How did you get into photography? Are you self-taught or formally trained?
I was formally trained. I studied photography at Bard College and received my masters at the School of Visual Arts.
Describe your style in one sentence.
I approach weddings in a creative non-traditional manner, yet pay close attention to capturing those “classic” moments that are so essential to the event.
What’s been your favorite experience as a wedding photographer?
I once got flown to India to photograph a three-day, six-event wedding. It was incredible to experience a whole new culture and document the extravagance! However, every wedding is special in its own way.
What do you love most about photographing weddings? Why do you photograph weddings in particular?
I love that my images will be cherished and appreciated for years to come and that I helped to create a memory of their special day. I love the celebration of the union of two lovers, that they become each other’s family.
Where is the most interesting or unique place you’ve photographed a wedding?
Definitely, India, as I said above. I also photographed a summer wedding at a private residence in Vermont with lush sprawling gardens. It was incredibly beautiful to photograph the couple among the flowers.
Was there anything especially challenging about it?
Every wedding is challenging in the sense you try your best to document everything the couple wants. I hope my clients can trust me to be as attentive as possible. I want to meet their expectations and deliver a combination of beautiful and fun images.
Do you have a favorite, must-capture moment for every wedding?
Yes, I love the “first look” and I try to do this right before the wedding, preferably when the couple is alone. It is a very intimate and romantic moment when they see each other dressed up in their fabulous wedding outfits.
As a photographer, what has been your biggest wedding day challenge?
At this point, I am no longer worried about the technical side of shooting. The biggest challenge is when other people get in the way of my shot with their own cameras. It confuses the subject and they don’t know what direction to look.
What piece of advice would you give brides and grooms to ensure that they get wedding photos they love forever? (This can include tips about preparation, choosing a photographer, or anything else.)
A shot list and itinerary are essential. It is like the screenplay to a movie. That way we don’t have any surprises in the wedding day schedule and the photographer can prepare with the right gear. Of course, you can’t plan everything out but it is nice to have an idea of how the wedding day will progress. Also, pick a photographer that is friendly and nice. Many people get very uncomfortable when they have their photo taken. I always try to have eye contact with a person and ask them if I can take their photo early on in the day. Of course, once everyone starts to dance and enjoy themselves it is a lot more fluid.
What are your favorite wedding trends to photograph right now?
For the most part, I try to avoid trends and create classic images that will not seem dated in a few months. I don’t use pre-packed photoshop filters and I color correct all my images myself. However, I am a sucker for photographs flooded with romantic sunlight. Last winter I photographed a city hall wedding and when we went outside the sun was blazing down the street. I took a photo of them kissing right in front of the sun flares. The effect was gorgeous. However… if I had to pick a trend, I kind of love seeing a bride in white Converse sneakers. It is refreshing see a bride wearing comfortable shoes so she can dance and enjoy herself!
How do you think an app like Joy can make wedding planning easier?
Well, having everything in one place always makes planning an event easier. Plus, the design is so lovely. I think the nicest aspect is the community you can create by connecting all your wedding guests to share photos and information about your wedding.
At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?
I’m very sentimental and that is one of the many reasons I love photographing weddings. A wedding goes by so fast, photos are a wonderful way to remember the event and create an eternal keepsake of the special day.
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