I received this email and wanted to answer the questions for everyone! My name is Mackenzie Sarna. I'm a photography student at Hennepin Tech in Eden Prairie, and had some questions for you.
How and why did you get into wedding photography? I've always loved photography but never thought it as a career option for me. I love so many creative outlets I thought it was just one way I could be creative! In 2002, one of my friends was getting married and ask me to take the pictures. I said "no" 3 or 4 times and she kept asking so, finally I relented. I didn't want to mess up her wedding pictures and she was willing to take the risk having seen pictures I had taken in the past!
How long have you been shooting weddings? Basically, after people started seeing the pictures from the first wedding, more friends were calling to ask me to do their wedding's too! I was still working full-time and did 3-5 weddings those first couple of years. Then the business just grew from there. I started taking portraits, family, maternity and anything else people wanted! I loved the variety and they loved the final product!
How many weddings a year do you shoot? No more then 15. I know that's a weird way to answer the question but, it's the truth. I love my job but, my heart is to be a stay- at-home mom. AND more importantly, I want to do both well! I've found that limiting my weddings to 15 allows me that balance. I want to give my brides focused attention and I don't want my family to suffer. It's a ton of work and definitely keeps me busy. I also shoot about 30 portrait sessions through out the year...I don't have a limit on those because they require a lot less time.
What equipment do you use? I use all Canon equipment. I own one Canon 40D, two Canon 30D's and am planning on buying a Canon 5D next month. For lenses I mainly use a Canon 50mm (1.2), tamron 17-55mm...I'll be purchasing the Canon 70-200 (2.8) next month as well. I also use upright flashes, a reflector (5 colors included), a couple of tripod...but that's kinda boring info!
Do you have an assistant or second shooter? Yes!!! I use a second shooter for all my weddings. I don't know how I did it without them. I usually shoot alone for the portrait sessions but, I have assistant shooters who are really eager to learn all aspects of the trade and they may join me for a couple sessions this year.
How would you define your style? People oriented, focused but also relaxed and fun! I focus a lot on photojournalism...telling people's stories make me smile.
Thank you for your time! I'll be watching for your answers, and will let you know if I have any more questions! Thanks again!
I don't mind answering questions...It's how we all learn and grow!
www.noemiphotography.com