As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, I find myself reflecting on the whirlwind of a year that has been my first full wedding season as a photographer. Many of my clients over the years have begged me to capture their wedding day. Until this year, my answer was always a firm- “no.” I didn’t feel like I had the right help, equipment or practice with weddings. But after shadowing fellow photographers, shooting two of my sister’s weddings and figuring out a way to make my fine-art portraiture ways be able to translate to weddings, I made the leap and said yes to my first few, boutique style weddings. From capturing magical moments to navigating unexpected challenges, this year has been an unforgettable journey. With the “wedding season” coming to a close, I want to share my experiences, lessons learned, and the profound joy I’ve found in documenting one of the most important days in people’s lives.
The Magic of Love
Embarking on my wedding photographer journey was both thrilling and daunting. My journey began with deciding how and why I wanted to do weddings. I wanted the opportunity to offer my clients even more big moments and timeless memories to be captured, forever, in a beautiful and artistic style. I was able to figure out how to continue offering my core belief of “Quality of Quantity” by give my clients the very best. This is done by me only taking on what I call “boutique style weddings”. Small, intimate and romantic weddings are my sweet spot. I am able to capture the details of their big day while capturing the details and telling the story of their entire day in a sweet and meaningful way. Next up were countless hours of research, honing my photography skills, practicing at other weddings and finagling numbers and pricing.
One of the most beautiful aspects of being a wedding photographer is bearing witness to the profound love and connection between couples. This is something I try to capture in all of my sessions, so weddings, to me, wouldn’t be any different. Each wedding is a unique story, and I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless heartfelt moments. From the exchange of vows to the first dance, I’ve been touched by the deep emotions that unfold throughout the day.
Chasing the Light
Weddings can be unpredictable, and adapting to changing lighting conditions has been a constant challenge. Whether it’s shooting in harsh sunlight that casts strong shadows or capturing the warm glow of a sunset during golden hour, I’ve learned the importance of being flexible and making the most of available light. These moments of adaptation have pushed me to grow as a photographer and have led to some of my most creative and visually stunning shots.
Weddings are not just about capturing beautiful images; they are also about forming connections with couples and their families. Over the course of the year, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know some incredible people and hearing their unique love stories. These relationships have added a deeper layer of meaning to my work. I’ve been welcomed into their lives, trusted to document their special day, and in return, I’ve become a part of their cherished memories.
The Power of Storytelling
Every wedding tells a story, and I’ve learned to approach each event with a storyteller’s mindset. Through carefully composed shots and candid moments, I strive to convey the emotions, personalities, and narrative of the day. The magic lies in creating a visual narrative that will be cherished for generations. When couples look at their wedding photos years from now, I want them to feel like they are reliving those moments, rekindling the same emotions and love that they felt on their special day.
As the wedding season comes to a close, I can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be part of so many couples’ special days. The trust they’ve placed in me to capture their moments is a responsibility I take to heart. I’ve been welcomed into countless celebrations and have left with a heart full of gratitude for the love and joy that surround these events. The smiles, the tears, and the laughter have all become a part of my own story as a wedding photographer.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on my first year of weddings, I can’t help but look ahead with excitement and anticipation. While this season may be coming to a close, the memories and lessons learned will stay with me forever. With each wedding season, I know I’ll continue to grow, learn, and capture the magic of love through the lens of my camera. I already have a few weddings booked for next year, and I will eagerly await numerous big days!
My first year as a professional wedding photographer has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, challenges, and beautiful moments. As the wedding season draws to a close, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The joy of documenting love stories and the connections formed along the way have made this journey incredibly rewarding. I’ve not only captured moments but also created lasting memories for the couples and families I’ve had the honor of working with.
Every click of the shutter has been a brushstroke on the canvas of my photographic journey. It’s a journey that has deepened my love for the art of storytelling through images. From the moment a bride walks down the aisle to the laughter shared during the reception, these are the threads that weave the tapestry of a wedding day, and I’m privileged to be the one who captures them.
As I pack away my equipment at the end of this wedding season, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of fulfillment. The tears of joy, the heartfelt embraces, and the timeless moments frozen in my photographs are a testament to the love that surrounds us all. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I’m eager to continue documenting love stories, learning, and growing as a photographer in the years to come.
To all the couples who trusted me to be a part of their special day, to all the families who welcomed me into their celebrations, and to all the moments that unfolded in front of my lens, I say thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be a witness to your love, your happiness, and your beautiful journey together. It’s been an incredible first year, and I can’t wait to see where this path leads me next.
In the world of wedding photography, each season is a new chapter, and I’m excited to turn the page and see what stories await in the next year. As the final notes of the wedding season’s symphony fade away, I’ll carry with me the melodies of love and the memories of a year spent doing what I love most—capturing the magic of weddings through the lens of my camera. The future holds endless possibilities, new challenges to conquer, and more love stories waiting to be told. I’m ready to embrace it all with open arms and an open shutter.