Behind the Scenes – Photographing in 2016

I’m not going to lie: this is my favorite post of the year – what better way to start off 2017? Happy New Year!

You’ve already seen the highlights of my 2016 – I posted my favorite portraits, my favorite engagement images, and my favorite wedding images last week! But, how about a little “behind-the-scenes” “making-of”?

I’m not sure what it is: maybe I’m just conceited & really enjoy looking at myself, or maybe I just like to see the crazy situations I put myself in while shooting weddings – either way, I love these “behind the scenes” posts every year!

Last year I noted that I wore the same thing to almost every single wedding, so I made it my goal this year to diversify my wedding wardrobe! I found several dresses (two in particular) that I really fell in love with – stretchy, cool, and comfortable – and that’s primarily what I wore. Yes! I wore dresses to almost every single wedding this year! Up to this point, I was always in dress pants & a blouse, but this year I decided I wanted to “kick it up a notch” and wear a dress. This might sound silly, but I felt so much more professional. I also invested in a new pair of flats (but my trusty TOMs were always in my bag as my backup & were usually on my feet for receptions)

Last year (meaning 2015) was the first year I photographed weddings in the rain, and 2016 carried on that tradition as 3 of my outdoor weddings got rained on. Thankfully, we were able to work around (and in) the rain with the help of my trusty white umbrellas and it all worked out!

Also, this year was the first year I photographed a bridal party while standing on the edge of a waterfall (see the above photo) CRAZY! Totally worth it though! (I was totally safe, I promise, the water was only ankle deep)

So, what follows is a little peek into what a wedding day looks like from the other side of the camera, along with some commentary. There aren’t just photos of me in here either! You’ll see my sister Ellen, who is my usual second shooter, as well as my husband, Derrick, who we trained as a second shooter in 2016! He’ll probably be coming along with me to more and more weddings!

But, enough talking! Here we go!

How many photographers can you fit into a corner?

Like a shepherd herding her sheep.

I promise, I don’t usually cut heads off and bodies in half!

See? It’s handy to bring a man along as a second shooter – he can lend his muscle to help the groom & his groomsmen build the wedding arbor!

*insert hilarious caption here*

I promise, I’m not stealing the bride’s ring! I’m on my way to give it back!

Can I borrow your umbrella? Thanks, it’s kind of pouring all of a sudden. Also, golf ball anyone?

That time we got to play with glow sticks!

Here comes the bride!

That time that the venue let us borrow their tripped out four-wheeler and we flew up the road for a certain photo (in the rain, hence Andrew’s face)!

Anyone down here?

Training Derrick to be a photographer!

Where’s Waldo?

Me & Ashley! If you’re in the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania, I’d highly recommend her as a videographer! She’s awesome!

Bathroom selfies!

The leannnn.

100% not sure what is going on in the image on the left.

That time we got literally SOAKED while shooting bridal party portraits! At least the bridal party was dry!

Don’t mind me.

Dimples.

Light testing.

Photobooth fun with Ashley!

Did I mention I stood in a waterfall?

I just have to fix this really quick – don’t mind me!

Speaking in another language, or shushing someone, or falling asleep? Also, any good acne cream recommendations out there?

Sister love.

My selfie radar was on & strong that day – this made for a hilarious photo!

A pull back of my favorite dinosaur carrying off the wedding ring photo!

“And if you don’t stop misbehaving – I’ll poke you in the eye next!” Yikes, I really don’t know LOL

It’s okay Joe, you don’t have to marry the first person to walk down the aisle.

He was on umbrella duty that day.

My invisible line (if you have ever been a part of any of my bridal parties, you know what I’m talking about)

I made it back to the Shoresbrook Inn this year & took the traditional selfie! (see last year’s post for last year’s version)

I’m just stealing this, it’s all good.

Hiding from the guests.

I just wanted to say, I have the best job ever & I love every moment of what I do. I so so so appreciate all of the couples who invite me in to their wedding days & make me feel like part of their family. Seriously, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my days than serving these amazing couples!