Josh Bowie Photography established in 2006

Vancouver Photographer

Award-Winning Photography by Josh Bowie

Group of children laughing at a bat mitzvah event
Engagement photo in the park
Portrait photo of a small boy blowing bubbles
A Bride sitting on a bench by the lake
Photo of a bar mitzvah venue
Black and white photo of a bride smiling
Portrait photo of a small girl wearing a parka in autumn
A day at the beach with the family
Black and white engagement photo
Small boy skipping down the stairs at a bar mitzvah event
Family photo of a mother with two sons in the park
A bride and groom running towards each other
bat mitzvah event photo of a girl on the street
Bride looking back over her shoulder
Photo of a father holding his daughter up in the air
Maternity photo of a couple on the beach

JOSH BOWIE PHOTOGRAPHY


Josh Bowie is a professional photographer based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He specializes in event and family photography and has photographed countless occasions. Photography services include weddings, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, charity fundraisers, business events, social events, birthday parties and much more.


His work has been recognized on a national level and has appeared in many wedding photography magazines and blogs. Some of these include Real Weddings and Wedluxe. Josh offers a professional yet easy-going approach to photography. His unobtrusive style allows people to be authentic and in the moment.


Josh's warm personality helps people feel comfortable and at ease. This allows them to relax and be themselves in the photos. The result is images that are natural and full of emotion. They capture real life moments that evoke feelings in the viewer, making them feel like they were there in the moment.


I had the pleasure of photographing the annual conference for the Crane Rental Association of Canada. I was told this would be a fun crowd - a very kind, generous and personable community. And that was certainly my experience. It was a pleasure to spend 3 days documenting this conference and to learn about the crane industry! These photos are from the first day, enjoying some community building at the beautiful Furry Creek golf course. Not a bad way to spend the afternoon! #furrycreekgolf @furrycreekgolf
It was a pleasure to photograph the JFS Innovators Luncheon and to support such a good cause. It was inspiring to hear a few of the many success stories, as well as thought provoking to hear from the featured speaker, Anders Sorman-Nilsson. #jfsinnovators2023
A peek into Charlie's amazing bar mitzvah. This was such a fun event to photograph and be a part of. We got some great family photos at the start and then some awesome candid photos of the party. The dance floor was on fire and everyone had an amazing time. #barmitzvahparty #eventphotography #suttonplacehotels
A few photos from Libby's awesome bat mitzvah @fairmontpacific It was a beautiful and colourful event, filled with family and friends. Great planning and great vibes on the dance floor with @jzecrew It was a pleasure to photograph this event! #eventphotography #fairmontpacificrim #batmitzvah
Such a lovely atmosphere at Zach's bar mitzvah - it was relaxed, fun and welcoming. The decor looked great (@wowscapesdecor), the dance floor was lively (@jzecrew) and everyone had a great time. It was a pleasure to photograph this event! #bethisraelvancouver #barmitzvahphotography #eventphotography
Great night of basketball last night at the Richmond Oval. The final games of the season were played and the kids battled hard. Great to see everyone out competing and showing good sportsmanship. #sportsphotography #richmondolympicoval #splitsecondbasketball
Great to see the dance floor packed and the kids dancing hard at Jake's bar mitzvah. So fun getting candid photos of the kids tearing up the dance floor! The room looked great and the party was a big success! #jzcrew #arras.vancouver #eventphotography #barmitzvahphotography
A look into the Split Second Basketball Immersion program. Love the black and white photos with dramatic lighting pouring through the windows. It's always fun getting action photos of the Split Second players. #splitsecondbasketball #richmondoval
Such a beautiful event and lovely family. It was a pleasure to capture these moments and many more. It was such a fun event to photograph and the photos turned out beautifully. Amazing job planning this event by Jordan Zwicker #jzcrew #eventphotography #batmitzvahparty
It was my pleasure to photograph the 80th birthday party of Dr. Shin. The party was warm, vibrant and full of joy, which I think really captures the personality of Dr. Shin. It was really interesting to hear different speakers talk about his life and his accomplishments. He is a man that leaves an impression on everyone he meets. He is clearly loved and respected by those around him. It's always an honour to photograph personal events and to be so closely involved in these intimate family moments. #hotelvancouver #hotelvancouverfairmont #eventphotography
My handsome nephew, bringing his A-game in these bar mitzvah photos! Looking good Matthew!
When you have a flair for the arts you have to let it shine... A Hollywood theme was appropriate for this event! It was a great party and a pleasure to photograph. Always a pleasure working with @wowscapesdecor and having music by JZ Entertainment @jzecrew.
Split Second Basketball classes in action! It's always a pleasure to document these programs. Split Second offers skills classes, mentorship programs, 3 on 3 leagues, club teams and more. There is something to suit players of every level. @splitsecondbasketball
The timeless beauty of black and white portraits, with a quiet overcast day, and a lovely bride...
7 wonderful years with this creative, energetic, loving, beautiful, thoughtful woman. You are a wonderful partner. I really value how we navigate the ups and downs of life/marriage and can talk about anything. I love our silly inside jokes that no one understands, and that we can make each other laugh. I love you dearly.
I really enjoyed photographing this wedding and this lovely, open-hearted couple. They were so patient, having their wedding plans postponed numerous times over 2+ years of Covid. Thanks to UBC Botanical Gardens for allowing us to walk around and explore the spectacular landscape. @ubcgarden @elle.weddings @railtowncaters @the_wildbunch
What to do for my first Instragram post? Well, I just came across an old photo of me in action, doing some portraits for friends, and thought this would be an appropriate place to start. I look forward to sharing more of my work....

"Photography for me is all about following my instincts."

Josh has a passion for photography. He believes that your photographs should bring up the memories of how you felt in the moment.


When you see a gorgeous photo from your child’s bar or bat mitzvah or a beautiful photo from your wedding reception, Josh wants you to hear the laughter, feel the warmth and remember the joy that was present.


Decades from now, when you are looking through your photo album, he wants all of the sounds, feelings and emotions from your event to come flooding back to you.

When photographing events or portraits, Josh has a few technical techniques he likes to use. Whenever possible, he likes to photograph people using a shallow depth of field. This makes the subject stand out against the background and draws the viewers’ attention to their emotion and expression. 


Whenever possible, he also prefers shooting with natural light. The natural light tends to keep the dimensions and contrast in an image, helping the image look natural. It is also flattering to the subject and keeps the skin soft with minimal shine. Whenever Josh uses flash, he has techniques which make the final photo look natural. This avoids the look of the flash. 


Josh likes to use a variety of lenses to capture different images and candid moments. At times he uses a telephoto lens because it allows him to be far enough away to avoid drawing attention to himself. He is close enough to clearly capture the moment. A telephoto lens also gives a slightly different look than a wide-angle lens. This can be more flattering for portraits. 


Wide-angle lenses are great to show more of the background and also to capture spontaneous moments among bigger groups of people. The wide-angle lens allows great flexibility in shooting. It can be a great lens choice at a reception or party. It captures spontaneous moments and has creative angles that often result in interesting images.


The range of lenses Josh uses offers the best possible coverage of an event. It captures the more intimate, emotional gestures and facial expressions of people. It also takes the bigger picture into consideration. These same lenses and techniques are also effective for family portraits. 


Family photo on a sunny day in the park

Family Photo Shoots

By Josh Bowie • August 23, 2022
I like the creativity of using graphic design elements and the ability to customize each portrait to suit the style and aesthetic of the family.
Outdoor wedding - Bride walking down the isle with her parents

Photographing Weddings

By Josh Bowie • July 10, 2022
I had finished a portion of the photography program at Langara College and was just starting out as a professional photographer.
Backyard gathering of grad students around the pool

Event Photography

By Josh Bowie • May 8, 2022
I talk about my experience getting started as an event photographer in Vancouver and the different aspects of the profession that I appreciate.

JOSH
BOWIE


VANCOUVER PHOTOGRAPHER


Josh experienced success early in his career as a local wedding photographer in Vancouver. The third wedding that he photographed was a beautiful backyard wedding. It ended up being a feature in Real Weddings magazine as a 3-page spread.


It was a real honor to be recognized and featured so early on, and reaffirmed that he was on the right career path.


Since then, he has continued to refine his craft and aesthetic taste in order to create magazine-worthy images for all of his clients.


Josh has experience working in all types of environments. This allows him to capture memorable moments, regardless of the setting or weather conditions. He has photographed weddings, families and events of all kinds.


  • What is the best way to inquire?

    The best way to inquire is by sending me an email. You can also give me a call or send me a text at 604-897-7689.


    Bookings for events are on a first-come, first-serve basis and I generally require a deposit to secure the date. Send me an email and I'll be happy to walk you through the process; it’s easy. 


    We have also compiled a list of places you can find us online.

  • What if we feel uncomfortable having our photo taken?

    Many of the people I meet with say, "We are not photogenic and feel awkward having our photo taken!” Not to worry, this is common. 


    My personality and photography style are relaxed and easy-going, which allows you to feel the same way. To get great photos, all you have to do is be yourselves and enjoy each other's company. I take care of the rest.

  • How do we pose properly for photos?

    Often, when I meet with couples, they will have already looked through my website or talked with friends that have hired me in the past. They will usually have seen samples of weddings I have photographed and will know they are attracted to the style and feeling of my photos.


    My style of photography is to capture people in a natural way, so that people and their expressions look relaxed and authentic. 


    I want the photos to capture the real emotion and expressions of the individuals. After seeing examples of my photos, new clients will often wonder and ask how they have to pose, stand or act to get similar results. This is a common question and concern for people. We are not models and are not accustomed to having our photograph taken.  


    I always tell my clients that all I need from them is to relax and be themselves, as best they can. Enjoy each other's company - throw your arms around each other and enjoy the moment. 


    All clients have to do is be in the moment and enjoy themselves. It’s my job to find the best light, the best angles and the best lenses to capture the images. I will always offer guidance and some gentle posing to my couples and I’ll create a safe environment where they can feel at ease and themselves. 


    I know that within a short time, couples will relax, realize there isn’t anything extraordinary required of them and they will settle in. I very rarely photograph models. 


    Most of my clients are people with limited experience having their photo taken by a professional photographer. I will help you to ensure we get beautiful, authentic looking photos.

  • When should I book my wedding photographer?

    The first priority when planning a wedding is to pick a date and secure a venue. The wedding date and venue are the foundation. Once they are secure, it’s often best to hire your photographer. 


    It is important to book early as they generally book based on a first come, first served basis. Once booked, they can’t accept another wedding. Other vendors, like florists and caterers, can book many weddings in a day. There isn’t the same need to lock them in as soon as possible.


    Generally, couples will book a photographer 6-12 months in advance to secure a date. This is especially important for peak days in the summer, such as a Saturday in July or August. 


    With that said, I’ve had couples book me a couple of years in advance. I've had  couples that have booked me a couple of weeks before the wedding. If I am available, I’m happy to help.

  • When do we receive our photos?

    After an event or family portrait, I take the time to go through each image and pick out the best ones. My next step is to re-touch each image with my signature style ensuring the highest quality photos. Re-touching the images is time consuming but also a very important part of the process. 


    I don’t believe couples or families should have to wait months to receive their photographs. Even at my peak times, I guarantee your images will be re-touched and delivered in high resolution within 4 weeks of your event or portrait session.


Let's talk about your project.


Send us an email or call/text

(604) 897-7689


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