All posts in Photography

I shot my first wedding on December 28, 2013. Luckily it was my sister-in-law’s wedding so I felt a bit more at ease. I was there for all the planning, I knew the landscape +  felt comfortable with everyone in attendance. It was a great first and since then I’ve shot another and booked 3 more! I’ve received about 4 other inquires too so now I just have to accept the fact that I’ll be a wedding photographer this year!

I actually have really enjoyed it so far. It’s a burst of intense shooting for 9-10 hours and yet it’s really fulfilling because it’s a continuous sequence. I’m painting a story and I’m excited to get better at it as the year progresses. Maybe I’ll even get to travel + shoot a wedding!

Here is the story of my beautiful sister + her husband’s wedding from December:

What have I learned so far? Not every wedding is going to photograph as easy as the ones on Pinterest do (I mean, obviously). I realized quickly that being in the Midbest will only allow me a few 100% outdoor weddings. In the winter it’s freezing cold (hence, all indoor) and in the summer it’s sweltering hot (also mostly indoor). I’d spent so much time looking at other photographers’ outdoor work that I forgot that I’d be facing much different challenges.

I have a few goals on how to improve:

• Get better at using flash (on and off camera)
• Find really comfortable shoes that aren’t extremely ugly
• Master my “bossy-but-it’s-all-about-the-bride” voice
• Figure out how involved I want to be in selling prints/albums
• Second shoot with some amazing photographers so I can learn
• Get better at editing + my workflow (thinking of taking this online session)
• Practice, practice, practice

Any seasoned wedding photographers out there? Any advice? Or any amazing (or horror) stories about your own wedding photographer? I’d love to hear any tips or things you loved!

I recently had a photo session with Jessica on the first day of fall. The shoot, for me, was very different than those I’ve shot in the past. I actually spent time thinking about it beforehand. Just like designing – I’m always pushing myself to sketch things out first. To think about it for a few days. To let it simmer.

I did exactly that with this photoshoot. I created a moodboard (below). I sketched out the shots that I wanted. I spent time after another shoot scouting locations. The board below had one purpose – to set the mood. I wanted bright lipstick. An emphasis on her hair. A playful, yet fashionable vibe. I didn’t want to copy the shots but it did inspire the ones that I took.

I like being intentional in all my work. It brings about a better process. And a better result.

See more photos here.

I’ve been experimenting and playing around with some new concepts while shooting photography lately. I’m pretty sure I’m going to be hosting a “pop-up shop” at a local space where I’ll be photographing kids, families or anyone who wants a unique portrait! I’m pretty excited and trying to figure out the details now before the holidays. If you’re local – let me know if you’d be interested!

*Photography by Allie Lehman

Happy Friday, all. And remember: Be Obscure Clearly. 

*Another teaser from my photoshoot for The Blowout Bar

Recently photography has been taking up more of my day than design. I thought I’d share a few teasers from some of my shoots. Can’t wait to share full shots soon!