Hi, I’m Jake.
I grew up in West Virginia with my Ma, Dad, and two sisters. I think back a lot to how my life felt in these simple times. That carefree blissful feeling that the sunshine’s warmth gives you on a summer day is how life felt then. I go throughout life chasing moments that feel the same as it did growing up in this warmth.
I find that being a part of moments in people’s lives that are truly intimate and meaningful is as close as I can get to this. The wedding and elopement industry is one that can feel so daunting at times with how much is needed to make each day the best. But that moment at the joining of two tied souls together forever is one that imprints on me. The moment where I realize I am in a space only a few people can say they saw in person is truly incredible. To push further, that same moment that only a select number of people saw in person is being captured by me. I am the one who will capture your special day and fall in love with the feeling of displaying it to not just you, but your family for generations to come. I have fallen in love with being around those who are truly joining to live on with the person who is their person. The person who makes you the happiest you have ever felt. The person that takes you to the next level as a being in this world because they want YOU to be the best version of yourself.
Why am I a photographer?
I want people to understand that I am creating a vision of mine with them in it. I want people to see me as an artist first, versus a business completing a task. I see photography as an extension of my expression. I see each image in my head while walking from pose to pose. I want people to see what I create as how they want their day captured. Each person’s special day or wedding day is a moment in time that only a select number of people are able to see. I am the person who is able to convey how everyone’s emotions were at a moment in time that is extremely important in another’s life. The pictures I am able to create are all based on how the day moved. The in-between moments that capture the truth behind the poses.
When it comes to how I approach a shoot, I aim to give a mix of prompts and poses. I feel that certain poses are a necessity for those classic photos you print to have in your home. I find myself closer to my clients though with prompts. I can ask for a spin or twirl or “Airplane” and you may feel how cringey these seem. BUT I see the in-between moments that you look at your partner and the pure bond that is shown. You may think you are an awkward person who has a tough time with photos because of not being “photogenic” (Yes, I have heard it all). Look, a shoot with me is one where you come out on the other side with nothing but positive reinforcement/affirmations of yourself. YOU are the main subject of the shoot. I am here to capture the moment you had with either yourself or another while creating beautiful images. I will be there to hype you up because you know what? YOU SHOULD BE!! I create a warm space that is truly one of comfort with every client I’ve had or will have.
I am a lover of all things bourbon, red wine (thanks to my ride or die Sarah, this is all for us <3) and cuttin’ grass ;) - Jake