I have an unpopular opinion about weddings: they’re indulgent. There. I said it. Be honest. You know I’m right. But don’t revoke my good vibes card just yet. This perspective doesn’t mean I don’t like weddings, because I do and I LOVE getting to work with thoughtful couples. I say weddings are indulgent because, they aren’t something that we need to have, they’re something we want to have and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

What is wrong is the amount of waste weddings produce and the many missed opportunities to be more conscious in the ways we celebrate. The reality is that we can do better. It is 100% possible to celebrate your love and do it consciously by working with vendors who give back or practice sustainability.

Don’t get me wrong, I have been careless and thoughtless in the past, however, I am the type of person who, once I see something and I know better, I cannot unlearn it. This is why I have made it a point to be a better contributor to the wedding and event industry than I have been previously, by highlighting vendors who give back or practice sustainability; and encouraging couples to work with them. We have such a huge opportunity in the wedding industry to make a difference and better our communities.

I love being a part of a niche group of wedding and event vendors who uses their business as a catalyst to promote change. I’m very passionate about this, which is why I decided to take my photography brand a step further by choosing to work with impactful brands to help share their message.

My decision to work with impactful brands as a photographer was a very personal one that came on the heels of some significant life changing events that made me think I want–need–to do more. I carefully considered the mission and values of the types of nonprofits I chose to donate to, which led me to decide that I want to be a photographer who helps create visual narratives around brands, people, causes, and things that encompass the human experience . I put a lot of thought into what matters most to me (the core values I’ve been talking so much about) and what came out of it was a strong desire to work with brands that are striving to make a difference in the lives of others.

What that looks like to me is photography for brands in the health and wellness space, brands that give back or focus on sustainability, and brands that work to empower others.

Some clear examples of brands that are doing the kind of work I would love to help create a deeper visual narrative around include companies like: Souljourn Yoga, Sustain, TOMS, Warby Parker, The Trevor Project, RAINN, Wish Upon A Wedding, Rachel Ricketts, Jen Sincero, The Hollis Company, and Oprah–yes, Oprah, who needs no hyperlink, but I did it anyway. Go big or go home, right? And of course, I would love to work with my fellow wedding and event professionals who have similar values when it comes to making conscious decisions that help improve communities.

Working together with likeminded brands that want to make a difference feels like the most natural, authentic progression to my photography journey and I’m so excited about what’s ahead!

Are you interested in working together to create purposeful, impactful brand photography? Reach out and let’s talk about the ways you strive to make a difference!