When and why did you start your business?
I started Jackie Cooper Photo in 2008 when I lived in Kansas. Though I didn�t intend to turn photography into a career, I fell in love with telling visual stories for others and creating custom artwork of their lives � the big moments as well as the day-to-day.
How did you learn your craft?
Practice, practice, practice! I don�t have a formal photography education unless you count the Photojournalism course I took my last semester at the University of Kansas to round out my Journalism degree. I�ve attended photography workshops, read countless articles and books (including my equipment manuals!) and collaborated with other photographers. I�m continually creating and updating my own custom curriculum to always keep improving!
Describe your photography style and approach to weddings.
I try to balance an editorial perspective of the beautiful details of your day with numerous images of you and the amazing people there to celebrate your day since it�s more often than not that the people are what make a wedding great. My approach to weddings is to include full-day coverage for all my couples so they can relax knowing I�m there to catch any and every moment they want to remember!
What or who inspires you?
As a creative professional, I think inspiration can come from so many different places. It certainly does for me! On any given day, I�m inspired by great design, architecture, industry peers, locally-sourced goods, cinema, travel magazines.
Any awards or features/publications?
I have had the great privilege to be featured on more than a dozen wedding blogs as well as in print by The Knot: Missouri & Kansas. One of my images was also recently voted Top 10 in its category by other photographers. And I am especially honored by this COUTUREcolorado feature.
Favorite wedding location:
When I look back at my favorite weddings, many of them are in private residences or locations that are particularly meaningful to the couple. I think the venue can lend the ultimate vibe for a wedding day. That said, locally, I really love Spruce Mountain Ranch: the space, the staff, everything!
Favorite wedding trend:
Lush florals and varied neutral bridesmaid dresses; calligraphy; really anything where a couple�s personality shines through � those always make for the most special images!
Advice for a couple planning a Colorado wedding:
It can be especially helpful to talk with your photographer about the best time of day for your ceremony � especially if it�s outside. Plan with him/her what would be the best lighting for portraits so you can plan your schedule accordingly.
Also, relax and enjoy this wonderful day that you�ve put so much work into! Keep the ultimate takeaway in mind: if you�re married at the end of the day, it�s an amazing one.
Where did you grow up and how did you end up in Colorado?
I grew up in Wichita, Kansas, and moved to Colorado three years ago when my husband (who is often my second photographer!) accepted a firefighting position in the Vail valley. It�s been amazing to photograph all over this beautiful state and get to know our mountain community as well as the Denver metro area!
Here are a few of her favorite images. Check out more on her website: www.jackiecooperphoto.com
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