Before she ever stepped behind the lens at a wedding, Railene Hooper was just a teenager in Parkland County, Alberta, burning through rolls of film on pets, sunsets, and family snapshots. “I made my parents spend WAY too much money developing useless film,” she laughs, “but I still have every print.” That curiosity never left — it simply matured.
Today, Railene is one of Canada’s most celebrated wedding photographers, recently named 2025 Wedding Photographer of the Year by the Professional Photographers of Canada. Based in Edmonton and serving couples across Alberta and beyond, she’s built a reputation for portraits that feel authentic, deeply connected, and — above all — timeless.
From Court to Camera
Railene didn’t always envision a life in photography. In fact, she first enrolled at NAIT to play basketball. But fate had other plans. A photography course — taken almost on a whim — turned into a two-year program that would reshape her future.
“I never wanted to shoot weddings,” she admits. “I took the classes and wasn’t drawn to it at all.” But like many photographers, her opinion shifted the moment a friend asked her to document their big day. One wedding became two, then five, then a full-fledged career. She’s now been a full-time photographer for over a decade, balancing technical mastery with emotional insight.
That blend of artistry and structure is something she credits to her mentor, Robert Bray — a portrait lighting expert with over 40 years in the industry — who’s helped shape both her style and her business sense.
A Consistent Style with Deep Emotional Roots
Ask Railene about her photography style, and she doesn’t hesitate: “Timeless. Connected. Authentic.” She avoids trends and heavy presets, favouring true-to-colour editing that reflects the real tones and textures of a wedding day. “I want my couples to look at their photos 20 years from now and still feel like they hold up,” she says.
Her approach on the day is part documentary, part directed. “Getting ready, the ceremony, reception — those are captured candidly. That’s where the magic happens. But portraits, family photos, golden hour — those are where I step in, find the best light, and take control.”
Railene typically photographs 10–15 weddings per year — a conscious cap that allows her to maintain balance and give each client her full attention. “I don’t want to burn out,” she says. “This pace helps me truly get to know my couples.”
Building Trust Through Connection
Her clients aren’t just hiring her for photos — they’re hiring someone who will go to great lengths to make them feel seen and cared for. That connection is at the heart of her brand.
“My clients always value photography,” she says. “And I think they choose me because I go above and beyond for them. I’ll do anything for the shot — and for my couples.”
This mindset doesn’t stop once the wedding’s over. Railene is deeply involved in every part of the process, from pre-wedding communication to late-night editing sessions backed by good music and her couples’ excitement. “Even when I’m exhausted, talking to the bride or groom before a shoot fires me up again.
Looking Ahead
Railene’s ambitions remain rooted in love stories — but with an eye toward adventure. She’s aiming to book more mountain and destination weddings, drawn to the challenge and creativity of photographing in new environments.
With accolades under her belt and a portfolio that resonates far beyond trends, Railene Hooper has quietly — but confidently — established herself as one of the leading voices in Canadian wedding photography. And if her story proves anything, it’s that authenticity and artistry aren’t opposing forces — in the right hands, they’re the very foundation of timeless work.
Website: railenehooper.ca
Instagram: @rai_hooper