SUN How many years have you photographed weddings?
BRITTANY APP Thirteen years now … my business anniversary is Jan. 1.
SUN How many weddings have you photographed?
APP At the start, I was doing 40 to 50 a year, but now it’s more like 20. I’d say a total of around 300 to 400.
SUN Have you ever had an angry or unhappy client?
APP I had a bride once that was not thrilled with her photos, which made me sad on a lot of levels. I was so thrilled with her images that I was about to make a portfolio album from them … but, honestly, I think she was expecting a more traditional photographer. Two months later, I offered to do a re-shoot for her at the location. We did all the traditional poses that I was not aware she wanted in the first place, and they walked away happy. This was 10 to 11 years ago, and luckily there has not been another incident since. I am very thorough with my clients now in regards to my style and their desired image checklist, so that I can deliver the best possible product.
SUN Who was your happiest client?
APP [long pause to think] The most recent wedding I shot was in November, and my clients were beyond happy. I aim to make all my clients my happiest clients, though, that’s why I do what I do!
SUN When did you get engaged?
APP It was Oct. 20, in the evening after I worked a wedding faire all day at the Madonna Inn. When I came home Steven had made dinner and had candles lit, music was playing, and dinner smelled
scrumptious.
SUN How did the “question” come up? Did he get on one knee?
APP He came around the side of the table and started kissing me, then got down on one knee. He was adorable. I was in the middle of a bite and I couldn’t answer right away and it took me a few seconds … with a huge grin on my face, I finally answered and shouted YES!!!
SUN Are you going to hire a wedding photographer or are you going to wear a GoPro on your head?
APP Oh, totally GoPro all the way … head mount, chest mount, and bouquet-cam. No, no, no … totally kidding. We have already hired a wedding photographer team: Mason and Megan Schroder. Mason sailed with me on the first Semester at Sea Voyage in 2008 [a study abroad program that circumnavigates the globe] where I was the shipboard photographer. Mason was one of the photography students on board. We stayed in touch after we left the ship. Megan lived in SLO and Mason moved to SLO after he was done with school. He interned with me for a little while as an assistant photographer and helped with editing and graphic design for my business. He quickly got too busy with his own photography and off he went. We hired them, in equal parts due to their style and skill with camera, and their sparkling and genuine personalities. Honestly, those two are like an explosion of sunshine all the time, and that’s exactly what Steven and I want around us at our wedding. And as a photographer myself, this transparency is of the utmost importance. I try to be open, honest, and playful with my clients all the time so that they feel as comfortable as possible. Mason and Megan have got this down beautifully.
SUN Would you pay a photographer the same amount that you charge for shooting a wedding?
APP I would, yes. I’ve been a working wedding photographer most of my career and I didn’t want the “bro” deal. Plus, my parents, partly joking, partly serious, said, “Brittany, no selfies at the wedding.”
SUN What type of advice would you give people who are looking to book a wedding photographer?
APP Look at as many images and portfolios as you can. Find some you really like. Good places to start with that are the local bridal faires and/or local wedding groups like ccwp.com. Once you find some photographers you really like, don’t worry about price … just yet. Talk to the photographers who are at the top of your list—if you enjoy them over the phone (or in person), request a price list. If they fit within your budget, schedule a time to meet with them in person if possible. See if you jive. Personality is as important as image quality and style. Your photographer will be with you all day on your
wedding day, and the more comfortable you feel with them, the more honest and candid the photos will be, and in the end, the happier you will be with the final product. And remember, have fun! This is your day … design it however you like, and invite vendors along for the ride who complement your personalities.
Steve E. Miller is a confirmed bachelor and worked as the New Times Media Group staff photographer. Send comments to Executive Editor Ryan Miller at rmiller@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Feb 13-20, 2014.