I’ve been extremely lucky in the photography business, being that in both Colorado and Michigan, I’ve been able to make friends with amazing fellow photographers. Many times, when you’re in a self-employed artistic type profession, things can get competitive. But remember, I said I’ve been lucky. You see, I’ve been able to become dear friends with some of my fellow Port Huron Area photographers. My sweet friend Kathryn, from Kathryn Bessette Photography is an amazingly talented newborn photographer guru, and shares the same passion I do for capturing family portraits and all the memories that entails. In fact, I even booked her to do my own family’s beach photo session on the gorgeous Lake Huron shores, and currently have about 13 different massive canvases from that session splattered over my walls in my home. Speaking of my walls, they play a part in this story as well. I promise I’ll get to that.
My dear friend Courtney, from Courtney May Photography is the photo journalist that I wish I could be. She has an artistic eye, and is a dynamic photographer force to be reckoned with, specializing in (pretty much) everything. Especially weddings. The three of us try to go out and catch drinks in the evening every so often, and it was during one of those nights that I mentioned my dream of one day becoming a second shooter for weddings.
“What’s a second shooter?” you may ask. A second shooter is basically a backup to the main photographer on the day of the wedding. We realize that one person cannot possibly be in all the places at the same time during a wedding day. While the photographer may be taking some beautiful photos of the rings on some pumpkins, the bridesmaids may be sharing some heartfelt memories and toasts that lead them all to tears. The luxury of a second shooter is being able to to “zone coverage”, and get different angles, different locations, different emotions, different artistic interpretations…you get the picture. While the idea of single handedly tackling a wedding is pretty-much terrifying to me, I love the idea of being able to experience those moments, and be the trusted second photographer.
Courtney mentioned the need for obtaining a second shooter for some weddings this past summer, and I quickly and excitedly jumped on board. My first ever wedding I photographed alongside Courtney was actually with a familiar face- I knew the bride! Kimber and I went to a very small private school together in Kimball, Michigan. Her brother is a near and dear friend of mine, as he was in my (ridiculously tiny) graduating class. and she and I played basketball together for years, as well. Upon moving back to Michigan, I was in the need of hiring someone to paint my interior walls (I told you that my walls were relevant!) in my house, and Courtney suggested a new bride that had just booked her; it was Kimber! She and I got to reacquaint ourselves, and I got the chance to learn more about her and her fiancee, Kent.
I loved being able to share Kent and Kimber’s special day with them and discover and new passion in me for photographing weddings. It was also amazing to spend the day shadowing Courtney, and watch her talent, in work. Upon her permission, I am sharing some of my favorite images that I took of Kent and Kimber’s special military wedding.
