happen when everyone forgets the camera is there. The belly laughs, the silliness, the chaos, the quiet cuddles… the little things that make family time so meaningful. These are my favourite style of images.
Proposing 101
If you're reading this, congratulations are already in order! Deciding to propose to your life partner is a huge, heartfelt step, filled with excitement, nervousness, and profound joy. As a photographer who's had the privilege of capturing many beautiful proposals, I know how meaningful it is to have this once-in-a-lifetime moment documented perfectly.
How to Prepare for Your Engagement Photoshoot
If you’re reading this - congratulations on your engagement!! Your engagement is one of the most exciting chapters in your life, and capturing this moment with an engagement photoshoot is the perfect way to celebrate your love story. I believe engagement shoots should feel authentic and meaningful, showcasing your unique love and shared interests. Whether we choose a stunning location to simply let the magic happen or design a session around something you both love to do, here are some tips to help you prepare for your session.
Outfit Tips for Family Photography Sessions
When booking a family photo session with me (Alana Maria Photography), one of the most common questions I receive is, “What should we wear!?” Choosing outfits for your family photos is essential in creating timeless, cohesive images. To help you decide, I've put together a guide based on the season and age of your kids. Whether you're in Port Perry, Peterborough, Lindsay, Newmarket, Stouffville, Bobcaygeon, Ajax, Whitby, or beyond, I’ve got you covered with helpful tips that will make your family photos shine.
Behind the Lens: Capturing Victoria and Mark’s Love Story
As a wedding photographer, I live for moments like Victoria and Mark’s special day. Their August wedding at Penryn Park was nothing short of magical, filled with laughter, love, and baby blue accents amidst vibrant florals.
A Family’s Story: Capturing Memories at Crystal Lake, Kinmount
I recently had the privilege of photographing a truly special family at Crystal Lake, Kinmount, in the heart of Kawartha Lakes. This session was not just about photos; it was about documenting a family’s love, their shared moments, and the beautiful memories they’re creating together.
Fall Mini Sessions at Applewood Fruit Wines
It's that time again!! Fall Mini Photography Sessions at @fruitwines
Capture the beauty of the season with mini-photography sessions! Whether it's a family moment, engagement photos, headshots, branding, or maternity photos, I've got you covered.
Groom’s Guide: Essential Tips for the Month Before and the Morning of Your Wedding Day
I’ve found plenty of blogs, articles and videos that cover what the bride should be doing up to the big day but what about the Groom!? Guys, this is for you. As your wedding day approaches, the excitement and anticipation build, but so can the stress. There are lots of moving parts when it comes to planning a wedding - what needs to be done? You have an essential role in making sure everything goes smoothly. To help you prepare, here’s a comprehensive guide on what every groom should do in the month leading up to the wedding and what you should focus on the morning of the big day.