Wedding Vendor Feature: Callie V Photography
I can’t wait to share Callie V Photography with you all. I met Callie about 5 months ago when I hired her to take some portraits of me for my blog and wedding site.
Callie is energetic, in the perfect way. She helps you feel excited but not overwhelmed. I am used to being behind the camera in my job, so I was nervous about portraits. I instantly felt at ease with her. She’s got a great sense of humor which is key for me – I love sarcasm and light heartedness.
In the last few months I have followed Callie’s blog and seen all the great things coming her way, and I’m so happy to show off one of my favorite photographers!
Take a look at her work and read the interview, Callie talks about her favorite wedding moments and her upcoming wedding!!
The Interview
Name: Callie Chappell
Company: Callie V Photography
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
How long have you been in the business?
I shot my first wedding about 4 years ago, but I would hardly say I was in the business back then! I was an energetic college student, passionate about weddings and photography. Callie V Photography as a business was born less than 2 years ago! It has been a whirlwind, and I am seriously humbled by how far it’s come! 2010 will be my second official wedding season, I am PUMPED to get it started!!
What three words describe your wedding photography style?
FUN! I love color and playful posing for portraits! Fresh. I am constantly trying to come up with new ideas and am always pushing myself creatively. Candid. I definitely have a photojournalistic approach, particularly during the ceremony and reception. When I go through photos after a long day, the candid, unplanned images are always my favorite. To me, the shot of your bridesmaid trying to hide her tears, or the shot of the bride laughing during a toast is what it’s all about!
Describe how you got into the wedding photography business?
I have ALWAYS loved photography (really, I had a camera as a little girl, I used to get in trouble for going through too much film). Fast-forward 20 years and I accidentally fell into my DREAM JOB! I had done a number of weddings for friends and family, and was looking for something fun to do on the side to feed my creative side… so, I started asking around and building a client-base. I will never forget the first “real wedding” that I did. It as magical, thrilling, and SO MUCH FUN. Towards the end of one of the best days of my life I remember standing in the back of the room during the reception and literally thinking to myself “why didn’t I think of this a long time ago?!?!” Within a few months I had quit my full-time job in Insurance sales (I know, right?!) and now I’m living the dream. I wake up every single day grateful to be doing what I love, I have the best job in the world!
What is your favorite part of the wedding day to photograph? Why?
SUCH a hard question!! Can I pick two?! First, I looooove images of the bride and her bridesmaids getting ready. The anticipation shows in every shot. Everyone is smiling, crying, laughing, looking beautiful and waiting for the big moment. Next, I have to say that I am a sucker for the ceremony. That is, after-all, what the wedding is all about. Weddings to me are about the tradition. Nothing beats watching my clients go through such a sacred tradition. At this point I’ve probably become pretty close the bride and groom, and I could snap photos of them standing up there smiling at each-other all day long! (There’s a slight chance I cry during most ceremonies… what can I say, I love weddings!!)
What advice can you give to brides, on how to look their best in photographs?
Don’t worry about how to pose, or getting every detail right, that’s what your photographer is there for!! Take it all in, relax, and let your photographer worry about everything else. Also, I can’t tell you how much it helps to feel a connection with your photographer. If you’re comfortable with the person who is going to be your personal paparazzi for the next 9+ hours you’ll look relaxed, and you’ll be able to smile naturally.
Do you have any wedding day trends that you’re loving?
Oh man, I love all things wedding style! I feel lucky that buying wedding magazines and browsing wedding blogs is part of my daily work routine! I would have to say that my current favorite wedding trend is a sassy and chic short wedding dress!! I think they’re so stunning, and so unique! I’m also loving the studio-style photo booth trend! Guests LOVE it, I jumped right on board and offer a really fun photo booth to all my clients!
There’s a major movement towards boudoir shoots lately. What do you like about boudoir and do you recommend it?
YES YES YES! I absolutely recommend boudoir!! I have clients come in to do boudoir sessions that are single, married, and engaged! I really think it’s something all women should do. I love watching my clients come in all nervous, then see how empowered they feel by the end of a session. Even better, it is amazing to see their reactions when they look at their photos!
You’re getting married this year. Tell us a bit about your plans and what the photography will be like for the day?
I am getting married in 5 months! I can’t believe it! My fiancé David and I are going for fun and casual (with style, obviously!). The ceremony and reception are both at Camrose Hill Farm in Stillwater, I seriously feel like this venue was made for us! It’s so chic, so eclectic, and so country (I’m a softy for all things rustic). Think bright colors, gingham flower-girl dresses, mason jars and candlelight! We hired Ben Berndt Photography, and I fully intend to take my own advice on my wedding day and let him handle everything! We trust him completely! (though I can’t promise I wont take a few shots of my own 
). I envision the photos capturing the scene in detail and we will clearly be doing some fun and crazy shots with the entire bridal party!
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