Interview with a Vendor - Jessica Uhler, Photographer
Thursday, November 13th, 2014 at Corina Bakery in Downtown Tacoma
I first mistakenly pulled up to the previous location of Corina Bakery, but a quick call to Jessica revealed it was just around the corner in its new location next to The Grand Theater. We enjoyed some lovely coffee drinks and breakfast snacks (mocha and delicious yogurt with granola for me!), discussed my ineptitude at social media, and talked at length about Jessica’s photography business.
She’s covered weddings as both the primary and secondary shooter at Events on 6th, and photographed a beautiful wedding there earlier this summer: http://jessuhlerphoto.com/2014/09/events-on-6th-tacoma-wedding
It was really great to meet Jessica and get to know her. Here is my interview with her. Enjoy!
What do you love about shooting at Events on 6th?
The light in the sanctuary is just so golden and lovely; it’s so hard to find nice indoor light, but Events on 6th really has it.
What’s your photography style?
I really look for that authentic interaction between people, so my style is more of a documentary style, one that captures the story of the whole day: what it felt like for the couple on their wedding day. I love to capture the personalities, especially in those ‘in between’ moments. Sure, I can set up a formal shot, but I know how to wait for and capture those hidden moments, moments sometimes the bride and groom are not even aware happened.
What happens when a bride and groom decide to meet you?
I always meet with the bride and groom to hear their story and to see how we fit together. It’s so important to have good chemistry and understand a couple’s priorities when it comes to photography. The best photographer for you is one you feel comfortable with. I want the bride and groom to feel relaxed and not stressed when I’m near them on their wedding day. It’s supposed to be fun, and I love to feel like a guest at their wedding. I don’t want any bride and groom; I want the right bride and groom for my approach to a wedding day. If they are looking for an artistic telling of the whole story of the day than we are likely a great match.
How do you work with them to get the best photos?
We always talk about their priorities; the main things they want to remember, the little shots they want captured. I give them a questionnaire and that helps me figure out the best way to capture their day. I like to be clear, so that everyone knows what to expect. I also know great places near to Events on 6th for outdoor portraits, even when it’s raining! Tacoma has such a variety places to shoot portraits; we talk beforehand about the style of shots they would like, whether it’s Washington woods, or Tacoma urban grit, and work out a timeline for the day for both the outdoor location shots and the indoor Events on 6th shots. I like to set aside a good chunk of time in the wedding timeline to create beautiful portraits for my couples.
What other things make you unique among photographers?
I limit the number of weddings I do a year, so that I can fully pay attention to those couples. I want to provide great customer service with fast turn-around, so that you have your wedding photos as soon as possible. I offer skillfully-done photographs presented in a way that truly captures the whole wedding day, but they are not just photos, because after all, you’ll have guests with cameras and phones, but I work to give you artwork, full of artistry and creativity. I did not have great photos at my wedding, and I regret it. After all the planning and work, after the whole day is done, what you have are your memories and your wedding album. It truly is your first family heirloom. It’s an investment, and I take it seriously.
What other fun stuff is going on with you?
I am excited about being featured on a large wedding blog this next March, and as always, I’m happy to be making portraits of lovely families. Besides weddings, I shoot families in their homes, again in the documentary style, sort of a story-telling session. I love to capture the true interactions between family members in their own home. I also have the chance to do some work with organizations overseas next spring and I’m very excited to be giving back in that way.
What is your favorite photo you’ve taken at Events on 6th, and what’s the story behind it?
I think the photo above of Bethany during the ceremony is one of my favorites because it tells so much about the couple’s personality and really the whole tone of the wedding. Her father performed the ceremony, which was incredibly moving and full of personal anecdotes and love and laughter.
That’s it! Thanks, Jessica! Check out her website at: http://jessuhlerphoto.com
Stay tuned for more fun interviews with vendors!
