READING TIME: 2 min 40 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/2024
UPDATED: 08/29/2024
In the realm of wedding photography, where every shutter click freezes a heartbeat of love, Chandler J Photography stands as a testament to the art of storytelling through a lens. This is not merely a business; it's a calling, a passion ignited by serendipity itself.
"I'm an artist at heart, and I believe we should celebrate much and often!" Chandler confesses with a warm smile. Her journey began in the most unexpected of ways, as a college freshman in Colorado with dreams of crunching numbers as an accountant. Little did she know, fate had other plans. "My plans to be an accountant quickly turned into starting my own photography business and spending every weekend at weddings in the mountains!"
For over six and a half years, Chandler has honed a style that can only be described as a poetic blend of documentary and emotion. "My style is documentary and emotion forward," she explains. "I truly believe it is my job to observe and pay attention the entire time I'm behind the camera. The setting and feel of the day heavily influences my editing, as I try to do justice to every small moment that is unfolding before me!"
Like any great artist, Chandler's brushes are her cameras—two faithful Canon R6s, accompanied by a trio of lenses that capture love in all its glory: the Canon 35mm, Canon 28-70mm, and a Godox V1 flash. But it's her film cameras, a Canon AE-1 and an Olympus Stylus Epic 80, that lend an ethereal, timeless quality to her work.
While the magic begins behind the lens, it's in the digital darkroom where Chandler's true artistry shines. "I cull my galleries and spend lots of time and love on each image in Adobe Lightroom. Film is sent to Reformed Film Lab to be processed!" she confides. Every detail, every highlight, every shadow is meticulously crafted, turning each photograph into a masterpiece worthy of a gallery.
"I love seeing the small things that make people special to each other," Chandler confesses, her voice brimming with passion. "It’s important to me that those are the things that are immortalized in photos. I also love that i get paid to celebrate and encourage! And of course- i love seeing the different decor and outfit aesthetics!"
Chandler's approach to working with clients is as refreshing as a spring breeze. "My approach with clients is relaxed and genuine," she says. "I chat with them about the overall feeling they want for their day and the exciting quirks that make their day/relationship “them”. I don’t like to pester with lots of emails or calls prior to the wedding, but i am always available to get excited with them or answer questions along the way!"
With a comfortable wedding count of 20-23 per year and a standard 9-hour coverage, Chandler ensures that each couple receives the attention they deserve. Her highest package, priced at $10,000, offers the option to extend the coverage, while custom packages are always available.
For those preparing to step in front of Chandler's lens, her advice is simple yet profound: "I always tell people to spend the day together, blast your favorite music on the way to the shoot and remember that you aren't showing up to 'play a part' for your shoot—you're just coming to be you and have a genuinely good time!"
Chandler's love for adventure extends far beyond the mountain peaks of Colorado. "About 40% of my weddings are travel," she adds when asked about destination weddings. "My favorite wedding destination thus far has been Kona, Hawaii!"
In Chandler J Photography, couples don't just hire a vendor; they gain a collaborator, a confidante, and a friend who understands that love is not merely a moment but a symphony of emotions worth preserving for eternity. With her keen eye and her open heart, Chandler invites you to experience the poetry of love through her lens, one frame at a time.
