Introduction
Today I have the pleasure of posting my interview with award-winning photographer, Lori-Anne Crewe. Lori-Anne has been an integral part of the success of SIDEBURNS Magazine since its launch on September 10th, 2017. You may have seen Lori-Anne taking ETA photos at major Elvis festivals in Collingwood, Mississauga, and Niagara Falls, Ontario, where she works tirelessly capturing the images we all enjoy in SIDEBURNS. You may have also had your photo taken with an ETA or with another fan by Lori-Anne for a feature in “The Ultimate ETA Fan Magazine”. In her interview, Lori-Anne steps away from her camera to share wonderful stories, personal experiences, and insightful details about her work and life as a professional photographer. On behalf of our followers, thank you, Lori-Anne. C.M.
Photographer Lori-Anne Crewe’s Interview
with SIDEBURNS Magazine: The Ultimate ETA Fan Magazine
SB: Thank you for taking time today, Lori-Anne, to answers a few interview questions.
LA: Thank you for asking me to be a guest! I’ve enjoyed reading your previous interviews with ETAs and others. Although, it feels strange being the centre of attention—I much prefer to be hiding behind my camera :))
SB: Would you please share with us how you first became interested in photography?
LA: I’ve always been a creative person and naturally gravitated to hobbies, activities and jobs that involve the arts or creativity in some form. After high school I enrolled in a general arts program at Sheridan College where I learned the fundamentals of black and white film photography. During my youth, I would often be found roaming the streets of downtown Hamilton, Ontario practicing my craft on unsuspecting citizens. It is here that I started my love of photography.
SB: Have you received any formal training in photography?
Graduation day, Conestoga College: Lori-Anne with her husband, Curt.
LA: In addition to the general arts program at Sheridan College, I’m also a graduate of the Digital Media and Photography certificate programs at Conestoga College.
SB: Has the type of cameras and equipment that you use changed over the years?
LA: When I was in college I used a traditional 35mm film camera and developed my photographs in a dark room. With the introduction of digital cameras in the 90s, photography became much more accessible, less expensive and easier to manage—no more rolls of film or developing. Over the last several years, the mirrorless cameras have become the standard for many photographers, especially those in the wedding and event industry. The cameras are quieter, often lighter, and arguably just as capable or even more so than the standard DSLR.
SB: When did you make the leap from amateur photographer to professional photographer?
After ETA Steve Michael’s show at the Avalon Theatre in Niagara Falls, ON, Lori-Anne and her sisters, Lisa (l) and Heather (r), and Carolyn MacArthur, Editor of SIDEBURNS Magazine posed for a photo in the lobby.
LA: I’ve been photographing weddings, people and events for over a decade on a part time basis.
About 5 years ago I decided that it was time that I pursued my love of photography more seriously and made the transition from part time to full time. It wasn’t an easy decision. At the time I had a good paying full-time job with benefits and a pension. I liked my job, but I felt as though I wasn’t living the life I wanted for myself. With the support of my husband, my family and colleagues I made the leap and I’ve never looked back. I love being a professional photographer!
SB: Do you have a favourite subject or event that you enjoy photographing?
LA: My favourite, always, is photographing people. Every person is unique, so every photograph I take of someone is unique. Add in a wedding or an event, photographing people becomes even more interesting. I really enjoy photographing moments in time, telling stories as they unfold in an authentic and honest way. That is why I enjoy photographing ETA events—there are so many interesting people and moments to capture.
SB: When interested parties go to your website, what will they learn about you and your work?
LA: I have 2 websites: one is for my commercial photography (LA Crewe Photography) and the other is for my wedding and family photography (Cast & Crewe Photography/Film). My commercial site features business portraits and food photography, and my wedding and family website features more documentary/photojournalistic photography.
A wonderful example of Lori-Anne’s skill as a photojournalist.
SB: Has your realm of photography changed or grown since you first began?
LA: Definitely! Since I started my full time photography/film business I’ve noticed my style has evolved to include more documentary work. I’ve also learned to use my camera for video to create highlight films for weddings and events. The more I work, practice my skills, and make connections with other photographers and artists, the more I understand myself, my craft and how I capture the world around me. Like any art form, my photography is always changing and growing with me.
SB: What is the most interesting person or thing have you been hired to capture with your lens?
LA: A few summers ago I was hired by another photographer to photograph the groom and his groomsmen getting ready for a wedding. While I was busy in another part of the house, I could hear cheering and cat calls coming from the pool area. As quickly as I could, I headed out to see what all the commotion was about. As I approached, I caught the best man coming out of the pool with a small towel wrapped strategically around his credentials. The groom informed me that I just missed the best man skinny dipping! I replied, “That’s ok, I don’t have my macro lens anyway.” Unbeknownst to me, the best man was none other than an NHL hockey player and star from the reality show, Hockey Wives of Canada! I didn’t find this out until after the ceremony. LOL
SB: Please tell us about awards, honours, or accolades you have received for your work as a photographer.
LA: I don’t think there is enough room here…ha! Just kidding. I’m honoured to be a 2020 “Top photographer in Canada” and “Top 50 International” award-winning member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), an association representing the best of wedding photojournalism from around the world.
SB: Is there one award that has special meaning to you?
LA: This past year, one of my wedding photographs was selected for an award with the international photography group, This Is Reportage. It is very difficult to receive an award, as the judges are my peers and they only award the best of the best in wedding photojournalism. The photo was also selected for a feature in Vanity Fair Italia, Bored Panda and DIY Photography.
Lori-Anne’s photo was chosen by the international photography group, This Is Reportage, to receive an award The photo was also selected for a feature in Vanity Fair Italia, Bored Panda and DIY Photography.
SB: What is the greatest challenge in being a professional photographer?
LA: For me, it is trying to crack the marketing code on social media. There are many photographers out there, and competition is tough. A photographer can have the most amazing photographs, but if the work isn’t being properly exposed (pardon the pun) it won’t get noticed amongst the crowd. Developing a brand and being consistent with it is key; but takes work and persistence.
SB: If you were asked to pick 10 photos that best describe your work, which ones would they be?
Lori-Anne’s Top Ten Slide Show
SB: You have been a part of SIDEBURNS Magazine since day one. How would you describe your association with the only ETA magazine worldwide?
LA: Oh wow! I didn’t know it was the only ETA magazine worldwide! It really has been great fun. I’ve enjoyed photographing some of the best Elvis Tribute Artists in the world and meeting so many kind and loving ETA fans. The Elvis festivals are probably my favourite because I’m often given special access to photograph the performers on stage, as well as backstage. It has been my pleasure to work with editor, Carolyn MacArthur, over the past 4 years and to see the work and care she has put into the magazine to make it what it is today.
I’m really looking forward to the day when we can all see each other again! (Lori-Anne’s Vimeo video above is a compilation of photos taken from the early years of SIDEBURNS Magazine.)
SB: Were you an Elvis Presley fan before the launch of SB Mag?
LA: Yes! I was 5 years-old when I saw Elvis in Clambake (or was it Girls, Girls, Girls?) and I was smitten from that day forward. Even at age 5 there was no denying Elvis’s charisma and good looks. I didn’t know many of his songs until I started photographing the concerts and festivals for SIDEBURNS. My current favourite Elvis song is “His Latest Flame”, although it isn’t often chosen for competitions or concerts.
SB: What do you specifically hope to capture when photographing an ETA at a show or competition?
LA: ETAs are really fun to photograph because they do show lots of emotion, as did Elvis when he was singing. Although I do enjoy taking photos at concerts, it can be a bit tricky because of the filtered lighting and moving subjects (especially if the ETA is singing Polk Salad!). You will often see me moving around the stage and changing lenses to get better angles and focal lengths of the performances. I also take many photographs of the same angle to ensure that I’ve captured the ETA in a flattering moment, and with emotion.
SB: The photos in the slide show demonstrate the precision it takes to photograph an energetic performance, such as the one ETA Cote Deonath gave at the Niagara Falls Festival. With lightening speed, you captured moment to moment changes in Cote’s body movements and facial expressions.
LA: As I mentioned, photographing a moving subject can be tricky, especially with a limited light source. Just making sure the settings are correct and taking lots of photos of the same angle usually produces at least one photograph that will make the cut.
SB: The camera equipment that you carry is very heavy. How do you handle the physical challenges of your chosen profession?
LA: When I first started photographing weddings full-time, I could hardly walk the next day. Taking an epsom salt bath and walking off the muscle cramps would help, but the aches would last at least a few days. After a few years of photographing weddings, my body has adapted and I’m much better the next day. Doing regular exercises like squats and push-ups helps as well.
SB: How difficult is it to protect your work from copyright infringement?
LA: I think every photographer has had at least one experience with photo theft. With the internet it is very difficult to stop others from downloading photographs, and even more difficult to track the user. Usually, an email requesting the user to delete the photograph is good enough, but sometimes a firmer, legal course of action is necessary, especially if the photograph is being used for financial gain.
SB: What have you learned about yourself while photographing others?
LA: I’ve always been a shy person, but photographing others has taught me how much I like people. I enjoy bringing out the best in others, to make them glow and feel good about themselves, specifically with portraiture.
SB: Is there a person(s), living or deceased, whom you would love to photograph?
LB: Elvis, of course! I wish I could also go back in time and photograph my grandparents in their home to document their day as I remember them.
SB: Who is your favourite artist or photographer?
LA: There are several photographers that I really admire. Some of my favourites include American street photographer, Vivian Maier, Canadian street photographer, Fred Herzog and Armenian-Canadian portraitist, Yousuf Karsh.
SB: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
LA: I’ve probably seen every 1950s Film Noir movie ever made. I listen to Elvis music on the way to every wedding I photograph. I was a knitwear designer for a short time and also created animated health and safety videos for a school board.
When Malcolm isn’t practicing his new tricks, he likes to help Lori-Anne with her puzzles.
SB: Outside of photography, what other work or hobbies do you pursue?
LA: Since COVID became a way of life, I’ve been doing lots of jigsaw puzzles, training my tabby cat to do tricks, and spending more time gardening. I enjoy sports, so when I have time, I like to go for hikes, cross country ski and take our canoe out for a paddle. I always have some sort of photography project on the go as well. There never seems to be enough time in the day!
SB: Are there people in your life, or who passed through your life, that you wish to thank?
LA: Thanks to you, Carolyn MacArthur, for asking such great questions for this interview and for including me in SIDEBURNS. We have made some great memories over the past 4 years. You are a talented writer and I hope you continue doing what you love (and I’m not just saying that because you are my mom ;)
SB: And for my last question, is there a question you wish I had asked but didn’t?
Lori-Anne Crewe’s candid shot of Ultimate ETA Dean Z with the Casino Brothers Band during a sound check.
LA: I think you covered everything. Again, great questions.
SB: Thank you, Lori-Anne, for a wonderful interview. And on behalf of everyone who enjoys the fantastic images that you capture, thank you very much!
LA: Thank you!
Comments from Clients
"These photos bring me right back to every single moment with such power of emotion! You sure know how to recreate a story in such an elegant, honest and artistic way. I don’t even know how to explain how full my heart is." Matt & Alana
"Thank you so much for the beautiful wedding photos. Kirby and I went through them last night and he had tears in his eyes all over again. You truly have an amazing talent for capturing the whole essence of a very memorable evening!" Jay & Kirby
"We haven't been able to stop looking at the photos! You did such an incredible job!" Adrian & Ashley
“[The photos] are magical, beautiful and goosebumps worthy! You are an outstanding photographer and I’m lucky to have found you!" Elena & Nick
Editor’s Notes
Lori-Anne chatting with Pat Clark, grandmother of ETA Connor Russo, at the 2018 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival.
Many of you knew before reading Lori-Anne’s interview that she is my daughter. As her mom, I could not be prouder of all she has accomplished in her career as a professional photographer. To me, Lori-Anne’s greatest personal success in life is the kind, caring, and loving person she is to her family and friends. If you have had an opportunity to speak with Lori-Anne at any of the shows or festivals, you know she is friendly, soft-spoken, a good listener, and someone who really enjoys getting to know ETA fans.
Lori-Anne and I share many things as mother and daughter. We have the same sense of humour. We love old movies, art, and cats. We enjoy dining out, going to spas, and most of all, spending time with family. Many of our favourite moments together over the past four years have been spent in our hotel room at ETA festivals talking about the day’s events late into the night and drinking a bottle of wine that Lori-Anne always remembers to pack.
Thank you to our friend, Louis Young, for this wonderful photo.
Lori-Anne’s contribution to the success of SIDEBURNS Magazine cannot be overstated. Literally, from day one, she has been by my side helping in immeasurable ways. If I have a tech problem, Lori-Anne is always willing to assist. She has patiently taught me new tech skills so I am more efficient and self reliant on my iPhone and laptop. (Just the other day, Lori-Anne taught me how to post on Instagram :) Without Lori-Anne, my adventure with SB Mag would not be nearly as much fun.
Thank you, Lori-Anne, my dear daughter, for all your hard work over the past four years; and most of all, thank you for a lifetime of beautiful memories. Love, Mom.
Photographer Lori-Anne Crewe at Work
Expert Advice
Lori-Anne’s article on how to successfully include pets in your wedding photos was published in the 2019 Fall/Winter editon of the bridal magazine, The Wedding Ring.
An Engagement Slide Show by Lori-Anne Crewe
Model Photos
