Interview with a Wedding Photographer

1) What is your name and job?

My name is Cory Ann Ellis and I am a professional photographer who primarily shoots portraits and weddings.

2) Did you study photography in school? If not, what was your photography background before becoming a wedding photographer?

I did not study photography in school. I have an MS in Physical Education from Indiana State University and was a college soccer coach and instructor prior to starting this business. During grad school I took a beginning photography class (black and white film) at DePauw University which gave me a good base to begin learning. Since then I have studied books, used forums, practice, and taken a few seminars and workshops. I got my first SLR camera at the age of 24 (I think).

3) Is it a full-time job, or do you work weekends only (when I assume most weddings take place?)

This is my full-time job. I do some form of work seven days a week. I am not only the photographer, but also the editor, post processor, bookkeeper and wear at least a dozen other hats that are needed to run the business. I work many weekends because, yes, that is when the weddings take place.


4) Have you ever worked at a wedding when you didn't get a shot at one of the key moments of the ceremony or reception?

I have missed key shots occasionally. It does not happen very often and the longer I do this these times are fewer and further between. I also typically have many images in a sequence so I have it covered.



5) Do you ever have run-ins with hostile guests while trying to get the pictures you need?

I haven't had any hostile guests. Most guests are just anxious to use their cameras and think they are doing the bride and groom a "favor" or "gift" by getting additional images. They don't mean any harm, they just don't understand that they should simply leave their cameras at home and enjoy the day. It is better for the bride and groom in the long run.

Now hostile officiants, church and venue coordinators and DJ's is a whole other issue.

6) What was the happiest wedding moment you witnessed?

Way to put a girl on the spot. I have photographed over 100 weddings and while not all of them are emotional many are. It's hard to pick a happiest moment, let me come back to this one...

I can't seem to pick just one there are so many. I had one bride who said "i do" before it was time, so cute. I love the exits right after a couple is announced, this is often the happiest moment of the day that I see. The first dance is wonderful when they get a public private moment and just enjoy each other. There are the tears during the vows, the father-daughter dance and more. I'm fortunate that I get to be work with people on one of the happiest days of their lives and have the privilege of documenting it for generations to enjoy.

7) What was the worst?

Not a terrible thing, but at one of our weddings last year the bride got sick during the reception and had to lay on the floor in the basement resting, hoping to feel better soon. When we left she was still there. She later told me she went home and changed and felt better and came back. She was a trooper about it all and the beginning of the day was perfect though.

Oh wait, can I use my own wedding? Now that is a story.

8) Have you ever felt, from your experiences dealing with a couple about to be married that their marriage wasn't going to work out? How about the reverse?

I've never gotten a feeling that a marriage wasn't going to work, but that they were going to need to work in it. But that is normal. Most couples are on a high on their wedding day, that happiness emits to all those around them. There are many couples that I am impressed with the manner that they communicate with each other, both verbal and non-verbal. You can tell that their relationship is deep, when you get to witness and photograph that connection it is very moving.

9) How many jobs have you had in your lifetime?

I just tried to count and stopped at 18. I put myself through college and paid for my own things in high school so I have been in the work force for a while. Some of my jobs include: state pen prison guard, bus person, wait staff, pizza maker (I can toss and everything), grocery sacker, soldier and soccer coach. And I must include mom.