From the Prairie to Pro Shooters:
Richard McDowell and Amy Sayers

By Mary McGrath

When I first looked at the images from the website of Red Leaf Studios, I was struck by a feeling of warmth and tenderness. Couple The Bridges of Madison County with A River Runs Through It, and you have the ingredients of Richard McDowell and Amy Sayers' recipe for success. Shooting great portraits is hard. Doing landscapes well is a challenge. To combine both of these types of images is a remarkable accomplishment.

Look at how the couples relate in these pictures. Was a camera really there to capture such an intimate moment, or are we looking at a movie still from a Robert Redford or Clint Eastwood movie? And how did they find those pastoral surroundings? I live near a web of freeways; we don't see this sort of scenery in much of Los Angeles. And if we do, we usually have to drive at least an hour to get there. So would someone kindly transport me to Regina, Saskatchewan? I want to see and breathe Red Leaf.

Combining all these earthy and romantic elements reflects the homage of two talented, largely self-taught photographers who grew up in Canada, and who, in the spirit of their business, are also engaged to get married. Who could understand the couple-chemistry business any better than two who are on the cusp themselves?

Both came from rural Saskatchewan. Amy hails from a farm outside Kincaid and honed her people skills as a social worker. Richard comes from Moose Jaw, and even as a student was interested in two things: people and art. Fittingly, he studied anthropology and minored in fine art.

Understanding behavior, nuance, and how to establish a connection with each couple has helped Richard and Amy tremendously. When they finally made the transition to doing photography full time, they weren't just shooting images, but in actuality, creating art.

In fact it is this execution of art that really helps define this team as one of the most progressive couples photographers in the Canadian area, thanks in part to their affiliation with WPPI.

According to Amy, "WPPI has really helped us become better photographers and helps us strive for more. We've talked with photographers from around the world who have helped us become more progressive in our approach to our work."

Red Leaf Studios has earned much recognition in WPPI photographic competitions, including an International Print of the Year (Commercial category) in 2005, a third-place award in Editorial/Fashion the same year, and numerous Accolades of Excellence in both the 8x10 and 16x20 print competitions. Additionally, Richard has earned a WPPI Accolade of Photographic Mastery.

And it's no wonder they've won so many accolades. Look at their imagery: Whether it's a wedding couple shot next to an old Ford, marrying the elements of old and new, or the expansive Canadian landscapes used as a backdrop for their shots, it all reflects the earthiness and warmth of this dynamite duo. I recently sat down with Richard and Amy to discuss their work further.

Mary McGrath: How long have you two been working together?
Richard McDowell: Four years.

MM: How do you and Amy function as a photographic team?
RM: Well, both of us are photographers. I do most of the primary shooting, about 60%, and Amy is largely responsible for the setups and functions as a second shooter. She's also involved in the creations of our albums and their design. I'm involved with more of the post-production.

MM: Who are some of your major photographic influences?
RM: For me, it's Parker Pfister.
Amy Sayers: I like the work of Jose Villa.

MM: Where do most of your shoots take place?
RM: Most take place in Saskatchewan, although we do some destination wedding shoots in other parts of Canada, in the U.S. and internationally as well.

MM: How much of your business is wedding oriented, compared to shooting couples?
RM: About 75-80% of our business is weddings, with about 20% devoted to couples.

MM: Do many of your couples shoots turn into future wedding customers?
RM: Yes, that often happens, and lots of great word of mouth helps also.

MM: Are your couples shoots similar to your wedding shoots?
RM: Well, the couples shoots are higher-end, so they're similar to what we do with weddings. We have an online proofing system: You can order the prints online, as well as other custom products that are unique to each couple. With our couples shoots, we spend at least one to two hours with each couple, and then we hand-edit each of their images.

MM: Can you give me an example of a great shoot?
RM: One of the most memorable weddings from this year was a very simple one. The couple had bought some land, and the shots were all done in a meadow. It was simple, beautiful and a true reflection of who they are as a couple. Achieving a connection with people is the best way to get good images. You can't worry so much about the location--it is about capturing the connection between people.

MM: How about an example of a bad shoot?
RM: Things can go bad when you book the wrong client. Our clients have an understanding of our style. You need to be selective in choosing clients because not everyone can relate to the work. You're not just shooting a couple or a wedding--you are capturing who they are. We like to create a friendship with the couples we shoot, and this attitude is reflected in our work.

MM: Tell me about your website and how it relates to your business.
AS: Well, with your website and blog you need to keep your images fresh, and everything needs to be current. In fact in our workshops, we emphasize the importance of having a good Web presence, since that's the first impression someone has of you. Your website needs to reflect your individual style. With us, it's about being intuitive to our clients' emotions, and also being able to personalize your service to them.

Two books that we recommend are You, Inc: The Art of Selling Yourself and Hug Your Customers. Both help you create a niche for your business and emphasize the importance of customer service. You also have to believe in what you're selling. For us, we handcraft everything in house, with an emphasis on craftsmanship. We pride ourselves on creating some of the best albums in the world.

MM: Tell me what makes your images so special.
RM: All of our prints are created in-house with our Epson Stylus Pro 7800, which ensures that our clients receive a truly unique product that is unlike anything offered in our local industry. Having high-end papers, inks and UV laminate gives our prints a very distinctive feel and presentation, as well as durability and light-fastness. These prints are about preserving images for generations to come. We feel that if you believe in the value of what you are selling, your sincerity and genuine approach will be valued and appreciated. We carry products from two of the top album suppliers in the world: Albums Australia and Queensberry.

To quote the Red Leaf website, "When selecting your photographer, remember that the professional photographer is more than someone who takes pictures, they capture memories, your memories, for a lifetime. You are investing in photographic art." I couldn't have said it better. Pretty impressive for two self-taught photographers from the prairie. For more information on Red Leaf Studios, visit www.redleafstudios.ca.