How did you get into photography? Are you self-taught or formally trained?
I learned film photography from my father and took photos for my high school yearbook. It was something that was always natural to me, but it wasn’t until my senior year of college that I got serious about it. It was almost immediately that I knew I was inspired by people, genuine emotions, and experiences.
Describe your style in one sentence.
My style is intimate, heartening, and adventurous.
What’s been your favorite experience as a wedding photographer?
One of my favorite experiences was spending the day with a couple who was eloping. It was just the three of us in the car, stopping off at cute places, exploring the hill country of Texas together. We ended the day with a teary ceremony and yummy food at their BnB. It was such a privilege that they invited me into their lives with ease.
What do you love most about photographing weddings? Why do you photograph weddings in particular?
People only allow themselves to be vulnerable in front of a camera so many times in their lives, one of which is a wedding. I love making connections with people on a deeper level so that I’m more than a vendor, I’m also a friend.
Where is the most interesting or unique place you’ve photographed a wedding? Was there anything especially challenging about it?
I absolutely love weddings that aren’t at a venue, especially if they’re outside in nature. It can be challenging when the weather is bad or things don’t go as planned, but I always roll with it and find positivity in an unusual situation.
Do you have a favorite, must-capture moment for every wedding?
Yes! Immediately after the ceremony. Every couple has a post-vow glow. You can be the most stoic, staunch character on the planet. You will smile, laugh, and probably cry right after the vows.
As a photographer, what has been your biggest wedding day challenge?
Honestly, my biggest challenge is self-care on the wedding day. I’m still trying to find the best shoes, the best snacks, etc. Everything got better when I started accepting help from people I can rely on.
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.)
Get to know your photographer. They will be with you more than anyone else on the wedding day, and you will feel so much better if you establish trust with them and keep open communication. That could be scheduling a couples shoot, grabbing brunch, or even scheduling a few video chats.
What are your favorite wedding trends to photograph right now?
I’m obsessed with destination/adventure weddings. I think it’s so amazing when a couple dreams up a fantasy wedding and then makes it happen. I can’t wait to do more of that.
How do you think an app like Joy can help make weddings better?
Websites are so much more informative than a traditional paper invitation. Not everyone is a web designer, developer, or coder. It’s incredibly beneficial for couples to have a tool that will actually make wedding planning easier.
If you weren’t a wedding photographer, what would you be doing?
It’s funny you ask that because wedding photography is what I do when I’m not at my 9-5 as a web developer.
At Joy, we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?
Weddings go beyond a day, they’re a bunch of little memories you can go back and visit at any time. Whether it’s on a website or an album you keep on your shelf, you’ll never forget the great times you had with your loved ones on your wedding day.
