Happy Pride Month! One of the best ways to be an ally is to support LGBTQ wedding vendors. We recently spoke with one of our favorite photographers, Brody Lee. Here's what he had to say about being a wedding photographer and gay business owner in Colorado.
Brody, how would you describe your photography business?
“Love stories in the mountains!” I do a lot of outdoor shoots in Colorado’s Front Range and have a special love for Pike’s Peak. My business hybridizes portraiture with event photography and wedding planning.
What inspired you to go pro with elopement and wedding photography?
My husband and I married five years ago and during the wedding planning process, I kept having the thought, “I could do this so much better.” All too often, queer couples have to go through a lot of emotional labor to deal with vendors who aren’t on the level. As an artist, I have the desire to create my own unique style of wedding imagery. I already had a background in photography, so I knew I could deliver an experience that was artistic and truly inclusive.
As a gay man, what does marriage mean to you?
“I want to be married to that!” It’s a declaration of you two aligning your dreams. There is power in voicing your love and commitment. The value you have with your partner is based on your history together and your aspirations for the future. I don’t see marriage as a ball and chain. Love is a parallel path you walk together in the same direction. Marriage says, “We’re doing this together; this shit’s real now!”
What helped you the most in getting started?
The community of local vendors has been so supportive. We collaborate on projects, lift each other up, and use our skill sets to help bring one another’s vision to life. I've bonded with some wonderful vendors, all while joyfully championing our personal visions. Together we've created a culture that celebrates our individual voices.
What does your signature photography package include?
“Think of me as your wedding photo bestie.” I provide bespoke service for each of my clients, but a typical package includes eight hours of me acting like a fly on the wall while you go about your wedding day, elopement, or romantic nature adventure. Wedding and elopement packages include an extensive consultation and complementary engagement shoot, so when the big day comes around, I have a good idea of your personality and you’ll feel like you’re seeing an old friend. This is a big part of what gives my photos their candid feeling; I’m able to capture the couple’s authentic connection with their experience.
You are known for being an inclusive wedding photographer. Tell us more about that.
During my own wedding planning process, I noticed that most vendors didn’t prioritize getting to know their couples very well. So, in my business, I provide my clients with an extensive questionnaire that gives me a comprehensive view of how they want to be celebrated. On the day of the photoshoot, I'm able to capture moments that reflect the real personality and love of the couple. I strongly believe that when there’s an emotional connection in the photography, it shows in the final product.
What’s been your biggest hurdle in the wedding industry?
When my soon-to-be husband and I were contemplating our vendor options, we had to wade through so many service providers that defaulted to conservative values and heteronormativity. We had to do a lot of emotional compromising and it put a damper on what could have been a beautiful experience. On an artistic level, a lot of wedding photographers stick with overplayed color schemes, and I was hard-pressed to find a photographer who had a style that really lit me up. Firsthand experience as a client gave me a reason to offer a different style and become a voice of inclusivity in the industry.
How should a couple prepare for their photo shoot?
Gather a healthy range of options within your budget. You’ll save a ton of time and energy if you consult your venue or other vendors on their preferred partners. If you aren’t in love with a photographer’s style, see what else is out there. Aesthetic and budget matter!
Start looking at wedding photographers well in advance. Most of us are booked out eight months to a year, so, this should be one of the first items on your wedding planning checklist.
Have realistic expectations. Elopement and wedding photography is a not 15-minute in-and-out service. Think of it as a date night out, be generous with the amount of time you allocate for photos, and expect the first few minutes to be a little goofy or stiff. This will really help you take the pressure off yourselves and have a good time.
Before we go, do you have any business announcements and where can people find you?
I am currently booking for the rest of 2024 and into 2025. You can find me on all the social medias as @brodyleephoto and at my website www.brodyleephoto.com
“Photos are one of the only things you walk away with from your wedding day.”
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