The Artistic Odyssey of Love: Inside the Lens of PS Photography and Films
- Author: Natali Grace Levine
- Reading time: 3 min 49 sec
- Publication date: 04/27/2024
In the enchanting realm of wedding photography, Patty Gonzalez and Susie Canino of PS Photography and Films stand out as luminaries, painting love stories with their cameras in the sun-drenched landscapes of South Florida. Their journey is a remarkable tale of passion, growth, and an unending quest for perfection in capturing the essence of human emotions. This interview delves into their artistic voyage, their philosophy behind capturing love stories, and the unique magic they bring to wedding photography.
Embarking on a Photographic Odyssey
The inception of PS Photography and Films was anything but conventional. With no formal training in photography, Patty and Susie embarked on their journey in 2005, fueled by their passion and a desire to capture the beauty of love stories. “We are self-taught photographers, but were mentored by a few experienced wedding photographers when we started,” they recall. This period of learning and exploration was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, often working for free or minimal pay to hone their skills. “Little did we know, 20 years later we are still working on improving our craft. Our work is constantly evolving,” they said, reflecting on their journey of continuous learning and adaptation.
A Unique Photographic Philosophy
For Patty and Susie, photography is much more than capturing moments; it's about telling stories that resonate with emotion and timelessness. “P|S Photography and Films is a team of wedding photographers who specialize in creating elegant and timeless images,” they explain. Their approach, often described as editorial due to their attention to style and fashion, transcends conventional labels. “Although we are often referred to as editorial photographers, we believe that our work is more than just that. Our focus on lighting, coupled with building connections with our couples and their guests, plays a big role in our work. But we appreciate good style and fashion, which could be the reason why we are often described as editorial photographers.” The essence of their style lies in the mastery of lighting and building deep connections with the couples and their guests, allowing them to capture images that are both visually stunning and emotionally profound.
The Craft Behind the Lens
Navigating the technical aspects of photography with skill and precision, Patty and Susie employ a mix of film and digital cameras, with digital making up 90% of their work. This choice reflects their commitment to blending traditional techniques with modern technology to capture the myriad nuances of weddings. Their post-processing workflow is equally meticulous, ensuring every image reflects their signature style of natural beauty. “We provide a comprehensive collection of wedding pictures…meticulously edits every single image, Additionally, we retouch images that are included in the album. Our ultimate goal is to produce images that look genuine, realistic, and natural,” they highlight the painstaking effort that goes into each photograph, aiming for authenticity and realism.
Finding Joy in Capturing Love
At the core of their work lies a profound joy and satisfaction in being part of couples' happiest moments. “We have the best jobs in the world. We love being surrounded by so much beauty, love, and celebration,” Patty and Susie share, their words echoing the deep fulfillment they find in their profession. This passion is a driving force behind their creativity, inspiring them to capture love stories in a manner that is both artistic and deeply human.
Collaborating with Couples
Understanding and interpreting the visions of couples is a cornerstone of their approach. Patty and Susie emphasize the importance of listening and communication in achieving personalized and meaningful photography. “We believe listening plays a big role in our work… By doing so, we can surpass their expectations and provide them with an experience and photographs that are both authentic and personalized.” This collaborative process ensures that each wedding they photograph is a unique reflection of the couple's personality and love story.
The Rhythm of Wedding Seasons
Managing a bustling schedule of over 60 weddings annually, Patty and Susie thrive in the dynamic and fast-paced environment of wedding photography. Their ability to maintain a high volume of work while ensuring quality and personalization speaks volumes about their dedication and organizational skills. “As our company is co-owned by two lead photographers, we tend to take on more weddings than an average wedding photographer,” they point out, highlighting their commitment to capturing as many love stories as they can.
Crafting Tailored Experiences
Flexibility in offering custom packages allows them to meet the diverse needs of couples, ensuring that every wedding they photograph is as unique as the love story it tells. This adaptability is key to their success, allowing them to cater to a wide range of preferences and expectations.
Destination Weddings and Beyond
While they limit destination weddings to three per year, Patty and Susie cherish the opportunity to explore new locations and draw inspiration from different cultures and landscapes. This openness to new experiences enriches their work, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to their photography.
Patty Gonzalez and Susie Canino of PS Photography and Films embody the spirit of artistic excellence and passion in the field of wedding photography. Their journey from self-taught photographers to renowned wedding photographers is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and endless pursuit of capturing love stories in their most beautiful and authentic form. Through their lenses,
they not only document moments but create art that celebrates love in all its diversity and splendor. As they continue to evolve and push the boundaries of wedding photography, Patty and Susie remain committed to their craft, forever inspired by the beauty and emotion of the human experience. Their work stands as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the power of passion, creativity, and the enduring beauty of love captured through the lens of dedication.