For Allia Schofer, shooting a wedding is about far more than simply taking a picture — it’s about capturing the spirit of the bride, groom and wedding party.
“I like to feed of their personalities, and the bridal party,” said Schofer. “I don’t want them changing who they are. Using their personalities, I get great stuff from them.”
The Creston-born and –raised photographer started Photography by Allia two years ago, following in the steps of her great-grandmother, Alice Sloan, who was a photographer in Creston the 1960s and 1970s. For Schofer, her business is more than just a way to earn some extra income — it’s a way to express her creativity.
“The more photo sessions I do, I find it’s not a career, it’s a passion,” she said. “I’m not out to conquer the world, but I’m out to help anybody and everybody.”
Some of Schofer’s wedding shoots are done at her West Creston home, which allows subjects to pose in fields and among trees. The most unique shot, however, was a winter wedding in the mountains, which she was taken to by snowmobile.
“I had to find one spot and stand there, because every time I moved I fell into snow up to my knees,” she said with a laugh.
Schofer’s lifelong knowledge of the Creston Valley gives her the ability to pick out locations to suit any couple.
“If people tell me what they want, I know right where I’m taking them,” she said.
And she’s always happy to take on the challenge.
“When I do get asked to so somebody’s wedding, I’m honoured,” she said. “I’m honoured that they like my style and that they chose me.”
For more information on Photography by Allia, which also offers family and boudoir shoots, visit her website or like her business on Facebook.
For more on East Kootenay wedding services, check out the Wedding Guide, included in the Jan. 26 issue of the Creston Valley Advance, or available at the Advance office at 1018 Canyon St.