Yellowknife (Feb 19/03) - Time is the secret to memorable wedding photos, said local photographer Astrid Kruse.

Kruse has been a photographer for more than 20 years and has spent the past four years specializing in wedding photos.

She says having enough time -- two hours for a large wedding party -- is the secret to taking the captivating and often spontaneous shots she has a knack for.

"You do need the time," she stressed while pouring over her diverse portfolio. " Some people don't allow for enough time between the wedding and the reception."

She describes her job as "documentary." If given enough time, she takes photos of the bride and her party preparing for the wedding, the ceremony itself and the more formal family photos immediately after the ceremony.

The quest for the perfect pictures starts six months before the wedding.

Kruse sits with the couple to discuss locations and asks for a list of people the couple want photographed.

The photographer should be booked about six months in advance. Couples should expect to pay half the expense up front to secure their date, said Kruse.

The average package can cost between $1,000 and $2,000. Kruse usually shoots between 20 and 30 rolls of 24-exposure film. And, unlike many photographers, Kruse also hands over the negatives to her clients.

Having some location ideas is also helpful to the photographer.

Outdoor weddings need a "fall back" plan for photos, she said, adding the local weather can be unpredictable, especially in August.

The Legislature grounds and City Hall are usually the greenest outdoor photo locations in Yellowknife, said Kruse.

Posing over the City of Yellowknife sign is one of the most popular fun shots.

One month after the wedding Kruse presents the couple with an album of their special day and all the negatives.

"It's that point I find so enjoyable to see them reflecting over the time," smiled Kruse.

"So much happens in that day. There are parts they don't remember and the photos brings it all back."