How did you get into photography? Are you self-taught or formally trained?
My Grandfather is a world-traveling master diver and amateur photographer, between his personal photographs and an extensive collection of National Geographic’s I’ve been enamored with photography since my earliest memories. After graduating from the University of South Florida and finding the corporate world contrary to my creative passions, I was blessed with the opportunity to pursue my love for photography at Lifelong Studios in Tampa for several years, where I received my formal training.
Describe your style in one sentence.
I actively participate in the moment, anticipating and capturing the raw essence of a candid glance or a subtle smile with minimal intrusion when possible.
What’s been your favorite experience as a wedding photographer?
Besides meeting so many wonderful people and being honored to participate in their best day, I love the opportunity wedding photography affords me to travel. Wedding venues in Montana are especially beautiful and I adore the chance to capture amazing, once in a lifetime moments in such stunning scenery.
What do you love most about photographing weddings? Why do you photograph weddings in particular?
Love! I truly love, love! Being a part of each couple’s day, where it’s a celebration of love and family is such a unique blessing as a wedding photographer. No other day brings so many different people and relationships together to honor so many wonderful aspects of love. Weddings are one of a kind experience and the challenge of capturing the organic and spontaneous moments is absolutely exhilarating!
Where is the most interesting or unique place you’ve photographed a wedding? Was there anything especially challenging about it?
There have been so many wonderful places, honestly, it’s hard to choose one. So far this year, I would have to say “Stone Tower Estate” in Hamilton, MT.
Simply because this location, speckled with gardens and gorgeous architectural structures, was built by the owner herself from stone off her property- in addition to being situated perfectly in one of the most beautiful and fertile mountain valleys in this already majestic state. The only challenge was how to fit every uniquely splendid detail into one event!
Do you have a favorite, must-capture moment for every wedding?
Sunset couple portraits are by far my favorite part of the day. It is here that I get to capture the newlyweds interacting in such a relaxed and intimate way for their first time after the ceremony. Participating as the photographer is such a unique and special honor, it’s a moment others will only see in pictures and the couple will remember for a lifetime.
As a photographer, what has been your biggest wedding day challenge?
Navigating the infinitely varied aspects of family dynamics can sometimes present a challenge, but I thoroughly enjoy being welcomed into the family to capture such a special day!
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.)
My advice would be, don’t worry about the photos, that is my job! Take time to enjoy your day, engage with all of your guests and soak in the love surrounding you! When a bride and groom are fully engrossed in their day and moments, it makes for the best images.
What are your favorite wedding trends to photograph right now?
Every wedding is its own special day! No two are alike and no two couples are the same. I absolutely love that about weddings! Every wedding day is a fresh canvas and palette. With that being said, I am enjoying the “first look” element that some couples choose to incorporate into their day.
How do you think an app like Joy can help make weddings better?
Joy will help the bride and groom with so many aspects of their day. It allows a couple to design a website, make save the dates, invitations, create a registry and it’s all in one place!
If you weren’t a wedding photographer, what would you be doing?
I honestly can’t imagine my life without photography. I’ve been taking pictures avidly for as long as I can remember. Anyone in my life can tell you the full-time extent to my “passion for pictures”. Almost any moment is a picture-perfect moment and I’m almost always trying to capture it!
At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?
Joy is love, love is bliss. Both of which are eternal.
