My favorite weddings are the ones that celebrate more than just a couple's love but also celebrate their communities, their cultures, and their families. Photographing occasions like that is very life-affirming and reminds me about all the good in the world. Especially when you have couples who are very partnership-focused--and not as focused on creating The Best Day Of Our Lives (TM)--which is the type of couple I tend to work with.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was working as an assistant to [feminist author] Gloria Steinem for several years after college, but although I loved my job I felt I needed to grow into something that was mine. I'm a natural networker and a very determined person, so I think just through practice and telling everyone I met that I was a photographer, I started to get gigs! After that, if your work is good it speaks for itself!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think my fave moment is the one below. It was my first full year of shooting weddings. I was nervous as hell, but the light was beautiful and the couple was really enthusiastic. I knew I wanted to get a shot of her jumping (esp because she had amazing wedding sandals) across the water but I wasn't sure if she would be up to it and I was afraid to ask. Finally, I did, and she was so excited. I love this shot because it represents following your heart and your vision. It's not perfectly in focus, it's not technically perfect at all (you can see the groom's foot in the lower left). But I took a leap of faith by asking her to jump and she took a leap of faith (literally) by

doing it.

 

 

 

Working on Saturdays!! Every year I try to limit my workload to 20 Saturday weddings, but every year that number creeps higher and higher. It's especially a challenge when your partner works normal 9-5/ Monday - Friday hours.

 

 

I honestly try not to look at too many other wedding photographers' work, because I worry that it will influence me too much. But some of my favorite photographers right now are Oriana Koren, Michelle Terris, and Cassie Rosch.

 

 

 

I think the fact that I'm open about being a feminist and coming from a feminist background tends to attract a lot of attention--for couples who are looking for that, I'm like a breath of fresh air. That said, I know it's not for everyone, but it's been a useful tool for helping me connect with couples whose weddings really speak to me. I also try to focus heavily on emotions and natural documentation vs. contrived details and posing.

 

 

 

Practice, practice, practice! And remember that there is way more to wedding photography beyond just taking photos -- like printing and framing (YAY ART TO FRAMES), file storage, client interaction, contracts, gear maintenance, accounting, and more.

 

 

See more of Carly's amazing work here!