Tinholt Photography & Design, run by Mike and Zarah Tinholt, is a Winnipeg wedding photography business. With stunning and timeless imagery, they have become leaders in Winnipeg's wedding photography community. Mike and Zarah are fun, outgoing, and skilled at making their clients feel relaxed in front of the camera. Their imagery is sexy, fun and stunning... with a classic style that avoids fading trends and manages to please every generation. They pride themselves in capturing details & the quiet, special moments, in addition to making their clients feel beautiful, sexy and gorgeous.

The photography industry has changed a lot in the last decade. The development of affordable digital camera's and the internet have enabled has enabled almost anyone to get a camera, find a few good shots, and put up a snazzy website and call themselves a professional photographer. With that has come a flood of new photographers onto the marketplace, some with plenty of talent and expertise, but unfortunately many are little better than amateur and the distinction of what is 'professional photography' has been blurred.

So why should I choose Mike Tinholt to photography my family or wedding? As you browse through this website and blog you'll soon see why Mike has become recognized as one of the premier photography talents in Winnipeg. His work is stunning and artistic while maintaining a timeless quality. Mike has worked with some of the best wedding photographers in the world and learned how they work, so he could in turn add his own creativity and talent to those skills and produce work that is truly unique among the Winnipeg photography community. He has over four years experience photographing weddings in Winnipeg as a professional, and many more years as an avid hobbyist. With that experience comes the ability to consistently produce jaw dropping results no matter what conditions are encountered on the day.

Tinholt Photography prides itself in delivering only the best products. From our prints to mounts, to albums and canvases we've painstakingly tried them all to find those products that have the right look and feel and best present our photos. All our albums are handmade, archival quality, and are meant to last generations. Our prints are unlike anything you've seen for felt to the extent that our clients are often surprised at the difference in quality when they first get their print orders and they clearly understand that these did not come from the local one hour photo lab.

Tinholt Photography business model is centred around customer service. From the moment you walk in the door the experience will be warm, fun, and always about you first. Our clients love us, they are all gushing by the end of the process. We understand the value of great photography, the investment you are making, and will do everything we can not only to meet, but to exceed your expectations. Nothing makes us happier than happy customers.

And to top it all off, Mike's a really great guy :)

Many of the people coming to us in Winnipeg have never experienced a photography session quite like ours. Most picture a professional photography as a rigidly posed, awkward feeling experience at their school photo day or studio family photos with everyone dresses up, smiling at the camera and looking 'proper'. While those photos have value in the right context, and we do take those types of photos at times, that's not how you live. Our goal in every photo session is to capture the people, who they are, what makes them unique, and how they interact with each other. We are looking for how you hug, how you laugh, that funny thing you do with your nose when you smile.

At our shoots we'll typically set you up in a place with good composition and light and then setup a rough pose and the rest is your job. If its a snugly pose then snuggle your heart out, if its fun then we'll crack a few jokes and have you laugh your heart out, it its intimate, be intimate, if its soft be soft. I always ask our clients to really feel the emotion, really enter the moment, even exaggerate it; it really shows up in the image and after all you want these images to be the best representation of yourself.

Of course we also recognize that there is more to a great photo than making you laugh. Most people need a little direction to present themselves as flatteringly as possible. Its been said that, "the camera adds ten pounds" or "camera's never lie" but the truth is cameras ALWAYS lie and trick is knowing how to make it lie in the right direction. As your having your moment expect a few directing comments to improve the photo. Its amazing how a subtle position of the head or a hand the make or break a photo. Our clients quickly learn a little lifting of the chin or slight tilting of the head, or moving a hand is all about making them look better.

As far as what to wear, we suggest that be coordinated clearly with everyone involved in the shoot. Generally blacks and whites are pretty safe or coordinated earth tones. Bright colours should be avoided, unless bright colours are a theme, since we don't want someone sticking in the middle out of a darkly clothed group in their fluorescent pink. . Also keep in mind that stripes tend to distort in the eye and make people look wider. But ultimately the clothes are another representation of who you are so have fun with it. Be yourself!!

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will make for your wedding - after all, this individual will be with you your entire wedding day, and the images they capture will remain with you & your family for generations. There are currently over 150 Winnipeg wedding photographers listed in various directories, but many of these directories have no way of guaranteeing which photographers are actually running a registered, insured business. When researching photographers, it is important to make sure the one you go with has a solid reputation, a strong body of work that is consistent, and that the photographer is insured. Chemistry and personality are also key in choosing your wedding photographer.

As a bride, I remember the overwhelming feeling of trying to create a wedding day that was perfect for me. I had so much going through my mind, that I often forgot about questions I wanted to ask vendors, or didn't even know what I should be asking in the first place. Wedding photography is one of the most important parts of a wedding, and finding the right photographer for you is a huge part of the planning process – not to mention a large part of your budget. While some brides come to us with a long list of questions, many are so overwhelmed that they can't even think of anything to ask. So educate yourself; bad vendors can make the most beautiful and amazing day of your life a real disappointment. The following questions/considerations are important as you research photographers, but some of them might also help guide you in other areas of wedding planning, as well.

1)What style of photography are you looking for? Every photographer has his/her own unique style: Some are classic, some are artsy, some are glamourous, some are photojournalistic, some are formal, some are quirky, some are very unique, some aren't so unique. Decide on your style and then save time by meeting only the photographers that fit your style.

2)How much editing will be done on the photos? Photo editing is an important part of the photography process and can be what separates the good photographers from the best. Some photographers will give you images straight off the camera, some will provide simple colour corrections, some will add a more detailed photoshop touch... and then there are those who can turn a photo into a work of art. Do you want some nice pictures, or a stunning work of art where everyone will say 'WOW'? Keep in mind that if you are unhappy with the level of editing provided, it can be very expensive to hire someone later. The best option is to find out what kind of post-production services you are getting, before the contract is signed.

3)Their portfolio: How dated are the photos? Can the photographer show you highlights from a recent wedding he or she photographed? Photographers naturally want to show you their best work, but you need to know whether they can consistently produce those 'wow' images for you as well. Ask to see a recent wedding, or even to see an entire converage so that you can feel comfortable they'll carry that quality through the day. We even have some friends who have found their photos stolen and being used by another photographer. You can't always assume the few beautiful images you've seen are what you'll get on your wedding day. Many photographers post images of all their clients on a blog. This is another great resource to see a photographer's work on an ongoing basis. Asking to look at albums (that showcase a single wedding) are also a great way to get a feel for the photographer's abilities.

4)Is the photographer a member of any professional organizations? Membership with professional associations indicates the the photographer is serious about their work and their artistic growth. It also provides a measure of professional accountability: who are they making themselves accountable to?

5)What are the details of the contract? Make sure you receive a written contract! A written contract is extremely important in protecting both the photographer and consumer from shady practices and clearly defining what the roles and expectations are. Also, take the time to read the terms. Are you comfortable with the terms and conditions? What financial commitment are you making?

6)Does the contract specify the name of the photographer you will have at your wedding? Why is this important? Because some photographers will book weddings and then send an associate to photograph them. Make sure you know who the photographer will be and have it in writing. The last thing you want is some stranger showing up at your wedding who turns out to be the photographer you never hired.

7)What happens if the photographer can't make the wedding? While it is very, very rare for any photographer to miss a wedding, it does happen and is usually due to an extreme incident (life-threatening illness, etc). Make sure you know what will happen if the photographer can't make the wedding. Are you comfortable with their associate shooting the wedding? Would you get a full refund? Are they connected to a network that will send other photographers to help? Unfortunately there have been instances where photographers have missed weddings for poor reasons. If you, or you know a bride who feels they may have been mistreated, make sure they also report it to the Better Business Bureau. This is another reason to have your photography terms set in writing.

8)How long has the photographer been in business? Is the business registered? In the digital age it is easy for anyone to buy a decent camera, throw up a website and try to make a few extra bucks on weekends. But do you want to hire someone who doesn't have much business experience? In this industry, experience does matter, because it produces consistency, and also creates a track record that can be followed. Having a registered business also means that, on paper, there is a level of legitimacy and professionalism. It's also a good idea to find out what other brides and vendors have to say about your photographer, and if you like, ask for references, as well. 9)Does the photographer have any unresolved disuptes registered at the Better Business Bureau? You may want to call and find out – and if there is a complaint, did the vendor make satisfactory attempts to resolve it? The BBB is an important resource for consumer protection, and you can check the ethics of as many businesses as you need, free of charge. The BBB also provides mediation services when consumer disputes arise. The website is http://www.manitoba.bbb.org/, and the phone number is 989-9010.

10)How easy-going is the photographer? Is he/she flexible with your desires on the wedding day? Sure you want great photography, but you also want to have fun and keep the day yours. Has the photographer worked with you to create a package that fits your needs? Or are they trying to force their own agenda, and disrupt the joy of the day? Are they a relaxing presence, that will help you to have fun? Your wedding day is all about you, not about a photographer's goal to get the next display print. Make sure they are a good fit with the people who will be around you on that special day!

11)What will I get from the photographer? There are many photographers offering many different levels of service. Some will simply 'shoot-and-burn,' leaving you with just a CD of image files, while others offer albums, wall prints, canvases and more. Decide what you're looking for and make sure your getting it. Why consider getting albums and prints through your photographer? I've talked with many brides about their experience after getting a photo CD without any prints and nearly all said the same thing: “I printed a couple, but I just haven't had the time to do anything nice with them.” The ones who had made an album had only slid some 4x6s into the sleeves of a cheesy store bought album. I've also seen prints that were done at a poor quality lab that looked horrible and completely miscoloured. Hardly a legacy you want to leave. When you get albums and prints through a quality photographer you can be assured everything will be done perfectly. The prints will be high quality with perfect colour. The albums designed by high end photographers are amazing and have to been seen and felt to be appreciated. And generally all product will be archival quality, meaning its meant to last until your grandchildren and great grandchildren can relive the memories with you.

12)Are there any additonal photo sessions besides the wedding day? Some photographers will include additional sessions like engagement and/or bridal sessions to their packages. We feel these sessions are very important for getting a feel for the couple, the couple getting a feel for us, and building a relationship of trust and fun. It will be very comforting for you to know that come wedding day you'll have met your photographer several times through consultations and shoots and not have some stranger in your face all day. It's amazing how, by the time of the wedding, we always feel like were good friends with the couple and it makes it so much easier for you to relax and have fun. If your photographer isn't offering this service in your wedding package, you may want to consider hiring him or her to do an engagement session anyway. The cost often isn't that expensive, and will give you beautiful photos for custom designed guestbooks, wedding favours, slideshows, etc. An example of how this helps: after a recent engagement shoot, we learned that the bride didn't actually like her side profile. Finding this out ahead of time helped us make changes for the wedding day, which in turn helped us avoid disappointent from the bride. She hadn't even thought about this fact until she saw side-profile photos from the engagement shoot.... and we wouldn't have known the difference!

13)Do you feel you can trust this photographer to capture your personality, your style, and the emotion of the day? Trust is such an important part of wedding photography. These may be the only photos that last your entire lifetime, so make sure you are confident in the photographer's style & ability to capture the emotions of the day. Fifty years from now, the details of your wedding will have been long forgotten, and you will be left with a book of beautiful memories that you can share with your children & grandchildren. Take the time to cherish the day, and let the photographer help you cherish the memories forever. A skilled photographer who captures your personality is one of the greatest assets you can have.

In the end, the most important thing for you to do is relax and enjoy the planning process. A good photographer will make you feel right at home, and aim to build a strong relationship of trust with you. Having the right people around you at your wedding will help reduce your stress and make you feel more relaxed... and that comfort will shine through your photos. Good luck as you plan your wedding! Enjoy a lifetime of love!