Gesture. Wondering what to do with your hands in photographs. Be Present. I’ve got some tips for you. They all end with being in the moment.
I love making people feel comfortable and guiding them through a session. It’s the best feeling. It’s how I imagine other people feel when they clean their house, check a box, or take a xanax. My dopamine comes in the form of portraiture and making people feel like they can be themselves.
Newport Rhode Island Weekend Wedding : Jen and John
What an epic adventure it was joining Jen and John's for their three-day celebration in Newport, RI. It was a destination wedding for everyone involved, kicking-off with a good ol' fashioned clam bake rehearsal dinner, followed by the wedding day at Belle Mer and then brunch on the seas in a beautiful sailboat.
It was so wonderful to see all of the guests enjoy a three-day escape from reality to celebrate the lovely couple. The clam bake rehearsal dinner on the coast was filled with so many special moments between the couple and the guests. There aren’t words to describe the beauty of the wedding day itself. And with the wind in our hair and endless views to take in, brunch on the sea was the perfect ending to this dreamy weekend. The entire weekend was filled with experiences I will never forget, and I’m sure the wedding guests would agree.
I am still so in love with their spectacular #chanautical theme. It was timeless and modern with all the charm of the local Newport vibe. The thoughtful planning and details of Jen and John’s special day was unmatched. From the customized umbrellas, which never got their moment to shine, to the map of Goat Island that doubled as a stylish photo backdrop, they combined all the best elements of the nautical and classical styles and it was magical.
They are so loved by their family and friends and it’s easy to see why. Jen and John’s day was filled with so much joy and laughter. They undoubtedly make each other extraordinarily happy and anyone could see it. Their smiles are contagious. I love these two and wish I could go back in time to re-live every moment! This destination wedding was such a dream. I will never forget those joyous moments.
xoxo
Suzanne
The wonderful team
Venue: Belle Mer
Designers: Champagne & Ink
Rentals: Rentals Unlimited
Lighting: Ormande Productions
Florist: Stoneblossom
Cake & Dessert Table: Confectionery Designs
String Quartet: Infinity Strings
Band: Redline
Photobooth: Blue Flash
Photographer: SheWanders
Hair & Makeup: Serai Beauty
Rolls Royce Bride Arrival & Photo Op Car: Rockstar Limo
Trolley Car for Groomsmen Arrival and Guest Departures: Viking Transportation
Clam Bake: Hyatt
Welcome Party: 41° North
Brunch: Regatta Place
Intern Mia: My Experience at Shewanders
Hey everyone, Intern Mia here :)
My internship experience with SheWanders Photography was more than I ever imagined it would be. This past semester I spent my time learning and growing with help from the amazing Suzanne. I learned so much about myself as a photographer as well as how to style and execute professional photoshoots. I also learned the workings of how to run your own website as well as the importance of SEO and how it boosts site awareness. Coming into this internship I had no idea what SEO was and to be quite honest, the thought of it scared me a little. But after the course of this experience, I completed the SEO for over 100 blog posts! Can you believe that? (It still surprises me!)
With the advising of Suzanne, I learned how to apply creativity and insight to the taking and editing of photographs relative to the demands of a specific concept for that week. Each week I was asked to pay attention in detail to one element of my photos, whether that be form, space, body positioning, etc. Because of this I was able to storyboard, organize concepts, art direct, and execute 11 successful photoshoots, including portrait and product sessions. I was even able to execute a self-portrait shoot, which challenged my abilities as a model, photographer, and director. Being able to put myself in my subjects’ shoes gave me more insight on how to properly view a subject and photograph them based on their body positioning, and I would have never been able to transition into this mindset if it wasn’t for Suzanne and her mentorship.
Aside from the photoshoot aspect of this internship, I also made valuable friendships along the way. (Hi Ana! :’)) Being able to hear constructive feedback from not only Suzanne but my new and awesome friend Ana was more than I could have asked for. Being able to be my pure self in a judgment-free and inclusive space gave me room to blossom into the photographer I was aiming to be.
The work atmosphere here at SheWanders was always fun, direct, and organized. We were always laughing and making jokes, coming up with new creative concepts, and figuring out new ways to tackle them. Suzanne made sure to consistently be prepared with lessons for the week and always gave me constructive feedback on my progress. This feedback was checked up on every week and I was always asked how I overcame problems based on the criticism I was given. I believe this was what was very helpful about my time here at SheWanders because it gave me room to fail while making sure I learned from my mistakes and watch out for them next time.
I would undoubtedly and highly recommend this internship for any beginning photographers looking for a career in photography. Suzanne made sure to make me never feel like I was alone, and was an excellent teacher through the entire 11-week span. I received constructive criticism and learned from my mistakes while consistently creatively thinking about my next move. I was always busy and planning for my next shoot, project, or blog post. She taught me that this work environment is fast-paced and prepared me for what I should expect from jobs in the future. Because of this internship, I feel confident in my work and am ready to start the journey of making a name for myself in this business. I cannot thank my amazing mentor Suzanne enough for giving me the confidence to see myself in a whole new light.
To you, Suzanne:
Thank you. Thank you for giving me an environment to grow and flourish in as well as becoming someone I will always be deeply inspired by. I will cherish this experience for a lifetime.
xoxo,
Mia
