Happy 2020 friends! We’re starting this year off by sharing a little vendor love and spotlighting some of our awesome colleagues in the business. First up, a vendor interview with Justin of Justin Ho Photography!
All photos are, of course, courtesy of Justin.
Please introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?
Hey friends! My name is Justin and I specialize in wedding photography.
How long have you been in the wedding industry?
I’ve been in the industry for 7 years.
What first attracted you to the wedding industry?
I was first attracted to the people aspect. I’ve always loved capturing portraits, emotions and connecting with people. A wedding day contains every aspect of that. Where can you find a job where you’re constantly surrounded by love, excitement and pure joy? Being able to create meaningful and purposeful work that brings people joy is so fulfilling!
When you’re not busy with weddings, how do you love to spend your time?
Fun fact, I play competitive ultimate frisbee (not the kind you play with your dog at the park). Most days in the summer I’ll be training with my team to take a break from editing photos. I’ve had a chance to represent Team Canada and BC. In addition, I’ve played in the Philippines, Tokyo, Hawaii and Hong Kong! All this running just so I can enjoy copious amounts of ice cream.
What does Justin Ho Photography do?
Justin Ho Photography specializes in wedding and engagement photos in the Lower Mainland. Most recently, I’ve been capturing a lot of proposals as well , which I love!
What makes your business stand out from others?
I graduated in hospitality management. The thing weddings and hospitality management both have in common is that they are both relationship-based. The best kind of photos are ones that are YOU! I find that if my couples are having fun, and loving the personality of the photographer, it eases their nerves and creates genuine moments.
What is the process of working with you?
Once we do an in-person consultation and get to know each other, we start the process! If everything works out on both sides and we’re a fit, it begins with tips and guides. From a complimentary engagement shoot and timeline building, we keep in constant communication until the big day. Once your wedding finishes with pure joy and awesomeness, you get your photos delivered in an online gallery!
Share a wedding story! What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve ever worked on?
During our consultation, the bride said, “Who knows, maybe I’ll take my clothes off that day if it’s hot enough!” As we did our first look at Wreck Beach on a scorching hot August day, she wasn’t joking. After the first look, clad in just her veil, she ran into the water! These are the kind of spontaneous moments I love about weddings!
If you had one piece of advice for couples looking for a photographer, what would it be?
Find a photographer who has a great personality! Most people forget but your photographer will be with you for 80% of the day. It’s not just about taking great photos but an overall experience from start to finish.
What are the current trends in photography? What’s on its way out?
Do you remember when people use to deliver photos on CDs? Well, most people’s computers don’t even have CD drives anymore. It might not be long before USB drives will be on their way out too. I think with technology advancing so fast, people are going back to old school ways and using albums again, which stand the test of time.
What are the biggest mistakes couples make with wedding photography?
People will often pick a location they love with scenic backdrops. However, one of the biggest things about photography is lighting! I’ll always pick good lighting before a good location, but moments before good lighting.
Where can couples save? Where should they splurge?
I’m biased and obviously think photography is important to spend on. It’s ultimately your legacy that will be passed down from generation to generation. In terms of savings, look for used decor through different avenues (Facebook market place, Craigslist); there are new things available all the time!
What’s something people need to understand about wedding photography?
Wedding photography is not just clicking a button for a number of hours on your wedding day. It’s a craft which us photographers have taken the time to hone. After your wedding, we spend countless hours behind the computer editing the images and perfecting each shot.
Any last tips for couples planning a wedding?
Enjoy the whole process of planning, but also find time to separate yourself from it! Find date nights where you don’t talk about any wedding planning and enjoy the quality time together.
Thanks so much to Justin for sharing his wisdom and wedding photography philosophies with us. You can learn more about Justin and reach out to him via:
Website: https://justinkhophotography.com/
Email: justin@justinkhophotography.com
Instagram: instagram.com/jhophotography
Facebook: facebook.com/jhophotography
Riana Ang-Canning has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!
