Since I started my photography venture a little over a year ago I’ve been incredibly lucky to meet and interact with some amazing photographers. Some of us are finding are way through it together, while others are firmly planted in successful businesses. Since I’m still relatively new, I have a tendency to annoy these same people (the new AND established) with questions about products or advice on editing techniques. And every single time, these wonderful photographers help me out. One in particular has helped me more than she knows. When I decided I wanted to dip my toe in the wedding photography pool, she offered up words of wisdom which helped guide me through my friend’s vow renewal. It was absolutely the perfect first step in the wedding photography learning process. But, being me, I needed more. So, I went back to this same photographer and asked her if she’d ever be willing to let me assist her. And when I say assist, I mean, I would have carried her bags, gotten her water, done anything she asked me to do because I wanted to learn from the best. I had to see her at work…how she managed the day, the expectations…how she directed the couple, the families, all the while getting amazingly perfect shots.
I got that opportunity last month when Amanda Pair invited me to assist her on one of the most beautifully planned weddings I’ve ever seen.
So I packed my gear, rented an amazing lens and drove to Birmingham for the day. What I learned just by watching her in action was priceless. If I could assist her 100 more times, I would. I have no doubt I would learn something new each time…whether it be framing the shot, catching the perfect light, capturing the most minute detail…
The experience left me wanting to do it again and again. And while my photos don’t even remotely compare to hers, I walked away knowing that I’d gained knowledge that I never would have learned by reading articles online. I learned that I can be a better photographer…and maybe even one day a wedding photographer.
Thank you Amanda for giving me this amazing opportunity to grow as a photographer and for inspiring me every step of the way.
You got some fabulous shots!!!!
What a beautiful wedding! I love your shots, Katie, especially the one of the bouquets!
You did such a great job, Katie! And I though Amanda’s photos of the same wedding were just gorgeous. Dare I say you make a great team? 🙂 Here’s to more wedding photography!
I just LOVED having you there with me. It’s fun to see the second perspective in posts like this — even if it does include my back end 🙂 Thanks again for a great day!
[…] 2012 49. go to LA and act like a tourist 50. host a dinner party 51. assist on a wedding shoot – completed may 20th, 2012 52. dedicate one night a week to laundry for a month 53. limit computer usage to two nights a week […]
[…] words of wisdom and just watch her in action. She kindly obliged and graciously allowed me to assist her. It was a tremendous experience that left me wanting to learn more. So in July, she was nice […]
[…] been a pretty amazing year for me. Between assisting on my very first wedding to being the lead photographer for the first time ever on a wedding it’s safe to say […]