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Meet the Pros

Meet the Pros | Photographer Brandon Chesbro

January 6, 2012
January 6, 2012

Company:
Brandon Chesbro, Wedding Photographer

I’m Known for:
Natural, rustic, sunbathed, outdoor weddings

What I do for fun (when not working):
I love the outdoors! Rock climbing, riding my motorcycle (ahem, it may actually be my wife’s motorcycle), and even an occasional hunting expedition!

Favorite Nashville Area Hang: Nashville? Has to be Crema, an amazing little coffee joint

What got you in to photography? And what interested you in shooting weddings?
I’ve always loved taking photos. My mom gave me an old Canon camera when I was about 12 and I never stopped clicking! I still have that camera. By the time I was out of high school I had framed photos of my friends all over my walls, and I knew I wanted to do something with photos for a living! I went to college for video and film, had some (really) odd jobs for a few years, and ended up touring with a band doing their video and photos. But whenever I was home, it was photographing weddings, and I loved it! Ultimately the desire to shoot weddings won out over touring, and I quit with the band to stay home with my wife and focus on wedding photography. I love seeing couples in love. I love seeing that intimacy in a couple. I love the excitement leading up to the wedding, and of course the bliss on the day of the event. And I love the perfect blend of fashion, journalism and lifestyle that wedding photography offers.

What should a couple look for in a wedding photographer?
That’s always a funny question for me, because the way I see it, it’s the other way around! I want to be the right photographer for my client. So in the interview process, I think of it as me interviewing my bride and groom rather than them interviewing me! The couple needs to not only love the work of the photographer, but also make sure their wedding lines up with the type of weddings the photographer shoots. For example, you wouldn’t hire a photographer who specializes in flash and major post processing if you want a very natural, organic type wedding. Unless that’s what you want!

Do you have any advice for brides and grooms who are uncomfortable in front of the camera?
Well the generic answer is “pretend I’m not there”, which is pretty hard to do. So I try my best to have some trick to get the couple loosened up. Once that happens, I get to see the couple get lost in each other, which is always one of my favorite moments to shooting!

Where is the most unique location you have shot a wedding?
Haha, well while this isn’t my usual location style, some dear friends of mine got married at the Titan’s stadium! Definitely stands out! It was part of an awesome Christian weekend event there.

We have seen a lot of great location shoots for engagement pictures lately. How do you find the perfect setting for your couples?
As with most of my work, it is really important to me that the location, the wardrobe, and the lighting reflect my couples personalities. So it varies. I tend to lean to the outdoors most often, but a special place to them will usually bring out the best emotions for photos.

You also have experience in cinematography. What advice do you have for couples considering video services for their wedding?
The video question. I think every couple is different, but from my own personal experience, I am so glad we had a video of our wedding! I think when a video is artfully done the right way, it is just as important as the photos. Just make sure you are absolutely in love with the work. If you are, don’t hesitate and you won’t regret it!

Wedding photography can cost several thousand dollars. What do you suggest to stay on budget but not sacrifice quality?
Go for a photographer who offers a la carte. That way, you can purchase prints and books at a later time. For now, I offer my photos on a disc, which gives the bride and groom and option to print their photos when it’s financially smart!

You have shot multiple times at CJ’s Off the Square. What are your top 3 favorite shots?


My website: www.BrandonChesbro.com

My blog: https://brandonchesbrophotography.tumblr.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brandon-Chesbro-Wedding-Photographer/206561352724511

Twitter: @branchesbro

Phone: 615-419-5578