In June, Teal and David hired ele3 for our premier wedding planning services for their destination wedding in Glen Arbor, MI. During the pre-planning portion we contacted the new and talented Andy Wakeman of Andy Wakeman Photography out of Traverse City. We blogged about the wedding and featured a few of his pictures at that time, but today we'd like to tell you a little bit more about Andy. If you are intrigued by this Q and A and want to learn more, please feel free to contact him!
When did you know that you wanted to be a photographer?
I have a graphic design background and I've always been in love with images, composition and all art forms in general. Photography was always a hobby that very naturally transitioned into a career path.
How long have you been in the business, and what makes you different from the other photographers out there?
This past summer was my first full season of weddings. I had photographed a few weddings for friends and family the year before. Happy with my results I decided to put a website together. The response since then has been incredible, way beyond my expectations. I think my background is a little different than other photographers. My graphic design / marketing background has given me loads of experience on high budget photo shoots as an "art director". It was a very natural transition for me to pick up the camera and begin shooting since I had been around the process all along.One other thing that makes my images different is just recently I've started shooting some film at my weddings (not the whole wedding just select shots). It really compliments my style of shooting and makes a really soft organic image. The cool thing is with digital scans the bride still receives all of the film images on a disc just as if they were shot digitally.
What is your favorite type of shot?
I love shots that have a vintage feel to them. I don't just mean what the bride is wearing either. Certain compositions and poses just have a more vintage feel. I love anything quirky, sometimes I'll have the bride hold the bouquet in front of their faces while they kiss or something like that. Also, I'm a sucker for using props - old cameras, umbrellas, hats, fans, anything vintage and cool.
Explain your wedding day shooting process.
I'm shooting to tell a story. If I see an interesting texture or decoration then I capture it. These detail photos by themselves are a little bit vague but next to a portrait of the bride they really complete the story. You see this editorial shooting style all over the bridal magazines and it's something that I try to recreate for each of my weddings. Also, I always try to work it out where I have about 20 minutes with the bride and groom alone. For me this is the best way to get the couple relaxed and comfortable which is so important
If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
I'd trade places with my 3 year old daughter. Mostly because she says the funniest things and I would like to know what she's thinking.
