In the heart of Montreal, where cobblestone streets meet vibrant culture, Esther Gibbons has carved out a niche as a wedding photographer who doesn’t just capture moments—she captures feeling. With a photojournalistic approach that prioritizes authenticity over perfection, Esther has spent over a decade documenting love stories in a way that feels as real and unfiltered as the emotions she immortalizes.
For Esther, photography isn’t about recreating Pinterest-perfect scenes or staging elaborate setups. It’s about being present, observing, and anticipating the fleeting moments that tell a couple’s unique story. “I want people to forget the camera is there,” she says. “When they feel comfortable, that’s when the magic happens.”
From Translator to Storyteller
Esther’s journey into photography is anything but conventional. Before picking up a camera, she worked as a French-to-English translator, a career that, while fulfilling, didn’t quite ignite her creative spark. It wasn’t until she enrolled in a night photography class “just for fun” that she discovered her true calling.
“I remember paging through old National Geographic magazines as a kid,” Esther recalls. “Those photos told stories—stories that left me wanting to know more. That’s what drew me to photography. It wasn’t about the technical side at first; it was about the narrative.”
What started as a hobby quickly snowballed into a passion. Friends began asking her to photograph their weddings, and before long, Esther found herself at a crossroads. “I realized I couldn’t balance my corporate job with photography anymore,” she says. “So, I took a leap of faith and never looked back.”
The Art of Connection
What sets Esther apart is her ability to connect with her clients on a deeply human level. She doesn’t just show up to take photos—she becomes a part of the day, blending seamlessly into the background while capturing the raw, unfiltered emotions that make each wedding unique.
“I’m not interested in creating a ‘Disney version’ of a couple,” she explains. “I want to capture who they really are. If they’re not touchy-feely, I’m not going to force them into poses that don’t feel authentic. My job is to adapt and find creative ways to tell their story.”
This approach has resonated with couples who value candid, documentary-style photography over traditional posed shots. “My ideal clients are the ones who care more about their marriage than the wedding day itself,” Esther says. “They want their photos to reflect the life they’re building together, not just the party they’re throwing.”
The Shift from Art to Craft
Over the years, Esther’s approach to photography has evolved. Early in her career, she focused on emulating the work of other photographers, meticulously recreating poses and lighting setups she admired. But as she grew more confident in her skills, she began to prioritize the craft of storytelling over the pursuit of “perfect” shots.
“I realized that what clients really wanted were the candid moments—the grandpa checking his watch before the ceremony, the bride laughing with her bridesmaids, the groom’s goofy dance moves on the floor,” she says. “Those are the photos that resonate with people, not the staged, artsy ones.”
This shift in perspective has allowed Esther to embrace the unpredictability of wedding days. “I’ve learned to approach each wedding as a game,” she says. “It’s about being playful, exploring, and staying curious. When you let go of control, that’s when the best moments happen.”
A Life Beyond the Lens
When she’s not behind the camera, Esther enjoys the simple pleasures of life—spending time with her girlfriend and their grumpy little cat and exploring Montreal’s vibrant neighbourhoods. These experiences, she says, fuel her creativity and keep her grounded. These experiences, she says, fuel her creativity and keep her grounded.
“I’m not trying to be an ‘Artist’ with a capital A,” she admits with a laugh. “I see myself more as providing a service. I’m here to document real life, not impose my vision or create something that belongs in a gallery. And honestly, I think that’s what makes my work meaningful.”
Looking Ahead
As Esther reflects on her journey, she’s excited about the future. “I love what I do, and I feel incredibly lucky to have found a career that allows me to connect with people in such a meaningful way,” she says. “My goal is to keep growing, keep learning, and keep telling stories that matter.”
For couples looking for a photographer who values authenticity over perfection, Esther Gibbons is a breath of fresh air. She’s not just documenting weddings—she’s celebrating love in all its beautifully imperfect forms. And in a world that often prioritizes the curated over the candid, that’s something truly special.
Website: esthergibbons.com
Instagram: @esthergibbonsphotography
