Meet Tess Lucas, a luxury and destination wedding photographer with over 15 years in the industry. Tess loves documenting the romance and beauty of each couple and the memories with those closest to them.
Tess is a true globe-trotter, a lover of new places and cultures. She’s not just taking pictures; she’s telling stories through her visuals, celebrating life’s most precious moments with an authenticity that resonates deeply. As a wife and mother in a beautiful blended family, Tess understands the importance of capturing those fleeting, emotional moments that define our lives. Her goal? To provide an exceptional experience and timeless images that will be cherished for generations.
Finding Her Way
Growing up, she was the kid who broke every family camera, always eager to capture the world around her. A stint in modelling put her in front of the camera, but it was behind the lens where she truly found her calling. After high school, she began photographing weddings for friends, but it wasn’t until she moved to Alberta in 2011 that she really focused on wedding photography. "I've always loved fashion and art, and now I get to combine that love with my love of weddings too. I think these industries go hand in hand and I'm grateful that I get to be a part of it"
"I worked for EMS for 10 years," Tess recalled. "I was always helping people on the worst days of their lives. Slowly, I transitioned from full-time EMS to part-time, focusing more and more on photography." The pandemic was a turning point. "I had a baby in 2020, and my husband encouraged me to take the leap into full-time photography. By 2021, my calendar was packed, and I haven’t looked back since."
The Art of Authenticity
Tess’s style has always been true-to-colour and vibrant. She prefers a look that’s romantic and intimate, capturing the natural beauty of her surroundings without heavy alterations. "I think my style is a bit delicate," she said. "I want my photos to feel pretty, refined, and authentic - while still being unique to each couple."
Her love for travel is evident in her work. Tess frequently shoots in Banff, Alberta, and travels across Canada for weddings. "I moved to Calgary because I had family there, and I wanted to be close to Banff! The mountains are stunning - I never get tired of photographing love in the rockies." Some of her other favourite destinations include France, Germany, Dubai, Palm Springs, and New York City.
Beyond Borders
Tess doesn’t just stick to Canada. She shoots destination weddings in Mexico and Europe and is excited about her first wedding in Italy coming up. "I was posting Italy weddings and content on Instagram, and one of my couples decided to have their wedding in Italy after seeing my stories," Tess shared with a laugh. "It’s amazing how social media can influence decisions like that, and I'm so excited for that couple's wedding next May!"
Speaking of social media, Tess is a big advocate for using Instagram to attract clients. "Instagram is a free marketing tool. I tell new photographers to post every day. I’ve never run an ad; I just use Instagram to reach the right people."
Ideal Clients and Authentic Connections
Tess’s ideal clients are those who reach out because they’ve followed her work and resonate with her style. "I want clients who know what to expect and are excited to work with me," she explained. She values authenticity and connection, both in her personal life and her work. "People are drawn to the behind-the-scenes moments and connecting with the person behind the business. Whether it’s family, travel, or me with a camera, those are the posts that perform best on social media. I can share hundreds of beautiful images but if I don't share who I am, my work is not going to resonate with anyone. I also want people to know that I love getting to work with ALL couples, and truly believe that love is love!"
"I've always enjoyed browsing through family photo albums and these memories, frozen in time on the pages. Places my great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents had been, friendships they had, weddings, parties, events, and seeing the faces in the photos growing older as you go further through the collections. It always fascinated me. Our family albums are very special to me, and I want to help give that experience to the people I get to work with".
Balancing Act
Balancing work and family life is a dance Tess has mastered over the years. "My husband works Monday to Friday, so he’s there to watch our little girl Thea when I’m working weekends and evenings," she said. "Garrett has also learned how to be a very helpful second shooter and shooting assistant for destination weddings and I love when we get to work together! We also have family close by, which helps a lot. We help them a lot too, it's a two way street! We literally live on the same street as my parents and my grandfather, so it's very convenient for everyone".
Tess’s journey is a testament to following one’s passion and finding joy in the details. She’s not just a photographer; she’s a storyteller with a love of adventure and learning about new cultures and traditions. Tess Lucas brings a unique blend of artistry, authenticity, and a deep respect for nature and diversity to every photo.
Website: tesslucas.com
Instagram: @tesslucasphoto
