Archie MontroseA picture paints a thousand words. If you’ve ever been captivated by a picture, then it’s easy to see the truth in this old adage.
But just as a quality image can captivate viewers, a lackluster image can often have the opposite effect. So, a pro photographer can truly go a long way.
To help you choose from Vancity’s many distinguished photographers, we’ve put together a comprehensive list chock-full of reviews, ratings, breakdowns, and FAQs.
How much does a photographer cost in Vancouver?
Like all highly skilled services, professional photography can carry a hefty cost depending on the type of photo that you need. For the most part, photographers will charge either an hourly rate or a fixed package rate.
To make sure you know what you’re investing in, we’ve drawn up a table of services offered by some of our entries as well as their respective rates below:
| Photo studio | Fees & rates |
| Vancouver Headshots Photography | Actor headshots package – $375 Mini headshot package – $225 Acting student headshot package – $350 Kids & teens headshot package – $275 Business headshot package – $350 Hair and makeup services – $25 to $200 |
| Laura Shortt Photography | Photoshoot deposit – $250 (credited towards headshots/portraits) Single portrait or headshot – $375 Headshot package – $900 Portrait package – $1800 |
| Sachin Khona Photography | Elopements and wedding shoots – $2,950 Couple sessions & portraits – $950 Full-Day wedding coverage – $4,950 Half-day wedding coverage – $2,950 |
| Mengatto Photography | Photoshoot deposit – $200 (credited towards photo packages) Maternity shoot – $995 Newborn/baby shoot – $435 to $695 Family shoot – $435 Birthday shoot – $295 to $395 Engagement shoot – $435 Headshots – $395 |
| Tomasz Wagner Photo & Films | Elopement photography – $1750 Wedding photography – $5400 Engagement photography – $950 Wedding videography – $5000 Elopement videography – $1750 8mm film – $5000 |
| VanWeddings | Contact for more information |
For many folks, $5,000 can be a lot to ask for any type of photography service. But, when it comes to photographers, you often get what you pay for and there’s nothing worse than seeing your moments and memories from the worst angles possible.
While price is certainly not a guarantee that your pictures will be perfect, a higher rate will usually entail a higher level of skill from your chosen photographer.
So, while there’s no need to break the bank, it would be wise to invest in your lensman.
The Best Photographers in Vancouver
To make sure we’re truly providing you with a list of the best options in Vancouver, we’ve analyzed each of our entries based on the following criteria.
Now that we’ve covered the rates of our photographers and the standards used to select them, it’s time to unveil our list. Without further ado, here are our selections for the best photographers in Vancouver.
1. Ian Redd, Vancouver Headshots Photography
| SERVICES | Headshots Professional portraits Corporate photos |
| WEBSITE | https://www.vancouverheadshotphotographer.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 507-2050 Scotia St, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T1, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone number: (778) 919-4622 Email: team@vancouverheadshots.ca |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: closed Tuesday: 10 am – 6 pm Wednesday: 10 am – 6 pm Thursday: 10 am – 6 pm Friday: 10 am – 6 pm Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm |
Ian Redd is the head lensman of Vancouver Headshots Photography. As his studio’s name suggests, Ian specializes in the art of headshot photography, which is easier said than done considering the different subjects and emotions involved in such photos.
From kids and teens to executives and actors, Ian has worked with an extremely diverse base of clients. A large number of his works are professional headshots for actors starring in shows and films like Riverdale, Ghostbusters, Star Trek, and Altered Carbon.
Suffice it to say that his ability to create photos worthy of the entertainment industry makes Ian uniquely suited for budding actors and A-list celebrities alike. Of course, Ian’s experience also lends itself well to professionals from other industries such as business and marketing.
As evidence of this, countless clients have praised Ian and his team for their ability to direct subjects extremely well. We believe this will be helpful to clients who have trouble with posing and establishing their presence during a photoshoot.
To help clients find their best angles during a shoot, this studio also has a full in-house hair and makeup team. This can be quite helpful if you can’t find the time to head to a salon before your photoshoot.
Overall, Ian’s skill set makes him an excellent option for anyone in search of a proper professional headshot. The fact that this studio supplements its photo services with hair and makeup options also adds convenience that isn’t always found in other photo studios.
Pros
- Regularly works with actors
- Great at directing subjects during shoots
- Offers an in-house hair and makeup service
Cons
- The studio is closed on Mondays
- Restricted to headshot photoshoots only
Customer Reviews
He and his team were absolutely fantastic.
“Ian Redd and his team at Vancouver Headshots Photography are simply the best. I was honestly a bit nervous (I hadn’t had professional headshots taken in years, not since the start of the pandemic) and a friend of mine recommended him to me as the best in Vancouver. He and his team were absolutely fantastic. Professional, upfront about the pricing, timely, and Ian gave a wide selection of shots. I only went for the smaller package, but even with the two look headshot package, there was a lot of choice in what the final product looked like. I’ll be using his services again, and I can’t recommend him enough.” – Patrick O.
My son loved his experience – even though he hates changing outfits.
“Ian Redd & his studio team @ Vancouver Headshots Photography were great! I liked that they provided a bunch of information before hand so we could come prepared (since we were from Alberta). Everything was seamless before and during the shoot. I loved the way Ian interacted with my son to get shots and that his assistant was there to make sure everything was always in place for the shot. I got to sit back and enjoy! My son loved his experience – even though he hates changing outfits. I am impressed and have not even seen the photos yet!” – Kandis B.
2. Laura Shortt, Laura Shortt Photography
| SERVICES | Corporate headshots Portraits Maternity photos Glamour shots |
| WEBSITE | https://www.laurashortt.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 4395 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5V 4G4, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Toll-free number: 1 (855) 847-9991 Email: info@laurashortt.com |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: 9 am – 5 pm Tuesday: 9 am – 5 pm Wednesday: 9 am – 5 pm Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm Friday: 9 am – 5 pm Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm Sunday: closed |
Laura Shortt is an extremely artistic photographer who, in her own words, has a penchant for exploring the beauty in all of her subjects. Because of this, she often specializes in capturing strong, profound portraits of women.
Laura’s client handling skills have been honed over several years of working closely with different subjects. This makes her very easy to work with since many clients feel comfortable with expressing themselves in the studio.
From what we can gather, many of Laura’s previous clients are very pleased with her ability to capture the essence of a subject. Along with this, we’ve also found tons of positive feedback on her highly personable approach to photography.
Aside from artistic portraits, Laura’s skills also translate well to standard headshot photography. In the past, she has worked with small business owners and corporate executives to create professional photos for various purposes.
While we’re on the topic of her previous work, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that Laura’s photos have actually been used by Vogue. To be more specific, Laura’s portrait of Akosuya Miki, a model, was used as a featured photo for vogueitalia.com.
As it’s one of the world’s premier fashion authorities, producing a photo worthy of Vogue is no small feat. With this in mind, we feel confident in saying that Laura is an excellent choice for clients who want to capture an artsy, glamorous self-portrait.
Now, if you’re looking for an event photographer, It may be best to check out our other entries. Though she certainly knows her way around a camera, Laura’s lack of experience in other fields of photography restricts her to in-studio portrait sessions.
Pros
- Excellent for artistic portraits
- Work has been featured in Vogue
- Regularly works with female models
- Comfortable with Boudoir and nude portraits
Cons
- Generally restricted to headshots and portraits
- Not ideal for event photoshoots
Customer Reviews
She is both professional and very knowledgeable
“Laura is truly the sweetest and kindest photographer you could ever meet and work with! She guided me every step of the way. From outfit choice, makeup, and posing. She is both professional and very knowledgeable on posing and finding the right angles which work for your body. She made me feel comfortable throughout the entire time I was in front of the camera. I had a wonderful and fun experience. I would definitely recommend booking a session with her!” – Victoria I
Positive energy, great skills, good communicator
“Working with Laura was fantastic. Positive energy, great skills, good communicator – everything you’d want from a photographer. Her prices are a bit higher than average, but the quality definitely reflects that. If you’re around the Vancouver area, she’s a great choice.” – Linden S.
3. Sachin Khona, Sachin Khona Photography
| SERVICES | Wedding photography Documentary-style photography |
| WEBSITE | https://sachinkhona.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 170-422 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2Z4, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone number: (604) 728-6820 Email: hello@sachinkhona.com |
| OPERATING HOURS | Open 24/7 |
Sachin Khona is a one-man wedding photographer who is well-known for documentary-style photoshoots. For those who are unfamiliar, documentary-style photography focuses on telling a story through real, straightforward shots.
By using this specific style of photography, Sachin is able to capture weddings, engagements, and elopements in a more nostalgic light. The accuracy of documentary-style photography also helps ensure that crucial points of an event are captured in great detail.
Since he works alone, Sachin is solely responsible for recording every moment of a wedding from the prenup to the reception. This often leads to him building strong connections with couples, which in turn helps them feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
By making his clients feel more at ease, Sachin’s presence becomes less intrusive to subjects. This allows him to capture extremely intimate moments that would otherwise be spoiled by the presence of a photographer.
Although he is based in Vancouver, Sachin has also expressed his willingness to travel abroad to cover international weddings. This can be handy if you’re planning on having a destination wedding outside of the Great White North.
Given his ample experience, unique style, and friendly demeanor, Sachin can be a great option for those who want to capture their wedding in great detail. The fact that he works alone also means that he can move around wedding venues without drawing too much attention.
Pros
- Uses a unique style of photography
- Develops strong connections with clients
- Covers domestic and international weddings
Cons
- Relatively high service rates
- Only covers weddings/elopements
Customer Reviews
Sachin is an All-Star
“Sachin is an All-Star. I’m usually a shy guy and used to being behind the camera but Sachin had me feeling comfortable and confident on my wedding day. We loved all of his photos, but what I loved most was the raw moments he captured during the wedding. It’s not something everyone can capture and it adds so much more to the album.” – Adam H.
We couldn’t be happier with the outcome – thank you Sachin!
“My wife and I wanted family photos in a documentary style and we quickly realized that Sachin was the perfect photographer to take them. He was professional, amazing with our girls (and dog!) during the actual shoot and delivered images that we will be displaying in our home for years. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome – thank you Sachin!” – Mathias F.
4. Cris Mengatto, Mengatto Photography
| SERVICES | Maternity photos Baby photos Family photos Engagement photos Photobook crafting Wedding photos Headshots Commercial photos |
| WEBSITE | https://www.mengatto.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 1333 Haro St #904, Vancouver, BC V6E 1G4, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone number: (778) 877-8344 Email: info@mengatto.com |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: 8 am – 7 pm Tuesday: 8 am – 7 pm Wednesday: 8 am – 7 pm Thursday: 8 am – 7 pm Friday:8 am – 7 pm Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm |
Among the entries on our list, Cris Mengatto is one of the most versatile photographers in terms of overall skill. We say this since she regularly participates in maternity shoots, newborn shoots, special events, and commercial photography.
Along with these traditional photoshoots, Cris also offers more unique options such as cake smashes and underwater shoots. This can be especially fun for clients who want to try a different kind of photo experience.
Among her numerous services, Cris is particularly gifted when it comes to capturing babies and toddlers, regardless of how active they are. Many clients attribute this to her ability to make photoshoots fun for kids through the use of toys, props, and sometimes even parents.
The majority of Cris’s portfolio consists of children’s photos and maternity shots. Naturally, this makes her slightly more suited to expectant mothers or parents who want to capture some heartfelt memories with their children.
But with that said, Cris still has plenty of experience in almost every other aspect of photography. As stated earlier, she has produced professional-grade headshots, advertisement photos, and even prenup shoots.
Taking all of this into account, we believe Cris is a jack of all trades with an edge in children’s photography. With this in mind, she’s able to cater to a wide variety of clients which makes her a great option for general photography services overall.
Pros
- Great with kids
- Offers underwater photography
- Has a very wide skill set
- Offers an additional scrapbooking service
Cons
- Photo sessions must be reserved months in advance
- Not suited to covering large events
Customer Reviews
She also managed to capture huge smiles from our one year old son!!
“We would highly recommend Cris! We had such a great experience for our fall family photoshoot! She also managed to capture huge smiles from our one year old son!! She delivered an amazing selection of photos. We loved them all so much we had trouble choosing! We will be booking her again in the future! Thanks Cris!” – Siobhan M.
She was patient with our newborn baby and very gentle
“Cris was amazing to work with for our maternity and newborn photos! She was very professional and organized and quickly answered our questions. She got to know our family so that she could capture the best photos of us. She was patient with our newborn baby and very gentle. In the midst of COVID we felt safe having our photos taken by Cris. We highly recommend her as a maternity/newborn/family photographer and will definitely be using her expertise again in the future to capture our family memories!” – Nicole D.
5. Tomasz Wagner, Tomasz Wagner Photo & Films
| SERVICES | Wedding photos Wedding portraits Documentary photos Wedding videography |
| WEBSITE | https://tomaszwagner.co/ |
| ADDRESS | 336 E 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 4R6, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Email: hello@tomaszwagner.co |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: 9 am – 7 pm Tuesday: 9 am – 7 pm Wednesday: 9 am – 7 pm Thursday: 9 am – 7 pm Friday: 9 am – 7 pm Saturday: closed Sunday: closed |
Much like one of our other entries, Tomasz Wagner has chosen to focus exclusively on covering weddings and elopements. What sets Tomasz apart is that he is one of the few lensmen on our list who can boast strong skills in both photography and videography.
Sometimes photos aren’t enough to help you relive your special day in vivid detail. Because of this many people often hire film crews alongside photographers to maximize their overall wedding coverage.
The benefit of working with Tomasz and his team of videographers is the fact that you’ll only need to hire one studio. In addition to this, Tomasz’s studio is one of the few that offers photos and videos in both digital and super 8 film formats.
While this may seem insignificant or outdated, many clients have expressed their satisfaction in being able to relive their special day through a customized film. If a client so desires, Tomasz is even willing to build a storyline around a wedding to give a more cinematic feel.
Though we haven’t had the privilege of watching his films, Tomasz’s portfolio is filled with highly stylized shots similar to those one would see in a magazine. This modern documentary photo style blends raw personalized shots with unique perspectives and filters.
We must admit, Tomasz’s services come at quite a high cost, but this is likely due to his eccentric style of documentation. In exchange for highly stylized wedding photos and a custom wedding film, many clients would say that the investment is well worth it.
Pros
- Creates custom super 8 wedding films
- Offers both photography and videography services
- Employs a highly skilled team of videographers
Cons
- Super 8 film services can be upwards of $7,000
- Not ideal for those who prefer traditional wedding photos
Customer Reviews
He is worth his weight in gold!!!
“Tomasz has 5/5 for good reason! He was an absolute pleasure to work with and we couldn’t be happier. We’d received the advice that you want to invest in a photographer, and it was completely worth it. He is worth his weight in gold!!!” – Darcy M.
Fantastic photographer, and also a lovely person!
“We could tell as he was taking our photos that Tomasz was passionate about his job as a photographer, which was so charming and refreshing to see, and which also 100% showed in his photos, which made us (like, normal looking humans) look basically magazine-worthy. Fantastic photographer, and also a lovely person!” – Nusha B.
6. T Haller Photography
| SERVICES | Maternity, Baby, and Newborn Photography |
| WEBSITE | https://www.thallerphotography.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 1208 Frederick Rd North Vancouver, BC V7K 1J2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 604-771-7602 info@thallerphotography.com |
| OPERATING HOURS | By appointment basis only |
At T Haller Photography, we were spellbound by the captivating artistry of their services.
Each click of the shutter resonated with a unique blend of creativity and precision. Our experience was nothing short of extraordinary.
Convenience is the cornerstone of their operation. From scheduling to on-site arrangements, T Haller Photography ensures a seamless process.
Our photo session felt effortless, as they orchestrated every detail with finesse.
The reputation of T Haller Photography precedes them, and rightly so. With accolades and testimonials to fill volumes, our expectations were lofty.
Yet, they managed to exceed them effortlessly. Their portfolio speaks volumes about their dedication to excellence.
In the realm of photography, quality often comes at a premium. However, T Haller Photography strikes a balance that’s truly commendable.
Their pricing is competitive, considering the level of expertise and artistry they bring to the table.
From the very first shutter click to the final edited photograph, every step was a testament to their commitment to perfection. Our photos were nothing short of breathtaking, capturing moments we’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Sadly, they don’t offer promos at the present. We suggest checking their website for other affordable deals.
Pros
- Exceptional creativity
- Seamless convenience
- Outstanding reputation
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- No promos yet
Customer Reviews
“T Haller Photography turned our moments into masterpieces!”
“Their professionalism and artistry left us speechless. Highly recommend!”
7. Tamea Burd Photography
| SERVICES | Profile and dating portraits, corporate headshots, wedding photography, and family portraits |
| WEBSITE | https://www.tameaburdphotography.com/ |
| ADDRESS | Vancouver City (also serves Burnaby, Richmond, North Vancouver) |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 1-604-639-6010 | info@vanweddings.com1-604-639-6010 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon-Sun. 11am to 6pm |
We recently hired Tamea Burd for a photography session, and the quality of her work exceeded our expectations. Her ability to capture natural, striking images is truly remarkable, showcasing her talent and professionalism.
Additionally, Tamea’s efficiency throughout the process was outstanding. She managed the shoot seamlessly, ensuring that every detail was attended to and that the session ran smoothly.
Furthermore, her services are offered at a very reasonable price. Considering the high caliber of her work, we found her rates to be exceptionally affordable and a great value.
Moreover, the facilities where Tamea operates are impressive. Her studio is well-equipped with modern equipment and provides a comfortable, creative environment for the session.
In addition, Tamea’s approachability and expertise made the experience enjoyable. She was engaging and supportive, making sure we felt relaxed and confident throughout the shoot.
Ultimately, our experience with Tamea Burd was excellent. We highly recommend her to anyone in need of a skilled and personable photographer.
Pros
- Exceptional creativity
- Seamless convenience
- Outstanding reputation
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- No promos yet
8. VanWeddings
| SERVICES | Wedding photography and videography |
| WEBSITE | http://vanweddings.com/ |
| ADDRESS | Vancouver |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 1-604-639-6010 | info@vanweddings.com1-604-639-6010 |
| OPERATING HOURS | By appointment |
VanWeddings is a top-notch wedding photographer and videography studio in Vancouver. They have earned their spot in the list of best wedding photographers in Vancouver through creative compositions, stunning visuals, and exceptional customer service.
From unique angles to capturing special moments, Vanweddings has an eye for detail that will make your big day truly memorable. Their wide range of services includes high-quality photography packages, custom videography projects, drone shots, and more.
Plus, they always strive to exceed expectations with their work, offering an unforgettable experience for every couple.
So if you’re planning your big day in Vancouver, be sure to add VanWeddings to your list of top Wedding Photographers! You won’t be disappointed.
Pros
- Award-winning services
- Offers both photography and videography services
- Additional components like aerial drone shot available
- Uses 4K capable cameras
- Comprehensive photography and videography packages offered
Cons
- May be booked and busy
FAQs About Photography
That concludes our selections for the best photographers in Vancouver. As you can see, each of our entries excels at different styles of photography.
The question of which photographer is best for you depends entirely on your specific wants and needs. As a rule of thumb, it would be wise to look for a photographer with ample experience in the style and subject matter of your choosing.
If you intend to participate in a photoshoot you’ll no doubt want to look your best for the camera. To do our part, we’ve prepared a similar list of reviews and breakdowns for the best dermatologists in Vancouver.
