Why Wedding Photography? Inspiring Stories By Wedding Pros
Professional wedding photography draws in photographers from all walks of life, each with a unique story about why wedding photography was their calling. The reasons are varied, ranging from a love of capturing beautiful moments to an opportunity to showcase their experience level in working with people and emotions. Regardless of their motivation, the goal remains the same – to capture the love and joy of the wedding day in a way that feels timeless and unique. This blog will take you through the personal journeys of skilled wedding photographers, revealing why they chose wedding photography as their vocation. So, why wait? Let their stories inspire you!
Why Wedding Photography? Inspirational Stories By ShootDotEdit Customers
Every wedding photographer has a unique ‘why’ that fuels their passion, a compelling reason that leads them to capture love stories through their lenses. So, let’s delve into the exploration of ‘why wedding photography?’ and uncover the inspirations behind these professionals’ choices.
1. K. Lenox Photography
Kristen Lenox’s, the mastermind behind K. Lenox Photography, ‘why wedding photography’ moment happened when she was a geriatric nurse. She noticed that in their final moments, her patients’ loved ones often brought in photographs instead of flowers or gifts. These images weren’t mere mementos; they were stories frozen in time. The significance of these moments captured through a lens struck a chord with Kristen. “They brought photos that told stories, and I liked that aspect of it. I liked how important it was,” she recalls, underscoring why photographs are important.
When her husband gifted her a Canon Rebel Ti, her desire to master the art of photography intensified. “I wanted to learn everything. I wanted to learn how to make the background blurry. I wanted to learn everything, so I just dug in,” she shares. Kristen embarked on a learning spree, enrolling in an online course with the New York Institute of Photography, attending seminars, reading blogs, and taking classes with a local nature photographer. Even today, she continues to invest in learning, a testament to her dedication to her craft.
Suggested Read: How To Become A Full-Time Wedding Photographer
2. Melissa Fe Chapman Photography
Melissa Fe Chapman, a SoCal and destination wedding photographer, has been transforming love stories into enchanting visuals and creating magic with her camera since 2013. Interestingly, even before her dream of becoming a professional wedding photographer came into focus, she was the go-to photographer among friends and family. The turning point in Melissa’s journey to becoming a wedding photographer began in 2013 when she took maternity photos for her best friend. This experience kindled a passion for photography that she hadn’t fully recognized until then. From that spark, she built a thriving business that encapsulates love, life, family, and beauty in images.
Melissa finds joy in photographing precious moments in people’s lives that bring them genuine happiness. She celebrates love in all its forms, making her wedding photography brand inclusive and welcoming to all. Her story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and the remarkable journey that can unfold when you do.
3. Brandi Allyse Photo
Brandi Salerno, the proud owner of Brandi Allyse Photo, explains why wedding photography became her chosen career path. Her journey started at Texas State University, where she completed her degree in photography in 2009. Initially, wedding photography seemed too overwhelming to her, and as a result, she chose to stick with what made her comfortable: portraiture. For about three years, she dedicated herself to this genre, perfecting her skills and solidifying her foundation in photography.
A significant turning point came in 2011 when Brandi got married. She was captivated by her wedding photographer’s work and persona, viewing her as a celebrity of sorts. When this photographer was in need of a second shooter, Brandi seized the opportunity, stepping into a role that would change her perspective on wedding photography. For several years, she worked under the mentorship of her wedding photographer, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. She shot around 100 weddings during this period. This experience played a crucial role in boosting her confidence to venture into wedding photography independently.
The question of ‘how to become a wedding photographer’ often perplexes many! While the answer varies for everyone, Brandi’s journey demonstrates that it can be a combination of formal education, initial hands-on experience in related fields, and mentorship under an experienced wedding photographer.
Suggested Read: How To Prepare For Your First Wedding Photography Gig
4. Stephanie Heymann Photography
Stephanie Heymann’s journey toward becoming a wedding photographer is an inspiring tale of passion and perseverance. It all began with her father’s 35mm Canon camera! The weight of the camera, the click of the shutter, and the whole experience sparked a love for photography in Stephanie when she was just a child. This love simmered through her high school years spent in the darkroom and persisted as she explored other paths like teaching and working at a magazine.
About 17 years ago, Stephanie decided to fully embrace her passion for photography. She jumped in with both feet and embarked on a journey that led her to become a successful photographer. Over the years, Stephanie honed her skills in various types of photography, from family photos and headshots to Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. However, the realization to choose wedding photography came after photographing babies. “Although I felt like I was good at it, I didn’t have this deep love of photographing babies. I appreciate it, and I did enjoy it. I am a mom, and I love babies. I think there are other people out there who do it so much better and could put so much more time into honing that skill,” says Stephanie. This insight showed her the importance of specialization in wedding photography.
Today, Stephanie is the talented owner of Stephanie Heymann Photography and dedicates most of her time to weddings while still capturing family and senior photos.
Suggested Read: How To Prepare For Your First Year Of Wedding Photography
5. Erin Morrison Photography
As the owner of Erin Morrison Photography, Erin Morrison is an inspiration to all aspiring wedding photographers. Her love for this art form started with her own wedding photographers, whom she found to be incredibly talented. As Erin puts it, “I thought that what they did was pretty darn cool, and I felt like it would be the perfect creative outlet for me.” From there on, photographing weddings was something she wanted to do. Erin couldn’t contain her excitement about it, and after numerous discussions with her husband, James, he surprised her with her first camera – a moment that changed everything for her.
Today, Erin Morrison is a pro wedding photographer and has captured over 300 weddings. She understands the importance of capturing every detail – each smile and tear – that make these moments so unforgettable. She believes that wedding photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s about documenting the couple’s love and their special day to create everlasting memories. Erin has an extensive portfolio of beautiful and captivating photography that showcases her talents and passion for her work. Alongside this remarkable achievement, Erin has also consumed over 1700 chai teas, a testament to her love for the aromatic beverage!
Further Read: How To Take Wedding Photos: A Guide For Beginners And Pros
Despite the diversity in their wedding photography styles and the myriad of wedding photography ideas they bring to life, they all share a common thread – a commitment to make each couple’s wedding day a memorable tableau of joy and affection. This ‘why’ is not just a motive; it’s the heartbeat of their artistry, influencing every shot, every angle, and every moment they document.
At ShootDotEdit, we are committed to helping you grow your wedding photography business. And to help you with that, we lessen your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services that match your style. To learn more about how we can help, check out our pricing plans.