Q&A with Lee Anne from Flower Child Photography

This week I am really pleased to be featuring a unique and very talented photographer from Canada, Lee Anne from Flower Child Photography. Lee Ann came to my attention when she submitted a wedding into me a few weeks ago (come back on Friday to see it) I liked is so much that I asked of I could do a Q&A with her, so here is is.

Name and company name:
Lee Anne Havens from Flower Child Photography

How long have you been taking photos for?
Since my early 20’s when my parents bought me my first “serious” camera for Christmas.

How would you describe your style?
A lot of people have told me over the years it’s organic – I love that description. I also think it’s very natural, not perfect (which is a good thing with me!), creative and a little bit different than a lot of what’s out there.

What made you get into wedding photography?
I was asked a few times when I started my business 6 years ago but declined all – I wanted to concentrate on portraiture. I finally accepted my first wedding 3 years ago and discovered that I absolutely loved it. So a huge thank you to my first bride for talking me into it!

Where are you based?
Just north of Toronto, Canada.

How far will you travel for a wedding?
I recently shot a wedding in Logan, Utah. I’ll travel anywhere.

How long do you normally spend at a wedding?
Average is 8 hours, sometimes more.

What is your favorite bit of technical kit?
I did purchase a 17-35mm this week so it’s my new favourite baby. Cannot wait to use it for a shoot this weekend.

What is it about wedding photography that you love?
Oh, where should I start? I have to say first, my clients – I seem to attract the nicest people. I love meeting them for the first time, shooting the engagement pics and wedding, and then handing them their prints when all is done. A lot of times I become “real life” friends with most of them. I also love the details, I LOVE photographing the details. And truthfully I get a little bit nervous (but a good kind of excited nervous) before I arrive at each wedding. Plus the spontaneity, you never know what’s going to happen. I could talk all day about weddings, can you tell?

What sort of couple would be your ideal couple to photograph?
Artistic, alternative, hippyish, down to earth and fun.

What celeb would you like to photograph?
That’s a tough one but I would have to say Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes – I love that guy. Mick Jagger? John Lennon if he were around. Liam Gallagher. Too many to mention here, but basically the rebellious types and some more dead ones. I think they’d be a challenge to photograph, to say the least, so nerve-rackingly fun.

Who is your favorite photographer and why?
Can’t pick just one – I follow 2 girls religiously. Emma Case Photography and Feather Love Photography. Why? I can almost “feel” their images, and not only do they pour their heart and soul into their art, I think their personalities are incorporated into each and every photograph they present to the world. I would know an Emma Case or Feather Love image anywhere. My heart pounds to the point where I almost pass out when their new blog posts go up.

If you were to get married who would take your pictures?
Can’t decide, so this is the plan. When I win a small lottery I will have all of the above at once. It will be fun.

What are you plans for the next 2 years?
To grow my wedding business, do some more photographer workshops (I love making myself a little bit better), and to go on at least one dream vacation.

What in your opinion makes the perfect photo?
Imperfection.

What is your biggest achievement so far within your photography?
That I am able to be true to myself and my art and create images that I love and that people love. That’s a privilege.

What sort of other photography do you do apart from weddings?
Almost everything. I started out shooting kids, now I do lifestyle, maternity, boudoir, a tiny bit of commercial and I’ve recently started doing some creative shoots for myself. I’ll be posting a really cool one on my blog in December, can’t wait!

What advice would you give couples when choosing their wedding photographer?
Most importantly, hire someone that you instantly click with during that initial phone call, even before meeting the photographer. You want someone who’s just as excited about the wedding as you are.

What is your favorite photo that you have taken?
The “angel” pic of my daughter when she was 3 years old.