EXPERIENCE

It's Personal

I am often bemused when I hear other creatives & artists refer to their commissioned work as not being their "personal work". I just can't wrap my head around it. As an artist, especially one who so highly values the HUMAN element and condition in all things, I simply can not imagine making the type of connections that I do with my clients and not have it be A deeply personal experience to create art with and for them. Getting to know my clients is as much a part of the process as the moment my camera shutter closes. In order to capture someone authentically, during the most intimate and important moments of their life, requires a connection and relationship that is INCREDIBLY personal. I'm invested in that process and those moments with my clients. I laugh with them, dance with them, cry with them, grieve with them. Whatever part of their life story I am telling, I am there in it with them, I don't find myself able to capture them truthfully without fully diving in to those experiences with them. There is a little bit of myself in everything I create, and i tie myself closely to my art in all of its forms. Therefore, I consider ALL of my work to be personal.

“A portrait is not made in the camera, but on either side of it.”

— Edward Steichen

Making sure we are not just a good fit for each other, but an AMAZING match is crazy important to me. It is what makes or breaks the process of capturing you in a way that really tells the story of who you are and what you are all about. I want you to be sure the experience that you have with me is one that makes you feel something deeply personal when you look back at the images. I want our phone conversations and meetings to feel like you are talking to an old friend, not just another wedding vendor. I want you to feel like you can be 100% yourself at all time, no matter what.

WHAT MATTERS most

AUTHENTICITY

Creative storytelling is my goal in how I capture your day. I want the final images to be an artful representation of all of the magic and love expereinced! On wedding days, you will find that I try to be a bit of a wallflower/people watcher/stalker during the documentary parts of the day. I try to be unobtrusive in my presence so that I can capture authentic moments as they happen. During

TRUST

That being said...the way that I accomplish ALL of that for you is by developing trust and our relationship prior to your session/wedding. During the times that need more leading, you will find me to be quite the opposite from my documentary mode of doing things. It really is a fine balance during wedding days. Some confident direction is needed during the scheduled and structured parts of the day such as family photos, and making sure people stay on schedule so that extra stress doesn't occur. I consider this part of my job in order to make sure your wedding day experience is one that allows for authentic, emotional moments to happen. All of this means we have to get to know each other well enough for you to trust me to handle those things for you the day of your wedding.

VALUE

Photographs are the one thing from your wedding day, family session, really any type of photography, that not only holds value over time, but INCREASES. Your wedding images are really one of the only things you get to keep after the day is all over. I get that because I'm a photographer you kind of feel that I have to say that, but your photographs are likely to be the most important investment you make for your wedding day. These images will be passed down for years to come to your children and their children. Those florals and dinners won't. I take that responsibility seriously and price my services accordingly with their value to make sure that you have something that will truly last not just your lifetime, but for many other lifetimes as well.

It's not about the destination.

Yes, that sounds wrong coming from a destination photographer. But it's true! Regardless of where, how, or when your wedding or session takes place, I treat them all the same when it comes to your experience with me! You can be just as in love with each other at home on the couch as you would be on a Greek island. The same goes for how I feel about capturing that love. No two love stories are the same. They are each their own unique adventure, and I love capturing what it is about YOU that makes that love story unique, not the surroundings. So when we are session planning I will ask you about things you love doing together, places that are special to you, where you spend the most time together, or favorite family activities. I try to incorporate not just your personal style, but places, people, and things that are personal to YOU. I want it to be a memory making experience for you,

"Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope."

- Maya Angelou

KEEP IT MOVINg

When it comes to posing, I am not a big fan of overly posed or awkward styling. I like to keep things relaxed and comfortable by keeping things moving. Standing in one place too long or staring at a camera lens are just not natural behaviors. Through movement and activity, directing you with prompts and suggestions, I try to create real moments of emotion and reaction.

LETS PLAY

I sometimes joke at the end of sessions that I should pre-warn clients that they are gonna get their daily workout in. Plus side: you can skip the gym on session day! During family sessions especially, I always tell clients to tell the kids that they are going to do something fun together as a family. Not necessarily focus on the photograph element. I want them to enjoy the time with siblings and parents. Which means we play a lot of games, we run around a lot, we make silly jokes, and we go with the flow!

CUDDLE UP

During your session or directed portion of wedding days you are gonna hear me tell you to cuddle up fairly often. For family sessions I usually either start or end sessions with this quieter time. When this happens is based on whatever I feel the kids need. Some need it to warm up to things, others need it after they've exhausted themselves playing and getting all the sillies out. Regardless of when, there will be lots of love and cuddles and PDA. You've been warned ;)

“There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment.”

— Robert Frank

PARTY ON WAYNE!

DETAILS: I'm one of those people that makes lists. All the lists of all the details. That means prior to wedding day I will be working with you to make a list of all the things and people that are important to you. NOT a specific photo list that you want as far as poses, etc. A list of all your favorite things, people, and anything that is important or special to you! I keep that list with me on wedding days to make sure I remember each thing and capture it or include it for you in a unique way when the opportunity is best. This allows you to be free of the stress of remembering things that day and really be in the moment. Party on!

LIGHT IT UP: I often get asked what type of lighting I use. The simple answer is "All of it". I tend to try to be as unobtrusive as possible if I can, but at the end of the day, I am going to use whatever method of lighting works best for your style and vibe that we are trying to capture. That can range from flashes, to LEDS, video lights, strobes, natural light, etc. All the light!

A FEW MORE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOw

AVAILABILITY: I limit the number of weddings that I take per year. I also limit the number of available sessions each month. I do this so that each client receives the very best of my and my energy/creativity for their project. I could take 70 weddings a year, but I would be burned out and unavailable to you. Nobody needs that. So in an effort to make sure my clients receive the best version of me possible.

RESCHEDULING: I try to be as flexible as possible with clients. I get that life happens, unexpected things come up, kids get sick, relationships struggle, etc. I get that the day or week that you picked for your sessions might not be ideal when it finally comes along. PLEASE let me know if this happens. Trying to force a session or those emotional moments is sooo difficult if you really aren't feeling it. If possible, we will reschedule or figure out an alternative that works.

More details and info can be found

on the FAQ page! Click below.

FAQ_____________read more...EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW