Keely Rae is an analogue photographer that shoots weddings, based in the mountains of Squamish B.C. She takes a heart focused, laid back, personable approach to documenting, allowingher to create memories that are timeless, honest, and elegant. Keely Rae works with down to earth couples who value the little things in life, who find the beauty in the mundane, and who don’t want their wedding to feel like a photoshoot.
Where are you based?
I'm based in Vancouver and Squamish B.C.
Do you travel for weddings?
Yes I do, though I try to stay in B.C. as much as possible to be close to home.
How would you describe your style?
Uncurated, timeless, and real. The kind of photos that feel like home.
What inspires you?
The simplicity in the mundane, nature, the way the light filters through the trees, light in general, children, unexpected moments, old vogue photos, the prints in my family's photo albums, music, colour, the artists that don't know their artists, my garden, cooking, hosting loved ones and watching the way they interact with the world.
What motivates you to do what you do?
I never thought I'd be a photographer, it was never my medium of choice. But it's addictive, being invited into sacred moments, witnessing people's lives and creating art from it, the anticipation of getting the film scans back. There's something so sweet about creating the photographs you'd want for yourself, and gifting them to others.
How would you describe your working style?
Heart led, and laid back. I'm really intentional about the presence I bring to a wedding day. I've been to enough weddings to understand when to step in and help guide, but more importantly I know when to take a step back and document unobtrusively. I put a lot of care into creating the product, but I also put a lot of emphasis on providing a good service as well.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
I do both! Though I definitely have a preference for film.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
Film, without a doubt.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
Don't plan your day around photos, hire someone who can document your celebration without interrupting it. Pencil in time to actually eat the food and drink the wine you paid big $$ for. And lastly, remember that underneath all the decor options, timeline finalizing, and stressing about perfection, that the real reason you're planning all this is because the person you love more.
