Just a couple frames from Clarissa’s session a few weeks ago.

I love working with people who will stand behind trees because the sun is perfect there, not care if stray hairs fly across their faces, and trust my vision completely to create something beautiful for them.   Thank you Clarissa for being genuine, honest, beautiful, trusting, carefree and fun.

It’s Labor Day and I am, of course, working anyway.  Mainly because I love my job so much, but also because I’ve been incredibly motivated lately.  I’ve found that when the motivation train rolls around that it’s best to ride it as long as possible.

Because there are definitely days when I don’t feel motivated.  Days when I need to step-back, relax, stop pushing, and refuel.  On those days I head to the bookstore and browse books, biographies, and magazines.  I pour over my TOAST, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters catalogs.  I listen to music.  Music is a huge part of my life.  I know everyone could say that — but really, music is huge in my life.  Troy and I go to as many shows as we can manage.  When I was in college I saw at least two shows each week.  Music keeps me going; it moves me on a deep level.

I try to seek inspiration outside of the wedding photography world.  I don’t get caught-up in the competition in my market.  I may seem overly positive about this industry and my love for my job … but it truly is my dream to be doing this.  I have worked so hard and I continue to work hard.  I want that passion and drive to attract people to my work and to me.  I believe in collaboration; not in cutting other photographers down or being an annoying salesperson in order to gain a new client.  I’m not naive — I understand the twisted side of what goes on with undercutting, copying etc.  But I choose to ignore it as much as possible and focus on all the rewarding and amazing aspects.  I don’t want to be part of the negativity and copying and the parts of the business that will make me lose hope in what I do.  I’d rather not play by or even know the “rules” of this industry if it means losing myself or getting burnt out like so many others.  That’s not the reason I left a great job to pursue photography.  So apart from my friends and a few others, I choose not to look at other wedding photographers’ work.

I’ve been looking at this site mostly for my inspiration.  It’s the most moving, raw, brilliant thing I have seen.  It includes “take away” shows from several of my favorite bands including The National, Mumford & Sons, Bon Iver, Andrew Bird, Dirty Projectors, and Horse Feathers.  To me, this is how music should be performed and consumed.  I think it’s perfect.  My favorite two take away shows are below. Give them some time to load and sit back and really watch them.

#93.1 – BON IVER – Lump Sum
Uploaded by lablogotheque. – Explore more music videos.

#40.3 – The National – Start a war
Uploaded by lablogotheque. – Arts and animation videos.

This was one awesome wedding.  Art museum rooftop, bright sun that faded into a big orange glow over dinner, creative and gorgeous food (yes, I was in photography heaven), and smiles coming from everyone.

When I first met Lindsay I thought she was constantly grinning because I had a camera.  But on her wedding day I realized that she is just the happiest girl alive and everyone can feel that warm energy radiating from her.  It’s completely genuine.  Jonathan is equally warm and he adores Lindsay.  Everyone can see they both respect and care for each other deeply.  I feel honored to have captured their day.

A special thanks to Jenny for making Lindsay look beyond gorgeous all day long:

Let the party begin.  I could have photographed the food for days if not caught-up in the whirlwind pace that is a wedding :)

Not only are Jonathan and Lindsay warm people … so are their families and friends.  I enjoyed being surrounded by that energy all day.  Mayor Dave was in attendance and he actually declared the day “Jonathan and Lindsay Day.”  There was a signed and sealed document and everything :)

Jonathan and Lindsay, thank you for letting me be a part of your day.  It was truly beautiful.  Congratulations and I hope you are enjoying your honeymoon!

Shout-out to the vendors:  Ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner etc all took place at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and Fresco (this food was to die for).  Flowers by my fave florist, daffodil*parker (seriously, I recommend them to all my brides; I simply adore them).  Make-up by Jenny.  I will definitely find out the name of the DJ who was classy, played awesome music (maybe in part due to Jonathan having a radio show) and was not your typical annoying DJ :)