Interview: Sara Lynn
Today we caught up with Colorado based wedding photographer Sara Lynn, she is a fine Art photographer that specialises in creative, romantic portraiture using natural light, intimate posing and film techniques.
How long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?
My first camera was given to me when I was 8 or 9 years old from my parents. It was a cool little black point and shoot with 35 mm film and I used the first role on my older sister’s wedding. I loved it and I think my parent’s noticed so they kept buying me film, encouraging me to stay creative. Years down the road while I was working to get my Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of South Dakota, I was picked up as a contracted photographer at the age of 19 and started photographing everything from weddings to high school seniors. I learned so much about photography but more importantly, I learned about the business and that I really could have photography be my dream job. I started my business while I was a contracted photographer and when I was 24, I went completely full-time being a self employed wedding and beauty photographer. It’s been four crazy years since I made that leap of faith and I’m lucky to have an amazing family, husband and client base that supports my dream.
What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?
I love weddings for a few different reasons. First, it’s a wedding and everyone is so happy and joyous, even if there are tears. For me, the wedding day is all about the couple coming together and two families joining. There’s nothing more special than the love of two people and being able to capture that forever in a photograph. I also love the uniqueness and the challenge that every wedding brings with that event. It’s always different lighting, faces, spaces, body types, decor, views and so on. Every event is a breath of fresh air and it challenges me to learn, grow and push myself to do my best even in less than ideal situations and create something special for each couple. And lastly, a wedding photographer isn’t really a wedding photographer and we really are masters of every genre. We are beauty photographers while we photograph the women, we’re stylists while we photograph the details, we’re portrait photographers with the men, photojournalists during the ceremony and reception, as well as child photographers, family portrait photographers, fine-art photographers when we’re with the couple and more. In my opinion, being a wedding photographer means you get to do everything and I love it.
How would you describe your style and approach?
I am a Fine Art photographer that specializes in creative, romantic portraiture using natural light, intimate posing and film techniques. I like to create “situations” that look best for the subjects I’m photographing and then give them actions within that particular pose, lighting and composition to really capture the couple’s emotions. I approach each situation as a unique chapter of the event that still needs to blend well to create a cohesive story for the day. That means using the appropriate tools, noticing my surroundings and how I can incorporate colors, decor and textures to blend the chapters together and using posing techniques throughout the day to match the beginning and end chapters together.
What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?
My number one piece of advice is to meet the photographers you’re considering and not base your decision solely on price. Every photographer does things differently and this includes photography products, planning the schedule, editing and delivery. But really, you want to meet with photographers in-person so you can get to know them and their personality. Your photographer is going to be around you for your entire wedding day, so it’s important that you mesh well with them and can trust them.
What tips would you share with couples to help their day go more smoothly?
Hire a wedding planner. I grew up in a town where wedding planners don’t really exist so if that’s the case, hire a wedding photographer that is organized and willing to have consultations with you both to help you with your photography schedule. I hear horror stories of photographers taking too much time on portraits simply because the schedule wasn’t put together properly and things weren’t set ahead of time in an organized way – and nothing is more stressful than trying to round up 30+ people that have no idea where to be at what time. Organization is key.
Finally… Whats the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?
I have so many favorite moments, it’s really tough to just say one. But one moment that will always stick with me is from Amanda+Aaron’s wedding, that were married at The Studio Loft, downtown Denver. Their ceremony was absolutely beautiful and 100% from the heart. Aaron (yes, the groom) sewed the whimsical backdrop and meticulously placed candles around and on the ledges of the ceremony area. Beautiful draping hung from the ceilings and the music choices were heartfelt. It was stunning. But what really resonated with me was when every single guest had tears of joy as they both spoke their hand-written vows to one other, including myself. There was a moment that I photographed where all of their parents and grandparents sat, smiling, and wiping away their tears as they listened to the vows. Moments like that prove that soul mates and true love does exist. Being there two watch these families become one was truly an honor and something I’ll always cherish in my heart.
Many thanks to Sara for chatting with us, you can get in touch with her, and see more of her work on her profile page here.