I met Bethanne many years ago when she was Allyson’s second shooter for a wedding I planned.
Bethanne is a wedding photographer and she does the most stunning work! She also does engagement shoots, styled shoots, and anniversaries.
As many of you know, I am a full-time sales and marketing director at a private Country Club in Virginia. My job is to also tour, book and coordinate weddings so getting to interview a wedding photographer (who is also a mom of 2) was pretty freaking cool!
What made you decide you wanted to pursue photography? More specifically, wedding photography?
When my son was little, like any mom, I wanted to photograph every little thing he did! All of the firsts, the milestones, the smiles, the baths…those were all such special moments to me. My husband was overseas for the first year of our son’s life, so it was also very important that I document all of the changes.
And I look at wedding photography the same way now…it’s important to document such a special time in your lives because other people are going to see those photos. Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so on. It’s really about capturing your history and your legacy!
How I personally got into photography…it just kind of happened, really. I became more and more interested in quality photos since starting our family, and I had a friend who was a wedding photographer. I thought she was the COOLEST PERSON EVER and was so in awe of her and this passion she loved!
She recommended I get in touch with another photographer in the area who brought me on as an intern. When I went to weddings, I carried bags, assisted throughout the day…I did all of that before I actually picked up a camera at an actual wedding.
I am so thankful I got to shadow a professional photographer during that time because it was a great way to learn a lot very quickly, and I just fell in love with it all! I’ve always been a fan of weddings, but I just loved the idea of being super involved and getting to capture it all – particularly the special, in-between moments that a lot of guests would never see!
How do you find the time to balance work and family?
When I figure it out, I’ll tell ya! HAHA!
No, really…for me, it’s just about setting boundaries. I have to tell myself that at XX time, I have to sign off, put my phone away, and be a mom. It’s been a rollercoaster, too. It hasn’t been the easiest thing to balance owning a business and being a mother and a wife, and honestly, I am still learning and have to work at it every single day.
But….I think a good rule of thumb is to put your family first.
They are the most important; the emails can wait…the business will still be there…but your kids are only little for so long. It’s crucial to cherish that time; it already moves too quickly!
What is your favorite part of the job? Biggest struggle?
My favorite part of being a wedding photographer is getting to work with the most amazing people. I can’t even believe how I’ve gotten so many chances to meet just incredible, sweet, smart, and loving people.
Getting to be a part of their lives during such a special and memorable time is an honor.
They will never forget their wedding day, and I get to be a part of that!
My biggest struggle is not letting my perfectionism get in my way. I struggle with anxiety and feeling afraid that I am going to disappoint my couples or let them down. I prepare and work hard and triple check everything, always, but I think I’m just so scared of messing up!
This isn’t something that can be re-done or anything. I have to be on my game throughout the entire day and be ready to capture the best moments.
It can add some pressure, for sure!
What is your favorite type of venue to shoot at and why?
I love getting the opportunity to photograph weddings on farms or at vineyards. I love it when a venue’s property is expansive, offers a lot of variety for shooting portraits, has backup options in case of inclement weather, and has beautiful getting ready spaces for both the bride and the groom! Bonus points if the spaces are all white/neutral colors, have tons of windows, and have mountain views!
Still waiting for an inquiry to come in for The White Sparrow in Texas…. 😉
What advice would you give to a bride and groom on their wedding day?
The best piece of advice I can honestly give to a couple getting married is “Just enjoy the day.” It’s so easy to get caught up in the planning part; it’s stressful! It can be overwhelming and cause anxiety, and at the end of the day, the MOST important thing about a wedding day is that two people are joining together and promising each other forever.
The flowers…the centerpieces…the color palette….none of that stuff will matter in 50 years.
Always remember WHY you’re getting married and let the little worries go J
Oh…and hire an incredible photographer, always. Don’t skimp out on the photos.
These are memories that will outlive you.
They will help tell your story and keep your love story and legacy alive for years and years to come!
Favorites:
Camera: Canon 5D Mark III
Lens: 50mm f.1.2 L – it’s fast, crisp and so versatile!
Food: Tacos, of course
Cocktail: Pomegranate Margarita on the rocks with sugar on the rim! Or Sauvignon Blanc wine (especially if it’s from Pippin Hill Vineyard)! 😉
Find Bethanne Here:
Instagram: @bethannearthur
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