Wedding Photographer Quebec Sophie Asselin shoots a wedding at Les Entrepôts Dominion, Montreal, Canada

Tell us a little about yourself??

I am a French Canadian photographer from Montreal, Quebec. I have been professionally photographing weddings since fall 2009. My style is natural, modern and very editorial. Recognized as a people-oriented artist, I am able to translate emotions through my lens. I like to stand on the sidelines and watch... observing each precious moments and rendering them as the best pictures. I create evocative photographs, lively and very aesthetic. Photography is my passion and weddings are my favorite subjects.

How do you think or would like people to describe you?

People always describe me as a very passionate girl. Fellow photographers told me I am sort of an inspiration for them, that I have a personal style that is very strong and noticeable. My friends think I'm too obsessed with photography

Tell us a little bit about the wedding day?

The groom got ready at Saint-Paul Hotel downtown Montreal with his parents. The bride got ready at her parent’s house with her bridal party and her parents. After the ceremony, we took pictures near the reception room, where we could find red bricks, railway, beautiful small colored houses and much more. We also took pictures on the roof of the reception room with an awesome scenery of downtown Montreal. In the evening, there were a few toast. At the end of the evening, all the guests were on the dance floor.

How did you get into wedding photography?

That's a funny story. In 2009 I was a manager in a gas station. Back then, I already played a bit with photography, but as a hobby. One day, while I was working at the gas station, I got into a conversation with one client about her upcoming wedding. She was a regular customer, and knew I loved photography. She then proposed to hire me to capture her special day... from that first contract, it just went very fast and here I am now!

How long have you been a wedding photographer?

Since fall 2009 but officially since 2010.

Can you share how you've made your wedding photography business a success? Any mistakes you made along the way?

I'm determined, passionate and professional. I work hard every day to promote my business. I often update my website and my Facebook page. I also have my own style, it helps me to get a lot of contracts. The more visibility we have, the more clients we have. I don’t think I have made major mistakes in the past.

What do you think a bride or groom should be looking for and not looking for in terms of wedding photography packages?

The questions are: Do they want a DVD with the high-res photos? Do they desire an album with print photos? Do they also need a second shooter? Brides and grooms have different desires and needs. All photographers offer different kind of packages.

How do you advertise yourself and what for you has really worked?

I have a complete and updated website. I have business cards with me all the time. I refer colleagues and they refer me. I am member of 3 wedding photography organisations. I also use Facebook and all other social media to advertise myself.

Why do you think people hire you?

They first hire me because they love my pictures and my style. But they also hire me because I offer them a personalized service. People also like me because I am very professional with a very personal touch.

How many weddings do you average per year?

I average 25 weddings a year.

Whose wedding would you love to shoot?

A rustic and/or barn wedding.

If you were asked to shoot a destination wedding, where would you hope it would be?

Anyone's wedding in New York city. Urban landscapes are so amazing. I also love to shoot artistic weddings, such as winter weddings.

What equipment do you have for a typical wedding day?

I have 2 Canon 5D Mark III and 4 lenses and 3 flashes. Most of the time, I use my 85mm f/1.8.

What is the most challenging thing about a wedding.