LOCATION : South East United States and soon Oahu, Hawaii
NUMBER OF YEARS IN THE BUSINESS : One
How/When did you discover that had talent?
I actually started taking pictures back in high school as the head photographer for our annual staff. However, I really developed a love for wedding photography after being given the opportunity to 2nd shoot with a local photographer early last year. Ever since my first wedding I’ve been hooked!
What should couples consider when choosing a wedding photographer?
There are two main points that a couple should consider in their search for their wedding photographer. The first should be the style of the photographer. If a couple wants a modern, contemporary feel to their portraits they should definitely consider a photographer with that flair rather than say, a more traditional vendor. Equally as important however is how you feel when you meet your photographer. Your photographer is one of the only vendors that are going to be with you from the beginning to the end of your wedding day. You want to make sure that you choose someone who you are comfortable with; otherwise you will not be happy with how your images turn out.
When choosing a wedding photographer, I always tell my couples to look for a professional photographer with ‘the eye’. Do you agree with me on the importance of that or am I being paranoid?
I definitely think that it is important to select someone whose images you identify with. You want to be able to look at a photographer’s portfolio and imagine yourself inside some of their images. If you can visualize their style and their images at your event then you have probably selected the appropriate vendor.
How can couples help the wedding day flow smoothly?
The best thing that a couple can do on their wedding day is just to remember to have fun! The wedding day can be an extremely complicated and stressful time, but when it all comes down to it all that really matters is that at the end of the day you’re going to be married to the man or woman of your dreams.
Why do your couples choose you?
I think that the main reason that my couples decide to use me for their wedding photography needs is the personal connection that I bring to each of my clients. I make sure that I sit down and talk to everyone that I book on an individual basis to ensure that the images that they truly want on their wedding day are going to be part of the final product which I present to them. I also think that my outgoing and friendly personality helps people feel extremely comfortable with me, again giving them the familiarity factor necessary for a great vendor relationship.
Some photographers simply print their images. Tell us how/why you decide to edit an image to give it more character? And can you show us an example of before/after?
One of the only things that truly set photographers apart in the digital day and age is the “style” of the final product which they present to their clients. My personal style takes my SOOC (straight out of camera) shots to the next level through a process of color correction, sharpening and contrast adjustments. This is the WOW factor that takes a good, solid picture and makes it a tangible memory of their special day that they will cherish forever.
To capture all you do throughout the wedding day you must have eyes in the back of your head. Is that a learned technique or instinct?
I think it’s a little bit of both! Everyone knows when you go to a wedding you’re going to see the basic shots of the first kiss, cake cutting and bouquet toss. It’s being able to catch those little moments however, such as a mother’s tears as her husband walks their little girl down the aisle or the special giggle that a bride reserves for her best friend that sets some photographers apart from the competition.
What would you love to scream to the mountaintops to couples who are in the process of choosing their wedding photographer?
One of the best things that you can do is schedule an engagement session with your photographer. That way you have a taste of what it’s going to be like to work with them before the big day. It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions and really get to know your photographer as an individual instead of just a business. Make sure that at the end of the day you have no doubts about your choice. If you have any questions, even if you think they are insignificant, ask them! A vendor would much rather have answered all of your questions before the occasion rather than not satisfy a client when all is said and done. Choose someone that you are comfortable with, that you admire and that you absolutely can’t wait to work with!
Your impromptu thoughts on wedding photography:
Make sure that if your photos are truly important to you that you set aside appropriate amounts of time and energy on your wedding day to allow the photographer to capture that perfect shot. Never discount the power of colors, lighting, details and backdrops that will not only bring your wedding together as a whole and beautiful occasion, but will also allow you to have photographs of a superior caliber to remember always.
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