Behind the Scenes

What does a photographer think on a wedding day? I have no idea! I only know what I think. I have learned over these years that I am not like the others. At least that’s what my clients and the wedding party keep telling me.

‘Erin you are so calm’

‘Erin that was so fast, that was it?’

‘wow that was painless’

‘you didn’t yell at us?!’

There’s a lot more said but I realize that I might not be like the others. I don't know honestly, I have never second shot with another wedding photographer so I truly don't know. I’ve just been photographing weddings for 11-12 years just doing what feels right to me. I have taken many many classes and workshops and studied my craft as much as possible. I just try to treat people like I want to be treated and photograph a wedding like I would want my own photographed. That’s all I know!

However, I can share with you my own personal mindset if that helps any sort of photographer reading this. I do plan on sharing my own photography education course soon but here are some little freebies for you:

1) I don’t sit down on a wedding day in front of my couples or guests…I’m paid to do a job all day and I won’t be sitting down until it’s time for a meal while my couple is sitting down. I only sit down in the back in a vendor room. I never want to appear like I am not working or searching for images to create for my clients.

2) I’m always looking at my surroundings and watching relationships and being aware of what’s happening. I’m telling a story of the day and I’m mindful of what’s happening all day and who is who and what is happening. I’m immersing myself in the entire day. I’m not just there for an hourly rate to show up and head out.

3) Speaking of an hourly rate. To me it’s not just an hourly rate. Yes, my couples might book me for 9 hours or 10 hours but I show up an hour early usually and very rarely leave right at the time I was set to leave. The job isn’t just the set hours. I need to get there early to see the venue, the lighting, say hello to everyone, see the decor, get a feel for the day. I can’t just show up and start shooting. I have to feel the day out before I start shooting. I don't believe it’s just hours…I show up for more than that.

Just a few secrets of mine to share how I do what I do!! How my brain works. <3

And no, I don’t yell unless someone is about to catch fire. That did almost happen a couple of times