Destiny Dawn Photography

Destiny photographed our wedding back in 2016. Before hiring her, we looked through her portfolio and then did a virtual meet to go over some questions/visions. I remember telling her that on my wedding day I didn’t want to be leading the photos or providing directions. I wanted to enjoy the day and have someone else run the show. She said that she would do that no problem. We discussed photo styling to see if it was a good fit. I told her I liked photos that had a natural feel but were still thought out and organized behind the scenes. She was friendly and we both seemed to agree on an overall plan and vision. We did engagement photos and they turned out beautiful. We were very pleased. Prior to the wedding Destiny was provided with a list of different group shots we wanted and she brought a second photographer along. The day of the wedding, we took groups shots before the ceremony. She gave very little direction and they felt disorganized. During the groomsmen photos, one groomsman spoke up and started arranging the group (and those photos turned out to be the best ones). The wedding party photos were my least favourite. We ended up doing the traditional stuff feeling long line photo, something I mentioned I disliked very much. However, she wasn’t giving any direction and since I didn’t want to have to take over the photo shoot that’s how it panned out. I regret not speaking up. To this day, many of our friends from the wedding party still talk about how awkward that experience was. When the reception started, she approached me and asked where her seat was. I went to my wedding planner who informed me she had forgotten to include her at a table. I was apologetic and unaware of this mistake. A seat was then set up for her but it wasn’t ideal. From that point on I felt a tension and didn’t see her taking many photos. Not sure if it was related but when we received our gallery there were few reception and guest shots available. I did specify wanting these shots in our gallery. We received our photos back in a timely manner. The bride and groom photos were gorgeous…BUT the group photos were disappointing. For instance, including myself and the bridesmaids we were 7, yet the best photos would cut off the person on the far left/right entirely or just half their body and face. When I questioned the images, she responded that she was a “documentary style photographer” and doesn’t stage photos which is why she didn’t provide direction to the group. When I asked why the bridesmaid photos had 1/2-1 person missing from the frame she said part of the documentary style is to focus on the bride in these shots and capture what is happening directly around her, which means some people don’t make the frame. I was confused when I heard this. If this is the case, I don’t feel this was properly explained to me beforehand. Thinking back on it now, I don’t recall seeing group shots in her portfolio and galleries. Mostly just beautiful couple photos and editorials which is what drew me in. At the end of the day. Would I hire Destiny again? No. Would I recommend her to a friend? It depends. If you’re looking for couple photos, such as engagement photos? Yes. But for wedding photos and large group photos, absolutely not.