Alexandra's Joys: Pink & Honey Girl: Carey Shaw Photography

Miss Carey Shaw will always hold a special place in my heart as she happens to be the one who captured my wedding so beautifully. The moment I experienced her eye for the interesting and witnessed her passion for her craft, I knew she was the one for our big day.

Carey is a breath of fresh talent based in Saskatchewan. You'd be lucky enough to call her your wedding photog and I'm now lucky enough to call her a friend. Today she shares with us some insight into her world and work...

When and why did you start to pursue photography?

I took my first photography class when I was about 13, it was a pinhole photography class and we made our own cameras out of cardboard and developed the images. I loved it. LOVED IT. And pretty much didn't stop learning about photography after that. I kept taking darkroom classes at the community arts centre throughout high school, and then moved to Calgary to study at The Alberta College of Art and Design. I am really happy that when I was in in school it was about the history, process, science and the art. Nothing was digital. I still try to hold true to what I have learned in my work today.

What do you love most about your job?

The people. I love building relationships with my clients and learning about who they are and their personal histories. I find that knowing them more always makes for a better photograph. When I feel like I have accomplished that, I am satisfied with what I have created. I think that is why editorial photography is my first love, you are totally thrown into someones' story and need to find a respectful way to portray it through a series of images.

Tell us what's next for you? Any fun projects in the works?

I'm just going to keep on keep'n on. I have recently left a job at an gallery to do freelance full time, and hope to find myself in the studio and shooting more creatives and personal work. There is one specific project that I do have on the go. The blog, Not Nowhere, is a collaboration with Danielle Tuchelt who is a Saskatchewan based graphic designer, and will hopefully lend a hand on showcasing the creative work of regional photographers and designers. There aren't too many resources for us in Saskatchewan, so we are hoping to fill a bit of a void.

How do stay inspired and creative?

I look at everything. I look at magazines, blogs, videos, different kinds of light and how it falls, spaces, people, mannerisms, movies, and I look at other art and photography. Everything. I also really enjoy odd spaces. For instance, I am writing this from a random room at the Hidden Hilten Motel in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan.

What advice would you give to brides to get the most from their wedding photos?

Invest in engagement photos. They are like a little trial run before the big day. From engagement sessions I can asses how comfortable the bride and groom are in front of a camera and with me, their aesthetic and style, and the kind of couple they are. Knowing all these things help so much in shooting a wedding, and producing the final images.

If you weren't a photographer, what would you be doing?

When I was little I wanted to be a paleontologist. I don't think I could swing that anymore. Probably still something art related - photo editor, curator, art history or photography educator.

How would you describe your personal and home decor style? I had no idea how to answer this, so I had to ask my best friend. She said, 'contemporary art school'. At the time I was wearing a Harvard t-shirt, dark skinnies, a cardigan, monogrammed necklace and tall boots. Pretty much my everyday outfit. I also have a large selection of dresses that I pull out for days that I have a skip in my step. I would say my decor style is similar. Mid-century, with a lot of wood pieces and an ever growing collection of art.

Where can you be found on a Saturday afternoon?

Probably shooting a wedding! If not, then I'd be taking advantage of a day off and hopefully enjoying a good coffee and chat with friends and then a lazy evening watching Die Hard. (Yes, Die Hard!)