I’ve been doing more prepping, planning, and organizing. As I grow my business, I want to be focused and be inspired and not feel distracted. Getting rid of old magazines, throwing away ‘memorabilia’. One area that is taking a little longer than I anticipated is my file cleanup. It has been nice to go back and look at old photos throughout my wedding photography journey. A few files that really caught my eye was from the very first weddings I shot. This was not a planned wedding, and it was a favor for my husbands friend. They had no idea this very first wedding and was just happy that I volunteered to do it. I was very nervous, so when the day came, I just showed up. I had about a week to prepare. I had NO IDEA what I was doing. I did not have a wedding ceremony when I got married, so I did not know what was important to take photos of, and what type of photos to take. At that point in my photography, it was a more of a hobby and not a business. I was still learning and perfecting my skills. I was doing studio style shooting using strobe lighting and working with models. So,this wedding, this event, was a major one.
I did little research on weddings, wedding photographs, brides etc. but I really did not know how it was going to go. I just assessed my environment and set up my flashes. I didn’t have a high end professional DSLR, so my ISO (light sensitivity on my camera) was not equipped for dark spaces. I used what I had and went with it. These are some of the images I captured back in 2007.
As I reflect, I know what my limitations were with equipment and experience. However, I’m happy to know that I captured this couple’s special day. I’m also happy at the progress I’ve made as a wedding photographer. I did not know at that time that it would become a passion of mine today. After this, some time had passed and I did not shoot many weddings, until I eventually met a wedding photographer at my gym, signed up for a workshop, met other wedding photographers and did a lot of second shooting (shout out to Stephanie, Jennifer, and Ashton). These shutter sisters helped me learn, grow and become confident in my craft.
Fast forward to the next wedding I did by myself in 2014. This was at Doukenie Vineyard in Virginia. I was so blessed to meet a newly engaged bride to be (surprisingly at my gym). Not only did I do their engagement photos, I also did their wedding photos. They were perfect. These are some of their wedding images.
So when I look back and look at others, I’m am happy where I am and where I’m going. I am always growing and learning and blessed to surround myself with confident, encouraging, and empowering creatives. I’m excited for this year and looking forward to shooting more weddings!
Light + Love
Sharron
Seeing your growth is SUCH a wonderful concept!!! A great way to start the year!
Thank you Audrey! <3
What a fun post to see where you began and where you are now with your style, approach, editing, and gear!
Wow! You’ve really come so far! I’m so proud
Thank you Jessica!
This makes me beam in pride. You have no idea!
Thank you so much love! <3 You have a lot to do with my journey, and I'm thankful for you!
Oh I love this! It’s always great to sit back and reflect! You are awesome, girl!
What a great journey; you should be so proud!
I Iove seeing growth! You’re always learning and growing throughout life.
I have always been so critical of my work, I’m learning to love me and my journey! <3
So much beautiful growth! Keep learning…
Thank you so much!