Q & A with Justine Johnson
Justine Johnson always loved photography, but didn't get into wedding photography until 2009. She's intrigued by light, texture, color, and patterns and loves to focus on the details that make up each of her clients' wedding days.
How did you get started in photography?
I got started in photography a long time ago, probably about 10 years ago, but really got involved in weddings during the summer of 2009. I always loved photographing people and finally it dawned on me that I should start shooting weddings. I shot my first few for free, and was very upfront with my very first clients about how inexperienced I was with weddings, but they were all people who couldn't afford a photographer otherwise so they were happy to give me a shot. Now I'm going on 3 years with almost 100 weddings under my belt!
What do you love about wedding photography?
I love that every wedding is so different and unique, and they're all completely fascinating. You could photograph 10 different weddings in the same location and each couple would bring their own unique flair to the event. I get to meet new people all the time and share in one of the best days of their life with them.
What is the biggest challenge you face when shooting a wedding?
I would say the biggest challenge can be helping to make sure the day goes smoothly and on schedule. There are SO many different unpredictable factors involved in a wedding, and it takes a whole lot of management and focus to keep those moving parts from crashing into each other. Many times at a wedding I have never met the other vendors (DJ, videographer, caterer, planner, etc.) so it's interesting and sometimes challenging to have to immediately meld with these strangers and work in tandem to make the best day possible for the couple.
What should clients know about your style of photography?
Clients should definitely know that I am an extremely relaxed and laid-back photographer. The only time I really do any posing is during the family and couple portraits, and even then I try to let your natural, genuine emotions and personalities come through. When I am photographing you getting ready, or your ceremony, or the reception, I am extremely hands-off. I prefer to let things unfold naturally and just be there to capture it when it does. From a completely aesthetic point of view, I love bold pops of color and dramatic black and whites.
When you're not behind the camera, what do you like to do?
You can usually find me on the computer doing SOMETHING—even when I'm NOT working. Looking for inspiration, getting lost in the world of Pinterest (I'm hooked), and things like that. I am also frequently watching awesome movies or a series of Star Trek for the billionth time (Next Generation, anyone?) or with my amazing and equally nerdy husband and our two cats. Or you might find me in the kitchen, baking or whipping up a milkshake.
How can a bride help YOU on her wedding day?
Primarily by sharing with me! I want to know all about your day—what inspired a certain musical choice, how you chose your colors, what is significant and sentimental to you. I want to meet the people who mean the most to you so I know that they're important to photograph. I not only enjoy the photography aspect of weddings, but I also enjoy hearing all of the details and planning that went into the day! You can also keep me up to date with the day's schedule and make sure we're on the same page. Oh, and if you left a full hour free for couples' portraits on the wedding day that would ROCK MY WORLD.
How has your photography changed over the years—or has it?
I would say in many ways my photography style has stayed the same, at the very root of it all. I am still in love with details, I still love bright and happy colors, I still live for capturing candids. If anything, my photography has just gotten more polished and more deliberate. When you start out with photography for the first time ever, there's a whole lot of trial and error—which is both terrifying and exhilarating. I am comfortable with my camera now as if it was part of my body, but I am still always pushing myself to be challenged and to try new things. Photography is an awesome thing because you are never done learning.
Where will your business be in the next 5 years?
I am hoping to still be shooting weddings but also be focusing on lots of one-on-one portraiture. I absolutely love modeling and fashion photography, boudoir, and things like family sessions. I think working so intimately with people on their photoshoots will only help me advance in the world of photography. I'd also love to be traveling more—destination couples, hit me up!
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See more of Justine's photography at www.justinejohnsonphotography.com.
