INSIDE THE LENS
There are people in this world who just see things a little more clearly. Whether it’s finding unique ways to capture the undeniable look of love, or offering a refreshingly honest take on professional clarity - no matter which way you look at it, Beata of Bemiro Photography certainly has ‘It’. We sat down with the creative visionary to chat intimate photography, vision, and happy hour glows.
CBG: Beata, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us, we’re thrilled you’re here! Could you take a bit and introduce yourself to our readers?
B: Hi! I'm Beata. I am a full time wife, mom, boss, and photographer based out of Toronto, Canada, specializing in lifestyle and wedding photography. I am mama to two littles (Emry 6 + Maren 5), and wife to my forever best friend.
CBG: Well that’s wonderful! Tell us more about all that you are.
B: I’m a daydreamer and a hopeless romantic, I’m always down for sushi, I love the water, hiking and exploring, but love being home too, it is my sanctuary. Decorating is one of my hobbies, I love interior design and I constantly redecorate my house. I adore everything that has to do with Scandinavian, boho and vintage style. Pampas grass, macrame and minimalistic decor are always found in my home. I am a huge animal lover, I grew up having lots of pets and I currently have a Newfypoo named Nora and a Persian/Hymalayan named Zeke, and I really want to have a chicken coup in the future.
CBG: Oh my gosh, how sweet. Ok so tell us, how did this animal loving, Scandinavian style adoring, and decorating guru get into photography?
B: Photography has always fascinated me, I actually started taking film photography in high school. This is where my love for photography began. When I got my first camera I took it everywhere with me and documented everything. And that hasn't changed to this day. Photography, to me is more than just a job. I’m passionate about giving all my awesome clients a personal and fun experience. I don’t want this to just feel like a business transaction! It’s amazing when we can all have fun and be comfortable while taking pictures and making new memories.
CBG: Absolutely. We couldn't agree more. Passion is so key and it’s so inspiring to see how much passion you clearly bring to all that you do. Knowing that, we’ve got to know, what is it that inspires you?
B: Photography can defeat time. Images can keep the memory of a loved one alive and hold a moment in history for future generations. I often look back at the photos I’ve taken of my children and I am able to relive those tiny details that I had otherwise forgotten. They say that the present is the only thing we have, because the past and the future do not exist. For me photography gives a lifeline to the past forever imprinting moments into the images so we can return to them and experience these moments infinitely.
CBG: Wow - what a beautiful perspective. What first got you into photography?
B: I took my first photography course in grade 10.
CBG: In grade 10?! How amazing. What were you doing then?
B: Started shooting on film and developing my photos.
CBG: That’s wild. Such a young start! Did you know that it was going to be something you were going to go into professionally?
B: It was not something I had planned on doing as a career, at first it was a hobby of mine. I always had a camera on me (this was before everyone had phones) and I captured everything. I have all the moments and memories of all my friends and families milestones. I documented every outing and gathering and moment in my life. I actually wanted to be photographer for National Geographic at this point I believe. (I had a lot of occupational hopes growing up from drawing for Walt Disney, to interior design, architecture and obviously NGeo photographer, lol) In the end I became a Graphic Designer, however, my 9-5 took an unexpected turn and I lost my job. My friend at the time told me to think about what I really wanted to do with my life and I decided I wanted to be a photographer - if I couldn't photograph leopards and elephants in the wild why not photograph pets. So that is what I did. I did that for about a year, then people started reaching out to me to photograph their pregnancies, babies and weddings and the rest as they say is history!
CBG: How incredible! So how long after that did you start shooting weddings?
B: My first wedding was in 2016, so going on 4 years now.
CBG: That’s wild. You initially started as a pet photographer, found yourself photographing newborns, and then transitioned into doing intimate weddings and elopements, what made you make the switch?
B: I think the change was definitely inevitable if I think about it. My main goal has always been to capture a feeling and moments of love, whether that is love for your new baby, your family or your partner. It's the connection between people that really is what I want to capture on film, so the transition from newborns to intimate wedding and elopements was predestined. Although, I do currently shoot everything! I think every moment in a persons life is a beautiful story and worth telling so that is what Im all about. Capturing what you love, who you love and doing what you love.
CBG: Aw, how beautiful. We love that you've got such a warm and candid style - how did you develop that?
B: Thank you so much! I think the way you shoot and the way you edit is a representation of yourself, something I struggled with when I first started, I wasn't quite sure the direction I wanted to go with my style and I would look to others for inspiration but it just never felt like me. Only when I asked myself if I was the client, what kind of images and moments would I want the photographer to capture for me. That's when it clicked. I stepped away from what everyone else was doing and decided to do what I’d do for myself and capture what I would want to capture if I was photographing my own moments (if that makes sense haha).
CBG: That makes perfect sense. While we're sure you have dozens of amazing memories from all the couples you've shot, do you have any most memorable moments that really stand out?
B: Honestly this is a bit of a hard question. OK let me think! I photographed a stunning intimate wedding last year and the bride and groom were the most amazing people, I had an awesome time with them, we laughed and joked around, it really felt like I was a part of their wedding not just an outsider looking in - everything about their day was breathtaking, it was very intimate and family oriented - all their photos are my favourite, and this day definitely stands out for me most.
CBG: How sweet. We can see why that would have been so memorable. Ok aside from favourite moments, any favourite shots that you've taken?
B: My favourite photos! That's hard to say, I invest myself into every session and i've shot so many pictures, have countless memories and I’ve loved a lot of them. Looking back through my galleries I remember the moments that happened while taking the photographs or the times we shared during our photoshoot so it's hard to choose a favourite. From a mama holding her brand new baby, a family capturing a timeless moment, a groom getting teary eyed seeing the love of his life for the first time on their wedding day or scaling a large mountain (barefoot - it was easier this way) with a couple to get to the bottom of a waterfall - because that's just so epic. I love them all for different reasons and so I’m going to have to say I dont have a few favourites, but a few favourites from every photoshoot.
CBG: Ha, it certainly sounds like you’ve had your fair share of intimate adventures. What's your best piece of advice for couples looking to plan something more intimate for their celebration?
B: My best piece of advice is to plan for yourselves. This day is all about you and your love. Take a look at the things that make you happy and plan around that. Most memories don't come from the things you had on your wedding day, but rather the experience of being together and focusing on each other. If you're looking for an intimate experience full of love and laughter, then a small gathering of close friends and family and/or eloping may be right for you. Forgoing a more traditional wedding to elope does not necessarily mean completely skipping a ceremony or reception to celebrate the occasion. Eloping simply gives couples a more intimate wedding with a limited amount of guests. Besides, nothing says intimate like running off with your favourite human to a special place to say your marriage vows.
CBG: We couldn’t agree more! Now, when it comes to picking out an outfit for a professional photoshoot, what sort of advice do you have for brides and/or grooms looking to really stand out?
B: I am all about you being you. I think a lot of things have shifted regarding weddings in the last year. More and more couples are planning their wedding how they have always envisioned them, instead of the traditional weddings that we have seen time and time again. With that said, wedding dresses and styles have also gone in a new direction. We are seeing a lot more versatility today then a few years ago. I think that what you choose to wear on your big day should be a reflection of your personality and there are so many different styles and fabrics, as well as colours used for bridal dresses... or dare I say pants! That's the latest trend I’ve noticed - the bridal pantsuit and it is amazing! Definitely a statement option for anyone looking to stand out. For the Groom, the classic black-and-white tux will always fall into the dapper category, however, lately I love seeing grooms being a bit more risky and wearing coloured suits like burgundy or cobalt blue, or even using unique fabrics such as velvet or tweed.
CBG: Oh, those are great trends! Not only are you wonderful at really picking up on phenomenal trends, but you’re also really fantastic at picking up how people feel. Since taking photos can be intimidating for some couples, what are some of your favourite tips or tricks you use to really help your couples feel more comfortable in the moment?
B: Honestly I have been in front of the camera before so I know how awkward and intimidating it can feel. My approach is very simple and natural, I like to play games and have my couples act out a few things - being silly always works. I definitely prefer you looking back at your photos and remember having fun, not just someone telling you to "hold still and tilt your head a little to the left....no a bit more...yup there!" haha. Getting your couples to move does wonders, it really helps them loosen up a bit and my number one tip is to just hang out at the session. There have been so many times that we're just chatting - I love to talk about them and really find out about their love story and how they met. Most of the time they will do something so cute and genuine and I’m just like "ok, hold that for a sec let me grab this moment".
CBG: What a great way to approach it! On the flip side of that, taking photos of incredibly meaningful moments can sometimes also be a little intimidating for the photographers as well - any advice for any newer wedding photographers who might still be dealing with a few pre-wedding shoot jitters?
B: My advice for someone new is to be prepared as best you can. Have batteries charged, memory cards blank, and back up gear.
CBG: Those are great tips! Any more helpful ones?
B: Have an itinerary of the full day so you know what’s happening next. Think about routes and time to get to places and have a must have family shoot list, there’s nothing worse than getting the photos back and realizing you didn’t photograph the happy couple with grandma!
CBG: Oh man, that would be the worst. What about if people are still unsure?
B: If you are still unsure about how to pose and direct couples, you can plan ahead of time and save them at the beginning of your card so that you can always check them if you need to. Scouting the location before hand so that you can get a sense of the lighting as well as areas to photograph in is always a good idea.
CBG: Sounds like preparedness is totally key. What about when it comes to weddings?
B: If you have never shot a wedding before you can also second shoot for an established wedding photographer. With that said, having a second photographer can be a great strategy. It means less moving around during the ceremony/speeches and allows for one to capture the formal shots and the other to get candid shots.
CBG: Totally!
B: Above all my best advice is to have fun! Weddings are about celebrating. The more fun you have as the photographer the more relaxed those you are photographing will be.
CBG: Fantastic advice from a fantastically talented human. Speaking of which, what we love about what you do is that you're not just a brilliant photographer, you're actually an insatiably talented wedding stylist as well! Where do you get the inspiration for some of your styled weddings?
B: I am absolutely obsessed with home decor. When I was growing up I would change my room around about once a month and I always thought I would one day be an interior decorator. Although that was not the case, my love for design has stuck with me to this day. I enjoy decorating my home, helping friends style their homes and I follow a lot of home decor on social media. I think that this little side hobby of mine is what helps with styling shoots.
CBG: Definitely. Your passion totally shows. Now that you've mastered the art of both newborns and elopements, are there any other new endeavours on the horizon?
B: I would absolutely love to travel and shoot in beautiful, unique and remote locations across Canada and hopefully one day the world. I was born in Poland and travelled around Europe when I was younger before coming to Canada. It would be amazing to go and visit some of those places again, as well as finally see more of this beautiful country. It has always been on my bucket list to see (and photograph in) every province.
CBG: Well with your talent and passion for all that you do, we’re sure you will definitely be able to make it happen in no time. With so much under your belt already, we’d love to know, what are you most proud of?
B: I am proud that I had the courage to start this business of mine. I am proud that I got to see a dream of mine come to fruition, and although I still have some ways to go I am proud of what I have accomplished so far.
CBG: And we can certainly see why. Finally, while we have you here, what do you hope for your legacy to be?
B: I have no idea what I would want my legacy to be. I want my work to influence others in a positive way, I hope my work helps share memories and create discussions among families and friends that will continue for generations, but I’m definitely not too ambitious. I don't need to be remembered by millions, or hundreds of people. Just remembered for the things that I did and moments I spent with my family - the things on which I actually spend my time, hard work and love on.
CBG: And THAT is a beautiful note to end on. A legacy you’re not only aspiring to, but one you’re living out loud. Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us Beata.
Be sure to check out Beata’s work a www.bemiro.com or check out some of her social media accounts at: @BemiroPhotography or Bemiro Photography
WHILE YOU’RE HERE, CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR OTHER FEATURES:
