READING TIME: 2 min 42 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/06/2024
UPDATED: 08/29/2024
Embark on a journey into the vivid and emotive world of Montserrat Zavala Cardenas, an Edmonton wedding photographer behind OM Wedding Storytelling. Bridging the vibrant cultures of Mexico and Canada, Montserrat brings a unique blend of passion, talent, and artistic vision to the canvas of wedding photography. This exploration delves deep into the essence of her work, from her inspiring journey and distinctive photographic style to her personal client relationships and introspective reflections. Let's unravel the tapestry of Montserrat's photographic narrative, understanding how each thread contributes to her remarkable approach to capturing life's most cherished moments.
Montserrat's journey into the world of photography is as captivating as her work. "I was born in Mexico and moved to Canada almost 7 years ago," she shares, reflecting on her beginnings. Her background in communications and media provided a foundation, but it was her husband's foray into wedding videography that truly sparked her interest. "Little by little I got involved in the business and when we arrived to Edmonton I decided to start practicing photography."
Montserrat's transition into photography wasn't just a career shift; it was a discovery of a hidden passion. "I loved being involved in weddings, helping him out, and through that, I discovered that I had some 'talent' in me," she recalls. This newfound passion evolved as she immersed herself in the art, gradually becoming more skilled and enamored with every aspect of photography.
When discussing her style, Montserrat's passion for capturing genuine moments shines through. "My style is driven by editorial influences, focused on candid moments," she explains. Her approach is to capture natural moments in an artistic and creative way, blending spontaneity with aesthetic finesse.
Speaking of her equipment, she maintains a minimalist philosophy: "Sony Alpha III and only a Tamron 28-75mm lens. My philosophy is: less is more." This simplicity extends to her post-processing techniques as well, where she primarily uses Adobe Lightroom and occasionally Photoshop for light retouching.
Montserrat's approach to working with clients is deeply personal and collaborative. "My goal is to capture the wedding and what makes it unique," she states. "I try not to interfere with what is happening, and to let the essence of each wedding show." She believes in capturing the essence of the wedding without imposing her presence, allowing the natural flow and individuality of the event to stand out.
“Also, what my clients can expect is to get a little bit of me reflected on their photos, my experiences, the things I´ve picked on during my travels, my taste for fashion, for art, the emotions I am drawn into, and what inspires me in life. I think this is what makes my work unique, it's a creation between both sides,” she adds.
Her coverage spans 20 weddings per year, providing 10 hours of coverage in Canada and 13 hours in Mexico. She also emphasizes the importance of customizing packages for destination weddings to capture their unique essence: “Most of my destination weddings are custom packages since they are always unique, different activities planned or spread through the days.”
Montserrat finds deep joy and fulfillment in her role as a photographer. "It is a privilege to enter people's lives," she reflects. "That is something that I absolutely love, and to be surrounded by stories of love, joy, and happiness is incredible, it makes my job so enjoyable." She also sees photography as a reflection of herself, discovering her emotions in every picture she takes. "Reflecting my emotions through other people's emotions and capturing that on the photos I take, is something quite unique," Montserrat notes, underscoring her personal connection to her work.
Her advice to clients is simple yet profound: "Trust your photographer and let go of your worries. Go with the flow, enjoy the process, and let yourself feel what is happening." She believes that hiring a photographer is about more than just capturing images; it's about peace of mind and experiencing the emotions of the moment.
