I’ve been dabbling in photography since 2010-ish, but became a legit business in 2012. By legit, I mean I registered with the state, started paying taxes and got business insurance – all the fun things. I didn’t always dream of becoming a photographer but when I did decide to give it a go, I knew I wanted to be in the wedding industry.

ANY ADVICE FOR BRIDES?

Please, please, please plan your wedding day to be about YOU – you don’t have to be like the Jones’. Don’t try to please the masses. There are no rules for weddings so make your day about all the things you love.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MY BUSINESS?

I am in the process of procuring a better experience for my clients. I would like to meet each of my clients before the wedding day. Whether it’s grabbing a quick coffee or talking over Skype. The ultimate meeting is at an engagement session because we can catch each other’s vibes and really get to know each other. This is all important to me because I don’t feel like I’m just another “vendor”, I am with you through ALL the moments and I think you should be comfortable with that! I’m also incorporating client gifts…but that’s all hush, hush until you book me.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A SESSION/WEDDING?

As soon as I get home, I pull out those CF cards and download/backup the pictures. I do not want to lose any, so I do it as soon as I walk in the door! After that is complete, I cull (pick) the best pictures and then import them into Lightroom. That is where I white balance and straighten every picture, if needed. I am the worst about taking a crooked picture; I get excited and forget to shoot straight – dang it! Photoshop happens next, but I do like to keep every thing and person as natural as possible so I don’t spend a whole lot of time there. Then the process of backup begins again – in three different locations (2 hard drives and in the cloud). The photos are uploaded into the client’s gallery and social media gets a few of them.

WHAT’S PLAYING WHILE I EDIT?

Nothing. Complete silence. Just like I am right now. If it was night I could hear crickets…but it is day and I hear birds.

WHAT IS IN MY CAMERA BAG?

• Larabar. I like snacks.
• 2 Canon bodies. I have an old school Canon 5D for backup. I shoot with Canon 5D Mark III
• Canon 35mm
• Canon 50mm
• Canon 70-200mm
• Speedlight x4
• Profoto B1
• And many other gadgets like filters, crystals, cleaning kit, tripods, reflectors, diffuser, etc.

WHAT IS BRIAN’S ROLE?

Brian is my second shooter. At the wedding, I stay with the girls and he hangs with the guys. He also carries all the heavy stuff. Oh, but he thinks his role is to capture the “sneak peek” picture and is somewhat competitive about it. But since I pick all the pictures, hmm hmm…I seem to win more.

WHAT IS A PHOTO SHOOT LIKE WITH US?

I usually start with…this is going to be awkward. It’s awkward because it’s unknown and it may be the first time you are really getting to know us. But don’t worry – – the majority of our session will be us chit chatting and making jokes while getting really good photographs in the mix of it all. We will give you cues to help with posing and keep the shoot fun and light-hearted!

The end.

Or is it? Have a question – feel free to ask in the comments!