Deanna McCollum Photography » Wedding & Portrait Photographer Victoria B.C.

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  • Welcome. Thanks for stopping by.

    I am a wedding and portrait photographer located in beautiful Victoria, B.C. I am available for sessions in the Greater Victoria area and southern Vancouver Island. I graduated from the New York Institute of Photography and have studied photography for over 15 years.

    This blog showcases my latest work, both professional and personal, as well as other topics related to photography and weddings. To view my portfolio, check out the galleries tab. To contact me or to book a session, please use the contact form above or call 250.472.0616.

May 20 2010

My Favourite Blogs

Posted in Photography

I love learning. I often feel like a sponge trying to soak up as much information as I can. The internet and blogs offer so much opportunity do acquire knowledge for free, which feeds my addiction.  I love to read photo blogs especially to keep up to date in the industry, to see what others are up to and to expand the creative part of my brain.  Here are five blogs I find valuable.

1. Digital Photography School – Darren Rowse of Australia started this blog as a place to help enthusiasts get the most out of their cameras. The blog covers tips and tutorial on everything from portraiture to how to photograph motorcycles, camera and gear reviews, post production techniques and forums to share your ideas and your work.

2. Photofocus – The About page describes it as “an online magazine about photography. We publish several times each day, with the intent of informing, entertaining and educating people who are interested in photography.” Scott Bourne has been at this site since 1998 and shares his wisdom from over 30 years in the industry. Along with tips, technique and gear reviews are interviews and guest posts from prominent photographers like Bambi Cantrell and Tamara Lackey.

3. GoingPro 2010 – This blog was started recently by Skip Cohen and Scott Bourne with sage advice on turning your photography into a professional business.

4. Gray Photography – This couple, Zach and Jody Gray,  has got it goin’ on. I find their Tuesday Tips and Tricks  valuable, especially when they discuss lighting. They perfect their lighting in camera with dramatic results so as to spend less time on post processing.  I would love to attend one of their workshops on this. They are a talented pair who seem to be having a blast in this business.

5. Digital Photo Buzz – Started by wedding and portrait artist Mark Stagi, this blog covers just about everything a photographer could want to know from business, lighting and post production to inspiration and contests.

The best part of all this learning is getting out with my camera and putting it to use. Enough of sharing my opinions. What are your favourites?

Posted in Photography

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May 13 2010

Chelsea & John Mark – A Sneak Peak

Posted in Weddings

Chelsea met John Mark at a bible study class in Texas six months ago. They hit it off right away and knew within a week that they were meant for each other.  In February, John Mark cut short a trip to China to surprise Chelsea and be with her on Valentine’s Day. He proposed to her on February 14, exactly 35 years after his dad proposed to his mom.

Chelsea and John Mark decided Victoria was the perfect place for their destination wedding. They were married this past weekend by JM’s father in an elegant ceremony, with their closest family members in attendance at the gorgeous Markham House in Sooke. I was blessed to be there to document this special day.

The first person I met was Chelsea’s sweet little boy, who showed me around the grounds while the adults finished their preparations. He is darling, and 100% boy.

I loved watching their love for each other, and hearing their Texan accents. I found it hard to not try to speak like them, being the only Canadian in the group. I heard the occasional “y’all” and admit I enjoyed being called “Miss Deanna”.  Their testimony that God has brought them together warmed my heart. It is evident in the way they look at each other.

Thank you for letting me be part of your day. I wish all the best to you and your families.

Posted in Weddings

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tena - i cant wait to see the rest!! Congrats again!!

May 12 2010

Sarah & Kevin – A Sneak Peek

Posted in Engagement Photography, Photography

Sarah met Kevin while they were working together at Little Caesars nearly a decade ago. He drove her crazy by always making her crumble the feta cheese. She hates crumbling feta cheese. Kevin left his job a few weeks after their first meeting to pursue other opportunities while Sarah finished school.  Over the years, destiny kept bringing them together with chance meetings here and there. They started to hang out more often,  growing their friendship into a committed relationship. He still makes her crumble the feta.

We went to Albert Head Lagoon this past weekend with their stunning dog, Dexter, for an engagement session.

You guys make my job so easy! I can’t wait to see you both again in 59 days.

Posted in Engagement Photography, Photography

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Zoe - So nice to see Kevin, Sarah and Dexter in this video! … to see their loving smiles and hear their happy giggles and laughter! … warms a momma’s heart … Nice job Deanna! … You did a fabulous job with their wedding photos also! 2010 was such a happy summer!

Deanna McCollum Photography Promotional Video – Week 19, 50 Projects « Through My Lens - [...] time in the making. Last May I had the idea to put together a promotional video for my business. Sarah and Kevin graciously agreed to help me with it. They are fabulous people and I am grateful to have been able [...]

Ben - Awesome pictures!

Dexter’s hilarious

Taunya - Sarah and Kevin,

These are amazing photos :) I think they truly capture both of your personalties so well! I can’t wait for the wedding. You are too cute! xoxox

Wendy MacKay - These are wonderful pictures, and so nice to connect before the wedding! My gosh Sarah you have beautiful eyes! Pretty cute fiance too! Of course we all know Dexter is adorable. Hope to get the arrangements so we can come to the wedding.

Jon - Wonderful portraits.

Darci - Aww you guys look so good!! Sarah your eyes look amazing!!
Also, I love how you included Dexter in there! So cute.

Sarah and Kevin - Deanna!! These are fantastic!! Thanks so much for taking the time to do this we had a great time. I think little Dex had a good romp too. :-) Looking forward to seeing you again soon.

Danelle - Now they are CUTE!