101 in 1001: #26 Find My Photography Style.

A couple weeks ago, I was updating my website portfolio and I came to this realization. All my photos went together. They were consistent. They had a similar look and feel. I did a little dance around the room because I knew I had officially found my photography style. Cleveland Wedding Photographer

When I wrote "find my photography style" on my 101 in 1001 list, I knew it was a tad ambiguous. I mean, there's just no measurable way to find your style, and I figured if I was lucky then MAYBE I would be happy with where I was at when my 101 list ended.

But over the past few months, I kept hearing myself telling Nathan, "I really like this photographer's work but his style is just so different than mine." Or, "If a bride tells me she wants dramatic lighting, I should send her to this photographer because I'm just not drawn to dramatic lighting." I knew these things all along, of course, but I was finally finding the courage to say out loud, "You know what? My style of photography is not for everyone. And I'm OK with that."

Rustic Cleveland Wedding Photographer

My photography style will continue to evolve as I continue to work in this industry, but the most important thing is to stay true to myself. To know what I like, what I want to create, what types of couples I am drawn to. If I know all of that and am brave enough to say no to the work that just doesn't fit my brand, well, I think I will be on to something.

Rustic Akron Wedding Photographer

Jaclyn & Nicholas | Kent Engagement

Akron Wedding Photographer Jaclyn and Nick are high school and college sweethearts (can you be both? I think you can!) ... and coincidentally, they have the biggest hearts. These are two people who make you feel comfortable the minute you walk into a room. I know they would do anything for the people they love.

I met Jaclyn and Nick in Kent, where they both went to school, and we explored the town and the woods behind the house Nick lived in, in college. We chatted about everything from Kate Middleton to Hawaii to our values. :)

I am so lucky to be your photographer, you guys. It's been a blessing getting to know you, and I am so looking forward to your wedding!

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That one up there on the left? My favorite. You guys are a good-looking couple. :)

Akron Wedding Photographer

Nick's friend was nice enough to make a fire so we could stay warm!

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Hey Jaclyn, you're pretty.

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I love Jaclyn's ring! SO unique!

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The light! That one on the right up there is a second favorite.

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To see more from Jaclyn and Nick's cozy engagement session, click here to view a SLIDSHOW or watch it here:

Kaitlin & Gian | Akron Engagement

Akron Wedding Photographer She knew after one chance meeting that they would get married. What?? That's what I said, but look where they are now! Kaitlin told me she called her mom after talking to Gian one night when she was out with her friends and said exactly that ... that she had met the man she was going to marry. They forgot to exchange numbers but because Gian's name is so unique, she found him without too much searching. And he knew she would.

Fast forward to 2013 and here they are. Getting their engagement pictures taken and planning the wedding that Kaitlin knew they would have. I promise you, these two are the sweetest, most fun and enthusiastic couple of all time. I had a blast traipsing around Akron with them ... and they were such good sports with all the snow and cold. (I personally think the falling snow makes the pictures extra special.)

Kaitlin and Gian, I'm so looking forward to your fall wedding! You two are the best!

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Their adorable dogs joined us for part of the session ...

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Please continue this cuteness right through your wedding!

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These might just be my favorites ...

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Kaitlin. Oh my goodness! That black and white up there. So good!

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OK, nevermind. That one above right is my favorite.

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To see more from Kaitlin and Gian's fun engagement session, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:

The Best of 2012: Engagements

I'm gonna let you in on a little secret ... I get SUPER nervous for engagement sessions. Weddings are cool (I think because I have the whole day to pace myself) and portraits are more relaxed for me, but engagement sessions for some reason really get the butterflies going. They're really intimate, it's just me and the couple, and I have to bring it and deliver! It's a lot of pressure. :) At the same time, I know most every girl ... and maybe guy too ... feels anxious before getting their engagement pictures done. It's totally normal! And it's my job to alleviate those nerves and make them feel at ease.

Just like my portrait session recap, I am completely blown away by this last year after looking at engagement sessions. I still can't believe how far I've come, in EVERY aspect of the job. It's like a different world! On that note, enjoy my favorites!

Ashley and Justin:

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Ashley and Dan:

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Chelsea and Drew:

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Melissa and Michael:

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Jamie and Tom:

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Taja and Husain:

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Stephanie and Matt:

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Staci and Ben:

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Katie and Tim:

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Erin and Colin:

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Jessica and Collin:

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Jessica and Dennis:

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Sunaina and Dan:

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Colleen and Joe:

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Hailee and Stefan:

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Sharon and Rob:

Cleveland Wedding Photographer