This section of my blog is dedicated to all the little details, stories, and advice that I’ve received and given over the past few years. If you’ve ever wanted to know a little more about what goes into the making of wedding photographer – you’re in the right place!
What’s in my bag?
Cameras:
Nikon D700
Nikon D300
Lenses:
50mm f/1.4G
85mm f/1.4G
24-70mm f/2.8
70-200mm f/2.8
105mm f/2.8 Macro
Lighting:
SB900 Flashes
Nikon SD-9 Battery Pack
Gary Fong Lightsphere
Reflectors for Portraiture
Whether you’re an aspiring professional photographer, a student, or a colleague interested in how I’ve gotten to this point in my career – I’m always happy to share my experiences and give advice! If you have a question that is not answered below, don’t hesitate to send me a message! Although I may not be able to respond right away, I do my best to answer everyone’s questions as they arise!
When did you first start taking portraits?
My very first portrait session was in my senior year of high school, nearly four years ago. I started just as many other photographers do – begging my friends to pose for me as I fell more and more in love with the craft. I would have friends meet me at the park, along the docks in Annapolis, and photograph them while learning many of the basics.
How did you make the jump into wedding photography?
My freshman year in college, I realized that I had this fascination with wedding photography and many of my favorite local photographers at the time were also shooting weddings! So I emailed dozens of local photographers and started second shooting under a few fantastic individuals who have truly shaped my career. I highly recommend second shooting a few weddings before taking on any weddings of your own.
What is the one lens you couldn’t live without?
My 50mm and 85mm f/1.4 are on my camera approximately 95% of the time. They are fast, sharp, and have the potential to capture bokeh so magically it will have your jaw diving for the floor.
Do you think it is necessary to have a photography degree?
I am a firm believer that education is one of the most important aspects to building a strong foundation in any professional field. Whether this education is in the form of a university, technical photography school, or in learning hands on by practice and reading – these methods work best for different types of people.
Going to a traditional college is not the right path for everyone and I believe that it’s more about your determination to learn, rather than where or how you learn it, that will guide your success in the future.
I learned most of what I know about photography from scouring blogs, reading books, and practicing with my camera on manual for countless hours before ever stepping into the professional sphere.
Did you go to school for photography? What is your degree in?
Despite what many people assume, I did not go to school for photography! My degree from the University of Pennsylvania is in Visual Studies – specifically in the psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience of seeing! Most of my courses throughout my undergraduate career were spent reading Descartes, learning about the visual cortex, and exploring various aspects of our sensory perception.
You may be wondering, what does this have to do with wedding & portrait photography?
I argue – Everything.
How we perceive the world, our visual experience, shapes every aspect of our lives. We take so much of our perception for granted and many of us do not realize that our eyes play but a small role in our visual perception. We do not simply see with our eyes, but rather with our mind. Learning about visual perception has changed my entire view of capturing images.
Some would argue that releasing the shutter is just about taking a picture. For me – it’s about rendering the three-dimensional world into two-dimensions, taking a moment and preserving it artistically. The hand of the photographer plays an immense role in the creation of an image – even more than the camera itself.
What books do you recommend for photographers getting started?
My first photography “textbook” was “Photography” by London, Stone, and Upton – which gives a very solid overview of understanding exposure and the basic history of creating photographic images. Most of this information can also be found online if you look hard enough, but sometimes it’s nice to have everything in one place!
I absolutely love “On Photography” by Susan Sontag. My photography professor and undergraduate advisor pointed me towards this book and I just fell into it with open arms. Sontag opens by saying, “To collect photographs is to collect the world” – And many of her points have forced me to think more deeply about the institution of image making. I also borrowed my best friend Krista’s copy of Jose Villa’s book, “Fine Art Wedding Photography” and literally gawked at all of his beautiful imagery. Jose Villa is an incredible artist and his book is filled with strong tips to guide your learning process. I’ve also been dying to get my hands on Kenny Kim’s “Digital Wedding Photographer’s Planner” – he’s a great photographer in the industry and has so much knowledge to share.
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Let’s Have a Little Fun:
I’ve had to answer numerous questions over the past year for different articles and in emails to curious aspiring photographers – some that have gotten me thinking about some more abstract and fun aspects of my job! I’ve compiled a few of these below and will keep adding as new questions are asked and new events unfold.
Describe your dream couple.
My dream couple is any couple like my grandparents… The long-time love story. A couple who fell in love over summers by the bay, growing up together side by side… the love stories that take work, dedication, and unconditional respect.
Those couples… they inspire me. In a word: soul-mates.
Describe your ideal portrait shoot.
My ideal shoot: a big open field of wildflowers, a couple that is madly in love, & a warm sunset. Maybe they are recently engaged; maybe they are celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary. It doesn’t get any better than that.
What is your favorite wedding trend of the moment?
I’m absolutely loving weddings with heirlooms – the passing down of tradition, family items, pieces of significance. I’ve seen multiple weddings this year with brides wearing their grandmother’s rings, hand-me-down hairpieces, and including small details that reference the past. The sentimental value of these sorts of wedding details really gets me!
Tell us a funny story.
Two years ago, I was photographing a wedding on the Chesapeake Bay and had to wade into the water to get this perfect shot of the bridal party. I didn’t realize that a huge jellyfish was slowly swimming towards me and sure enough – I got stung! It was quite a hilarious and painful experience… I still cringe every time I think of that moment.
Luckily – I was working with one of the sweetest couples possible and my second shooter kept me laughing all night long! I guess you could say, I’ll do just about anything for my clients!
Tell us about a surreal experience.
I photographed a wedding for this incredible couple in Baltimore and I received a call from CNN in New York the next day. The bride was a producer for Lou Dobb’s Tonight and they wanted images for their evening broadcast. Seeing my pictures on CNN was incredible! An experience I’ll never forget.
What is one non-photography thing that you could not live without?
This may sound silly, but I absolutely love my GPS! When you’re living in the Maryland, DC, Virginia area you tend to travel a lot to different weddings and portrait locations that are off the beaten path. Prior to buying my GPS, I was prone to get lost so having a device that literally guides me all the way to my destination is key!
You’re at Starbucks. What do you order?
An Iced Unsweetened Green Tea. Preferably a venti.
I get in trouble because I attempt to order iced teas all the way into the winter, even if it means my little fingers freeze!
If you have any questions that you would like for me to answer, don’t hesitate to send me an email!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’ve learned that life rarely goes the way you think it will, as just five years ago I was planning to attend Johns Hopkins University and potentially go pre-med. In five years I want to be married to my best friend, living around Annapolis, and enjoying every moment of this blessed life. Having a camera in my hand is pretty much a given. Photography is in my blood now, we’re one in the same.
