There’s a moment that happens at almost every wedding, usually about twenty minutes before a bride is supposed to be zipped into her dress. It’s always a little chaotic – bridesmaids are doing touch ups to their hair and makeup, someone’s looking for a missing earring, and a mom is most likely crying happy tears in the corner.
In the middle of all that chaos, the bride typically goes quiet. As a North Georgia wedding photographer, I’ve learned to notice that moment – not for photos, but for true connection.
There’s so much hustle and bustle that goes on during a wedding day and it’s rare that people slow down long enough to actually ask the bride how she’s doing. Everyone is consumed with making sure the day goes off without a hitch. And even though I’m a wedding vendor and it is a part of my job to ensure the day goes as planned, I view my clients as far more than just clients.
They are people – with real feelings, emotions, and thoughts and I consider it to be a huge part of my job to truly connect with them, get to know them, and let them know that they’re in great hands.
This whole idea of “connection over capture” is the whole foundation of how I work. It’s people before photos, always.
And no, it’s not a tagline I picked because it sounded nice. It’s truly the thing I come back to on every single wedding day or every family session because if my clients don’t have that trust and connection, it will show in their photos.
And if I’m going to be chosen as the person to produce the pictures that will hang in their house one day, I don’t want to be chosen just for my editing style or my location. I want people to choose me as their photographer because of how they feel when working together.
So in this blog post, I’m breaking down exactly what that looks like so that if you’re considering working together for your North Georgia wedding or another event, you know what to expect!
My Wedding Photography Philosophy: People Before Photos
The biggest thing I want my clients (and those who are thinking about working together) to know is that I’m not just here to take pictures, edit them, deliver them, and be on my merry way.
My photography philosophy, people before photos, means that I am truly here for you. And I know that might sound a little unexpected coming from a photographer, but hear me out…
A wedding day, an engagement session, a family portrait session, whatever it may be, these are not just events on a calendar. They are some of the most emotionally significant days of your life, and you deserve to actually experience them, not just survive them while a camera clicks around you.
That’s why “people before photos” isn’t something I say lightly. It truly shapes every decision I make, from how I plan our timeline together to how I show up on the actual day.
My job isn’t to direct you like you’re a model in front of a lens. My job is to help you feel so comfortable and so cared for that the real you – the one who laughs at your fiancé’s terrible jokes, the one who gets teary watching your parents dance, the one who just wants to soak up every second – is the version that ends up in your gallery.
Because it doesn’t matter how much I prompt you or how I edit your gallery, a photo will never feel timeless if true connection isn’t there.
That’s why I prioritize getting to know you, learn what you like and don’t like, listen to your vision, and create a loose plan that’s tailored to you specifically. And on shoot day, you won’t feel overly directed or rushed because I’d much rather the real, comfortable you show on camera rather than us trying to achieve the perfect pose or get the perfect light.
(Though don’t get me wrong, I will indeed make sure we get the best sunset photos if you’re into that!)
This level of care is not an added bonus to my photography services – it’s the foundation of everything I do and is truly the thing that will make your session feel fun and look back on as something you actually enjoyed!
What “People Before Photos” Actually Looks Like in Action
Now that you know more about my people before photos philosophy, you’re probably wondering what that actually looks like in action. Because it’s one thing to say connection matters, but it’s another to actually build a process around it!
So here’s what that looks like when we work together:
I slow down the timeline so you actually get to breathe.
This is probably the biggest way that the people first philosophy shines through. A lot of times when working with a photographer for a wedding or another big event, you’re delivered a timeline that highlights when alllll the different types of photos will be taken.
And while yes, it’s important to have a plan, I like to leave some breathing room in the timeline so that you don’t feel rushed from one photo op to the next like you’re on a conveyor belt. I’d much rather you be present in your own day and let me fill in the gaps from there.
For example, if you’re in the middle of busting a move on the dance floor with all your college besties that live in different states, I’m not about to pull you away for family photography shots with your long lost cousins – that’s just not my style!
Yes, all the photos on our shot list will be taken, they just might not be taken in a particular order that we planned for if it doesn’t fit the reality of the day.
I check in with you, not just your poses.
If you’ve ever been photographed before, there’s a chance the photographer was obsessed with getting the perfect pose and was constantly adjusting your chin or your hands.
And while there’s definitely a part of that that goes into getting the good shots, what I know to be true is that weddings are especially emotional days and a simple “how are you doing right now?” can be the difference between a couple who feels like they’re performing and a couple who feels like they’re simply living their day while I document it.
If we’ve taken 20 minutes worth of photos and you need a break, we’ll take a break – no biggie!
I read the moment before directing it.
Sometimes the best photos happen when I stay completely quiet and let something unfold naturally in front of me. Other times, people need a little gentle guidance to relax and I might step in.
One of the biggest things is that I’m never going to ask you to do something that feels so not you that it comes through awkward and uncomfortable in the photos. Because that’s the very opposite of what I want!
I might guide you here and there, but a huge part of my job is knowing which moments call for some direction and which moments can be fluid.
I listen to your ideas – not just lead.
Another huge part of my process is listening to YOU and what you want! Because yes, I’m a wedding photographer and I have ideas for how certain shoots should go at certain locations, but at the end of the day, it’s your event and your photos so I want to ensure that you get a gallery that feels unmistakably you!
I really like to view my clients as a team – you have ideas and a vision for what you’re looking for and you have trust for the reason you hired me in the first place.
So I’ll listen to your ideas, take them into account, and ultimately build out a plan that’s the best of worlds – your vision + my experience.
What To Expect When Working Together for Your North Georgia Wedding
So what does this philosophy look like from your very first inquiry to the moment you get your gallery in hand? Here’s a look at the full experience of working together for your North Georgia wedding:
The Consultation
After you reach out, we’ll hop on a call or grab coffee to talk about your love story, your vision for your day, and whether we’re the right fit for one another. From there, we’ll figure out which package makes the most sense for you!
The Engagement Session
This is where the fun really begins. I know being in front of a camera can feel intimidating for some couples and that’s okay – I’ll guide you through it every step of the way so you can just focus on enjoying each other.
Your Wedding Day
This is the big one! On your wedding day, your only job is to relax, have fun, and take it all in. I’ll be right there with you through every part of the day, authentically documenting each moment as it happens.
Receiving Your Images
About four to six weeks after your wedding, you’ll get an online gallery full of your images – and I do mean FULL! I love suggesting to my wedding clients to make a date night out of going through them together and reliving the whole day.
Common FAQs Before Working Together
Where are you located? Do you travel?
I’m based in North Georgia, and yes, I absolutely travel for sessions and weddings! Travel fees may apply depending on location.
What is the turnaround time for my photos?
You’ll get sneak peeks within 48 hours of your session or wedding. Full wedding galleries are delivered in 4-6 weeks, and family or portrait sessions within 2 weeks.
Can we schedule a call to discuss details?
Absolutely and I’d encourage it! Whether you’re planning a wedding or a family session, I want you to feel prepared and comfortable going in. And as mentioned above, if you have a specific vision in mind, I’d love to hear it.
Are my photos safe?
Your memories are treasured and deserve to be treated that way! I ensure they are safe by saving them in multiple places! I have two external hard drives I save all of the photos to as well as keeping them on my large desktop hard drive.
How will I receive my photos?
You’ll get access to an online digital gallery where you can download your images directly and order prints!
Ready to book your North Georgia Wedding Photographer?
If any part of this resonated with you, I’d love to connect! Whether you’re planning a wedding, an engagement session, or a family portrait day, my goal is always the same: to help you feel comfortable, cared for, and fully present.
I only take on a limited number of weddings and sessions each year so I can give every single client this level of people first care, so if you’re ready to start the conversation, I’d be honored to hear your story.
CLICK HERE to inquire about my availability and let’s talk about your North Georgia wedding!
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