Q&A with Brea McDonald
Brea McDonald has been featured in some of the best wedding magazines and blogs in the country, including Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Style Me Pretty, and Boston Weddings. We're pleased as punch she calls Maine home so we can get a piece of her talent, too!
How did you get started in photography?
I'm one of those photographers who, at an early age, always had a camera in hand. Once in college I began to really focus my studies in black and white photography while getting a broad based art degree. Then I made the leap to wedding and portraits! I've been shooting professionally for nearly 10 years now.
What do you love about wedding photography?
I love that a wedding photographer needs to be able to shoot in a variety of situations. Your challenged with documenting those important moments, organizing and finding great light for family groups, making your couples feel comfortable for their portraits, and getting all those details and scenic shots that play a major part in the feeling of the day. Every wedding is different and I love the challenge that comes along with that.
What is the biggest challenge you face when shooting a wedding?
These days everyone at the wedding is carrying their camera phones and it can cause a bit of an obstacle when shooting at some points during the day. Guests should relax and enjoy the wedding rather than stepping out into the aisle to snap shots.
What should clients know about your style of photography?
I love to shoot with natural light. It enables me to capture the texture, feeling, and mood of a wedding. I also love to watch what is happening between all those planned moments and on the sidelines. It's those moments really tell the whole story of my couple's day.
When you're not behind the camera, what do you like to do?
I thoroughly enjoy a lazy day of poking around antique shops in the area hunting for treasures. I love finding something with a story! I am a full fledged New England gal, so I love everything to do with our beautiful corner of the U.S. Hiking, swimming, relaxing at my parents cabin, skiing, snow shoeing. It's all about getting out there and enjoying all the seasons for me.
How can the couple help YOU on their wedding day?
Just relax and enjoy their day! The more you focus on your family, friends and each other the more natural your photos will be. Just soak it all in!
What sorts of things inspire you when you pick up your camera?
Amazing light and sincere emotion. I love that moment just before sunset where everything is glowing. And when a couple really truly relaxes and connects, it shows.
Where will your business be in the next 5 years?
I really love where my business is right now and I hope that in 5 years we will have continued to grow and have been able to work with more amazing families!
