Friday, December 11, 2009

The Pro Series: Jason P Smith

Insanely talented.  That's what I emailed back to Jason after he shared these last images with me from our wedding just a week ago (click on featured weddings and then Melissa and Brandon).  While I was looking at his site, I also looked back to watch the slideshow from our 1st wedding together (Holly & Bradd) and wow did the memories come flying back.  Jason is the epitome of a true wedding photojournalist...he doesn't make pictures happen at all, he waits for the moments to arrive and captures them instantly.  In other words, "enjoy your wedding day as you will, I'll document it for you."

What is your company name and profession?
Jason P. Smith Weddings; I'm a photographer
What’s your name?
Should I know anyone else from your company?
Jason. Nope, it's just me.


Where do you do weddings?
 I've shot in a lot of places: Florida, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, etc. I really enjoy traveling, so I'm always open to new locations and destinations. I'm available internationally.
Website:
How long have you been in business?
I've been in business seven years

Why weddings?
I love to tell stories with photos. My background is in photojournalism, and that is what photojournalism is all about; weddings are a natural extension of this in many ways. It's a story that is only told once, so it's always very rewarding when someone asks me tell their story--from the little things they spent months planning to the things they never expected would happen. Every wedding has a unique story and personality, and I work to make all of that come together in my images.
What your clients most often commend you on?
I would have to say the one thing that most people mention is that they really didn't notice me much during the course of the day, which is a big compliment. I do my best not to interfere with the course of the day as much as possible. My philosophy on wedding photography is that if you are working as a photojournalist and capturing the day as it unfolds, you will come away with a more compelling and story of the day.

Oh, and people enjoy the photos as well!

Best piece of advice for brides & grooms?
he best piece of advice I can give is to just plan a wedding that fits your style, and have a great time doing it.
What is one thing that makes working with new clients easier?
It would have to be having a similar vision for how the day's story will unfold through photos. It is so important that couples not only look for someone who they would like to spend the day with, but also someone they can trust to tell their story in a way that will really help preserve the memories for their future.
Can I find you on Twitter?


What is the craziest request you’ve ever received? Or
What is the craziest thing you saw happen at a wedding?
Groomsmen burning money with their cigars at the reception
What is something you hope to do in the near future?
Man, that could be a long list. I always enjoy shooting in new locations, and places I've never been, so I hope to keep meeting interesting people and seeing new things. Both are a great source of inspiration.
Special just for you!
I'm currently offering a discount on travel rates.

101 Destination Wedding Planning Tips

From the editors of Destination Weddings & Honeymoons