Bradley Wari, the creative force behind Three Tree Photography, isn’t your typical wedding photographer. For starters, she’s a stay-at-home mom to two spirited daughters, a guardian to a mini menagerie of pets, and a former forestry worker with a knack for capturing the raw beauty of nature. Nestled on her acreage outside Edson, Alberta, Bradley’s life is a blend of family chaos, adventurous escapades, and heartfelt photography.

From Forestry to Photography: An Unexpected Journey

Bradley’s journey into photography wasn’t a straight path. "I’ve always been into photography," she admits, recalling her days as the "annoying girl with the camera" at every party. While studying forestry, she found herself with a lot of downtime waiting for the wind to settle during aerial herbicide spraying projects. With a point-and-shoot camera in hand, she began documenting the serene landscapes around her. It was during these quiet moments that her passion for photography truly took root.

"I started taking pictures of my oldest daughter and thought, 'All moms should have pictures this cute of their kids,'" Bradley shares. Encouraged by her husband, she launched Three Tree Photography, initially vowing never to shoot weddings. That resolve quickly crumbled when a desperate bride-to-be pleaded with her to take on the task. Bradley relented, discovered she enjoyed it, and thus began her foray into wedding photography.

Balancing Family and Work: A Delicate Dance

Bradley’s life is a testament to the balancing act many parents know all too well. Her husband’s demanding schedule means she often relies on grandparents for childcare while she’s out capturing weddings. "If he's working when I have a wedding booked, the kids go stay with a grandparent. They’re beyond happy to have a sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa’s," she laughs.

Despite the challenges, Bradley’s approach to photography remains deeply personal and connected. "I try not to let work take away from family time," she says. Whether she’s editing while the kids are at school or stealing moments when her husband is home, Bradley ensures her passion for photography doesn’t overshadow her family commitments.

A Unique Approach: Genuine and Down-to-Earth

What sets Bradley apart is her genuine, down-to-earth approach. She describes her style as "true to colour, true to the feeling of the moment." Her goal is to blend seamlessly into her clients' day, capturing moments as they unfold naturally. "I come in, try to be part of your crew, laugh and have fun with everyone. I just shoot things the way I see them and the way I think a couple will love."

Bradley’s honesty and openness shine through in her work. She doesn’t shy away from the chaos of a wedding day, instead embracing it with a sense of humour and a laid-back attitude. "I just want them to feel how things felt when they look at their photos," she says. It’s this authenticity that resonates with her clients, who appreciate her ability to capture the real essence of their special moments.

Roots and Ranch Life: A Return to Simplicity

Bradley’s love for photography is deeply intertwined with her roots. Raised on ranches in Saskatchewan and Valleyview, Alberta, she grew up surrounded by nature and the simple beauty of rural life. Her early years were spent helping on the ranch, riding horses, and figure skating, experiences that have shaped her perspective and artistic vision.

Now, she enjoys sharing these experiences with her daughters, involving them in chores on her parents’ ranch and fostering their love for the outdoors. "I love going up to the ranch with the girls and getting them into the chores and jobs on the ranch," she says, highlighting the importance of family and tradition in her life.

Looking Ahead: Keeping it Manageable and Enjoyable

For Bradley, the future is about maintaining a balance that keeps her happy and fulfilled. She limits herself to six to eight weddings a year, ensuring she doesn’t lose her passion amidst the demands of work and family. "I want to keep it manageable," she explains. “I try to make sure the things I take on are constantly feeding my creativity, I try to shoot a variety of different kinds of sessions and events to keep it fun and exciting.”

Bradley’s approach to photography is a refreshing reminder that success isn’t about the number of clients or the prestige of the gigs. It’s about staying true to oneself, finding joy in the process, and creating work that resonates on a deeply personal level. Her journey from forestry worker to sought-after photographer is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and embracing life’s unexpected turns.

In the end, Bradley Wari’s story is one of authenticity, resilience, and a genuine love for capturing life’s fleeting moments. Whether she’s photographing a wedding, a family, or her daughters playing in the garden, she brings a unique perspective and a heartfelt touch to everything she does. And in a world where it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, Bradley’s story is a beautiful reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and always keep it real.

Website: threetreephotography.com

Instagram: @three_tree_photography