Honestly, I love weddings. I love everything about weddings . . . the flowers, the music, the gown, the details and most importantly – the cake! However, a little over two years ago I was diagnosed with a serious heart condition and told that I had to give up wedding photography forever. Fortunately, my health improved quickly and my heart recovered more than expected, so I was told I could shoot weddings on a limited basis. That’s what I’ve doing in 2007 and 2008 – shooting just a half dozen or so weddings a year for very special clients. And, I have been lucky to work with a great assistant and wonderful 2nd shooter. This way, even if I have a day when I’m not feeling quite up to par – there is plenty of back-up and no coverage is missed. It has worked quite well; however, I decided last month that weddings are just too much for me. This business is much better suited to a younger photographer than an old lady Too bad I didn’t realize my passion for photography before I was nearly 50! As much as I love weddings and as badly as I hate to give them up, I’m working too much. I need to simplify my life.

Even after my decision was made, I agonized over it. I just couldn’t seem to let it go. Then I had one of my best ideas ever, if I do say so myself. What if I continued to contract weddings, but hired an associate photographer to actually take the pictures and do the initial edit? I could still form relationships with clients (which I love), take engagement and bridal portraits, and prepare images and albums for delivery – allowing me to be actively involved with weddings but with less stress. Next came the hard part . . . choosing an associate photographer who had the skills, talent, and professionalism to trust my business to. My clients are extremely important to me and I want them to have the very best. When I started my search I found not one but two photographers who meet my high standards. I have known both photographers for several years through online wedding photography forums. When I approached them, I was delighted that they agreed to shoot for me when they are not booked. Both women are successful wedding photographers with as much or more experience than I. Their work is absolutely beautiful and we agree on all of the important aspects of wedding photography. I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to work with them

So, if you have heard I’m not shooting weddings anymore – that is correct. However, if you are looking for a dynamite wedding photography team – give me a call. My associate wedding photographers are Charo Donohue and Lacey Gadwill. You can see their work at www.charophoto.com and www.laceyandjohn.com. I think you will be just as impressed with their photography as I am.

If you have signed a contract with me for a 2008 wedding, don’t worry. I will still photograph your wedding – along with my assistant and 2nd shooter. We are a team that works very well together. I will continue to provide the very best service possible. In the future, I will concentrate on portrait photography. My portraits continue to get better and better and I look forward to continuing that part of the business for years to come.