Best of Weddings 2018 | Business

Best of Weddings 2018 | Business

Being a wedding photographer was not something I grew up even knowing I wanted to do. It wasn’t until I met my brother’s wedding photographer, who has five kids and a thriving business, that I made up my mind to pursue this as a job. At the time I thought that maybe it would grow. Maybe it would become a part time thing that I could justify doing while caring for kids. Maybe, maybe, maybe.

Yet here I am, almost 6 years later, a wedding photographer for the best people I can imagine. It is an honor to be the person who captures the most special day in their lives. It’s amazing when couples ask their friends and family to put down their phones and be present in the moment, because they trust me to capture everything important. It’s a gift that I can give not just the couples, but their families, children, and grandchildren. What an honor. It is never lost on me.

Best of Ring Shots 2018 | Business

Best of Ring Shots 2018 | Business

At first it feels a little strange to devote an entire blog post to rings, but these are some of my favorite pictures to take! When I entered the Shoot & Share contest last year, I was surprised to see so many of my ring shots land in the top categories - I had no idea I was even that good at it! I still have so much to learn, but this part of an engagement session or wedding, more than any other, gets my creative juices flowing. I have nobody to pose and no instructions to give, yet I need to make that ring look unique and, when I can, add meaning to the picture for the couples.

Can I just say, too, that it’s hard to nail a ring shot? You wouldn’t know it if you aren’t a photographer, but getting the focus perfect is a challenge, especially when you’re outside and the wind is blowing - and when you’re on a tight schedule! So it’s with a little bit of pride that I present some of my favorite ring shots of the year - and oh man am I excited for what’s to come in 2019!

Best of Portraits 2018 | Business

Best of Portraits 2018 | Business

How do I narrow down my favorite portraits of the year when I’ve had so many beautiful couples and families in front of my lens? The answer is that it’s not easy, but there were a few things that stood out to me as I looked back on the year.

The first is joy. Each person here is expressing joy at being together, getting married, growing their family, or simply being a family. The laughter and emotion feels so real, even through the screen. These are some of the most joyful people on earth, and it was my privilege to capture some of the best days of their lives - with many more yet to come.

The other thing that stands out to me is…