VENDOR SHOWCASE: Brady McCloskey Photography
[5 minute read]
Today I’m excited to bring back our Vendor Showcase features with Brady McCloskey! When I looked back through my emails to see who I had not featured yet, I found I had actually had Brady answer these questions two years ago (February 2018!) and never followed up to actually make the post. So I reached out to Brady to have him update his answers and here we are! Brady was one of my first fast friends in the industry - from the first moment we met, he was so generous, welcoming and just easy to get along with, and he has continued to be a great colleague and friend!
Tell us a little about yourself!
Hey there! I’m an Island photographer living in Stratford who shoots wedding, portrait, and commercial photography, and I teach camera lessons too. It’s been my full time job for the past few years and there’s nothing I’d rather be doing. When I’m not working I’m always being social and keeping busy, usually travelling around the world, country, or province!
How long have you been photographing weddings?
I photographed my first wedding back in 2011 and have been working every season since.
What inspired you to begin photographing weddings?
For years I was always the one with a camera, taking photos of friends and family for fun. My whole life I’ve had many different creative outlets so I thought photography would just be another hobby. That’s until I was hired to photograph a family session one summer and had so much fun that I needed to do it again. That turned into being asked to photograph a small courthouse wedding, and once I decided to focus on making a go of it things eventually snowballed into what they are today.
What is your favourite part of the wedding day?
That’s a tough question, so I think I’ll have to pick two. 1 - I think the moment right after the ceremony when the couple lets their guard down and their nerves float away is so fun to watch. I often see a feeling of relief when they are finally together and the ceremony is over. 2 – the reception speeches. I love getting to know the bride and groom better, and hearing how their loved ones describe them. I’ve definitely been known to shed a little tear at a reception or two.
What is the most unique wedding you've ever photographed?
I’ve photographed nearly 250 weddings at this point, so I’ve definitely seen a lot of amazing days. One that initially comes to mind was with Hannah & Michael in Jasper National Park in Alberta. Our day included a hike up the mountain at 6am, the bride arriving to the ceremony by canoe, an outdoor winter bbq and bonfire after the ceremony, and a beautiful reception that evening. I connected with the couple and family so well and I was sad to leave them when it was all over. You can see this wedding featured on my blog.
Describe your photography style:
Clean, authentic, colorful, and natural. I’m really laid back and easy to work with on your wedding day because I don’t believe your wedding should revolve around your photography, but rather your photographer should be there to capture the moments as they happen. I’ll never recreate a moment, and always keep the vibe relaxed and easy for everyone.
Are you available to travel for weddings?
Totally, I’m always up for a new journey! I’ve travelled for weddings throughout the Maritimes as well as BC’s Sunshine Coast, Jasper, Kimberley, Dominican Republic, and Australia. If the scheduling works out I’d love to capture your off Island wedding too!
Aside from weddings, what is your next favourite type of shoot?
Ah – tough call. Although completely different than weddings, I have a lot of fun with the companies I photograph for. It brings me around to a lot of cool places I would have never had access to otherwise, and I get to meet a lot of new and interesting people. I do a lot of architectural shoots too and I really love those.
Some of Brady’s amazing accomplishments and certifications
Named one of WeddingBells Top 25 Most Inspiring Photographers in Canada for 2017, UPEI Bachelor of Business Administration, Cliff Mautner’s Lighting & Skills Bootcamp in Philadelphia, Nordica Photography’s workshop in Iceland, Applehead Studio’s East Coast Survival Guide in Halifax, and Tyler Werkin’s Wedding Photojournalism workshop in Las Vegas.
Testimonials:
"I would like to let anyone know that is considering Brady for their photographer, that you couldn't ask for a better person to capture your special day....He started out as our photographer, but by the end of the day, he feels like a friend you have known your whole life. Thank you Brady McCloskey, we truly do appreciate everything you have done for us." - Amy & Ronnie
"You've done a truly amazing job here. I don't think people really understand how important a good photographer is until the day is over. These photos are really the only thing left of the day. We are so happy with the results! You've got a talent for your profession and paired with your ability to interact well with anyone, you're unstoppable." - Megan & Travis
Thank you so much for your time, Brady! I can’t wait to get back to weddings and to work with you again soon!
Until next time,
xox Kristina