From Hospitality to High ISO

Trevor’s first career wasn’t photography—it was weddings. As the on-site coordinator at a local boutique hotel, he managed over 500 events before ever stepping behind the lens. He didn’t just plan timelines; he selected menus, wrangled vendors, served the dinner, and ensured the day ran seamlessly from start to finish. “I was the point-man,” he says. “Even for my own wedding.”

This hospitality background, combined with a Tourism & Hospitality Management degree from Mount Saint Vincent University, shaped how Trevor approaches photography today. It’s not just about capturing great images—it’s about anchoring the day. Being useful. Staying late. Knowing when to step in and when to disappear.

The Accidental Photographer

Long before he was photographing people, Trevor was focused on frost-covered petals and macro shots of spiders. “I never thought I’d shoot people,” he admits. But his hotel gig required promotional photos—food, interiors, website content—and slowly, the camera crept into his identity.

Then came the leap. On his 30th birthday, Trevor gave his notice and walked away from 13 years in hospitality to go all-in on photography. “That summer, I shot my first wedding for a 1GB flash card,” he laughs. “I didn’t know what I didn’t know.” What he lacked in technical finesse, he made up for in work ethic. By leveraging a friend's early SEO-forward photographer listing website, he booked 30 weddings his first year and 33 the next, doubling his rate.

A Style That’s About the Moment—Not the Filter

Trevor doesn’t subscribe to an editing trend or preset aesthetic. His photos are vibrant, true-to-life, and packed with personality. “I love laughter and real moments,” he says. “If a couple wants something ultra-styled or moody, there are other photographers for that. I’m consistent in how I shoot—and my clients book me for exactly that.”

Nearly all of Trevor’s wedding coverage is photojournalistic, with a brief shift in approach for family portraits and couple sessions. That’s when he takes charge, guiding everyone with the authority of someone who’s done this literally hundreds of times. “It takes a big loop to throw me,” he says. “I’ve seen it all.”

More Than a Photographer

At 6'8", Trevor doesn’t just stand out—he stands above the crowd, both literally and metaphorically. He shows up early, shoots hard, stays late, wears a suit, and says goodbye to every important guest before leaving. He makes brides laugh, grooms relax, and grandparents feel seen.

But what really sets him apart is how seriously he takes his role. “This is the most important day of their lives,” he says. “I know that. I’m always working toward the next referral. I want people to say: ‘We’re so glad Trevor was there.’”

Balancing Art, Family, and Burnout

Like many wedding photographers, Trevor’s life swings between chaotic weekends of nonstop work and long editing sessions alone in front of a screen. But he’s found ways to offset the imbalance. He uses AI tools to assist with editing. He pulls occasional all-nighters to clear his queue, giving himself guilt-free beach days with the kids. And after the pandemic gave him a rare taste of downtime, he’s learned to say no sometimes, which his wife appreciates!   

Off the clock, Trevor is a BBQ pitmaster (which is wife also appreciates!), loves to collect and build a silver bar collection with his teen son and loves to play volleyball on teams with his daughter.   He also rides a vintage Harley Davison and may even show up to your engagement session on two wheels, if the weather’s nice enough.

He also co-owns The Great Canadian Laser Company with his wife Gillian, making custom Christmas ornaments that are shipped all over Canada and the US. “If you're a bride looking for something unique,” he says, “we may be able to help.”

The Legacy

After 18 years in weddings and over 2,400 students taught in his beginner photography course (“I Have a Camera and Have No Idea What the Buttons Do”), Trevor isn’t just building a business—he’s built a reputation.

And he’s not stopping anytime soon. “My goal? Pay off the debt, shoot fewer weddings, and spend more time with the people I love,” he says. “But until then, I’ll keep showing up, giving everything I’ve got, and making sure every couple walks away not just with great photos—but with the kind of experience they’ll never forget.”

Website: trevorallen.ca
Instagram: @trevorallenphotography