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 // 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!

Second Shooter // 08

My mom called me today to find out if I was alive. Her reason for concern: I haven't blogged yet this week.

Oh June. I looked at you with grateful anticipation in March, fear in April, and maybe a little bit of dread in May - not that I would have admitted that to anyone. Maybe it was how much stress I felt during the holiday season when I worked in retail, or the fact that last year's wedding season was combined with planning my own wedding, and my past experiences had been so stress filled, I couldn't imagine being busy without also feeling stress. But what I've learned about myself this time around is that the adage is true: when you're doing what you love, you never work a day in your life (although, that still doesn't guarantee adequate amounts of sleep...and sleeping vs. blogging is a tough choice, but in the case of this particular week, sleep won).

What a beautiful season it has been so far. Of the weddings I have been to photograph this year, this one might take the cake for the amazing details and the gorgeous location. I have to say...I am loving some of the places I have been to photograph over the past few weeks. From a manor with gorgeous gardens the week before to this farm with the most incredible natural light and fabulous willow trees, I feel like I have found the types of places I want to see so much more of in the future. And, working with Dani has been such a joy that I'm just as excited to spend the Fridays and Saturdays I have left in the summer with her, as I am to share them with my own couples. In some ways, I feel like I'm better prepared to photograph the weddings of my clients because of working with her, but I also feel like I am a better second photographer when I do a shoot with her after one of my own. I guess that's what you call a win-win.

Again, there are too many photos in this post (I'm supposed to be doing a better job of curating these things, but you know what...I chose 90 favorites from this wedding and you're getting about 20, so that's the best I can do) but there were so many beautiful details to include! What's a girl to do?