A few months ago, I featured photographer Sara France in my monthly newsletter.  Because her thoughts on trends in wedding photography were so informative, I thought I would revisit our conversation here. Meet Sara France!  I asked her three questions and received three very inspiring and informative answers.

How has wedding photography changed over the last 10 years?

     The introduction of digital has revolutionized the industry.  It has brought a ton of new photogra-phers into the industry because they are able to learn and evolve much quicker and for less money than before. This influx means that an increased level of creativity has become standard.  When you hire a wedding photographer, you hire an artist--someone with a great personality who captures your wedding in a unique way. Clients are making more time for photos because they want to use their photographer to create life-long art for them.  And the on site photography is now only half the process. When we shot film, the type of film we used would determine the look of the photo but today we take an image and apply multiple artistic elements to it.  And the affect is amazing.

What is it that you love about photographing weddings?

     What don't I love?  I am one of the only photographers I know who became a photographer because I wanted to shoot weddings. I feel so honored every time I'm chosen to capture their wedding--honored by the trust clients put in me and inspired by the event itself.  What always takes my breath away the most, at each wedding, is the love present--the love between the couple and of the friends and family around them.  I make sure that at some point, the couple has quiet time to connect and take it all in. 

     Shooting weddings can never get old for me.  The energy, the relationships, and the surroundings are always different. No two weddings have felt the same to me in the 8 years I have been doing this. Capturing those memories that a couple will cherish for a lifetime and pouring myself into that is the biggest blessing I can give someone.   

What types of things/people inspire your photography?

     I pull inspiration from everywhere. Almost everything I see inspires me.  I am inspired by movies and videos.  I love watching beautifully shot artsy movies--where every frame could be frozen into an amazing photograph. I am inspired by fashion and music as well. I love to watch music videos that feel like a fashion shoot.  
     Textures inspire me.  I love the texture of walls and really gritty environments. I love spaces that have history and connections that seem opposing--it's like infusing something beaten up with a new sense of hope.  
     I'm also inspired by the work of other kinds of photographers: Sports Photographers like Vincent Laforete and Donald Miralle, Fine Art Photographers like Parish Kohanim, Commercial Photographers like Chase Jarvis and Nick Onken, and iconic Photographers like Annie Leibovitz.

 
Sara France herself and two rent brides of mine she has shot