For Calgary-based photographer Connor Esau, wedding photography is less about picture-perfect poses and more about raw, unfiltered moments—the quiet in-betweens, the blurry motion of a dance floor spin, the sun slipping behind Alberta’s fields. His work has a cinematic edge, shaped by his beginnings as a videographer and rooted in a genuine love for storytelling. With a camera in hand and a laid-back presence on the day, Connor captures weddings in a way that feels like stepping into a vintage film reel, full of mood and movement.
Connor’s creative journey started in a summer camp, not a studio. As Media Director at Camp Evergreen, he spent his days filming quick-turnaround videos of campers—working fast, learning on the go, and falling hard for the craft. “We were only using Canon Rebels, so pretty basic, but the speed at which we had to work taught me everything,” he recalls. After camp, he began taking on wedding video gigs, eventually branching into photo at a friend’s request. That first wedding turned into another—and another—until photography naturally became his focus.
Connor’s aesthetic blends nostalgic tones, soft blur, and relaxed compositions. His photos often look like they could be stills from a movie—not because they’re staged, but because they’re steeped in feeling. That cinematic quality is no accident: his background in video gave him an intuitive sense of color and emotion, and it shows in how he tells a story through light and shadow. Whether it’s a sun-drenched backyard wedding or a smoky autumn elopement, he leans into atmosphere, making images that feel as real and emotional as the moment itself.
While many Calgary photographers anchor their brand in the mountains, Connor is deliberately carving a different path. “Banff is beautiful, but I also love working in Calgary,” he explains. “I want my work to show off everything Calgary has to offer.” He's shifting focus toward the city’s underrated venues—like Charbar and Rouge Restaurant—and welcoming couples who value character over convention. With wedding season now stretching from May through October (his busiest time being September and October), he’s building a local brand that’s rooted, flexible, and full of personality.
Outside of photography, Connor’s life is a mix of board games, books, and the backcountry. He describes himself as “an outdoorsy nerd,” equally happy climbing a wall, hiking in the woods, or nerding out over Brandon Sanderson novels. He also spends part of each summer leading backcountry trips for high schoolers—a gig he loves, even if it means taking a couple of weeks off from weddings. His long-distance relationship with his partner Allison (a professional jazz dancer based in Nashville) also brings a unique layer of empathy and understanding to his work. “We travel to see each other a lot, and we have to be intentional with our time, but it is also so worth it. The connection we have shows me the value of capturing those special moments in people's lives. It gives me a whole new appreciation for my work”.
Currently booking around 14 weddings per year, Connor’s goal is to grow sustainably—aiming for 16 to 20 weddings per season while maintaining his creative energy. He offers both photo and video packages, sometimes outsourcing the filming but handling all the editing himself to ensure consistency in tone and quality. For couples looking for relaxed coverage that feels like their real love story—complete with laughter, imperfection, and intimacy—Connor is the kind of photographer who won’t just show up to take photos. He’ll show up to celebrate alongside you.
Website: www.connoresau.ca
Instagram: @connoresauweddings