Being In Front of the Camera

As a wedding photographer, I photograph couples all the time, but normally I’m behind the camera- not in front of it! It’s easy to get into a rhythm of giving instruction but forgetting what it’s like to actually be photographed– unsure of the angles, or where to look. Josh and I stepped in front of the camera for our third anniversary and it was such a great reminder of how it feels to be the subject of a photograph.

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We worked with the lovely Susie Marie Photography at the Everal Barn in Westerville and had such a fun time! We even took the advice I give to my couples when they come for their engagement session to have a date night afterwards. Real talk: Normally I’m so frugal that it’s hard for me to justify expensive restaurants, but when you walk in feeling like a million bucks, you might actually order the meal you want AND get coffee & dessert (hello creme brûlée and French press brewed at the table!).

Brides, don’t skip out on the post-engagement session date with your man! Married couples, have portraits taken for your anniversary, and use it as an excuse to get really dressed up and go on a date night you might not otherwise get (especially if you have kids!). Josh and I are learning through our own marriage that it’s so important to spend time together not working, not watching TV, and not talking about stressful things all the time. Between Josh’s job on staff at our church and running two businesses out of out home, we never run out of work-related things to talk about, so it can be hard to turn off “work mode.” My best advice after this experience? Dress up. Go have a photographer take your picture. You’ll get to be in each other’s arms and just enjoy each other’s company for an entire hour, maybe even two! When you’re with a great photographer, it may feel awkward at first, but after a while– it’s fun and even relaxing because you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Email me (michelle@michellejoyphoto.com) if you want to schedule an anniversary session for you and your spouse! I would recommend this experience to anyone and everyone. 🙂