If I could sum up what most APWers want in a wedding photographer, I think it would be someone who cares deeply about their work, but who isn’t going to turn your wedding into a photoshoot. Someone who cares more about moments than details. And someone with an artistic point of view, but who delivers photos that look and feel like you. And APW’s newest sponsor, Brooklyn’s Carey MacArthur has all of that. Plus, her rates start at $3,200 for full-day coverage. I know, I know. It’s not even your birthday.
Carey’s entrance into the wedding industry wasn’t like most photographers. She started shooting weddings straight out of college, where she got a fine art degree in photography, but took a hiatus to pursue other interests, including becoming a certified Yoga trainer. Which means that she missed the explosion of wedding blogs, and Pinterest weddings, and is coming back to the game with a fresh set of eyes and ultra calm demeanor. (It’s basically like getting a super skilled photographer who just happened to be cryogenically frozen before the Internet went crazy for weddings.)
So while other photographers might be willing to do whatever it takes to get the shot, Carey’s throwback approach is just as much about the experience as it is the end product. She says:
I primarily think of myself as a storyteller. Each photograph has the potential to tell a story of its own, but when you combine all the moments and all the details, each wedding weaves together a unique story of its own. I try to avoid directing or posing my subjects whenever possible, but rather document the day as I see it. And while I take my work quite seriously, I have a very calm, laid-back shooting style. I try to stay out of the way and out of the guests’ view as much as possible without sacrificing a needed shot.
But don’t be fooled. Just because Carey’s style is unobtrusive, doesn’t mean she’s sacrificing shots. Rather, her documentary approach means you get both the quiet, candid moments like these:
And the joyful, energetic dance floor moments like this (oh yeah, Carey’s dance shots are going to make all of your guests look like movie stars).
Carey says:
I consider it a great gift to be invited to photograph a wedding. I treat my clients like family because, in a sense, they’ve already given me the honor of welcoming me into theirs. Couples take such care to whittle down their guest lists so that on the day of their wedding they are surrounded by loved ones. Then into that space, they put their trust in a stranger to witness and document the most intimate moments of the day. I feel an immense amount of responsibility to deliver the very best pictures I can.
My pictures become an offering I make to each couple. I want the pictures to reflect the joy I experience as I listen to the vows, speeches and stories of their lives, as I watch fathers tear up and grandmothers get down on the dance floor. I want each of my photographs to be filled with the love, spirit and magic that result from all of those beautiful souls being brought together in one place for the purpose of celebrating love.
A lot of photographers are really awesome at portraits and detail shots, but not so awesome at the dance floor or more candid guest moments. But Carey holds it all together, and gives you amazing photos from start to finish. Or you can just take it from this recent couple:
Carey did an amazing job capturing our day. She is not only a very talented photographer, but her obvious love of the job was such an added bonus. I have a large family which can get a bit hectic, but Carey managed everything and everyone with ease. On a day that can be stressful, having a photographer who stays calm and professional while enjoying the day and working really hard is just such a blessing. I probably don’t have to add that we were also thrilled with the photography. Carey has an amazing talent for capturing the big, classic wedding moments alongside the more precious ones, in a beautiful style that allows us to relive the details and spirit of the day every time we look at the photos. —Alissa & Josh
Oh and did I forget to mention that local weddings with Carey MacArthur start at $3200 for full-day coverage? And that she has availability for 2015 wedding still? (P.S. Anything outside of the New York metro area just needs a car rental and two nights at a hotel to make it happen?. Because, yeah, all of that.
So if you’ve been looking for a New York-based wedding photographer who’s just going to give you good, honest wedding photography, without a bunch of wedding industry nonsense tied to it, then you should be calling up Carey MacArthur right now.
Full-day coverage with CAREY MACARTHUR starts at $3,200. Click here to get in touch with Carey today!
