I’ve been capturing weddings for over 15 years and have been doing so as my sole, full-time profession since 2009.

I personally capture the day of about 45 – 50 couples each year. I’m involved in all the planning with each and every FineLine bride regardless of what combination of photography, video, DJ, or photo booth services they have with us. I know how to plan a day from start to finish and I know how everything works together.

When a couple hires me as their wedding photographer, they’re getting a value that goes beyond just the service of capturing the wedding day’s moments. We take what we do very seriously and we offer what I truly believe, is an unmatched level of professional service with amazing results.

Website: www.finelineweddings.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FineLineWeddings/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/finelinewedding/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finelinepics/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/finelinewedding
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/finelineweddings
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/finelineweddings

1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do photography for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?

My original background was actually in video. I was a big fan of film and loved both the storytelling and editing process. I had great teachers during my undergraduate years in college. I had one teacher that was very involved with professional video production outside of academics and another teacher who was a joy to study film with. During these early years, photography was more of my hobby while I studied video. However, as individual around Pittsburgh began to make a name for themselves in the field of wedding photography, I began to see that as a new challenge and that’s when my evolution specifically into photography began.

2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established photographer, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then what separates you from other photographers out there?

For me specifically, I focus almost exclusively on wedding photography. I think in my field, especially in my region what separates me is my ability to combine high end wedding photography with high end wedding planning. I don’t think there are any photographers who have shot as many weddings as I have over the past 5-6 years and also planned as many weddings as I have over the past 5-6 years. Being able to plan and make decisions to adjust on the fly has a direct impact on the photos I’m able to capture.

3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of work you do? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a photographer?

Early on in my business, I was part of a conglomerate of companies. We weren’t a partnership, but rather 3 separate businesses that worked exclusively together in the same office. There was a point where these 2 other businesses crashed hard and I could’ve gone down in flames with them. I was able to survive that period and grow, but it was a very difficult period.

4.) How do you prepare yourself to take pictures at events? What is your process?

Methodical consistency in standardizing processes. Every process prior to each wedding is standardized and every step is always done the same and in the same order. From checking info, to prepping and packaging gear and communicating details with assistants making sure everything is done is what sets the foundation to just execute the day of the wedding.

5.) Unfortunately the creative industry is full of talented individuals who more or less become the “starving artist” and don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?

Every aspect is different but one example with our senior portrait studio business is to not compete with the other artists. The goal is to design, build, and offer an experience that no one else can offer so as to eliminate the competition and create demand that equates to being able to charge what is necessary in order to not starve.

6.) Would you rather work for a big corporation or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not?

I previously worked for larger businesses and realized I could not handle being in a position where I wasn’t able to have an idea and run with it. Having to get approval for every idea stifles creativity and I couldn’t deal with that. That’s why I left.

7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the creative industry and how photographers are able to market themselves?

It allows for quick showcasing of skill and expression and also easily allows for comparison and competition. However, it also allows for back and forth communication with the artist as well which personalizes the art.

8.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s economy if they’re not social media savvy?

If an artist is truly good enough, they can focus on their craft but will ultimately need someone else to handle their social media. If they can at least understand its importance and its role, then they can find someone to handle all of that for them while they focus on being their best creative self. So yes, it can be done if they are not social media savvy but will then need someone else to handle it.