Gina, how do you approach events?
When I cover events, I imagine I'm a family friend, that I was invited as a guest and I belong. It's the friendliest way to capture the memories of the day and get me in the right headspace to let the love and care show through in the photos. Kind of like a master chef who doesn't follow recipes perfectly, I follow my intuition so you can taste the love in the final result. This mindset also helps me do what it takes to "get the shot." I tell myself that if I was the host or the wedding couple's best friend I would love them and I would do whatever it takes to do my best work. If I was the host or the wedding couple I would want the person I'm counting on to preserve my day in photos to care about me enough to step in front of aunt Suzy or Joe, the neighbor, if it meant capturing the the wedding kiss or grandma's adoring expression. Imagining I'm personally invested in the important people at an event puts me in the headspace to be able to feel relaxed, like I belong, so I can watch and observe and catch as many memorable, emotional moments as possible.
Don't worry, we will also plan out time for classic group shots and some guided posing with bridal parties and couples. For the most part, I consider myself a documentary style photographer who's also a friend and down for making people squeeze together for a casual group shot on the dance floor. My ratio of fully candid to guided posed to fully posed is 70-20-10, give or take, depending on the circumstance. My goal is to have your gallery feel like you are reliving the event, nothing contrived or false. My editing style is warm, light, and friendly.
I have to add that one thing going for me to be able to cover events with so much shameless abandon is that I'm no spring chicken. As a mom of teens, I've been through so much personal growth and developed so much patience that I'm way more chill than I ever was. Any ego I had when I was younger is long gone and now my goal is just to have more fun. I don't want the days to melt together in monotony so I have no specific memories. That is why I love to photograph events. The feelings are so alive and in the moment. Events and weddings are life at it's best.
"Events and weddings are life at it's best!"
When you hire a photographer it's important that yes, you like their style, but the MOST IMPORTANT THING is that you like THEM, their vibe, their personality, their values, and vision. You will spend a lot of time together and it makes for the best photos if everyone feels warm fuzzies together!
