When I recently visited my son's 3rd grade class I had the opportunity to talk about and really think about what it means to be a wedding photographer.
They asked questions like:
How many pictures do you take?
Do your pictures go in magazines?
Do you make a lot of money?
How many hours a day do you work?
These kids are 8-10 years old and learning about different careers! One sweet girl asked if I always wanted to be a photographer. My answer: No. I actually wanted to be the next Katie Couric. I wanted to be a journalist! Funny how life can move you in different directions. I think it was reassuring for some of them that they can change their mind!
The days before the wedding I will clean my lenses, charge all my batteries, test all the lights and cameras to make sure everything is working properly. The night before I will carefully pack my bags and get my lists organized. If I've received the invitation for the wedding I will pack that, too.
Typically I start getting ready for a wedding around 9am. For an afternoon wedding I'll arrive around noon and start photographing the scenery where the bride is getting ready. I photograph the events of the day as they unfold, usually around 8 hours.
When I'm not shooting or editing I'm at home doing the business side of things. Marketing, accounting, website work, photo education, networking, and brainstorming photo ideas. The photography community in Maine is amazing and I definitely would not be where I am without the help of my friends!