LWB Vendor Spotlight: Marah Grant Photography

Hello Brides,

By now you may have picked up your copy of the Little White Book and have skimmed through it to find the different wedding vendors that are still on your list. Hopefully you have found it helpful and have been able to contact those vendors.

Since the book itself doesn't get in depth with each wonderful vendor (that would make it the size of a dictionary), I decided that it would be nice to interview different vendors so you as the bride can get to know them a little better.

Today we are highlighting Marah Grant with Marah Grant Photography. She not only shoots B.e.a.utiful photos, she is one heck of a gal. :) I've had the pleasure of working with her and she is 100% there for you. She is fun and funny and makes it seem easy. But let me stop talking so you can read what she has to say.

Here is:
Marah Grant with Marah Grant Photography

-What made you want to be a photographer?

My love of photography stems from a little bit of optimistic idealism. I like to see the world through rose colored glasses and I genuinely prefer to focus on the pretty things. I discovered early on, probably in high school, that I could make the world seem prettier, kinder, and gentler by capturing my perspective on film. I don't use film anymore, but the goal for me remains the same. I enjoy showing my clients that they are beautiful. I'm a bit of a purist and a natural beauty advocate, and I really enjoy showing my clients that they are ALL absolutely gorgeous.

-How long have you been shooting weddings?

I shot my first wedding in 2007. I was just shooting for a friend in a last minute pinch and then through word of mouth booked 4 more that year. From there, my business just took off on its own.

-What is your favorite part about shooting a wedding?

Everything about shooting weddings appeals to me. I love.. the LOVE! I love the rush of emotions and adrenaline, the gathering and reunions, the celebration, and being invited to one of the intimate and monumental days in a person's life! However, my absolute favorite part is actually after the wedding. I like returning the photos to a couple after their special day and watching their emotional reactions to moments that they missed or already forgot about.

-What type of photographer are you?

I am an available light photographer with a contemporary/candid style. My editing is minimal.

-What kind of packages do you have?

I currently only have one package. I've considered adding more comprehensive packages, but I prefer to simply have one package to keep on brides on the same level with me. No one more important than another because they're all paying the same price.

I like to include digital copies of the images in the package, two photographers covering the day, an album credit, and a complimentary engagement session.

-How far will you travel?

I will travel ANYWHERE! No, really... you can take me with you to Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, The Maldives... wherever! :) I have a passport with plenty of room for stamps. However, I do charge a traveling fee for locations outside a 60 mile radius. Gas ain't cheap! I often travel to Indianapolis and Chicago to shoot weddings, and occasionally I shoot in Detroit.

-What has been your favorite experience?

I can't say that I have a favorite wedding. Every wedding is unique. Some weddings definitely stand out in my memory more than others though. One particular wedding is burned in my brain forever. I once shot a wedding for a bride who was suffering from terminal cancer. Her wedding was SO much more pressure because I knew the images would be very important to her husband in a short while. She passed away about 8 months after the wedding and even though I was expecting it, the experience really rocked my world! It made me think very differently about the importance of my work. Life is short and memories are very precious.

-What makes you different from other wedding photographers?

I think there are two things that really separate me from other photographers. The first is related to my technique. The way I handle of light and color in my images is pretty different than most photographers. It's certainly different than what you would have seen in your grandmother's wedding photos. The second is more about my personality and less about the camera technique. I emphasize enjoying your wedding day. When I got married I was a nervous wreck and nobody gave me permission to have fun! I don't ever want a couple to be as nervous and miserable as I was on my wedding day. (P.S. I am very happily married. My nerves weren't about my choice in groom, just about the crowd and the details.) ;o)

-Can a bride give you a list of different shots she would like?

I know that theknot.com would completely disagree with me on this point, but I can tell you most photographers are right here with me on this topic.

I discourage brides from giving me a shot list. Crazy right? It probably goes against every organizational urge you have. I have a wee touch of OCD myself, so I completely understand. I do that for several reasons.

1. A list is a little insulting. I've shot between 80-100 weddings. I didn't just start doing this yesterday, therefore... I know you want a photo of your mom, your grandparents, and all your bridesmaids. I have a list in my mind of the shots I know I need to make sure you have a complete album.

2. A list slows me down. If I need to keep checking a list, it's a waste of your precious time on a whirlwind day. I'd hate to miss a genuine candid moment, because I've got my head buried in a stack of papers.

3. There is WAY too much room for misunderstanding items on a list. I once had a mother of the bride tell me that she wanted a photo of the veil. I took several photos of the bride wearing the veil, gorgeous photos that I was really proud of. When I returned the photos, the mother was pretty disappointed. What the mother of the bride REALLY wanted was a photo of HER adjusting the bride's veil. Because of the list, she expected me to create the exact images she had in her mind... which is impossible for me. I can't see the preconceived ideas you have in your brain.

4. It makes me extremely uncomfortable to be handed a list of creative photos that a bride has copied from a blog of another photographer. If a couple hires me I want them to know that they hire MY eye and MY perspective. I want to capture YOUR wedding, not recreate someone else's wedding for you. I want to give you something unique, not something that's copied.

With all that being said, I certainly don't mind a couple of image requests. I implore clients to let me know about little details they don't want to be missed. If your ring bearer's pillow is made out of scraps from your mother's wedding dress, that's the kind of thing I'd like to know! If you only see your favorite aunt every 8 years, PLEASE point her out to me so I can be sure to get a nice shot of her. But for the rest, don't worry! I've got you covered!

-What does it look like for a bride on wedding day?

I usually arrive at the venue after a bride has already had her hair done and is usually working on her makeup. I try not to bother her too much as she preps, so I rely on bridesmaids to help me get settled. From there, I usually shoot about 2 hours of photos before the wedding. I really encourage couples to be themselves during the photos and not worry about being too posy or stiff. I try to facilitate a little fun. About 30 minutes before the ceremony I try to make sure that the couple gets to hide away and grab a little food while the guests arrive. Sometimes I shoot some more photos between the wedding and the reception. At the reception, you won't even notice me. You get to have fun and celebrate while the photographers just fade into the background.

A special thank you to Marah for taking the time for this Q & A, I hope all of you enjoyed learning a little more about her. I don't know about you, but she made me laugh and cry all in one interview. :)

To contact Marah you can email her at marah@marahgrant.com

or go to her website for more info.

-XO Grace