You’ll find lots of advice online about how to choose the right wedding photographer, and Instagram is full of gorgeous Banff wedding photos and beautiful portfolios. But the finished product is just one element of what makes a great photographer and a great wedding photo shoot experience.

Enter Rocky Mountain Photo Co! Founded by lead photographer Lindsay Copeland alongside lead videographer Matt Hutchinson, this professional duo both call Canmore their forever home and are passionate about sharing their love of the mountains with others.

When it comes to capturing the most special moments on your big day, you want people who feel the magic just as much as you do. Their passion for a good love story and sense of adventure result in unique and stunning wedding keepsakes, featuring some of the most beautiful mountainscapes and lakeside spots that Banff and Canmore have to offer.

Matt has a degree in film and his passion for it shows through the smile plastered on his face every minute that a camera is in his hands.

Lindsay is a die-hard romantic and understands the privilege of working with couples to capture their unique love story with artistic ease and a joyful spirit. 

Lindsay is the recipient of multiple awards for her work and was recently featured on the cover of the first Canadian Edition of Rocky Mountain Bride. So here’s what she has to say about photography, Rocky Mountain weddings, and why these two things combined are her greatest love.

Tell us a little about yourself! 

First, I am a daughter and a sister and an auntie! Family for me is everything. I grew up on a farm just outside of Melfort, Saskatchewan and I am thankful for my childhood and upbringing as I believe this instilled the value of community. I was fortunate enough to be involved in high-level sport – I moved away at the age of 18 to the ‘big city’ to play basketball and study at the University of Saskatchewan. So from Day 1, my plate was full and I had to learn how to be organized, prioritize and was very goal-driven. Fast forward 8 years later and I graduated from the University of Waterloo with my Doctorate of Optometry.

How did you get started in wedding photography?

I helped out one of my best friends when their wedding photographer didn’t show up on their wedding day! So I got thrown in headfirst, and loved every minute of it! The pressure, the magic, and the feeling of giving the couple memories that meant something.

What services/packages do you offer?

I thrive when shooting couples and connection. Therefore, I choose to capture engagements, elopements, weddings, and couples sessions!

I have a variety of photo and film packages which you can inquire to find out more about 😉 

Where is your favourite spot to shoot Banff wedding photos?

EVERYWHERE!!! The best thing about shooting in the mountains is that it is literally beautiful no matter where you are! 

If I HAD to choose, my favourite would be heli engagement or adventure sessions!

How would you describe your philosophy when it comes to shooting Banff wedding photos and working with couples on the day?

Couple focused! I always get to know the couple and what they value. Whether their portraits are the most important aspect, capturing natural candids etc, I want to make sure they are 100% happy. I end up developing true friendships with the couples I shoot, and love getting to know them and their family.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

Jewel-toned colour  – soft and natural!

Describing your aesthetic is very hard, as I tend to shoot what I feel. This can depend on the couple, the weather, and the location. 

I don’t seem to fit the mold of trendy ‘light and airy’ or ‘warm and moody’ categories. I’m a sliding scale in the middle! My favourite thing is just to tell couples to check out my work. If they love it, great!!

What are the most frequently asked questions you hear from couples?

What packages do you offer?

We have a variety of photo and video packages, but the most popular package starts at $3500 + GST.

Do you have travel fees? 

No – Both Matt and I are Banff/Canmore locals and include travel for all wedding collections at locations within the Rocky Mountains!

Specific to photography, how many edited images do you give?

I guarantee 60 edited images per hour, BUT I tend to over-deliver all the time. I just can’t not give couples all the good ones!

What is the most important advice you would give to couples when it comes to choosing a wedding photographer or videographer? 

Make sure you look at a full wedding gallery and a full wedding video edit, not just the teasers!!

Instagram tends to showcase a ‘highlight’ reel only – which is great and beautiful! I’m guilty of this too! BUT – wedding photographers and videographers shoot in varying light conditions, high-stress situations and fast-changing environments.

Therefore a full wedding gallery and documentary edit will showcase their ability to shoot through the whole wedding day: indoors (getting ready), outdoors (bright mid-day sun) and during the reception (flash photography).

When thinking back over your photography career, are there any moments that stand out to you?

This fall I had a bride fall into a small river! We were trying to cross a log, and the groom missed her hand! We all laughed, and the portraits were done at that point! She was so easy going and fun, and it was a great story later that night at the reception.

Any parting words?

I am very easy going! I love laughing and smiling and pride myself on making couples feel comfortable. Professional photos can be nerve-wracking – I direct and tell you exactly what to do! Almost every couple after a shoot says how much fun they had, and how much easier it was than they thought!

What clients say:

In my experience, one of the most important things you can invest in for your wedding day is an amazing photographer and we did just that. Lindsay’s passion and talent for photography shines through from your first interaction with her to when she delivers your final photo package. Her easy-going personality and professionalism can make the most camera-shy couple feel comfortable and at ease.

Lindsay’s candid photo style allows her to capture the most genuine and loving moments throughout your wedding day, so you can cherish them forever. Her attention to detail and eye for positioning people ensures your photos will always turn out beautifully. Lindsay’s truly loves what she does and it shows in the quality of her work. If you choose to hire Rocky Mountain Photo Co. for your big day, I promise you will not be disappointed.
– Kattie P

If you’re looking for a photographer and/or videographer who just “gets” you, Rocky Mountain Photo Co. is for you. Lindsay’s compassion, warmth, and dedication and Matt’s laidback, upbeat energy will make for a wedding experience that is truly unforgettable!

Get in touch with Rocky Mountain Photo Co:

Visit their website here.

Check out their work on social media:

Instagram: @rockymountainphoto.co

Facebook: @rockymountainphoto.co