The Photographer's Story
From a very early age, I've been around a camera. My parents took countless photos and videos of my brother and I growing up. As I got older, I borrowed my parent's camera so that I could go on "photoshoots" with friends, frequently visiting the various trails throughout Gatineau Park. It was apparent from these early years that I truly enjoyed being behind the lens.
I worked my very first wedding as a second shooter in 2019. This was two years before I even considered becoming an official business. I vividly remember the amount of stress I felt due to the lack of confidence I had at the time. After this wedding, I told myself: "I will never work a wedding again". As most other photographers, I had a few close family friends who were willing to be my models. My first photoshoot in July 2021, was memorable to me as I had my dad tag along to help me with camera settings. This same year, as more friends began to inquire about paid photoshoots, I bought my very first camera and officially launched my business. I started getting new opportunities to work with various new clients (that slowly grew into loyal clientele), continued to build my portfolio, and slowly gained confidence in my new role as a photographer.
The next 3 years of M.Kalef Photography led to incredible personal and business growth. In 2022, I had a client inform me that her wedding photographer was no longer able to capture her wedding and asked me if I photographed weddings. Despite my initial hesitation, I captured my very first wedding as a primary photographer and had my dad second shoot for me. In 2023, I took my business to the next level by launching my first official website. During the year, I continued to work with several new wonderful clients and booked myself 3 weddings for the year. With the increase in bookings, I began to start increasing the quality of my gear. Then, 2024 came around and it was the year that changed everything with my business - I began to hit incredible business milestones. That year, I tripled the amount of wedding bookings I had from the previous year, landing a total of 15 weddings for the year. That led me to to begin hiring a wedding photography team. Later, buying myself a second camera and continued to increase the quality of my photography gear.
Fun Facts About Me:
I got engaged to the love of my life on January 1st, 2026 (and yes, I took my own proposal photos).
It's been incredibly humbling getting the opportunity to re-assess my own photography business, now that I've begun the wedding planning process myself.
Yes, you read that right. During the week, you can find me at a private clinic in the west-end of Ottawa doing therapy with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I've been working with these little ones for approx. 5 years now.
I mean who doesn't though...am I right!? I don't know about you, but my travel bucket list is pretty long!
If it was up to me and there were no other factors at play such as money and work responsibilities. I would explore a new part of the world on a monthly basis.
My family (especially my father) has played a large role in, not only who I am, but also the photographer that I am today. Now, I am blessed to be able to capture precious moments in my family's life, as well as yours!
I have two beautiful fur babies - Whiskey and Bandit. My handsome pup, Bandit, is a 9-year old Bernese-Australian Shepherd Mix. My beautiful kitty baby is Whiskey. He is 3 years old and the biggest mama's boy!
I am one incredibly proud Auntie to my sweet nephew, Avrick. This little man and I have a special bond and he will forever and always hold a place in Auntie Meg's heart!
Katelyn Power Art
Based in the west-end of Ottawa, ON. This extremely talented artist, Katelyn, can bring your most cherished photos back to life through hyper-realistic drawings.
Wedding Wire
I have partnered with a wonderful company called Wedding Wire, that allows newly engaged couples help find their wedding day dream team.
