There always has to be a first. And knowing that I was ready to become a wedding photographer, I could not turn down this opportunity. A simple referral from a family member from my hometown, Ashland, Ohio, led to something I have wanted to do for years.
See, 20 years ago a family friend reached out to me and told me he wanted to gift his camera setup to me. While chain-smoking cigarettes in his dining room, he brought to the table a beat up leather case full of his wedding photography kit. A Canon AE-1 Film Camera, a zoom Lens, a wide angle lens, and a flash. There were some other accessories in there as well, but he hadn’t shot weddings in years and, I guess, saw that I would be interested. Fascinated and grateful, he walked me through using everything. And he told me to go shoot weddings on the weekend for 1000 bucks. The thought of shooting a wedding at 17 years old with little experience both fascinated and terrified me. I was intrigued, and learned the camera, took it to college and to Europe, but never built up the courage to offer to shoot a wedding. My friend Drew now has the camera setup, and that leather case still smells of cigarette smoke and old camera, reminding me of Jerry’s generosity and encouragement to go down this path.
Fast forward 20 years to my first wedding. After shooting more action-oriented subjects for the previous couple years, when I had finally built up the confidence in my abilities. I had good cameras and lenses. I had lots of experience shooting high pressure events like dance performances and action sports, so I knew I was ready. Or I guess I knew I was ready enough!
When Tyler and Jasmine reached out for me to do their wedding photography, I was completely honest that I had never done this before. They liked my other work, and trusted me with their big day. They also got a really good deal.
I already had my business up and running, so the contract and invoicing was straightforward. But wanting to do my due diligence, I created a questionnaire, had them give me a family portrait list and timeline, and met with them beforehand to discuss details and what to expect. It was going to be a fun barn wedding at Willow Haven Event Center, and I spent the time before the wedding researching and soaking in as much information as I could. Nothing to do now but make it happen.
