Hi I’m Andreas.
A Toronto Documentary Wedding Photographer.
For over twenty years I’ve photographed weddings locally and abroad for couples representing a wide range of cultures and traditions — but I really don’t see myself as a “wedding photographer”.
I prefer to create work that challenge the assumptions, routines and manufactured perfection so often associated with wedding photography.
I let curiosity and interest in capturing real moments be my guide — a way of working that’s based on a sort of democratic approach; where no one particular thing or person is considered any more or less important than the next.
By simply observing and documenting the actual experience of that day, I’m able to provide you with a set of original photographs that are completely unique to your event, and I think that’s really what the role of a wedding photographer is.
Below you’ll find some client reviews, and a portfolio of my work.
If you like what I’ve shown, send me a message so we can talk about your wedding day plans. I’m not the right photographer for every couple, but depending on what you’re planning and looking for, I may be right for you.
Guess what? You don’t need some “timeless, fine-art, editorial, heartfelt, lives in, genuine emotion fuelled wedding visual storyteller” .
You want a highly experienced, knowledgable and confident photographer who understands what you’re going through; that knows to shut up when things get real and emotional, and who will capture day as it actually happens, without any of the usual wedding photography routines of staged moments and awkwardly posed portraits.
This is your wedding day — not some opportunity for me to create content for my own self promotion. My role is to simply be in service to you and your families to deliver a set of photographs that only I can create, of this once in a lifetime moment in your lives.
Years from now when you are my age, I want you to be able to look back at your photographs and remember how you felt celebrating with your friends, not what it was like being told how to pose for yet another generic photograph that says nothing about who you are as a couple.
I’m Andreas Avdoulos, a photographer who works with nice couples planning meaningful experiences who want nothing more than to be able to enjoy that day fully and completely as they envisioned it.
“Andreas captured all the moments I want to remember forever. In looking through the photos, I’m transported right back to the day.
He is also just so much fun to have around. Highly recommend!!”
– CHRISTINE MARIE SZARMES
What couples & vendors
say about working together.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Andreas was very easy-going and flexible. He managed to capture our special moment together authentically while always conducting himself professionally. I would recommend him as a photographer for any special occasion.”
LISA MCILMOYLE
“I booked Andreas as my documentary photographer because of how comfortable and beautiful the women in his photos look.”
VANJA PETKOVICH
“He has an eye for capturing those fleeting moments that go by unnoticed. A pleasure to collaborate with Andreas in Samos.”
ELLI’S PLAN, SAMOS WEDDING PLANNER
‘You did a wonderful job documenting our fundraiser last year. Your photographs are heartfelt and human. Thank you so much Andreas…”
STEPHEN LEWIS FOUNDATION
“Andreas, thank you for your professionalism and discretion. It was a pleasure meeting and working with you last summer.”
BELLES RIVES HOTEL
“We had an amazing experience working with Andreas at our wedding in Italy. He noticed the smallest details and was so friendly and easy going through the stressful parts of our day.”
ALESIA CASATI
“Andreas’ work is phenomenal. He truly captures the moments that you wish you could freeze in time. Rather than having an assortment of super posed photos, I have a gallery that shows the energy and feeling of our wedding day. From start to finish, Andreas has been super supportive, involved, and fun to work with - and our guests loved him!”
MELISSA YOUNAN
“I've had the privilege of collaborating with Andreas on multiple occasions, and I can attest that he is a genuinely dedicated photographer who relentlessly pursues the perfect shot!”
LUIS MOREIRA / PEEK MEDIA
‘Hey Andreas, your work is cool. Despite it being monochrome, your photos are so full of “colour” as they showcase the human energy present in that moment. A true gift!”
JENNIFER HAYS
“If you’re looking for an artist with an eye for detail and capturing those moments you didn’t even realize were special hire this guy!”
TEISHA GENTLES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where do you photograph weddings?
I photograph weddings in the Toronto, but also across Southern Ontario from Muskoka to Niagara on the Lake. I also photograph destination weddings and have done so across Europe in France, Italy, and Greece.
If we hire you, will you be our photographer?
Yes, If you commission me to photograph your wedding, I will be there. In 20 years I’ve not missed one wedding. I take on a fairly small number of weddings yearly to ensure each one gets my full attention, and each commission is personally photographed, edited, and delivered to you by me.
Do you offer videography?
I am a photographer and do not offer videography services through my business.
We have no idea how many hours we need you for, can you help us?
Unless you’re planning a large scale multi day event, 98% of weddings take place within an 8-10 hour period, so that’s generally the amount of time I spend with you on your wedding day. That allows for photography to start shortly after hair and make up is complete and ends later on during the reception after all the dances have happened and the party is well under way.
What is your style of photography?
I specialize in candid, documentary style photography, with an emphasis on authenticity. The images presented here on my site represent the style and approach fairly clearly.
What are your thoughts on wedding photography?
I believe that candid genuine moments are far more memorable than anything staged or directed and when it comes to wedding photography, my style is rooted in the art of observation rather than fabricating anything.
How do people describe your style of photography?
Clients have described my work as organic, in the moment, and very real. Often they ask me if I know the couples in the photographs because they feel so intimate and personal. My “look” of the work I do is dramatic, often in black and white, and very up close and personal. The way I work is the same at each event; show up alone, establish a sense of trust with those around me, and capture very intimate, relaxed and candid images.
Do you work with assistants or second shooters?
I photograph weddings alone, and usually photograph the entire wedding experience, from rehearsal to welcome party or pre wedding dinner, and the full wedding day, this allows me to be fully immersed in the experience and capture more personal and intimate photos.
Do you do family portraits or just candids?
The majority of my work is “candid” and documentary style, but I do also photograph portraits of the couple and their families, it’s just not a big part of the day.
What is “Documentary Wedding Photography”?
Documentary Wedding Photography is about capturing the day by observation rather than direction. It’s about creating a set of photographs from my perspective of your day so you can tell stories of your day through your own point of view.
How do we book you?
If your date is available we’ll schedule a phone call first, then I’ll send you a contract to review and approve online. A retainer is also due at the same time to secure your date.
How long have you been photographing weddings?
I’ve been photographing weddings since 2003 for couples representing a wide range of cultures and traditions. I’ve photographed multi day events with hundreds of guests and huge production budgets, and very intimate weddings with just five guests.
If we inquire today, when can we expect to hear from you?
I tend to respond to inquiries pretty fast. In fact, you will likely hear back from me today to let you know if I am available — no point in making you wait for days to find out I’m not even free on your wedding day.