Photographers in Portland: wedding photography portfolios

—The secret we all want to reveal – who is the best wedding photographer in Portland?

—The best wedding pro in Bend... I would have to say my good friend Ely Roberts. He undoubtedly is the best in my opinion. I have been well inspired and encouraged by him as well. It is a good list though: Ben Edwardson, Kimberly Kay, Victoria Carlson, Tony Gambino, etc...

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a wedding photographer capture?

—I always look for the dynamic of family and friends. Wedding days are so exciting and full of so much energy and emotion that the moments between a bride and groom, or their family or guests have so much power and radiate their own beauty. I feel they happen so unscheduled and carry so much intention that to be able to capture those moments is a privilege because they don't have an agenda, they are authentic moments.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—Gosh, so complex... Its different because its for people. It takes more observation to feel the mood of the wedding party to their guests. I wouldn't ask the best landscape photographer to capture a wedding, not because they wouldn't be able to deliver beautiful photos, but they wouldn't quickly feel the moments the same as a committed wedding pro would. To catch the 3 year dancing on the floor, or the look the groom gives his bride as she's off talking to her grandmother, all the same a wedding pro, may not catch the clouds peaking over a ridge with the right amount of light, the same way a landscape photographer would.

—When travelling, what do you usually take with you & why?

—I love this... my phone! (Humor implied)I always bring with me a 35mm film camera, loaded with a particular film stock I am enjoying at the moment. I find myself shooting and editing thousands of digital photos a year and never want to rob myself from the joy of photography. I know with shooting film I have variables of proper exposure or ruining a roll of film, but its so peaceful and therapeutic to just be able to take photos for myself with no regard to how anyone else will receive them. It's key I think to finding joy with photography as a career is to be able to shoot slower and more intentionally without the concern of having to deliver to someone a final project.

—What are the key elements that make a photo attractive?

—There are miles of shoreline to cover for what makes a photo attractive. I personally think its the story. A photo without a story is still and has no message. I personally adapt that approach into my photographic style. I really make an effort to capture the moments as they are happening as well as the chemistry that exist. I think when looking at a photo, feeling a part of that moment is compelling and will make it more attractive.

—How do you spend your leisure time?

—As a wedding pro, I have good chunks of time between shooting and I try not to waste that time. So few of us are fortunate to have as available and open schedules as photographers. That being said, I currently live in Bend, OR which is a mecca for outdoor activities. Between motorcycles, bicycles, hiking, swimming, skiing, you name it I try and occupy most of my availability with some activity. Granted theres always a camera around.

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—I troll social media hard, always finding new photographers and photos that are compelling to me. Its an endless source of inspiration honestly. But I take those inspirations and I narrow down a theme or a particular photo and try and replicate it. Every week I purpose to take at least one new photo that isn't my normal style. You definitely find out what you're good at or not haha.

—What mistake in your professional experience you treat as the biggest one?

—Every professional has a moment of regret. I made the mistake one time of renting equipment and neglecting to reset the camera and set the menu to my preferences. I was still able to capture all the photos, but the delivered resolution was slightly lower than my preference. Not the biggest mistake perhaps, but runs through my brain every time I pick up a camera.

—Do you like travelling?

—Australia, Europe, Canada, Mexico... I've been to quite a few places and zero intention of sacrificing those opportunities for a 9-5. People and culture are so compelling to me, as much as the landscape and breathtaking views, I love traveling and make a point to experience as much as I can whether a far distance or just down the highway.

—What should future newlyweds pay attention to when looking for a wedding photographer?

—What catches their eye the most. Thats the best place to start. Every professional has a look and you can find themes within portfolios that you start to resonate with. Whether it be color profiles, angles, lens proportions, moments, theres a list of things that we feel connected to when we see the work of professionals and its important to look for those things when searching for your own pro.

—Is there anything in your work that you don't like or even hate?

—In my own work I don't like to think about anything that I would hate, perhaps what I wouldn't like would be the lack of what is there. I always feel as though there is more to capture, and want to be present and apart of more opportunities to use my tools to capture more.

—Can you imagine what wedding photography will be like in future?

—I think the overall industry has grown substantially since its origins. I think it will continue to grow and continue to adapt new ideas or cross over more industry styles. All the while I think it will always be the same, edit styles, camera angles, those will always change and have different popular trends, but people and their guests and their story will always have a familiarity.

—Give some advice to a wedding photographer who is a beginner.

—Ask every pro in your area if you could work for them, even if for free. Its a big industry but its super small at the same time. Every pro was a beginner once and they have all earned their knowledge and skill. They offer the most to anyone from beginner to equal pro. Photography is a funny medium for that as a professional skill goes, because art in and of itself is subjective.

—What is there in your work that brings you joy?

—People and their story is the most enjoyable thing to me. I love making new friends and seeing people interact with their community. Using a camera and photos as a medium gives me the most joy for being able to meet people and see new stories.

—How did you start working in the wedding photography field?

—I actually started out doing video... I was asked to video a wedding and did that for a few others for a season. Ultimately I switched over to photo and haven't looked back. It has been a great opportunity and I have been able to work with other amazing pros and even more amazing couples.

—How do you deal with criticism?

—Criticism is a necessary opportunity for any professional in any industry. Without hearing the good with the bad, from peers or yourself, you'll never truly be able to push yourself to perfect your trade.

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—Without coming across as cynical, absolutely. Complacency, lack luster, lazy. I have encountered those moments and witnessed them from afar. Any professional is matched with tendencies, but their character is what compels them to push forward and be better, or not.

—What makes a photo valuable? What are the key features of a great photo?

—I find value in so many different types of photos. Portraits have so much value to me because they contain the focus and priority of a wedding. They can send a message or invite you into a moment.

—Do you shoot wedding photos only?

—I probably shoot weddings 50% or more of the time. I do commercial work as well and work with a range of clients from clothing, food, tech, and extreme sports.

—Whose works made an impact on you as a wedding photographer?

—Christian Oth and John Dolan absolutely astounds me. They are beyond the level of professional. Their work always absolutely stuns me.

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—Every pro has there list of throw away shots. Out of focus, wrong exposure, but unacceptable is something that lies within each pro.

—Do you look good in pictures?

—I've been on the other side of the camera quite a bit. I think the red hair and blue eyes helps.