Lightwork Photography

Why do you want to work with APW Couples?

I am a practical person myself, and believe that everyone should have access to gorgeous wedding photography by an experienced photographer without paying the equivalent of a house downpayment. One of the biggest reasons I decided to sign up is because a client encouraged me to– she loves APW and says that my philosophies match so closely with the site that we’ll be a perfect fit. That sold me, because I feel like my approach to weddings really is based on practicality and sanity. I keep my prices so that photography is accessible to everyone, I offer some great specials from time to time, and I absolutely don’t believe in controlling my clients’ weddings or pockets. Not everyone can afford or wants a fairytale wedding or the pricetag that’s attached– and I’m okay with that. I’m in the same boat. However, just because my pricing and philosophy is practical doesn’t mean I’m not a true professional. I have a 4-year degree in photography, 8 years of experience photographing weddings, a great portfolio, professional equipment, and a professional attitude. I’m not your friend’s friend who has a DSLR and likes to take pictures. Because of all that, I’m looking for clients who can appreciate good photography but are level-headed and know what they want from their wedding day.

Describe your artistic approach to weddings?

My approach is pretty eclectic- I’ve seen trends come and go so quickly over the last 8 years that I’ve tried a bit of everything. However, my training is in fine art, and I tend to like images that are timeless, creative, and artful. I work hard to make sure my more candid coverage is just as artful and exciting as the posed and set up shots. I love photographing all the details of a wedding– couples put so much time, energy, and money into all of the little things that it’s important that I capture the event from the smallest details to the biggest moments. I am a big proponent of the dying art of the wedding album, so whether my clients choose to buy an album or not, I always approach the wedding day as a narrative, not a series of disconnected images. I don’t shoot just for a few spectacular shots that I can put in my portfolio– I want to tell the story of each couple’s day. I also listen to my clients. If they want a lot of posed, traditional shots (even table shots!), I’ll do them. If they want something completely photojournalistic, I’m there. In the end, it’s not my day, it’s my clients’ day, and I want to make them happy with their wedding coverage from beginning to end.

What are your non-work-related hobbies?

I love to read, and I read probably 1-2 books a week if I can fit it in. I love animals, and currently have a big, goofy boxer and an elderly, ill-tempered, toothless cat whom I love to death. She rules the house. I have a 7 year old little boy with autism, so I try to stay active in the autism community, though I don’t like getting into the fray with the debates– I just want to see what’s out there for my son. I am probably the only person in the world whose career is photography and whose hobby is science and medical writing, but when forced to choose between majors in college by a dean, I chose art. I just discovered snorkeling this past year, and it’s the coolest thing ever, so I’m angling for many trips to go snorkeling. I also enjoy kayaking, though I’m not very good at it, shopping, because I love pretty things and gorgeous materials, traveling, camping (mostly because it’s cheaper and nicer than cheap hotels), and doing things with my son and significant other.

What’s your favorite book?

I have many, many favorite books. Lately, The Emperor of All Maladies, No Country for Old Men, The Road, The Help, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, mostly anything by John Irving, Anna Karenina, 1Q84, Cutting for Stone and other books by Abraham Verghese, anything by Jon Krakauer, anything by Wally Lamb, And The Band Played On and many, many more.

What’s your favorite movie?

I don’t watch a lot of movies, but Fight Club, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Dirty Dancing, Philadelphia, and HBO series will usually grab my attention.

If you could have a one minute dance party at your desk, what song would you pick?

30 seconds of something by Doc Watson and 30 seconds of Party Rock Anthem, because I’m kinda dorky.

Explain your travel policy:

We serve Southeastern PA, all of Delaware including the beaches, South Jersey, and Maryland. We travel up to 100 miles one-way without added cost.  I love destination weddings and will travel almost anywhere if my expenses are covered. I’ve photographed from Boston to Virginia on the east coast and it looks like I may be traveling to New Mexico for a wedding soon.