BY ANNIE CARBUTT
EMMA DUNN HAS BEEN CAPTURING UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING MOMENTS through video and photography for over 4 1/2 years. While she also does family and senior portraits, among other things, she considers weddings to be her specialty.
“Being entrusted to document such an important event in a couple’s life is really special,” she said. “I love helping set the stage so these moments can be preserved and shared with future generations.”
The creative process behind the scenes of Emma’s photos is impressive. Emma’s photography degree gave her a knowledge base in many types of settings, all of which she uses to photograph and video weddings.
“My degree exposed me to all types of photo studio lighting, video and landscapes,” she said. “Wedding photography really includes it all. It incorporates portraiture, documentary (moments), still life (items) and landscapes (nature). It really is everything in one.”
When Emma captures a moment through photo, a lot of care and attention goes into it. She’s doing so much more than just snapping a picture.
“Composition is really important for wedding photos,” she said. “I work to document memories in a beautiful way so we end up with something that can be used as artwork.”
Emma also considers the individual preferences each couple has and works to express this through her photography. “One of my favorite things is connecting with couples and being with them in such an exciting time of life,” she said. “I use this as inspiration. This is a representation of the beginning of their lives together. I’m documenting their love story and unique personalities.”
Emma recommends that couples schedule a photographer and videographer soon after deciding on a wedding date.
“Once you have a wedding date, pick the venue first,” she said. “Then schedule video and photo so you can get the person you want. Try 6 months in advance. If you have a popular wedding date, schedule ASAP. Weekdays are more likely to be open.”
Emma also stresses to engaged couples that hiring a professional wedding photographer is important. Too often she hears regrets from people who didn’t hire a professional.
“Your wedding day only happens once,” she said. It is always so sad to hear from people that they wish they’d focused on good photos instead of skimping on their budget. These photos will be a representation of you and your spouse and your new life together so you can fully remember your day and share it with family. You’ll want to make that a priority.
“I also recommend wedding videography. I offer this as well. This can really bring back the memories later. It will capture the emotion of it all in a totally different way. If your photos don’t make you cry, your video will.”
One thing Emma loves about weddings is how they bring people together. “This is a time when you see families gather along with people who are close to the bride and groom. It’s a rare thing, almost like a big family reunion. Capturing this on video is special.”
In every way, Emma feels that being a photographer is the perfect job for her. “I love to create and show people the beauty I see,” she said. “Showing people a picture I took of them is special. They may not have seen themselves that way. It’s so great when they say, ‘Wow. I look really good."
“I also love that I can serve the couple in such an important way. I have experience. I know what might go wrong. I can help the bride get what she needs and look to the details other people might miss.”
Emma is always eager to help a couple have a great experience to make their special day even more memorable. “One of the biggest compliments I receive is, ‘that was so much better than expected. That was actually really fun.’ Good photographers make it fun and make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Some people don’t think they’re photogenic, but the right photographer can help any couple preserve beautiful moments from their wedding day.”