Selecting the perfect wedding photographer for your big day is no easy task. COUTUREcolorado is here to help. Get to you know your wedding vendors through our interview column.
Here's are first interview for 2017. Meet Jewels Gray of Photography by Jewels.
Describe your business and the services you provide:
As a boutique-style studio, we bring an editorial magazine-worthy edginess to weddings & portrait photography. Though based in Colorado, we approach each wedding and event no matter where it is, with care and dedication that is second to none. Each one is different and fun, and our clients have a blast with us no matter where we are! Your wedding and stylized engagement photo shoots are carefully orchestrated to offer an exceptionally unique photography experience.
All of our awesome clients choose to work with us because we understand brides that want something a little bit different. They enjoy the fact that they don�t have to pretend, be someone they are not, or follow a certain trend.
Be yourself. Have fun. Get awesome photos!
When and why did you start your business?
I started shooting weddings in 2006 for several reasons. When I got married, I had a hard time finding a photographer that offered something a little different and somewhat edgy in the Colorado market. That being said, we went with someone my husband went to school with and ended up not having a very good experience unfortunately. I knew I could offer something better both with my style and how I offered my service to clients in business.
How did you learn your craft?
In the beginning, I was an Assistant and 2nd Shooter, paying my dues by carrying equipment, holding lights, and shooting things like details and candids. I got bored of this quickly and couldn�t wait to be more of an Artistic Director with posing, composition, and interacting directly with the couples. This is really where my creativity took off, and my business exploded from there!
My Dad is a Photographer, so I grew up around it but never thought I would be one myself. As an Artist to the core, I have always understood composition, light & color, etc. So basically I needed to learn my equipment and some posing/directing tips. I�m thankful that photography found me and I have been fortunate enough to find some incredible mentors to learn from, who took me under their wing, and showed me how to fine tune my style and perfect my craft. I am always trying to learn new things, practice, and improve. I am never satisfied with �good enough�.
Describe your photography style and approach to weddings.
My photography style can be defined as creative and edgy with a mix of high-impact, vibrant, fashion-forward wedding portraiture using a candid approach, with a cinematic feel.
What or who inspires you?
I am inspired by fashion, movies, emotion, and light. I love unique locations or themes, and even when I am in a location multiple times, I always try and do something new. My Mentor is a �serial Entrepreneur�, always pushing himself to be bigger and better, and that inspires me to do the same!
Favorite wedding location?
Anywhere new or unique. I always try to incorporate architecture and get excited with dramatic lighting or compositions!
Favorite wedding trend?
My favorite wedding trend is when couples incorporate things into their wedding that are meaningful and unique to them�not just because it�s the �color of the season� or because they saw it on Pinterest.
Advice for a couple planning a Colorado wedding?
My best advice for couples planning a wedding in Colorado is to hire the BEST Photographer you can afford. Don�t let your decision be based on your budget (don�t skimp!). If you love someone�s style and personality, find a way to make it happen and adjust in other areas. Photography is the one thing you have left after the wedding is over to remember it for the rest of your life. Make sure you like the person you decide to work with because they�re one of the only vendors that will be around you for most of the day. You want to �click� well with this person so that they only add to your experience!
Where did you grow up and how did you end up in Colorado?
I�m a California girl � born and raised. I moved to Colorado in 1999, when I met a guy (insert eye roll here). I�ll always be homesick for Cali, but Colorado is my home and I couldn�t imagine living and raising my kids anywhere else!
Follow Jewels on.....
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
Check out more of your work at www.jewelsgray.com.
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