Since I seemed to get asked about this by many of the couples with whom I meet about wedding photography, here is the (greatly abbreviated) story of how I got started as a wedding photographer. Try not to fall asleep while reading!
I have been an avid
photographer since 1976, when I discovered
photography while in college. I began photographing weddings in
1980, after a friend who had seen samples of my work asked if I
would take the photos of her upcoming wedding. The conversation went something like this -
Me - "You do realize that I've never taken wedding pictures before, right?"
Bride - "That's alright. You do realize that I can't afford to pay you, right?"
Me - "Will this count as my wedding present?"
Bride - "Only if you do a good job. And if you don't, you have to deal with my mother!"
Under the circumstances, how could I say no? :) Somewhat to my surprise, I loved the experience! The bride was very happy with her pictures, and I was referred to a friend for her wedding. More referrals followed, and within a couple of years I was booked for at least one wedding almost every summer weekend, and even was picking up off-season bookings. At this point I decided to get serious about photography, because taking pictures at weddings was a lot more fun than working! Since then, I have
photographed weddings at locations all over the country -
including Vermont, Massachusetts, Detroit, and San Francisco -
and well over 1000 weddings in the Pacific Northwest. And the rest, as they say, is history.
 |
Filming a wedding is
serious business, but also needs to be serious fun! Everyone has
heard nightmare stories of the "Photographer from Hell"
who turned the formal photos into an endurance contest, or never
let the bride and groom have a free minute to enjoy their own
reception. That isn't me!! I have found that clients prefer
spontaneous, authentic photos that reflect the emotion of the
moment. My job is not only to take great pictures of your wedding
day, but to do so in a way that helps to maximize your enjoyment
of your day. I work hard to make those necessary formal photos a
FUN experience! And when it comes to candids, I like to stalk
unobtrusively in the background, constantly watching for those
pictures that will best capture the spirit and the joy of your
special day. I want to treat every couple as friends who have
done me the honor of allowing me to record their wedding day for
them. As a friend I remind you to breathe, relax and (most of
all) have fun!
|
|
