Maurice Labrecque is one of the founding members of the Association of Seattle Wedding Professionals. He is an amazing wedding photographer that also photographs fashion and is a Seahawks staff photographer.
Q: How did you become a wedding photographer?
A: I was asked to shoot a wedding for a couple that had seen my pictures in my college newspaper. After that, people just started to ask me to shoot weddings with each new one I did. Although I planned to become a newspaper photographer, I soon realized weddings were much more fun. They offer the same opportunity to capture emotion and the beautiful parts of life, without any of the depressing assignments you have to do as a member of the media.
Q: What do you love about weddings?
A: I love the variety wedding photography offers. I get to be a fashion photographer, documentary photographer, art photographer, all on the same day. It’s also extremely rewarding to know that people will be looking at the pictures I take at each wedding for many years. I’m honored that people trust me to capture this important day in their family history.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: A unique mix of fashion, documentary, and art.
Q: What is your personality and how does that effect the way you work with the bridal couple working up to and on the day of the wedding?
A: I have a more quiet and calm personality for the most part. I think this helps me deal with the pressure and unexpected situations that inevitably come up on the wedding day.
I always tell people to expect the unexpected. At every wedding something or someone might be late, something may arrive in the wrong color, the chicken might be a little chewy. Whatever happens, it’s important to remember what a great day this is. You have to laugh about the little things that go wrong and remind yourself how lucky you are to be marrying someone you love.
If it rains, we won’t sulk about it, we’ll pull out some umbrella’s and get some fantastic shots of you having fun in the true Seattle weather!
Q: What equipment you use?
A: I use Canon Digital. However, I also tell people not to focus on that. I know photographers who use home-made cameras that can outshoot anyone (seriously). You should judge photographers by the work they produce. No one cared what brand of paint Picasso was using.
Q: Do you have any accomplishments or association memberships I should know about?
A: Yes, I gave myself the award for being “Top Wedding Photographer in Seattle Named Maurice” for 2006. In fact, I’ve won it every year since 2001!
Seriously though, becoming a member of ASWP has been one of best things I’ve done since starting my business. I’ve learned so much from each of the other members. It’s so great to be able to use them as a resource, and also as a place I can confidently refer clients when I am already booked.
Q: What advise do you have for couples hiring a photographer?
A: Prioritize your budget. Really figure out what wedding products and services are most important to you, and allocate your budget accordingly. When hiring people who will be at your wedding, make sure you like their personalities and get along well with them. You will spend a lot of time with many of the people you hire, especially your photographer.
Q: What do you charge?
A: Our packages range from $2500 to $6500. They vary based on travel time, time of year, and what’s included in the coverage. We can customize a package to exactly what a couple needs.
Q: What makes you different (and better) than your competitors?
A: I don’t think a photographer should use words to say how good they are. The pictures should do the talking. Photography is very subjective, so it’s not really right to say one photographer is better than another. There is a photographer that is BEST FOR YOU, that’s who you need to find.
Q: What is an engagement session, and why do it?
A: Engagement sessions are basically an informal portrait shoot that takes place before the wedding. They are a great opportunity to get better acquainted with your photographer, and also get some nice informal and relaxed pictures of yourselves. Another huge benefit is that by practicing a little bit with your photographer before the wedding, the wedding day will be much easier because there will be none of that initial awkwardness you might have being photographed for the first time. It’s also a great chance for people who are camera shy to learn there is nothing to be afraid of. I’ve had so
many grooms comment about how easy it was after the engagement session is over. They realize that being in front of a camera is not nearly as scary
as they thought.
Q: Who or what that inspire you?
A: I’m continually inspired by art, music, movies, magazines. Anything creative, inspires my creativity.
Q: What is your philosophy in this business?
A: Be passionate about what you are doing, and service your clients well. Always try to exceed expectations.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: Spend time with my wife and our Boston Terriers. I also happen to take pictures in my spare time too. It’s fun!
Q: Where can people find more info about you? Online or Magazine?
A: www.mauricephoto.com
