Photographer Feature: Jeremy Russell for Corey McNabb Photography

Jeremy Russell of Corey McNabb Photography not only captures all the moments in a wedding day, he captures all of them beautifully while being incredible to work with.   We had a chance to interview Jeremy to learn more about him and his work ~ check out what he had to say!  Thanks Jeremy!

How do you describe your style?  The typical title is "wedding photojournalist" and essentially my goal is to capture all the fun and emotion of The Big Day without getting in your way...ever.

How long have you been a photographer?  12 years.  

How did you get started?  I started more years ago than I'd like to admit, as a high school yearbook photographer.  Which led me to a B.S. in Photographic Imaging with some weddings on the side.  Which led me to working as a retoucher at a high end photo agency in LA for four years and some more weddings on the side.  Which led to getting burned out on city life, moving to Asheville in 2006, and deciding to shoot weddings full time.

What inspires you to keep doing what you do?  Honestly, my clients and their feedback.  I know it sounds cheesy but it's true!

If you could give couples one piece of advise on picking a photographer, what would it be?  Pick a photographer whose photographic style and personality fit what you are looking for as a starting point.  How many 8x10's and picture coffee mugs you get will probably not be the more important factor in the long run.

If you could photography anywhere in the world, where would it be?  The Galapagos Islands.  Again.  Although I don't recall what their wedding venues were like....

Feature vendor this week is Michael Juiliano of Michael Juiliano Photography.  We have worked with Michael a lot in the past, and he is just wonderful ~ read below to hear from Michael, the ninja!

How do you describe your style?  I always have a problem with this question.  Can we just call it ninja style?  I enjoy pulling from different things.  Art, music, books, video, people, conversation, places, things.  Everything inspires me.  I think we have to be flexible in this day and age.  We aren't just journalists, we aren't just fine art photographers, we aren't just portrait photographers.  We need to do it all and everything in between.  Be flexible.  Go with the flow. Like a ninja.

How long have you been a photographer?  I think I've always had the photographic eye.  I found myself always saying "that would be a great picture."  As soon as I was big enough to hold it I started to "borrow" my dad's SLR camera or " big camera" as I used to call it.  I started taking pictures on family vacation and my mom used to compare them to the postcards and tell me mine were better.  Don't worry it never went to my head, but I love the story.  It's been a hobby all my life pretty much.  I kept my dad's camera and unfortunately traded it up for a better camera when I got more serious about photography.  I've been shooting professionally since 2004 [I think?] I hope my dad forgive me for that.  I don't know if I ever told him where his camera went.  I'll shoot his next wedding free, that'll make him happy.  [no rush dad].

How did you get started?  Professionally?  My good friend John saw some of my photographs on the computer at work.  I had them as my screen saver.  They were mostly urban shots of textures and old building and garbage cans and such.  He asked me if I shot weddings.  I said no.  He asked me if I'd teach him some stuff so I did.  He eventually talked me into doing his wedding.  I did it as a gift as long as I could do what I want.  Part of what turned me off about wedding photography at first was the fact that I thought you had to do a certain thing or your photos had to have a certain look.  A look I was not interested in .  Boy was I wrong.  I had a blast.  I've been doing it ever since.  My first paid wedding was a referral from his wedding.  The rest is history.  I love it.  I have fun and insist my client-friends do as well.

What inspires you to keep doing what you do?  Freedom.

If you could give couples one piece of advise on picking a photographer, what would it be?  Know what you are looking for.

If you could photograph anywhere in the world, where would it be?  Italy.  I'm hoping that happens in 2009.  I'm working on it.