Describe what you do.
I am a fine art, creative romantic portrait photographer that specializes in natural light and film techniques. My work is moody, romantic, grainy and mixes editorial with lifestyle. The colors and lines are soft and features a pastel color palette. I love photographing my clients sneaking in kisses, holding hands, raw tears of joy or boisterous laughs and telling a curated story of your day through photographs.
What is your idea of a dream project?
I would absolutely love to photograph a wedding in Cinque Terre, Italy with a bride and groom that is extremely detail oriented, but unique with their style and design choices. I’d love to see a non-traditional gown perhaps floral printed or pastel blue. The ceremony would be overlooking the coast and their vows would bring everyone to tears. And the end of the night, the couple would exit with sparklers and a grand fireworks show.
What has been your favorite wedding so far?
I’ve had so many favorites over the past ten years, so picking just one is extremely difficult. One of the most memorable weddings was at Aspen Canyon Ranch in later summer a few years ago. It was raining off and on the entire day and right as the bride started to walk down the aisle, the rain let up but it was still cloudy. Just as they said “I Do” a beam of sunshine came through and lit the couple up as they had their first kiss. Later that day, a rainbow showed and we were able to photograph the couple for a few minutes with it in the background. It was truly a magical day to be part of.
What makes you excited to go to work in the morning?
I love that everyday is different and I get commissioned to create for amazing couples. I get to be part of one of the happiest days of someone’s life and capture those moments – how could I not be excited to wake up and go to work knowing I get to be myself, create beautiful imagery and help a couple celebrate and remember their day? #bestjobever
What advice would you give a younger you?
Just Be You. When I first started out, I was trained solely on film and digital was fairly new – which is what clients pushed for and requested because it was the hot new thing. I would tell my younger self that it’s ok to use film formats and to stick with your creative intuition. Thankfully, the photography industry has recently openly welcomed the film trend and I think it’s here to stay.
What’s your favorite trend you are seeing in your industry?
I love that clients are wanting and requesting a more timeless, fine art documentation of their wedding day. I’m seeing more and more couples let go of the must have “shot list” that Pinterest has said they need and let their photographers get more creative and trust their process. I’ve always felt that the more freedom we are given, the more creative and beautiful our imagery. And with that said, I love that this new found trust and viewing photographers as more of an artist, has allowed us to use and experiment with a wide variety of formats from film (35 mm, medium, large, wet plate) to digital – and even incorporating lomography and instant film work.
