Meet
Behind closed doors, most photographers tend to complain when a client asks for a particular editing style different from their norm. Most photographers, to be fair, pick the style they like the most, and stick with it for consistency in their brand and overall cohesiveness of their portfolio. Some might also feel most comfortable inside a certain style, and stepping outside of that preset is a daunting concept. But I find myself drawn to nearly every photographic style that exists. There is a unique beauty and purpose for each, and there should be no aesthetic deemed superior to another. I did not arrive at this conclusion easily. After all, it goes against every "how to" guide created for professional photographers. "Consistency is key!" says the booming voice of industry standards.
get to know the mind
I've been around cameras for as long as I can remember. My first memories revolved around learning how to shoot using film, and looking through old photographs clinging to glossy pages in albums. There's a grit and magic to film that can't be repeated, and in college, my most favorite thing was developing my own film in the absolute black of the darkroom. My passion for photography, both film and digital, has evolved into an entire brand that I grew from the ground up. When I earned my Master of Fine Arts degree in Photography & Graphic Design, it opened even more doors of creative insight, and I discovered a gaping hole in the photo and video industry...
And I'll be the first to admit I believed this for a while. Ask some of my past clients who experienced the "I only do this style" regurgitation. (If any of you are reading this... I apologize for my lack of foresight). Ironically, photographers are generally taught to "only have one style," especially if they want to give off a "luxury" brand identity.
Wouldn't you want to have something personalized to only you in a luxury setting? Why force clients into a pigeon-hole style, slap the same preset on everything, and call it a day.... when clients could actually have a say in the editing process? Yes... they trust me as the professional, but shouldn't they also trust me to create something that speaks to their soul as well?
And that's when it hit me: Why is that luxury?
I can fully understand why most photographers do not want to offer this. It makes our jobs significantly more time consuming. Instead of hitting "copy/paste," we have to actually take a breath. It requires communication, hearing (as well as listening). And it also takes a significant amount of humility and understanding to acknowledge that perhaps a client has a different vision than we do as artists. That Boho Bride might not want a gritty edit, even though Pinterest tells us she should. Likewise, that Private Club couple might not want the light and airy film look, and instead they want to break free from the expected with more moody tones. The trick is to see the client's vision and not our own, which takes patience, knowledge of the craft, and a sprinkling of imagination. It also helps not to take yourself too seriously.
So, all that said, if it sounds like we might be a good fit for one another, and you don't mind the potential of me sending you gifs as a form of communication. Please say hello, and let's talk about your vision for your wedding day.
Tell Me About You
My husband Aaron and I got married in 2013. Since then, we’ve traveled the world together and created the two most beautiful little humans my soul has ever met (sure, I might be biased, but I’m okay with that). My faith in Jesus Christ guides every step of my life, and has been a strong foundation in the ups and downs on this earth. Every day I see more and more the love that God must have for us, as I grow in love with my own children. Love is such a complex and beautiful thing. A passionate choice. A determined devotion. And it’s truly an honor to be part of capturing so many love stories every single day.