- How did you get started in wedding photography?
My story is a classic millennial story. I graduated college in 2009, during the height of the Great Recession, with no job prospects, and decided to start my own business. I have always been interested in photography, so with a small loan from my parents, I purchased some camera equipment and shot a friend’s wedding for free, then a friend’s wedding, and so on.
- What drew you to capturing weddings specifically?
Weddings are the rawest, most emotional things you can capture. There are so many people with different relationships with one another, all equally important, gathered together in one place for the only time in their lives. It is pretty awesome to get to witness and document those life events. Every wedding is different, making photography an interesting thing for me.
- How would you describe your photography style?
Fine Art Documentary Style.
- How many weddings have you photographed, and what types of weddings do you enjoy most?
I don’t have an exact count, but it’s probably around 175. Since COVID-19, quite a few couples have opted for smaller, more intimate weddings, and I’ve loved them so much.
- What’s your favorite moment to capture during a wedding?
The couple exiting the ceremony. They are freshly married, and there is a lot of joy and happiness and a lot of release from the stress of the wedding. It’s done. The couple can finally relax and have fun!
- How do you make couples feel comfortable in front of the camera?
It starts months before the wedding. I typically like to have a call or a meeting to introduce myself and to hear more about the couple and their story. Many couples opt to do an engagement session, which helps get them used to me and being in front of the camera. Developing a relationship with the couple is so important. Also, I don’t do many posed photos. I place the couple, give them some prompts, and talk with them as we take photos and walk around. There is a lot of movement and interaction with each other. That’s how I typically make the couple feel at ease, all while getting some photos with life in them that authentically capture their personalities.
- How far in advance should couples book their photographer?
Typically, I book out 8-12 months. It just depends on what time of year the wedding is. Spring and fall are the busiest periods.
- What tips do you have for couples to prepare for their wedding photos?
Relax and focus on you and your fiancé. Don’t get caught up in the “event” of the wedding, but try to be intentional about being present and in the moment. This will help you create authentic photos that reflect who you are as a couple.
- What trends are you seeing in wedding photography right now?
“Blurry” photos, which is essentially a slow shutter speed. I’ve done this for years, as it’s a quality common in film photography. I’ve also noticed brides opt for more colorful, whimsical florals and bridesmaid dresses, as opposed to more traditional white and green florals.
- What does a typical wedding photography package include, and how long does it usually take to receive photos?
I’m a big believer in having something tangible from your wedding photos, so while the photos go to an online gallery, they don’t live there exclusively. I send couples a box with 50 or so 4×6 prints from their wedding, along with all the digital files. I offer albums and canvases as add-ons as well.
- How much editing or retouching do you typically do?
I used to shoot film alongside digital, so my editing style is very light and true to film. This is the most timeless look for weddings.
- What’s one thing you hope every couple feels when they see their wedding photos?
My goal is for couples not just to see what happens on their wedding day through photos but for the photos to have life so that they can feel what happened and relive all of the moments and emotions from the day.
Brian Flint, Photographer