It’s time for my annual “behind the scenes” blog! If you missed it in past years, I did it in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 as well! It’s fun looking back through the years and seeing how my journey has evolved… from my equipment to the outfits I’ve worn to the venues I’ve photographed at.
This is always a fun post for me to put together, because I never know what it’s going to look like. It’s 100% dependent on what moments other people happened to capture. Throughout the year, assistants or second shooters or even my clients’ friends/family will snap photos of me working (I never know when it’s happening!). And any time I stumble across a picture of myself in action, I store it in a folder and forget about it until the end of the year. So this post is a compilation of the random moments I’ve been caught on camera in 2019. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s real. :)
I also love putting together this post each year because it reminds me of all the INCREDIBLE weddings I am blessed to photograph and clients I get to work with.
Some key takeaways from looking through these images…. 1) I apparently swore by one specific jumpsuit for 99% of my weddings this year. Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it? Thank you, Old Navy, for providing this polka dotted piece! 2) My trusty dusty orange crate is still the best step stool I’ve found. And it’s apparently something I’m becoming known for, as people will mention spotting me from far away by seeing my orange crate.
Anyway, this is the most photos you’ll ever see of ME on my blog, so enjoy! :)
And stay tuned for PART 2, where I’ll show some “before and afters” of the images I create and my thought process behind them.
Most importantly, THANK YOU to every couple and client who trusted me and my team to capture your memories in 2019. Truly. It is the greatest honor and blessing.
When you’re too short and don’t have time to get a stool…
When you don’t realize you’ve planted yourself in mud until you get up…
Sometimes I quietly scoot up the aisle to snag a specific shot (seen above), but 99% of the time my team stays far away and shoots with zoom lenses during ceremonies so that we aren’t distracting (seen below). It’s funny how many guests will tell us at receptions, “We didn’t even see photographers at the ceremony!” Mission accomplished.
I promise I’m not bossy, despite what these next photos indicate…
This next photo shows what “family photos” looks like on a wedding day. My assistant always holds the list of specific groupings, and we cross them off to ensure not missing any important people.
Speaking of assistant, I’ve talked about my dream team in past blogs… But basically, my assistant is there to be an extra set of hands to help out where necessary. From carrying long dresses to fixing hair to pinning boutonnières to fetching the bouquet — we do it all! Our goal is that our brides and grooms don’t have to worry about a thing on the wedding day! We will make sure everything is picture-perfect… and even help create some “veil magic” when there simply isn’t enough wind. :)
I love this next photo because it shows Melissa, my AMAZING assistant who was with me at every wedding for 2+ years, still working as long as she could while pregnant. She’s a true champ and served my clients so well while she was on the team.
She even helped transport bridesmaids around a venue when the ground was too icky to walk on…
I call this next sequence “Standing in random spots to test lighting.”
I love everything that being a photographer entails. Here are some random things I loved throughout the past year…
When I got to take home stunning floral arrangements by The Holly Garden at the end of the night.
When I was surprised by having the most adorable 4-year old assistant join for a session. You can see her holding up dog treats in the photo on the right … helping me get the dog’s attention.
That time my second shooter & I accidentally showed up matching.
That without fail, I am always pulled onto the dance floor at least once every year…
When I get to see PAST brides & grooms of mine at weddings!!! ALL THE LOVE!
Finally, I want to give one more shout out to my amazing assistant, Melissa. This was her last year on the team, and I can say confidently that every client who got to meet her loved her. Thank you, Melissa, for all you’ve done for us!
Hope y’all enjoyed getting a glimpse of the “behind the scenes” of the photos I take. Stay tuned, because soon I’ll be posting PART 2, where I take you into my thought process while creating the images I capture.
- Bailey & Drew
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