Second Shooter // 11

Today is more like diary of a second shooter than just a simple post with pictures. But I've always felt that blogging should be diary-like in a way, because it's just as much for sharing personal things as it is to show some pretty pictures.

So here's an admission: when I started out this year, I fully intended to only shoot 10-15 weddings. Tops. My reasons were 1 // that I edit weddings for another photographer and that takes up a huge chunk of time, 2 // I worked every. single. weekend. when I was in retail and I wanted to have some of those back (I'm laughing at myself now), 3 // fear of burnout and taking on too much, and 4 // I was thinking about branching out to do some photography that wasn't necessarily wedding related - things for creative businesses who need product photos for websites and such things (which I would still love to do on weekdays and especially during the slow season).

And then Dani and I became friends / soul sisters and everything changed. It actually became even more fun (I know, how is that even possible?) to go to "work" every Friday and Saturday - and dance to 500 renditions of Call Me Maybe. Sounds like a party, right?

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about intentions and actions and things lining up. And even though my intention of shooting a smaller number of weddings doesn't line up with my action of doing two weddings per week, it does line up with my intention of growing as a photographer. By second shooting, I've learned loads about lighting, working in less-than-desirable spaces, timelines, stamina, and the amazing things that come from true collaboration. In fact, I've enjoyed it so much that I'll probably do the same thing next year, but stick to 10-15 weddings of my own.

And one final note: I'm especially grateful to Dani for letting me share images from these weddings. That's not always a given among photographers, and even though it's a relatively small thing, it is a gift that means the world to me.

Also, this is one of my fav weddings so far. Gorgeous couple, gorgeous venue, fun group of people. Love.

Second Shooter // 10

So this light.

There's something spectacular about the way the light falls from the sky at sunset after clouds have passed. It's simply magnificent, and no way on earth could I recreate this artificially if I tried.

Wish I could have this every day.

Dani always takes us to amazing places with amazing people. Couldn't be more grateful.

Happy Monday friends! It's good to be back :0)

 

 

 

Second Shooter // 09

When Dani texted me to say that we would be at the AVAM (American Visionary Arts Museum, for you non-Baltimore people) for this wedding, I almost peed my pants. I have been dying to do a wedding there...I love museum weddings, and this museum is super funky and fun. There's a hint of its awesomeness in the mirrored and colored glass wall in one of the bride and groom portraits below. If you live nearby and get a chance to go, just do it. Definitely a super cool place. And when you go, take a picture with the glass tree out in front for me (you'll know it when you see it - it's very sparkly).

Anyway, I'm still working on that curating thing I'm supposed to be doing, so I really tried to pick the favorites of the favorite favorites to share. This good looking group provided lots to choose from! And the groomsmen were extra fun...my favorite groomsman shot ever is down below :0).

This might be my favorite groomsmen shot EVER. And every time I look at it, Secret Agent Man gets stuck in my head.

Happy Friday!

Anna & Jim's Rustic Woodland Wedding

It all started in the laundry room at college - very Friends style, and if I were still single, I might start to think that doing your laundry in public is the best way to meet the love of your life.

Because these two most certainly are that, the love of each other's life. The way Jim looks at Anna - like he's drinking her in - and the way Anna laughs with Jim - her smile just lights up her eyes when she sees him...y'all, it is a beautiful thing.

The energy and attention that Anna and her friends and family poured in to every detail of the day was astounding. So many personal touches, from wearing her mom's veil and using her wedding dress as a lovely decoration at the reception, to the photos from all of their years growing up, to the beautiful backdrop Anna's dad lovingly constructed for their ceremony (yes, he made that!) - this wedding was so filled to the brim with gorgeous DIY details, and I couldn't be more thrilled to get to preserve these memories for them.

Anna and Jim - you inspire me. Tears of joy crept into my eyes as I listened to you read your vows to each other. Because that kind of love - when you find it, you want to hold onto it forever. When you love each other because of your quirks and not in spite of them, that's something special. And I know that what you two have found in each other will bring you so much joy for years to come. From the bottom of my heart, it has been amazing to be able to share your story and I am so grateful to have been a part of your day.

I grew up five minutes from their amazing venue, Thorpewood, so in some ways, this place felt like home. The grounds here are breathtaking, and the lodge where they held the reception fit in perfectly with the rustic decor.