About the Awards
Contestants will receive the scores of the judges in an atmosphere of transparency and scores from three judges on on every submission. Judging categories are: composition, creativity, lighting, aesthetics, editing
Our goal is to create a community that recognizes the hard work photographers put into their craft and to grow our skills together as an industry.
The West Coast Wedding Awards are for photographers who reside in Alaska (USA), British Columbia (Canada), Washington (USA), Oregon (USA) and California (USA) at the time of submission.
Submissions open April 28, 2025
Deadline for entry is May 12th 2025.
Each photo gets feedback and comments from three judges on a score out of 100 on the following categories: composition, creativity, lighting, aesthetics, editing.
Pricing is $30CAD for one photo, or $25CAD for multiple.
EARLY BIRD PRICING: From April 28-May 5, early bird pricing is $25 CAD for one photo, or $20 CAD
Meet the owner
Caroline Ross
I’m a commercial photographer and college instructor living in Vancouver, BC. Originally from Northern Ontario, I spent a few years living and shooting in St. Maarten before moving to Vancouver, where I live with my spouse. I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Laurentian University and studied Digital Art at Cambrian College. I shot weddings from 2008 to 2023 and am now semi-retired from wedding photography.
As a college instructor, I understand how arduous it can be for artists to receive feedback on their work, and how difficult it can be to find industry professionals willing to provide it. I believe it’s important for artists to get feedback, no matter how long they’ve been in the field. It's never too late to learn something new!
Fashion Work: www.carolinecharlotteross.ca
Wedding Work: www.carolinephotography.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/carolineross
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caroline_in_thecity
Retiree
Tanja Aelbrecht
I’m originally from Belgium, where I worked as a physiotherapist, before moving to Vancouver BC in 2011 and starting my career as a wedding photographer. I’ve been a full-time photographer since 2013, together with my hubby, in our niche business that focuses on outdoorsy, adventurous and spontaneous couples. We have been rewarded with numerous magazine publications and a couple of awards.
When starting out in the wedding photography industry many years ago, I quickly learned how important it is to have access to feedback to grow in my craft. I was lucky to have great mentors in my environment, but when it comes to contests, I felt there was often a lack of feedback and transparency. So I’m beyond excited to start the West Coast Wedding Awards with the talented Caroline Ross!
Starting in 2022, I have started a new business venture with my husband, called Chunky Squirrel where we offer website maintenance and SEO services.
Website: chunkysquirrel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/chunkysquirrel
Insta: instagram.com/chunkysquirrelservices
Twitter: twitter.com/jelgerandtanja
Pinterest:pinterest.com/jelgerandtanja
Each year WCWA collects $5 from each late submission fee and donates it to a charity.
In 2022 WCWA raised $250 for was Rainbow Refugee and will continue to donate to this cause for 2023.
West Coast Wedding Awards is an awards program for photographers residing on the west coast of Canada and USA.
CONTACT
info @ westcoastweddingawards.com