Meet me!

Welcome to my first official blog post: All about me, Andrea, the owner and main photographer of Wild Rose Photo Studio! I will be sharing some of my photo background and you can learn what sets me apart from other wedding photographers.

To start since I get asked often, I am 26 years old, will be 27 in July, yay for summer birthdays! I have been a photographer ever since high school. I started my photography journey young as a kid when my mom would buy disposable cameras. Back in the day when that one camera could last a whole summer and then you have to wait a week to get it developed to realize half of them came out too bright or out of focus..the good ole days. From then on it seems like every year for my birthday I would ask for a new camera, whether is was a polaroid Spice Cam, a new point and shoot, waterproof camera, any new camera , I knew I wanted. Then came high school and I took many art electives. 3 years of drawing, 4 years of painting, a year of floral design, a year of photojournalism and 2 years of yearbook. Yearbook is where I found my love and fun of photography in the real world. By my senior year of high school I was photographing and getting paid to take friends senior pics, family pics, etc. Originally I wanted to be an art teacher, but when I didn’t get excepted in the college of my choice, my path changed. That’s when I found the Art Institute of Austin and applied. Your girl got accepted to AI and I just knew it was the right thing for me. During my 3 1/2 years at the Art Institute I learned so much, a lot of real world hands-on experience from the school and all my friends were in different majors like graphic design, audio engineering, fashion design, and even culinary. Overall college was an amazing learning experience and it ended up being just the perfect path for me. After graduating in 2013 with my Bachelors of Fine Arts, majoring in photography with many fashion electives, I worked in the photo industry in Austin. At this time my focus/portfolio was more fashion and editorial based. I was photographing look books for clothing companies and different portrait sessions. I worked at a school photography company and for a local head shot photographer. Portraits have always been my jam. I really like capturing the connection of a person, their soul and body, to a camera.

3 years after college and working for other people, I took the leap. The leap that tested me to be better and work really freaking hard. The leap where I gained courage and confidence within myself. The leap that landed me beautiful clients, connections and my own career. In late 2016 Wild Rose Photo Studio was born. It has been almost 2 years since being a full time wedding photographer, and I love every moment of it! I love love, love stories, love letters. So really my job is to tell a magical love story with every couple that I meet. I want to know how long you’ve been together, what y’all do for fun, and what makes you laugh. I seriously feel so blessed with the amazing brides and grooms I have had since being full time! I have been a photographer for over 8 years, and wedding photographer for over 5 years! The time has flown by and I really can’t wait to see what the trends and special things the rest of 2018 and 2019 bring!

Like I’ve said before, I’m not a regular photographer…I’m a cool photographer… *Bonus points if you got the mean girl movie reference* But really. Most photographers show up, stand in the back and take some pictures with no real involvement. I’m the photographer that is literally walking with you step by step though out the day, reminding you to breathe, sometimes literally cooling you off with my mini fan, or holding your dress for you. I care about you as a client, but as a person too. I try to put myself in your shoes and think what would I want in a wedding photographer, and that’s really the motto of my business. Yes, I may be OCD with hair- like bad- and will be fixing your hair every two seconds, along with moms hair, and of course all your bridesmaids. When you photograph with me you will see and feel the difference, it really is the little details. I have an emergency kit of photography related things, and some off the wall things that you just may need on the big day! I am happy to share all my photo secrets, tips and tricks for the best poses and photographs!

3 things that set me apart from other wedding photographers:

My “emergency kit” with things like my portable mini fans, mirror, safety pins, setting spray, deodorant, gum, eye drops, chocolate-yep “ (next month’s post will be the “what’s in my bag” where you can really learn all about it)
I want to get to know my couples, know how long they have been together, where their first date was and how they met. I do my best to make the couple genuinely laugh, be silly, and have fun on their special day. Remember this day is about two people coming together as one, and being in absolute love. I capture that best with a mix of candid laughing shots though out the day.
I am not only photographing the moments, but helping with the flow and ease of the day as well. I always ask for a timeline for the day of the wedding a few weeks before the wedding date. This helps me stay on track photo wise and keep me on my feel with what is about to happen next. I can be that friendly reminder like, “hey we have 15 minutes until cake/toast” when the bride and groom can get lost in the crowd hugging their smiling friends and family! There is not always a coordinator at a wedding, it’s okay, and I get that!
⁃ Most importantly, I make sure the couple takes at least 5 minutes to just breathe. I really make them do deep breathes, close their eyes and let go. I make the couple be with each other in the special moment of time, not thinking about the guests or who needs what, but just to be with each other and take in the fact that now they are officially married, and two become one. Don’t worry I carry tissues, and always share. This moment of love is one of my favorite parts of the day

SOME RANDOM FUN FACTS ABOUT ME:

Born and Raised in Austin! Yes, I am a unicorn!
I barely watch T.V., I’m more of an internet/ reading kind of person. But my for sure shows I can’t live without are, The Office, Shameless, Broad City, SNL, and Bob’s Burgers.
I am the worlds pickiest eater. When I met my boyfriend, I knew we were a perfect match because he is the same exact way.
I have blue/green eyes. They change depending on mood and what I wear, I swear!
I also run another business making aromatherapy candles and jewelry/keychains made with crystals! If you want to check it out >>> Lucky Nebula . All my products are handmade by me! The candles are made with pure organic soy wax, coconut oil, and essential oils. No chemicals or toxins!
If I could meet anyone it would hands down be Britney Spears. I am truly her number one fan!