So, I remember being at Pictage Partner Con La in 2007 (A conference for Professional Wedding Photographers). I was at the bar having this cool conversation with a awesome young photographer named Timothy Beckford also affectionately known as Timco. were talking about what drives us to be Wedding Photographers. I remember talking about how I get lost in moments and the desire that I have to chase and find those moments that move me and almost bringing me to tears which develops the way I shoot. Yes for a big guy like me it was an emotional and heart felt conversation. Thanks Timco. What I also remember was being confronted by a Photographer from back east who commenced to tell me that she had overheard my conversation and in her opinion, that was fake, not genuine and just made up. It was her opinion that Photographers especially male Photographers can’t and don’t feel that way. I told her that from my background as a Police Detective, I had seen enough misery, pain and suffering that I desire and seek this at my weddings. Well she thought I was full of BS and no offense but she was not buying it. She continued that in her other profession, she was a ER Nurse and that she also had seen her share of misery but she keeps it in perspective and it does not affect how or why she shoots. I smiled and changed the subject.
You may ask why I share this? Well, her comments had a profound impact on me. It never made me change how or why I shoot the way I do but it made me ask , why she would say such a thing or believe that I was not genuine. I tabled that conversation for many years, until last month…
I had the honor and privilege of attending a very intimate workshop being given by two of the worlds top Wedding Photographers, Denis Reggie and Joe Buissink. During a presentation, Joe touched on this same topic, shooting from the heart. It was at that moment a huge bomb went off in my head that I realized this is what I do or that I am trying to do. Not only is it ok, it’s what I should be training to do. What a profound revelation.
These two awesome men taught me and encouraged me to do what I love and what makes me complete. That I learned is what sets me apart from so many others trying to flood this market. My take away from all of this, be you, be unique, be different and follow your heart. That is what makes Andy John Images.
To that wonderful ER Nurse/Photographer, 4 years later I still hunt for those special moments, I live in those moments and yes, I often cry at the Weddings I shoot but my gear is waterproof so it’s all good! Cherish the day!
This is me and this is what I do.
Andy