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vendor reviews: photographers
Story: Wedding Worthy Spaces Banquet Rooms, Reception Halls & Wedding Locales
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Maya shows how having fun and getting caught up in the moment translates into beautiful wedding photos Interviewing Maria and Dusan Drobny, Owners & Photographers, Maya Photographic Studio
Maria and Dusan Drobny of Maya Photographic Studio believe in true love. You can see that in the way they act with each other and the way they talk about photographing weddings. This husband and wife team seems to be as in love with the art of photography and the beauty of weddings as they are with each other. Their studio and portfolio easily qualify to top up your 'short list' of must-see's. And if you feel half as inspired by this couple and their work as we were, you'll likely also be inspired to hire them for your wedding day photography.
With fun, artistic images that are a combination of formal poses and surprise candid shots, Maya Photographic Studio offers brides a love story and photographs that are easy to be captured by. This was one of staff at The Ring's favourite interviews. Let us explain why...
What it's about for them Maria and Dusan agree that it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and emotion of the wedding day. For this couple, it's about the people, about what those people are feeling, and then - ultimately, about the photography of course. "It’s about composition and setting up the perfect shot," says Maria. Dusan agrees, "Yes, and about capturing those quiet, almost unnoticed moments."
These two skilled photographers say they can see how a shot will look before even setting it up. "It feels almost second nature... It’s fun and a challenge to make sure that every client gets a unique collection of photographs that will completely cover their special day."
Personally speaking... Originally from Slovakia, Dusan and Maria fell in love at first sight quite literally. Now married for seven years, they still consider themselves recently married. "We’re sort of newlyweds ourselves," Dusan told us, sharing a grin with his wife. Together, they are easy to talk with and intense about their work - but without making it seem like it's work to them.
They offer photography that captures romance without stressful or awkward poses. Most of all, though, the experience of being shot by Maya Photographic Studio is designed to be enjoyable - much like them. "There's no reason why a bride or groom should feel stressed or uncomfortable in front of the camera. We make it fun, romantic, and of course, beautiful."
Combining experience Dusan has been shooting since he was a child. "I was inspired by the art work of my uncle who is director of photography." Maria has enjoyed painting on canvas since childhood (winning several art competitions) and has received her Certificate in Photographic Techniques with Honour at Humber College. Together, these two have just finished their third wedding season in Canada.
A flexible style... Shooting entirely in digital format, Maya Photographic Studio offers a wonderful mix of formal poses and candid shots. "We are very flexible. We don't want to orchestrate your every move, but we do want two things... For you to have fun and for your wedding album to be exactly what you've always dreamed of," says Dusan. Maria agrees, "It’s their wedding. They should get what they want."
They work to make sure every picture is perfect from colour balance to composition. Images are composed in colour, black and white and sepia, and they don't hesitate to touch up the images. "We can easily remove tattoos, scars, marks, etc.... as couple wishes."
Weddings with Maya Photographic Studio By hiring Maya Photographic Studio for your wedding you are automatically getting two shooters. "We work as a team. We shoot all weddings together." Maria works to take more of the posed photographs while Dusan is working in front and behind the scenes to capture more of the candid moments. "We often shoot the same picture but you get two different angles, perspectives, for that one moment."
Dusan and Maria are happy to shoot at as many locations as you like and can either follow your lead or make suggestions on locales. They will often scout your location(s) ahead on their own before the wedding day just to make sure they know what to expect. Maya Photographic Studio also has back-up locations in case of rain, "... though often the church or the reception hall the couple chooses is the best place."
Your photography, step by step After your initial consultation and then booking Maya Photographic Studio, things will start getting finalized approximately three weeks before the wedding. This is when Dusan and Maria like to meet with their couples again to get all the details ironed out. "If there are particular photos they want, we put together a complete must-have shot list... But that doesn’t mean there isn’t lots of room for fun and creative extras."
This is also an excellent time to get engagement photos done if you haven’t already. "Engagement photos are an excellent option for couples. Many people use them at the reception, in newspapers before the wedding and to send to family and friends. But they are great for a wedding album as well. They are another chapter in the couple's wedding story and we often include the images in the layout of their wedding album."
Packaging your Maya wedding Dusan and Maria have put together three different packages to offer their clients. The Silver Package offers six hours of coverage at the bride's house, the ceremony, a park (or other location), and pre-reception pictures for $2750. "We will provide over 150 proofs for the couple to review online (with a printed Proof Album available as an extra option), as well as a $280 print credit to apply towards your print order. You can order your prints online where you can choose from several different sizes or enlargements," Dusan explained. The package also includes a small 8x8 inch custom designed Wedding Story Album/Coffee Table Book.
The Gold Package for $3450 offers the services of Dusan and Maria at your reception up until 8 pm (for a total of eight hours). This package comes with over 250 proofs for you to review online, a large Wedding Story Album/Coffee Table Book and a $350 print credit.
For the best value, you can choose the $5500 Platinum Package that offers you everything in the Gold Package but also includes ten hours of coverage (going right through to the reception), over 300 proofs for you to review online, a free engagement session, a custom designed large Premium Wedding Story Album/Coffee Table Book (along with two smaller parent Wedding Story Albums/Coffee Table Books) and a $550 print credit.
The package prices listed above have no extra or hidden fees, unless Maya is travelling outside of the GTA for your wedding. However, Dusan and Maria will make sure to discuss this with you before you sign a contract.
No matter what package you choose, each one includes two photographers at your wedding as well as online proofs and ordering that is available for two months from the time the images are posted. This time period can be extended by request. For more details on each package, visit www.mayaphotostudio.ca.
The extras... While we interviewed Maria and Dusan, we couldn't help but notice their excitement for meeting and exceeding their clients' expectations. "We make sure that every couple gets what we promised and much more," they told us. And that's where the 'extras' that they offer come in.
Maya offers a large range of print sizes, starting at just $3.50 for a 4x6. You can also choose from an engagement shoot, thank you cards, custom framing, enlargements up to 30x40, and an upcoming wider variety of options for albums. Create a Wedding Story or Parent Album with Dusan and Maria's help in the trendy coffee table book style that comes in a protective sleeve. They will design magazine-style layouts for each of your album pages and then have them finished with a glossy coating for a cool and glamorous end product (check out the slideshow to the right for examples of these albums).
And just when you thought they did it all, Maya Photographic Studio has added an online print ordering system to their website, where clients can log in, view their photos, resize them, and order them without leaving their house. Gift cards are also available online.
detailsdetailsdetails • To book Maya Photographic Studio, you should have at least 6 to 12 months before your date to ensure that you get the day of your choice. "It never fails. We always have five or six couples who want the same day," they told us. • Last minute bookings are possible if they aren’t already booked so it never hurts to check. • A deposit of 30% of your total price is required at booking, with the balance due 2 weeks prior to the wedding. • They are now accepting VISA and MasterCard credit cards issued by major banks - making deposit, final and print payments easier! • Maya Photographic Studio does not double book so there is no danger of losing out on your special day once you've secured their services. • All photos come colour corrected and retouched. • Prices for custom retouching do depend on the amount of time and work required. • Package & print prices are subject to change without notice. • Maya Photographic Studio is willing to travel anywhere within the GTA at no cost. Anything over 100 km will have a small fee in order to cover traveling time.
Inotherwords... "My husband and I want to thank Maya Photographic Studio for the fantastic photos they took of our wedding. They really captured the joy and excitement of our wedding. Not one moment went unphotographed. We were thrilled with the beautiful mix of traditional and candid shots that were taken. Maya Photographic Studio far exceeded our expectations and we couldn’t be happier. Having that comfort during the most important day of our lives was invaluable. What a great husband and wife team. I would highly recommend them to anyone... budget or no budget! Thank you for all the memories." - Mark & Karyn "We honestly could not have chosen better photographers to capture our wedding day... However, what we are even more thankful for is how you two continued to make us feel like we were very important to you as your clients. Especially since you were photographing so many personal and monumental moments in our lives, it was so reassuring to see how passionate you were about every single picture you took of us... posed and candid alike! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Maria and Dusan," - Andrea and Bogdan
Contacting them... For more from Maria and Dusan Drobny of Maya Photographic Studio, visit them online at www.mayaphotostudio.ca for many more samples of their work. The latest news, updates and promotions can be found on the Maya Photographic Studio Blog at www.mayaphotostudio.ca/blog or visit the Maya page on Facebook by clicking here. You can contact them directly by email at info@mayaphotostudio.ca or by phone at 905-267-0554 or 416-821-4130 to set-up an appointment, check their availability or to chat about booking your wedding with them.
- The Staff at TheWeddingRing.ca * Prices are all approximate and are subject to change and verification by authorized staff and management of Maya Photographic Studio. |
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