Inspired Photo Blog

Sarah and Patrick are tying the knot…finally (or so some would say). They live in Vancouver, Washington but are celebrating their wedding day in Woodstock, Vermont. What’s extra special about this couple, aside from their unique quaintness is that Sarah is my album designer. If you’ve been following this blog for any length of time, you know her name quite well. She’s my creative partner and a vital link in realizing that vision for my clients.

I’ve known Sarah and Patrick for years. They are one of those couples that everyone knows are meant to be together. Every year, I’d ask Sarah if Patrick had proposed yet. When he did propose, she was elated to say the least.

Sarah works with many photographers and they made it clear that making the best choice involved doing their homework. I was humbled and honored to be selected as their wedding photographer. Sarah is very familiar with my work. She gets my vision and wanted my style of creativity on their wedding day. So, for their engagement session, she asked that I do all the things that she sees in my work that she loves. I jumped in and while I know the resulting images may not be for everyone, the work is honest.

As you know, I like to offer insight into the creative process as I take this journey with you. It’s definitely a process. In my personal work, you can see how those ideas and style choices influence my professional work. Being honest with the process results in art that is truthful to the artist.

“One difference between creating something you believe in and creating something that’s popular is that popularity seekers follow established steps. Do this, do that, do the other thing… lots of traffic. Do this, do that, do the other thing, a quick boost in Google. DT, DT DTOT and get a standing ovation…

The problem with this, that and the other thing is that you end up with a career filled with it. Instead of creating long-lasting art, ideas that matter and things that spread organically, you end up with a bunch of calculated mini-hits.” — Seth Godin

On to the images! This remarkable tree is where Patrick proposed to Sarah. I’ve dubbed it the Marriage Tree, as it shall be known from this time forward.

As an artist, it’s important to find inspiration in classic art. You never know how this influence will show up in your work. After creating this off-the-wall image of Patrick, I later recognized it as a direct influence of Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man.

We had a great time during this engagement session. Sarah and Patrick have set up creative vignettes for their wedding day and I know it will be spectacular. I’m looking forward to traveling to Vermont (where I’ve never been), meeting new friends and being inspired by a new part of the country. Congratulations Sarah and Patrick on your engagement! See you in a few weeks!