How I Accidentally Became a Wedding Photographer
I never meant to be a wedding photographer. Or really any kind of photographer! I originally set out to do videography, focusing on making really cool videos of longboard races and competitions but it all just kinda happened! During junior year in high school I found photography to be more accessible to practice and it also gave me the opportunity to make some new friends, which when I started taking pictures I didn’t have a ton of, so win-win! I set off on my journey just to get good at using my camera and asking every person I could think of if they would let me practice taking photos of them. One day an engaged military couple from church got word that he would be given orders (or something) really soon and if they weren’t married she couldn’t come with him. However it went down, the result was that they had to get married that weekend. In 2 days. Some mutual friends from heard about the situation and decided to throw them a small little wedding and asked me to come photograph it! They had no budget and I’d never photographed any kind of wedding before (or even been to a wedding) so it was a given that they I would do it for free! The day came and many many times throughout the day I found myself googling “what happens at weddings” and “how to be a wedding photographer” and more like that. Like I said, I’d never ever even been to a wedding. I had no clue how they worked or what happened at one! The whole day went relatively smoothly besides a very last minute venue change. I don’t think I did anything too incredible but I’m so thankful for the experience and that I got to help out some people in need! Here’s a photo from the day -
I wouldn’t say I was hooked right away but I was certainly wanting to give it another chance! I was able to use the photos to book a few more weddings and then it all just kinda snowballed to where I am today! I’m very thankful for every cool opportunity I’ve had and that God’s given me through photography. Countless trips and friendships made all for beautiful photos. And so much of it I’ve gotten to share with my beautiful wife (pictured with me in the header of this- photo by Lucy Steiner btw). I wouldn’t change a thing about this life I have and I’m so thankful that this very non-traditional job is mine!