How did you get into photography? Are you self-taught or formally trained?
I’ve been interested in photography since I was around 14 years old. I took a black and white photography class in high school where we learned to shoot and develop black and white 35mm film. After that, I continued to dabble in film, but it wasn’t until DSLRs first came out that I got serious about photography. I started off selling prints from my travels in coffee shops and at craft fairs. I moved into wedding and portrait work when a friend asked me to take photos for her wedding. I quickly realized I had a lot to learn. But, the more I learned, the more I became obsessed with photography and getting better at it. I took a few classes at the local camera store when I was just getting started, but other than that I’m self-taught.
Describe your style in one sentence.
I’d say my style is soft, airy and timeless.
What’s been your favorite experience as a wedding photographer?
My favorite experience as a wedding photographer has been all of the people that I have been able to connect with over the years. Along with the amazing couples and their families that I work with, I’ve met so many industry vendors and other photographers that have I’ve become friends with!
What do you love most about photographing weddings? Why do you photograph weddings in particular?
I love photographing weddings because each one is different and it keeps me on my toes creatively. More than that, I’m drawn to capturing love, connection, and emotion – a wedding offers all of those things and so much more!
Do you have a favorite, must-capture moment for every wedding?
I love capturing first looks. The first time a groom sees his bride is such a beautiful moment to witness. Another favorite moment of mine is when the bride and groom walk down the aisle after the ceremony is over. Their expressions are always a mix of joy, relief, and excitement! Sometimes there are even fist pumps and high fives, which is fun to capture, too!
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.)
Hands down, the most important thing for making sure brides and grooms get wedding photos that they love forever is choosing the right photographer! There’s so much similarity in style and aesthetic these days, but finding a photographer that you can connect and feel comfortable with makes all of the difference! If you are relaxed and having fun, it will show in your photos! Another good tip is to schedule an engagement session with your wedding photographer. It’s great practice for the wedding day and gives you a chance to see how you work together!
How do you think an app like Joy can help make weddings better?
An app like Joy can help make weddings better because it’s designed to help streamline the wedding planning process! It centralizes all of the important wedding information and presents it all in a beautiful way. It’s also a great way to store and share photos!
If you weren’t a wedding photographer, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t a wedding photographer, I’d love to be a professional traveler. Is that a thing?
At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?
That’s such a great philosophy and I completely agree! While you have poured your heart and soul into planning this day, once it’s over the real excitement is knowing that you are now forever husband and wife. The wedding is only the beginning of this new, joy-filled chapter together!
Contact Michelle Kujawski Photography here, or follow her on Facebook and Instagram!
