Meet a Wedding Photographer in London, Ontario- Sandra Henderson

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR COMPANY

My name is Sandra Henderson, owner and photographer at Life is Beautiful Photography. I specialize in wedding and family photography, and absolutely love getting the opportunity to capture memories for my clients to cherish for a lifetime!

HOW DID YOU GET INTO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?

When I was in my first year of college, I frequently said “There’s no way I’m ever going to be a wedding photographer.” Then I started working for One-12 Photography and realized that “wedding photography” as I had known it, wasn’t what it was anymore. The industry and style had changed, and photographing weddings became so much more than just the formal, stiff, “smile for the camera!” type of photos that I had grown up seeing. There was now room for both creativity in posing, and capturing candid, unposed moments throughout the day, and as soon as I realized that my whole perspective changed. I knew that this was what I was meant to be doing!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE WEDDING DAY TO CAPTURE?

I love “first looks”! Being able to capture such a private, exciting, and often emotional moment for my clients is such an honour. It’s so beautiful and raw, and always gets the wedding day started off on such a perfect note.

WHAT IS THE MOST AWKWARD MOMENT YOU’VE EXPERIENCED WHILE ON THE JOB?

Two moments come to mind… One, while I was still working as an assistant photographer, was when I met the groom for the first time as he opened his hotel room door wearing nothing but his boxers! And then one moment last summer when I walked into a hanging metal lantern in the middle of the ceremony. The bone in my forehead made a loud “Ping!” – thankfully the clients were friends, so they still make fun of me for it, to this day.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE VENUE AND WHY?

This is a tough one, we have so many amazing venues in London! One of my favourites has to be the Old Courthouse. It has it’s challenges being in the downtown area, but there are so many options for locations and backdrops. The historic building is just a minute walk away from Harris and Ivy parks, as well as the downtown city scape. The staff are always extremely helpful, and who doesn’t love getting a little weird and creative every now and then with some photos in the old jail cells?!

NIKON OR CANON?

Nikon!

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM LOCATION TO SHOOT A WEDDING?

I would love to photograph an elopement in Europe, maybe Ireland or Italy. Just the bride and groom, officiant, and a few guests, and nothing but beautiful, sprawling landscapes for miles!

AS A PHOTOGRAPHER, WHAT IS ONE IDEA OR THING YOU HAVE WANTED TO DO WITH A CLIENT, BUT HAVENT YET?

There is a cemetery in London that is home to a family of deer. I love animals and have always wanted to do engagement photos with those deer in the background. The cemetery is off a major road in London so the deer are pretty comfortable with people around, but cemeteries aren’t necessarily the most romantic location for engagement photos!

IF YOU COULD SHOOT ANY CELEBRITY WEDDING (PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE), WHO WOULD BE THE LUCKY COUPLE?

I feel like they would have probably been the most difficult clients of my career, but based on the details and décor alone, I would have loved to have been the photographer at Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s wedding. In true fashion, it was so elaborate and over the top, but so gorgeous nonetheless!

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED, AND WOULD PASS ALONG TO OTHER NEW WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS JUST GETTING STARTED?

One of the biggest pieces of advice I have received since starting out, is “under promise and over deliver.” Don’t underestimate the power of getting photos sent out earlier than you had said you would, or surprising your clients with a little something extra. Even something as simple as giving a few extra photos can make a world of difference!

WHAT TIPS OR ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO COUPLES WHO ARE LOOKING TO HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THEIR BIG DAY?

Photography quickly becomes one of the most expensive services you have to pay for on your wedding day, but don’t let that deter you! I have lost count of the number of times that I have had someone tell me that they wished they had spent more on their wedding photographer. As a new bride myself, I can tell you that the day is a whirlwind, and even though I tell my clients all the time to step back and take it all in, the day still managed to fly by in a blur and the photos that I get from the day will be how I remember all of the little details that passed me by. The photos will be what I cherish for the rest of my life, and what my children and grandchildren cherish long after I’m gone. When you’re ready to book your wedding photographer, ask for recommendations from friends and family who have gotten married. Personal experiences will show the value of what you’re spending your money on!