READING TIME: 3 min 42 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/2024
UPDATED: 10/03/2024
Felicia The Photographer’s journey into photography is as unique as her bold and dramatic style. Originally studying architecture, she admits, “Photography wasn’t ever my end game.” It wasn’t until she took one photography class in college that something clicked—literally and figuratively. “I took one photography class in college to learn how to use a camera - the rest is instinct and independent experimentation,” she explains.
For Felicia, photography offered a more natural fit with her personality and lifestyle. The transition from architecture to photography allowed her to merge structure with creativity, building a new career based on capturing life's most significant moments. Architecture taught her the importance of composition and attention to detail, while photography opened up the world of emotional storytelling through images.
When Felicia describes her photography style, she’s concise yet profound: “Bold, architectural, dramatic, personal.” Each word is a perfect reflection of the art she creates. Her background in architecture is apparent in the way she frames her subjects, often highlighting strong lines and structured compositions that guide the viewer’s eye through the image. But it’s the emotional layer—the personal touch—that transforms her work into something unforgettable.
Felicia’s images are not just portraits; they are stories told through a meticulous blend of dramatic lighting, structured angles, and genuine interaction. Every shot feels carefully designed, yet effortlessly authentic. “I strive to merge their aesthetic, amazing light, strucured composition and natural interaction in the most effortless way possible,” she explains, noting how essential it is to communicate with her clients ahead of time. “This requires a lot of communication and homework ahead of time so that my work on the wedding day is as informed as possible without being invasive or dominating the flow of the day.”
Felicia’s toolkit is as refined as her style. When asked about her equipment, she responds confidently, “Mostly a mix of Canon and Leica digital cameras, with a dash of film.” Her selection of cameras speaks to her desire for both precision and artistic flair. Canon offers the reliability and versatility she needs for her high-end weddings, while Leica allows her to infuse a touch of artistry and vintage charm. And then there’s film—her “dash of film,” as she puts it—which gives her work an additional layer of timelessness, a nod to the origins of photography itself.
But the magic doesn’t stop with the click of the shutter. Felicia is deeply involved in the post-processing phase, personally editing each and every photo. “I hand edit every single image,” she emphasizes, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. Her editing style is a seamless extension of her shooting style—dramatic and personal, yet never overdone. The end result is a set of images that feel both polished and deeply intimate.
For Felicia, being a photographer is about more than just taking beautiful pictures. It’s about the access she’s granted into people’s lives—access to moments that are raw, real, and often once-in-a-lifetime. “I love the access,” she says with a tone of reverence. “There are few other jobs where people welcome you wholly into some of the most special moments they'll ever experience. It's poignant and rare and I don't take it for granted.”
This perspective shapes how she approaches every wedding, every couple, and every shot. She sees photography not as a job but as an honor, a privilege to be present for moments of joy, love, and vulnerability. Her gratitude for this role is evident in the care she puts into each image, ensuring that the emotion of the day is captured forever.
Felicia’s dedication to her craft doesn’t end with the technical aspects of photography. She’s also deeply committed to understanding her clients on a personal level, tailoring her services to meet their specific needs. “Weddings are incredibly personal and there's rarely a one-size-fits-all solution to photography,” she explains. Nearly every wedding she photographs involves a custom package designed to reflect the unique story of the couple.
“Communicate any hopes you have for the images, lean on the photographer for wardrobe feedback, trust the photographer's instincts and recommendations, relax, and enjoy the time with your partner,” she advises. Her approach is as thoughtful as it is intuitive, striking the perfect balance between preparation and spontaneity. By doing her homework beforehand, she’s able to let the day unfold naturally, capturing moments as they happen without being intrusive.
With such a personal and involved approach to each wedding, it’s no surprise that Felicia limits the number of weddings she takes on each year. “10,” she says firmly, when asked about her comfort zone. By keeping her workload manageable, Felicia ensures that each couple receives her full attention and creativity, without the risk of burnout.
Destination weddings are a significant part of Felicia’s work, and when asked about her favorite destination, her answer is immediate: “Absolutely! Italy is hard to beat.” The timeless beauty of Italy’s landscapes, architecture, and light makes it an ideal backdrop for Felicia’s bold and architectural style. Whether it’s a villa in Tuscany or the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, Felicia’s work shines in these settings, capturing both the grandeur of the location and the intimacy of the moment.
In Felicia’s hands, photography becomes more than a service; it becomes an art form that captures the essence of life’s most meaningful moments. For her, the privilege of being invited into those moments is what makes photography truly special.
