How 515 Photo Co. Is Keeping Print Alive (and Clients Happy)

There's something special that happens when you walk onto a wedding day and genuinely love the people you're working alongside. For Jaycee, partner at Toronto's 515 Photo Co., this feeling isn't just a nice bonus; it's the foundation of everything they do.

"I don't bring anyone on my team that I can't have a glass of wine with or hang out with... I really think personality is important."

This philosophy extends far beyond her internal team to every vendor relationship they build.

"Teamwork Is Sort of the Key Word"

When Jaycee approaches a wedding day, photography is just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

"As much as we are fully focused on photography, we also understand that sometimes other vendors may need a helping hand."

This might mean helping transport ceremony flowers to the reception venue or simply bringing positive energy that elevates everyone's work.

"I think just bringing really good vibes and making the day really fun—that energy really reflects in the client experience at the end of it."

The result? Weddings that feel more like celebrations among friends than professional obligations. And clients can absolutely feel the difference.

Finding the Right Fit

For Jaycee, attracting aligned clients starts long before the wedding day. On social media, the approach is refreshingly straightforward:

"Post exactly the type of client that you want to attract... we don't focus on social media in the way that's like promotion and sales. We just want to be really true and authentic to ourselves."

When couples reach out, Jaycee leads the meet-and-greet process with genuine curiosity.

"I always start with really getting into the personal questions first—how did you meet? How did you get engaged? Where do you guys like to hang out? What neighborhood are you from?"

In a city like Toronto, made up of so many distinct neighborhoods, these details reveal everything.

"I feel like I can really get to know a couple based on the venue they chose, based on maybe the neighborhood that they love or where they had their first date."

From there, her job is matching couples with the photographer whose personality fits best; while 515's editing style and approach remain consistent across the team, that personal connection is what makes the magic happen.

"We Really Don't Want Print to Die"

While many photographers have embraced the digital-only approach, 515 Photo Co. is swimming against the current, and their clients are better for it. The team has been constantly evolving their print services, offering bespoke wedding albums designed in-house, custom thank you cards, and save the dates.

"We really do try to encourage our couples to take the photos off of the USB, be off of social media and have them live within their homes."

The approach goes deeper than just selling products; it's about creating meaningful experiences.

They work with couples to create gallery walls and frame prints that complement both their wedding day décor and their home aesthetic.

"When you are thinking about using a professional photographer, which we don't really have often in life... maybe it's something a little bit more landscape, maybe it's something a little bit more artsy that doesn't feel like your school picture up on your wall."

How They Keep 25 Years of Work Feeling Fresh

With nearly a quarter-century in business, 515 Photo Co. could easily rest on their reputation. Instead, they're constantly pushing creative boundaries.

"We are constantly sharing amongst our group inspiration from other photographers," Jaycee notes, drawing ideas from Europe, Australia, and around the world. Their weekly sneak peek process has become an internal inspiration engine. After every wedding, the team shares a curated collection of images that tells the day's story.

"Every week we're sharing amongst the team the sneak peeks, and I think the team gets ideas from each other as well."

But perhaps most importantly, they remain adaptable to each couple's vision:

"You may have one couple one weekend that wants something really edgy and moody... and then some couples the next weekend could be wanting something a little bit more classic, a little bit more light and airy."

Destination Work: A New Chapter

Post-COVID, 515 Photo Co. has leaned into what Jaycee calls the "travel revenge" trend: couples ready to celebrate in stunning locations around the world. Building relationships with planners and vendors outside their Toronto home base has become a major focus.

"It's so amazing when you get an opportunity to travel across the world and shoot and work with new people and build new relationships... that's really been inspiring for our team."

The shift has been intentional. Co-founder Mike now focuses primarily on destination work throughout Europe, particularly in Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Meanwhile, the team continues capturing celebrations across Canada, the US, Mexico, and beyond. It's a natural evolution for a company built on connection; now they're just building those connections across continents.

The Production Team That Makes Magic Happen

While the photographers capture the moments, Jaycee is quick to highlight the unsung heroes:

"Our production team... they really are 50% of the job and really kill it and work so hard."

This full-service, in-house production team works Monday through Friday in their downtown Toronto studio, delivering sneak peeks within one week and full galleries in six to eight weeks: turnaround times that have become legendary in their industry.

Her Advice for Newer Vendors

When asked what she'd tell someone just breaking into the industry, Jaycee's wisdom is both practical and heartfelt:

• Stay true to yourself: "Something that really feels like it's coming from the heart will always translate to people."
• Build genuine relationships: Show up authentically and be willing to get your hands dirty for the team
• Go above and beyond: "We're all here for one job, and that's to make this one day as special as possible."
• Remember there's room for everyone: "There's enough weddings to go around for all of us."

Style Me Pretty's Role in Their Journey

515 Photo Co. has been a long-time Style Me Pretty partner, and the relationship exemplifies what vendor partnerships should look like.

"We love Style Me Pretty... there's no question if we want to renew our membership," Jaycee shares. She particularly appreciates how Style Me Pretty has highlighted Canadian talent and provided the recognition that quality vendors deserve.

"The fact that we have no question into making that investment every single year is a huge testament to what you guys do as a team."

A Name with Meaning

Here's an early congrats to 515 Photo Co. as they approach their 25th anniversary this May 15th, the very date that gave them their name. But the number holds even more significance: 5:15pm represents that golden transition from work to play, "that feeling where your shoulders can really lean back and relax." It's also golden hour, the magical window for photography when light is at its most beautiful.

Since becoming a partner a couple years ago, Jaycee is now approaching her 10th year in the industry. The company has come a long way since co-founder Mike started as a photo assistant at just 16 years old, working his way up to ownership. Together, they've built something that feels less like a business and more like a family, one that just happens to capture love for a living.