It was my twenty-fifth birthday and clouds threatened – not to ruin my big day, no – but to put a damper on my very first wedding as a photographer. The only photographer. As in, all of the responsibility for capturing the day fell on me and the hunk of metal I held with such trepidation in my hands that entire afternoon. It was a success, despite the details and characteristics of the day which may have pushed it into the land of I-might-never-want-to-do-that-again. But I did. Because, as the six months before that had taught me, I could both do and love weddings…
In September of 2008 when, after only beginning to shoot portraits for people other than myself, the curiosity of the world of weddings opened up to me when my friends, turned personal wedding photographers, and at that time, neighbors – Zach and Jody – extended an internship opportunity to my currently less-than-full plate of unemployment. I liked the idea of getting a behind-the-scenes look at what it might take to shoot a wedding, and so off we went – me helping to carry around gear and occasionally pulling out my own camera when moments were happening that I thought must be captured.
Over time, that internship morphed into a recognition and understanding between the Grays and myself that I had some things going for me. Granted, some of my technical skills had room for improvement (as an artist, I believe they always do), but I could do something with weddings that people might need and look for. As much as I fought the idea of being a wedding photographer, an associateship seemed like the perfect set-up for a then full-time employee in the world of higher education who also was building a fledgling portrait photography business. To shoot weddings exclusively as a part of Gray Photography, meant that I didn’t have to invest much at all in the networking and marketing of wedding photography – but could still shoot lead weddings. I had two friends and photographers who wanted me on their team and a husband who thought I hung the proverbial moon of photography, and so that January, I jumped. Well, jumped and then spent the next four months flying through a trial-by-fire season of showing up at just about every wedding on the Grays’ schedule that spring (there were many) and shooting – meanwhile bringing Cliff along for the ride as an assistant in training (who knew the guy would turn out to be, as a non-photographer, the best and most knowledgeable assistant I could ask for).
Since that May of 2009 and my very first lead wedding, so much has changed and happened and grown in my life – personally and professionally. I knew someday, we hoped to start a family and that someday has come. As have the dream of working for myself, owning a home, and traveling to more beautiful places in the world. Even in my work in what I had always thought was my dream job in the field of higher education, I accomplished what I set out to do. In that time, I was a part of such lovely couples’ beginnings – fun, vibrant, simple, and personal beginnings.
In September of 2008 when, after only beginning to shoot portraits for people other than myself, the curiosity of the world of weddings opened up to me when my friends, turned personal wedding photographers, and at that time, neighbors – Zach and Jody – extended an internship opportunity to my currently less-than-full plate of unemployment. I liked the idea of getting a behind-the-scenes look at what it might take to shoot a wedding, and so off we went – me helping to carry around gear and occasionally pulling out my own camera when moments were happening that I thought must be captured.
Over time, that internship morphed into a recognition and understanding between the Grays and myself that I had some things going for me. Granted, some of my technical skills had room for improvement (as an artist, I believe they always do), but I could do something with weddings that people might need and look for. As much as I fought the idea of being a wedding photographer, an associateship seemed like the perfect set-up for a then full-time employee in the world of higher education who also was building a fledgling portrait photography business. To shoot weddings exclusively as a part of Gray Photography, meant that I didn’t have to invest much at all in the networking and marketing of wedding photography – but could still shoot lead weddings. I had two friends and photographers who wanted me on their team and a husband who thought I hung the proverbial moon of photography, and so that January, I jumped. Well, jumped and then spent the next four months flying through a trial-by-fire season of showing up at just about every wedding on the Grays’ schedule that spring (there were many) and shooting – meanwhile bringing Cliff along for the ride as an assistant in training (who knew the guy would turn out to be, as a non-photographer, the best and most knowledgeable assistant I could ask for).
Since that May of 2009 and my very first lead wedding, so much has changed and happened and grown in my life – personally and professionally. I knew someday, we hoped to start a family and that someday has come. As have the dream of working for myself, owning a home, and traveling to more beautiful places in the world. Even in my work in what I had always thought was my dream job in the field of higher education, I accomplished what I set out to do. In that time, I was a part of such lovely couples’ beginnings – fun, vibrant, simple, and personal beginnings.
And with all of that, came confidence and patience and grace for myself. And it didn’t hurt that through it all, I’ve had such incredible support from people in every corner of my life. My sweet, sweet husband, family, and friends. My former bosses and co-workers at Belmont. Not to mention the photographers who’ve been there and are right there with me – people like Zach & Jody, of course, and my dear Evin and my fellow former-associate and friend Jessica.
Now, two years later, no longer an associate for the Grays but forever indebted to them for that opportunity – not just for the weddings, but for the chance to grow and learn – I’m on my own. Portraits and weddings under the same brand and business, all chalked up to one Miss Kristine Neeley. It’s terrifying and exciting, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.
While I plan to only take on a pretty limited number of weddings each year, I can confidently say that’s all I need. Professionally, because my work as a portrait photographer is important and fulfilling, but the challenge and joy of every wedding makes me better at my craft all around. Personally, because the occasional reminder of the beauty and blessing of marriage and the chance to honor and celebrate other wonderful people in choosing that path… well, there are few experiences like it. I’ve created an extension site dedicated solely to my wedding work which can be accessed off the main landing page of kristineneeley.com or by visiting weddings.kristineneeley.com directly. Feel free to send friends or family looking for a wedding photographer that-a-way, if you would like!
So with that, I’m heading off to Charleston, SC this afternoon to both begin and document a journey. The first, for myself – the latter, for one lovely Maria Allen and Ben Smith who are to be wed tomorrow in the company of close family and friends in a city as southern and picturesque as it gets! I’m just a little excited.
Now, two years later, no longer an associate for the Grays but forever indebted to them for that opportunity – not just for the weddings, but for the chance to grow and learn – I’m on my own. Portraits and weddings under the same brand and business, all chalked up to one Miss Kristine Neeley. It’s terrifying and exciting, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.
While I plan to only take on a pretty limited number of weddings each year, I can confidently say that’s all I need. Professionally, because my work as a portrait photographer is important and fulfilling, but the challenge and joy of every wedding makes me better at my craft all around. Personally, because the occasional reminder of the beauty and blessing of marriage and the chance to honor and celebrate other wonderful people in choosing that path… well, there are few experiences like it. I’ve created an extension site dedicated solely to my wedding work which can be accessed off the main landing page of kristineneeley.com or by visiting weddings.kristineneeley.com directly. Feel free to send friends or family looking for a wedding photographer that-a-way, if you would like!
So with that, I’m heading off to Charleston, SC this afternoon to both begin and document a journey. The first, for myself – the latter, for one lovely Maria Allen and Ben Smith who are to be wed tomorrow in the company of close family and friends in a city as southern and picturesque as it gets! I’m just a little excited.
1 comment