I am a small town girl. I love nature, snowflakes in lamplight, raindrops on pavement, candlelit evenings, all types of water, photography, astronomy, laughter, traveling and my husband (although not necessarily in that order).
I have lived all over the country and in several parts of the world, but have found my home in Western New York - despite the winters! I have two dogs, several fish, and no children. I love to read books, but don't have the attention span for many television shows. I am whimsical, carefree, spontaneous and curious.
About "Photographer Becca"
My first solo wedding was of a friend, and it was before I had even been an assistant to anyone else. She wasn't going to hire a photographer, and asked me if I'd be willing to take some pictures, since I had a camera and she knew I loved photography. I was nervous that I would mess up and ruin her wedding memories, but she assured me that it was either me or her nephew with a disposable camera. I agreed, and absolutely loved every minute of it. I didn't ruin her wedding memories, and found my passion in photography. I decided to see how I liked professional photography.
I took more classes. I shadowed, and then I assisted other professional photographers. I forced friends and family to let me do portraits of them, just for more practice. I absolutely loved every wedding and portrait session I did, but I still wasn't ready to take the leap into wedding photography. Even with the years of training, I just didn't want my love for it to diminish, as I was sure it would. Besides, there were enough choices for photographers around...
Then I got engaged.
I started researching photographers. I had several amazing photographer friends that were out of the state or country, but I wanted someone local. I was astounded by the amount of photographers charging astronomical prices for average photography, or affordable prices for pictures I could take with a point & shoot camera. I searched and searched, but only found a few who had prices and quality that seemed, in my opinion, aligned. Weren't there any quality photographers for a quality price around here?
I understood, partially. Photography equipment is expensive. And yes, a photographer puts in at least three times as many hours editing and perfecting the photographs than they do at the wedding or even taking them. And, as every "Wedding Photography Tips" list will point out, you get what you pay for with a wedding photographer.... but $3000 as the lowest package price? My pictures better come back to me plated in gold for that kind of pricing!
After looking through countless photographers, interviewing several and picking one, I didn't quite believe the whole "you get what you pay for" idea. To a certain extent, maybe... but I came across several photographers that shouldn't even bother doing photography full time that were charging insane prices.
So I decided to start my own business, and try to match up my prices with what you should receive. I do this because I love it, not because I'm hoping to become rich doing it. I want you happy with your pictures. I don't want you to have to take out a loan or go broke in order to get quality pictures from your wedding or portrait session.
My prices are lower than most professional photographers in the area. This isn't because I'm a worse photographer than someone charging three times the price. It is because I think everyone should be able to have a professional photographer at their wedding. I am in this to make you happy. After all, taking pictures makes me happy.
