At Props! Photo Booths we are a big supporter of #communityovercompetition. So we sill start featuring local vendors in the event industry! If you are a vendor and would like to be featured, please send an email to info [at] propsphotobooths.com for more information. Our first feature is Paige Schicker of True Era Photography! Check out our chat with Paige below.
When did you first launch your business and why?
I first launched my business in January of 2014. Honestly, I was tired of working dead end jobs that I had no pleasure in. I majored in photography in college and fell deeply in love with it, but I hadn’t been financially stable enough to actually pursue it as a career until 2014. One day I woke up and decided to take the plunge, and I’ve never looked back!
What led you to wedding photography?
In the beginning I really only did sessions (families, kids, maternity, engagement, etc), weddings were SUPER intimidating to me. But then I did some second shooting with a few amazing wedding photographers and learned the ins and outs. Not only was it fun, but it’s such a great feeling to know you’ve captured priceless moments for someone.
Have you had any celebs come through the door?
Not yet!
Have you been featured on any other blogs or magazines?
I am being featured on Offbeat Bride‘s blog in March and I am so honored and excited!
What makes YOUR business and talent unique?
The wedding industry is one of the most competitive markets out there, so it takes someone truly unique to stand out to new brides. Having an artistic eye is key, and I believe this is a talent I possess. From very early on I was driven by creativity. I went to magnet schools where I “majored” in visual arts (everything from drawing/painting to sculpture and photography). In college I knew I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else, so I continued on that path and it has lead me here today. Having that “trained eye” has contributed immensely to my career and my style.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Meeting and working with people who are in love. It’s so thick in the air between them it’s almost tangible, they just ooze with passion for each other. And the fact that they’ve chosen you to be a huge part of their Big Day is an incredible honor and privilege.
Do you travel and/or accommodate out of state couples, or do you only do local weddings?
I travel anywhere & everywhere!
What advice do you have for brides & grooms-to-be?
Never stop “dating”. Marriage may seem like the top of the totem pole, but you can go so much higher. Don’t lose the romance, the sweet surprises, the fun nights out, or the cuddly nights in. Make each other feel loved and important every single day.
What do you love most about being a wedding photographer in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville is such a large city that it’s almost impossible to run out of places to photograph, or people to meet. I’ve lived here my whole life and it still has so much to offer.
What has been your most memorable wedding to date?
I photographed a friend’s wedding last year at Palencia Club in St. Augustine, and their theme was The Great Gatsby. The guests all showed up in 1920’s attire, and the bride and groom were just beyond stunning. Their engagement session was also Great Gatsby themed and it was so much fun. You can check it out here: http://trueeraphotography.blogspot.com/2015/08/ivana-ethan-are-engaged-great-gatsby.html
If you only had three words to describe your photography style, what would they be?
clean, elegant, artistic
What do you love most about working so closely with brides?
I get to live vicariously through them! I’ve lived my wedding day and it was perfect, but it’s long gone now. Working with brides let’s me share in their excitement, their anticipation, and their bliss! And each bride & wedding is different, so it’s always new and keeps me on my toes.
Can you share three of your favorite images with us from Jacksonville weddings you’ve shot? Tell us why you love them!
The first image is of the bride hidden away in her bridal suite, enjoying her last few minutes before getting into her dress. Her groom-to-be had written a letter for her to read just before the ceremony. In this is the moment, she had to take a break from reading to laugh and fan the tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. You could see the true love she felt as she was reading that letter. It almost felt too personal to be photographing.
The second image is of the bride being walked down the aisle by her father, and that heart stopping moment when she sees her groom at the altar waiting for her. It’s the purest, most blissful smile you’ll ever see.
The third image is from a wedding that I was second shooting. It was a sweet, low-key country wedding that was to die for. Here you see the bride sitting in a vintage red truck, with the most gorgeous light just before the sun began to set. She is just so stunning and perfect. The funny thing is, the bride and groom borrowed this truck from a man they had only just met. He was kind enough to lend it for their wedding, and all he wanted in return were a few nice photos of the truck that he could keep!
I loved connecting with Paige! Her photography is stunning!
Contact Paige via Social Media!
Email: trueeraphoto@yahoo.com
Website Link: www.trueeraphotography.com
Blog Link: www.trueeraphotography.blogspot.com
Facebook Link: www.facebook.com/trueeraphotography
Instagram: www.instagram.com/trueeraphoto
