Ryan + Lindsay // Edisto Island, SC
Back in March right before we all knew exactly how this whole Covid-19 thing was gonna play out, I made the trip to South Carolina to document my friends Ryan and Lindsay’s wedding day. The wedding had to be downsized from hundreds to just 35 attendees due to social distancing recommendations. They also decided to do it on Friday rather than the originally planned Saturday. I was bummed out for them to have all of these plans literally change within a few days but I was happy that the experience still was able to happen.
It was an unbelievable day with their immediate family and closest friends, culminating in drinks & dinner at South Carolina's most beautiful beach town, Edisto Island. -- I don't know if I have words to explain this experience. All I can say is that I'm so grateful for these two, and so honored to be a part of such a beautiful day and memorable life event. Thank you guys!
-Jason
Here is why you need insurance for your photography business.
So, recently I was photographing a gig in Nashville and had my camera gear in my truck. I was inside the venue for about 30 minutes and was parked in a space that I thought was secure. I know I know this seems stupid but I had a lot of stuff to carry and the lot was private and felt safe. I came out to grab my camera bag and some other gear and my window was smashed and 5,000 dollars worth of gear was GONE!
Initially I was shocked and slightly devastated, considering that I purchased the camera less than 2 months ago. I filed a police report and tried to enjoy the rest of my evening. Besides the pit in my stomach, the violated feeling and the long, cold drive back home with no back window, I was so glad that I had insurance that covered all of my equipment!
My truck window is now fixed and the claim is being processed thank God. I have back up gear so I am not completely out of commission but I can’t imagine what I would do if I didn’t have insurance coverage.
If you don’t have coverage for your photography business, I strongly encourage you to purchase a plan. It is a very low monthly cost and it could save your career if something like this happens to you. Also once you reach a certain level, shooting events and weddings it is often expected of you to present a certificate of insurance.
My plan is through Allstate but there are tons of plans out there that are great. I do have a 500 dollar deductible but considering my equipment is 10 times that amount, I am alright with paying that.
Another great Insurance plan is through Professional Photographers of America . They are also a great resource for all things Photography.
I also suggest creating an inventory spreadsheet with all of your equipment listed with serial numbers and model numbers so that you don’t have to round all that up after something like this happens.
Please use my story as a cautionary tale and save yourself the heartache and get coverage asap!
My 2019 Photographer's Gift Guide
If you are a photographer, I’ll bet you have probably received at least one of those coffee mugs that looks like a camera lens. The first one is ok but three mugs later and it’s like “damn, do these folks even know me?”
Whether you are a photographer and need to make some last quarter of the year purchases for tax write off purposes or you are looking for a gift for a loved one who is a photographer, this guide could help you pick a great gift. Also I might add that I am not being paid by any of these brands I just really love these items and think you will as well!
Samsung SSD: This gift isn’t just for photographers, I recommend everyone who has content/photos that they cherish, to back up to one of these and store it in a safe place along with some good cloud storage as well. I love these little ssd drives because it is very fast and small.
2. Vitruvi Stone Diffuser: I love a clean smelling room and tidy space when I need to sit and work. Not only will your space smell nice but the thing looks very modern and can fill that space that is lacking in decor.
3. Apple Airpods: Shooting weddings can literally keep your hands tied (setting up stands, juggling lenses and gear, setting up ladders, etc) When a vendor or even my second shooter needs to call me an my hands are full I can talk hands free easily with these. Also they are the best for listening to podcasts and music, DUH!
4. Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit: Live from The Ryman Vinyl: Man, I don’t know what to say about this record except, wow. I love him live and he plays a lot of stuff; old and new on this record. I like to listen to this while editing or just chilling around the house.
5. Movo Rapid Action Over The Shoulder Sling: This camera strap is a game changer. I often find it difficult to turn my camera vertically and access all the controls when using a traditional two point strap. I recommend this to anyone who shoots event/weddings.
6. Blundstone 510 Boots: These boots have recently become my everyday wear boots. They are casual but can be dressed up and are very comfortable and water resistant. Sometimes I show up to a shoot and have to walk in wet grass or mud and these are the perfect boot for being prepared for all elements and terrain.
7. Lowepro Protactic BP 450 AW II: This bag is a beast. Durable and fits all of my stuff comfortably and safely. Nothing moves around and everything from wires and cards to both of my cameras have a proper place inside of the bag. It is perfect for hiking as well.
8. Mophie Powerstation: We’ve all been in the situation where you have to get your phone charged. I go on hikes or camping and video with my phone and it kills my battery quickly. This thing will fully charge your phone or table like 4 times before needing a recharge. I can’t recommend this little thing enough if you find yourself needing a charge often.
9. SD Card Holder: I don’t think I need to say it but. Until you’re files are delivered to your client it is imperative that you protect your SD cards because that’s where all of your photos will live until properly backed up. Also this little case keeps them safe, nice and organized.
10. Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod Kit: Every non photographer always asks what kind of camera will help them take better pictures or video and I always reply, “your phone is great.” Guys, the iPhone has a perfectly good camera. Your technique is what is lacking probably. Try taking video/ photos using a tripod and I promise the quality will drastically change. I love this little tripod and use it all the time when I need to video something or get a landscape photo with my phone.
Lastly…. HONEYBOOK : If you are a professional photographer and struggle with keeping your projects neat and organized. Look no further. This Business management software was a game changer for me. They even have an app to streamline the emailing, invoicing process. Get 50% off your first year with my referral link HERE.
Happy Holidays!
THE FARM WEDDING // LEAH + ADAM // CANDLER, NC
I still remember being contacted by Adam and Leah about shooting their wedding over a year ago. Seems like such a long time but time flies. I know I always say it but I am truly humbled by the amount of people that like my work and trust me to capture their special days.
Adam and Leah, as well as their friends and family, were wonderful to work with. They were all willing to do whatever I needed them to do to capture the shots. It did get a little chilly at the wedding but Leah, and all of the girls in the wedding powered through even though their arms and shoulders were exposed to the chilly air.
The reception was great. Being music lovers like myself, they booked an amazing band that played lots of great songs that weren’t the typical cliche wedding songs which I loved! I can’t just not mention the fact that these two learned a dance for their first dance that was sooo impressive. It just goes to show what kind of hard working, fun, adventurous couple they are.
I know these two will go far in life together, their love, passion and drive is contagious.
Congrats to Adam and Leah. Thanks for letting me tell this small part of your story!
Big shout out to my second shooter, Murphy Martin and all of the other vendors involved in making this special day happen.
Venue: The Farm
Hair: Natalie Webb
Makeup: Liz Black
Videography: Heartistree Studio
GEORGIA COUNTRY WEDDING // CONNOR + KENDALL // FORT VALLEY, GEORGIA
This was my second wedding of the season and it rained all day! But…the rain did stop just in time to make the ultimate call as to if the ceremony was gonna have to be moved inside. We lucked out and were able to have the wedding ceremony outside. Kendal and Connor are old friends of mine so I always get extra excited/nervous to shoot my friends’ weddings. I must say, I do like the atmospheric fog in the air on rain days so that made for a cool touch to their photos. Everything went very smooth and the couple as well as the wedding party were a delight to work with. Kendall and Connor might also be the best dancers I know, which made for a very fun reception. Congratulations to the Coopers! #coopthereitis
Big shout out to all other vendors who helped make their special day happen.
Venue: Southern Bridle Farms
Catering: Southern Bridle Farms
Floral - Southern Bridle Farms
Videography: Seven Foot Films
Bartender: The Lucky Shot
Hair / Makeup: Bombshell Creations (Kari and Madison)
Wedding Coordinator: Magnolia Grace
Engagement Session // Michelle + Tyler // Atlanta, Georgia
I recently met up with Michelle and Tyler in Cabbagetown, a cool little neighborhood in East Atlanta, Georgia. The weather had not been in our favor for the previous two Sundays that we tried to meet so this shoot fell on Easter Sunday. Being huge Game of Thrones fans, it was important that we scheduled the shoot with enough time to get home for the second episode of the Final Season. Golden hour ends at about 8pm so that was no problem! These two are big metal music fans and I love all music, we talked about our favorite metal bands pretty much non stop. I love having a mutual interest with my clients because it gives us a talking point and lets them feel more comfortable in front of my camera. If I can get them to have a conversation with me in between shutter clicks they will loosen up and forget that I’m even taking photos, which make for better shots. I can’t wait for their wedding later on this year. Especially the reception because we all discussed how cliche and boring most reception music tends to be.
In Home Newborn Baby Session // Emery + Drew + Sam // Greenville, SC
If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would enjoy photographing tiny babies and families, I would have said “No!” I did like taking photos of my 4 nephews but not of other kids. Now that I am 30 and a little more wise, I love it!
In February, my friends, Drew and Sam, asked me to come to their home and photograph them with their brand new baby girl, Emery! I was honored and excited to do this for them. While I was taking pictures, their pets were very very curious about what I was doing. You could already tell that they were protective of their new baby sister, following me from room to room. Even their cat, that stays outside, got in on the action and watched us in the nursery through the window. We attempted to photograph her in all the little frills and laces but she wasn’t having any of it, as most small babies wouldn’t. I gave the disclaimer on my instagram that most of my followers don’t care about seeing family portraits or babies but I don’t care, this type work is probably the most important. It tells a story, a story that they just began and now have the photos to go back to when Emery is all grown up one day.
Thanks Drew and Sam and Emery, love y’all!
Save The Date // Patrick and Mary // Nashville, TN
Patrick and Mary’s rainy Nashville engagement session
I recently visited the wonderful city of Nashville TN! It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been there but my friends Patrick and Mary live there and bought house pretty recently so I was overdue for a visit. They got engaged back in September but why would anyone want to do photos in the fall with leaves and stuff. Let’s do it in the bleak rainy Nashville winter! I kid, we had it on the books for a while.
I have known Patrick for a really long time and I met Mary not long after they started dating and think they are perfect together. Both have very extroverted personalities and make me want to be less introverted. Patrick is one of the funniest people I know but his humor is very smart and dry. If you don’t know him you might be slightly confused at some of is humor. I completely understand it and I am probably holding my side laughing uncontrollably trying to catch my breath and Mary may be having to apologize for something he said or did. Thank god for her.
We spent the rainy afternoon avoiding all the touristy bro country bars and had a good ole time, even in the cold rain. Patrick and Mary had their first date near Printer’s Alley downtown Nashville, so of course it made sense to go back there to announce their engagement. We eventually made it on to the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Cumberland River until the rain started falling too hard. We then decided to call it a day and get out of the rain.
I am honored to actually be a part of their wedding. I won’t be shooting it but you better bet that I’ll have my little Fuji X100f on my neck the whole time, documenting what will be an amazing day.
Congrats Patrick and Mary, love y’all!
Georgia Farm Wedding// Newnan, Georgia
Gosh, I am so bad at updating my website and blog as much as a I should. I had the pleasure of shooting this Georgia country wedding IN THE RAIN. It was freezing cold and raining but my couple was un phased and the ceremony was beautiful and we all worked together to make it the best day that we could.
This was a family only, small wedding that took place on the family’s farm. I am so thankful to have weather sealed gear because at times it down right poured on us. There was a boat in the pond that we really wanted to do photos in but it was raining. I convinced them to try getting in the boat anyway and they did and they totally rocked it! I seem to be getting a lot of rainy sessions lately so I am glad to have the practice!
