Why do I create at all..
I often read other posts, and watch videos discussing the creative mind, and even though I rarely consider myself creative, I do create therefore a creator of sorts I must be. So the question is why do I make the things I make and take the chances I take? I am asking you as much as I am telling you. Maybe if I consider the things I took images of in the beginning it would make sure sense. So lets go back
In the beginning of my then hobby, I was working on a delivery truck and traveling all over and while doing so would notice amazing things along the drive/ride. Then cell phones where nowhere near what we carry in our pockets on a daily basis so I thought it would be interesting if I brought a camera along with me to capture this and that through out my days. From solo trees on hillsides to water wheels, abandoned silos, and my favorite - an abandoned basketball goal in a field. The only common denominator they share is where they were. Every image I took was outside. Every single ONE. This is still very prominent in the work I create and the work I long to create. I love to evoke a feeling of wonder and what could be more wondrous than the world we live in? Every detail a creation in itself, and inspiring me to create the work that I am truly moved by. I have some ways to go to create the brand that allows me to pursue only sessions that I can be excited about. I still have so so many locations local me to capture and I’m ready to go. Who is going with?
If you follow me at all you may have noticed this theme in my work. Not all of my work of course. Weddings are often indoors and in church’s but I am putting this out in the world. I only want to shoot outdoor weddings, preferably in locations that can inspire me and the adventurous elopement would be my overall #1 thing to capture, but I need to find my way in that market. Help a fella out lol
My inspiration today actually comes from a very good friend of mine. A lady who’s work I admire but not as much as I do her character. We share a lot of the same passions but I think our love for the outdoors is one of our strongest bonds. She posted images yesterday from my favorite place and creativity took over from there. Go give her a follow and tell her I sent you. She’s on all the social media’s but IG is easiest @_katysergent . Even as of writing this or finishing it up if I’m honest, my family and I are in Bryson City, NC. Today for my belated 40th birthday present, we rafted the Nantahala River. Chaco’s strapped, sunglasses glued to my face, and my favorite North Face hat and off we went. I am even setting here after our day of adventure, starring at a beautiful mountain top range just outside the window and I know this is the fuel for my work. This is where it starts and where it shall remain. Among the trees, fields, and streams we are very lucky to call home.
J
”In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks” - John Muir
Leonard and Sarah's Wedding
Dramatic portraits make me happy
So a few weeks ago I had the extreme pleasure of capturing moments like the one above for this happy couple. You may recall the image of them we captured during the engagement session at Hungry Mother State Park on the bridge over the lake. Meeting them that day for the first time, I quickly knew we would have a great time working together. They are so in love, and they share that love for Leonard's son Jake that I also had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with. Those moments led up to the big day, and that's what I am writing about now. Before I get much further here is a short video I shot, that my good friend Wes and partner at Throat Punch Productions put together for me on the fly. Take a sec to check it out then I will meet you on the other side.
I hope you watched it and left some feedback. I would love to do more of them and I learned a lot from the first attempt. Stay tuned for more of that and Wes wrote more about our new venture HERE. He is a much better writer than I am. Ok, back to the newlyweds. Sarah and Leonard were married at her church in Marion, VA. It is a small church established in 1859 with a stunning wooden door and high ceilings. The church also sets at the base of several mountain ranges so it was a perfect backdrop for such an incredible day.
The weather was moody to say the least but we were blessed to miss almost all of the rain and had the opportunity to be out side for shots like this.
I love how engaged they are with one another here.
The ceremony was lovely and the church quickly filled with friends and family of the couple. Immediately following the service, even though the pastor almost forgot to have them kiss LOL, we had a few minutes for portraits just of the new Husband and Wife before packing up and heading to the reception several miles away, also at Hungry Mother State Park. This was amazing because we wanted to remake the photo I mentioned above, and thought the weather would refuse us the opportunity but once again, fate was on our side.
From the wedding day :)
Ok I know I am rambling so I will leave the rest of the story to be told visually through the images from the day. Let's go!
I usually keep my blog post's to a few images but wanted to incorporate moments from the entire day for a change. This couple was so much fun to be around and so was their entire family. I had multiple people stop and speak about the engagement pictures or to express their gratitude for being there. Often it's the small things that make a day special, and together I think we truly told the story of Sarah + Leonard Gardner!
All of the last images below were shot on 35mm film, and developed by The Darkroom Lab. I want to really shoot more and more on film, so be watching for those soon.
Shot on film
The couples stamp
The Grandparents of the Bride
Beautiful Church for the wedding.