PHOTOGRAPHER | Shaina Sterrett

Shaina Sterrett is a Canadian destination wedding photographer whose digital and film work blends artful, authentic storytelling with a refined editorial edge. Her guided documentary approach draws on European-inspired elegance and cinematic vision, creating iconic, emotionally rich imagery that feels intentional, elevated, and timeless. Driven by her love for design and fashion, Shaina Sterrett offers a photography experience for celebrations that are deeply meaningful and unapologetically nontraditional, anywhere in the world.

Tell us about Shaina Sterrett Photography!

I received my first camera at 11 (a Canon Rebel XT), and in true Shaina fashion, when I commit to something, I go all in. Photography quickly became my world - mastering Photoshop and developing my technical skills early, with work published internationally while I was still a teenager. I was always the friend with the camera at the party, known as ‘that photographer girl’. More than two decades later, that drive hasn’t faded; I’m still completely immersed in creating, constantly refining my craft and pushing myself creatively. Photography is my way of making time stand still, capturing fleeting moments that might otherwise be lost and turning them into something tangible. The result is art that resonates - images people can feel, connect with, and pass down for generations.

I approach life (and photography) with intention and attentiveness, always seeking to honor what’s real. I’m drawn to depth over surface-level chatter - I’d rather talk about psychology and childhood traumas over weather and work any day. I love witnessing connection in its many forms: the intimate glance between two people, unspoken laughter in a crowded room, or those seconds that feel suspended in time. These are the moments that inspire me - the ones I seek out and hold onto.

What would you like couples to know about you?

I’m sensitive, intuitive, sentimental and endlessly fascinated by the world. I’m an all-or-nothing kind of person, and I have a tendency to pour myself fully into whatever captures my attention. A perfectionist at heart - calm on the outside, a little chaotic on the inside. It’s not uncommon for friends to find me still awake at 5 or 6am, deep in editing and loving every second of it, as they’re waking up to start their day.

I’m deeply attuned to people - noticing small gestures, expressions, interactions, and the quiet moments that often go unnoticed but hold the most meaning. My knack for reading body language and energy helps me know when to offer guidance and when to step back, letting the day unfold naturally. This balance allows me to capture moments that feel completely authentic, honest, and true to who you are.

To know me is to know my love for getting lost on cobblestone streets in Europe, stumbling across vintage treasures while thrifting, getting an impromptu tattoo with a friend while travelling, sending podcast-style audio messages to friends, devouring pizza, trying chai lattes at a new coffee shop and couch potato-ing with my cats + partner.

Every kind of love deserves to be seen, honoured, and remembered. I celebrate love in all its forms, proudly honoring LGBTQIA+ couples with inclusivity and respect at the heart of everything I do.

Where are you based?

I’m based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and travel across Canada, Europe, and worldwide to document weddings.

Do you travel for weddings?

One thousand percent. Travel is an integral part of my life, so you can imagine the joy photographing weddings around the world brings me. I travel for about half of my weddings, and often find myself in Europe - a place that feels especially meaningful, as I’m half Portuguese and a quarter Irish. I’m endlessly grateful that this career allows me to return multiple times a year.

How would you describe your style?

Through still imagery, film, and drone, I create galleries that feel like home - imperfect, raw, and true to your story. My approach is simple: to create a gallery that deeply reflects your love story & your connections with friends and family - all while bringing your Pinterest-board dreams to life, complete with those iconic, magazine-worthy shots.

I approach every wedding as a story in motion, capturing moments as they naturally unfold rather than orchestrating overly-staged shots. This experience is for couples planning thoughtful, design-conscious celebrations who value authentic storytelling and meaningful details, and a style that feels editorial, elevated and reflective of who they are. I’m there to anticipate the moments that matter, subtly guide when it enhances the day, and ensure that every glance, gesture, and detail is captured with care. The result is a gallery that feels genuine, artful, and unmistakably yours - images that let you relive the emotion, style, and joy of your day again and again.

What is your most memorable career moment?

A few days after going to wake a loved one in the morning, only to find they had passed away unexpectedly (an experience that shook me to my core given my persistent fear of death), I travelled to Italy to photograph a destination wedding. Still shaken, I navigated travelling alone feeling rather lost, but the moment I stepped into the driveway of the venue, everything else melted away. I was fully present and ready to create.

Being part of such an intimate celebration - only 11 guests traveling from Canada and the UK - listening to laughter and witnessing such a sweet love in such a beautiful place, reminded me of what truly matters. It gave me a renewed perspective on just how precious life is, and the privilege it is to document these milestones in people’s lives.

During my dinner break, my first chance to sit and reflect, I had an ah-ha moment - immense gratitude that I get to do this work; capturing such meaningful moments for others. That day, photography became medicine: a way to create, give to others, and be part of something bigger.

How would you describe your working style?

Involved, intentional, yet laidback - good vibes are always guaranteed. I make sure to be whatever you or your friends and family need in the moment. My number one goal is for couples to stay present and have a stress-free day, while also enjoying the pockets of time spent in front of the camera. Those portraits should feel fun, not stiff.

What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?

Hard toss between film and content creation - I love both for different reasons. Content creation lets me showcase the entire story of the day, and because I also do it professionally for resorts/hotels worldwide, it comes naturally to me - I’m always itching to capture the behind-the-scenes moments.

But film… film might just take the cake. Film adds a sense of nostalgia and depth - there’s truly nothing like the feeling of getting your rolls back from the lab and seeing the magic it adds to a gallery. For an adrenaline junkie like me, the waiting and anticipation are the perfect reward - a rush that scratches my ADHD brain just right.

Where would you love to travel to for work?

I’ve been fortunate to travel for some truly incredible weddings, but there are still a few destinations I’m dreaming of. I would love to document a celebration in Portugal, where my mom was born, or in Ireland and Scotland, tied to my dad’s side of the family. France for those beautiful chateau vibes, or Mallorca, Spain - my favorite place on earth. Iceland is also on the list!

What is your advice to couples getting married?

Make your wedding day yours - focus on what feels joyful and meaningful to you as a couple, incorporate the things you love, and, honestly, screw traditions that don’t fit.

Be fully present - laugh, cry, hug, kiss, dance, and soak it all in.

Trust your team - the happiest couples trust they’ve done all they can, show up with open hearts, and rely on their vendors to handle the details so they can enjoy the day fully.

Your wedding isn’t a performance - it’s a story. Let it unfold naturally, intentionally and authentically, and remember that at the end of the day, what truly matters is marrying the love of your life.

Embrace the unexpected - surrender control when things don’t go exactly as planned; sometimes those moments become the most memorable.

Shaina Sterrett Photography

Website: shainasterrett.com

Instagram: @shainasterrett