Every Wedding Needs a Third Eye

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

I began my artistic endeavors in high school in New York. I graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of the Arts in photojournalism in 2004 from the prestigious Newhouse School of Communication and promptly moved to Crested Butte CO to pursue my art. I worked as a photographer for the local publication, the Crested Butte News for a year and in 2005 I opened the first public black and white wet darkroom and gallery space in Crested Butte: STUDIO... From there I opened Third Eye Photography, a boutique specializing in weddings, portraiture, and real estate photography. My work has been published in the Rocky Mountain Bride publication, the Knot, Colorado Weddings, Shutter Magazine, Luxe Mountain Weddings, Borrowed and Blue, Aisle Perfect, DIY Weddings Magazine, GWM, and have been voted the Editors Choice for Two Bright Lights for the last 3 years.

How did you become a wedding photographer?

I love capturing such a special time in my clients lives in creative ways for them to cherish forever.

I remember endless nights in my basement darkroom, huddled over an 8X10 print sloshing in the chemicals as they fumigated the small room. The red light would cast strange shadows on the shelves full of paper and containers. The wet prints dangling above would drip water on the rug behind me. The silence sang soft melodies in my ears. It was then, sometime in that room, when I was a junior in high school, I knew I wanted to do this forever. After studying photojournalism and working for a newspaper I know that I loved working with people and documenting the moments that made up their life- and so weddings called to me. I love capturing such a special time in my clients lives in creative ways for them to cherish forever.

How would you describe your style?

My style is very candid, photojournalistic. If I am not capturing a purely candid moment, I am creating one with my clients- having him whisper something in her ear that makes her laugh- with the right light and background it can really all come together.

How important is a wedding photographer for the special day?

When the music and laughter fade, and time ticks away, all you have left to recall those beautiful moments are your photographs.

In my opinion, it is the most important. When the music and laughter fade, and time ticks away, all you have left to recall those beautiful moments are your photographs.

How should couples choose a wedding photographer?

• First, they should look at the portfolio and try to picture themselves in those images. Do they like the style- the color, the contrast, the drama or airiness?
• Then they should talk or meet with the photographer. There has to be a mutual enjoyment of each other's company. This is a very important relationship and everyone needs to feel their best and themselves.

What is the role of a photographer at a wedding?

The role of the photographer is to capture everything that tells the story of the day.

The role of the photographer is to capture everything that tells the story of the day. Sometimes this means being strong and assertive to get people where they need to be or looking their best, and sometimes this means being a fly on the wall, clicking away and watching. It takes time, experience and patience to really get what needs to be captured and do it well.

What are the typical services/packages offered by wedding photographers?

Why is wedding photography so expensive?

As I said, the price is what you pay, the value is what you get. If you want something who knows what they are doing, who is going to deliver high-end products, who is going to make your life easier and make you feel at home while creating the most beautiful images you will have to pay for it. I don’t think people really understand how much goes into owning your own business, especially photography. Not only are you paying for someone schooling and experience, but there is a lot of overhead- equipment that we are constantly upgrading, computer programs, insurance, products, studio space etc.

What was the most memorable wedding you photographed?

The Indian wedding, I did here in Crested Butte CO was the most memorable.

The Indian wedding, I did here in Crested Butte CO was the most memorable. It was a 3-day affair that was so lavish and beautiful- from the couple and their love for the family and friends who had traveled all over to the decor each day! It was joyous and a ton of work and so much fun!

Was there ever a time you had to improvise?

If you don’t improvise and go with the flow you can’t get the true essence of the day and couple.

Always! If you don’t improvise and go with the flow you can’t get the true essence of the day and couple. Of course, I also have been shooting a wedding for 15 years so I have my outline of how everything will go, but improvising comes with the territory.