What inspires me?
Why do I photography what I do?
Bear with me, this is a long answer -
When I was younger, as a family we had pulled out my parents' wedding reception video. I don't think it was anything fancy, I am pretty sure it was just taken on someone's camcorder. The part in particular that really is memorized in my brain is of a part where my Great Grandpa is giving a speech, or telling a joke.. honestly these exact details are a bit fuzzy in my brain. BUT what I do remember, is how my parents were watching this and commenting on the people in the video, more so than the actual joke or speech being said. Yes, of course the speech and or joke has meaning and is special to them, but what really counts is the people captured in the video.
I remember my parents laughing, almost crying because during the speech one of my Mom's uncles kept on eating, not paying attention really to the speech that was given - only to take a break, laugh at the joke and then continue eating. They kept commenting on how that was "so him" and of course he would be more concentrated on the food than the speech. The fact that these people will eventually be no longer around, makes videos (and photos) like this so nostalgic. It brings us back to a time period when these loved ones were so prevalent in their lives.
Over time we forget little quirks and details like this. My goal, my inspiration, as I photograph weddings goes back to this moment. I take photos trying to capture memories, people, quirks. I want couples to look back at my photos and say oh remember uncle so and so used to always do this. I want to take photos of the ring bearer busting dance moves on the dance floor, in anticipation that these photos will be shown at his graduation, or maybe even his own wedding someday. The couple's Grandma who has early stages of memory loss, and at the wedding she is having such a good day; what a great moment to hold onto and cherish. Or a groom, playing with his ring because the feeling of wearing it is still new to him.
I used to think of my own family, and how I would like them photographed at my wedding some day. My Grandpa always sits with his hand covering his mouth, my Grandma always has her kodak point and shoot camera taking photos (masking tape holding the camera together and everything). Photos of them, at my wedding, being their authentic selves are the photographs I will treasure forever.
"So, that is my goal. To capture the pure moments, the authentic loved ones, the future memories, the feelings and emotions to eventually look back on with love, joy and nostalgia."
—Katie
Of course, portraits of the Bride and Groom, Wedding Party, and traditional wedding photographs are important as well. And, yes, they do make for some pretty photos. But my favorite photos are the ones I get to take when I get to take a step back and observe everything, capturing moments, memories, feelings, emotions, and most importantly the people.
What a privilege it is to be present during strangers' future nostalgic memories and be able to capture them to look back on. So, that is my goal. To capture the pure moments, the authentic love, the quirky friendships, the future memories, the feelings and emotions to eventually look back on with love, joy and nostalgia. My photos aime to capture feelings, moments in time that we want to freeze and hold onto, look back on and bring us right back to these memories.
