I’m very excited to be sharing this interview with my friend and photographer Kamirin Couch of Crooked Stream Photography. She is a professional photographer who has done several lovely photo shoots for us!
Tell us a bit more about yourself. In three sentences—who is Crooked Stream Photography?
Photo by Kathrina Bisceglia (All other photos by Crooked Stream)
I love life, and have had a deep appreciation for the beauty of life ever since I was very young. I loved capturing once in a lifetime moments in every way I could, and I soon discovered that a camera was one of my favorite instruments to use for recording life. That’s how it all began!
What is your background in photography?
When I was 11, I would take pictures of every beautiful thing I came across with a point-and-shoot camera, when I was 15 I photographed my first wedding with a Canon 20D, and today I’m still that same girl- taking pictures of every beautiful thing I come across- except I’ve gained a lot of experience from it and a Canon 5D mkII.
What is your favorite aspect of shooting a wedding?
The emotion! Wedding photography is set apart in a really unique way by this factor. There’s something deep about an emotion-filled photograph, and with weddings, it seems like everywhere I turn there are deep moments to capture. I love seeing families re-unite, the twinkle in the bride’s eyes, the laughter, the groom watching his bride walk down the isle, and the teamwork and fun times with everyone there… I love being a part of it all… And when I realize that I am holding the tool that will be recording these once in a lifetime moments, it’s the most amazing, thrilling, and scary thought in the whole world. It’s once-in-a-lifetime, it’s priceless and I love it!
About how many weddings do you photograph a year? How does your profession integrate with your life?
A few years ago I started shooting more and more weddings, and then realized it started to become too much: it encroached upon life in general, and started to become the “old grind” and the “art” part of it began to slip away, when I wanted to keep that element intact more than anything! So, I’ve cut back to only shooting a few weddings a year. It’s not any “less” work-it’s just more concentrated work; so I can focus more on the few jobs I do have, produce quality above quantity, and have a little extra free time for other important things in life.
What tips do you have for brides planning their wedding day? Should the photos be before or after the wedding? What kind of shots does the bride need to plan out?
One of the most important things to plan is TIME for photos. Just because you schedule a lot of time for pictures doesn’t mean you will be standing in front of the camera for 4 hours, but what you’re factoring in: is that Uncle Tom might arrive 2 hours late (it’s happened), or groomsmen will have to go fetch forgotten ties (that’s happened too), or the fact that herding groups of people just takes time. Think of it as a nice “insurance” to have as a buffer time for unexpected occurrences. It really cuts back on stress… Which brings me to the second question-doing photos before the ceremony seems to cut back on stress as well. I’ve done photos before and after the ceremony, and “before” always seems to yield the best results. First of all, you have everyone freshly ready, looking their best and not yet lost in the crowd of guests. Second, I’ve noticed the bride and groom relax so much more (it shows in the photos) when they’ve been able to see each other before the ceremony. Thirdly, doing photos before the ceremony makes it so the VIP’s are free to mingle after the ceremony and you don’t have to take them away from the guests. As far as planning shots, your photographer should provide you with a “shot list” that you can customize (by adding to or taking away). If there’s a shot that’s really important to you, be sure to write it down so it doesn’t get forgotten. Lastly, talk with your photographer about a photo schedule (add more time to it than you expect to use) and before the wedding day tell/email your wedding party and family where the photographer expects them to be and at what time, and you should have the show on the road! Enjoy it!!!
In addition to weddings, what else do you photograph?
My natural bent is definitely people- I love portraiture, telling stories with photos, and working with people: families, seniors, babies, engagements- all stages of life. Although, recently, I’ve done some construction photography and promo shoots for businesses, and I enjoyed those jobs as well.
How can people book you for a photo shoot?
kamirin@live.com
Now for some fun stuff:
1: Do you prefer movies or books – or neither?
Books. I love paper!!! I rarely sit down long enough to finish a book (or movie), but if I do, you will usually find a “how-to” book in my hand.
2: If you could pick, what three places in the world would you visit?
Scotland, all 3 times. Ok, ok… I would choose Ireland and England after Scotland.
3: What is your favorite sport?
Does tubing behind a skiff (in Alaska) in a lifeboat count? It was so much fun! I don’t think I’ve ever screamed as loudly as I did then. Friday night Basketball with friends and family is pretty fun too. J
4: Is there another photographer or artist who inspires you?
Yes! I have incredible artists as friends who constantly inspire, encourage and bless me! Chimera Singer is a photographer and friend who I love hiring to shoot weddings with me. Sara Boggs is also an artist and friend who recently introduced me to these AMAZING travel watercolor brushes that every traveling artist should buy:
5: After a long day on the job, what is your favorite way to relax?
I love to eat after a long workday, because I usually don’t eat very much when I’m in work mode. I also love to look at my photos on my laptop (no matter what time it is) because I can’t relax until I do! I also might play my fiddle if no one is asleep. J
It’s been lovely getting to know you better, Kami! And be sure to check out Crooked Stream Photography here! www.crookedstreamphotography.blogspot.com
And now….to enter the giveaway! The prize will be a framed scenic photograph by Crooked Streams Photography. Comment once for each thing that you complete. Think of each comment as a raffle ticket. The more comments you have, the more chances of winning! The drawing will be June 18, 2014.
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