What is the single most important piece of advice you would share with a bride?
I actually have four equally important tips to share with all brides looking to hire a wedding photographer.
First, when you interview your photographer, it's important that you are comfortable with them, that you enjoy their company. Because of the nature of photography, you will be spending the largest part of the day with your photographer and if you are not comfortable, it will show in the photos.
Second, as you review their portfolio, think about "why" you like their work. Meaning, if you want a photographer whose style is more candid, then you will be disappointed if you hire a photographer whose portfolio features many posed images and then, on your wedding day, you expect them to capture only candid images. It just doesn't work that way.
Third, consider how lighting plays its role in photography and ask your photographer what they would suggest when it comes to ceremony time. At MBP, we base our style of photography coverage on the effective use of available light as often as we can because it creates a more natural look in our work, your images. Pay attention to the images that capture your eye and study them, notice the use of light. It’s ok to ask questions. A true sign of a professional is one who wants their clients informed of their choices so that they, not the photographer, make the choice that is right for them. There’s peace of mind for the photographer too because now, everyone knows what can be expected. A win-win scenario is a good thing.
My fourth and final piece of advice is, on your wedding day, trust your photographer to take care of you and to do what you hired them to do. Weddings are, even with the best plans in place, uncontrolled events. At some point, let go and enjoy your day.
What part of your job is your favorite?
When I see people emotionally connect with my work and they don't even know the people in the portrait. When, on the wedding day, we get to work quietly with just the bride and groom, creating their wedding portraits. And the times I've photographed a mother's pregnancy or a child's birth. Regardless of setting, my job is to capture life’s “familiar moments”. That is my favorite part of the job.
Where is your favorite location?
Location is not as important to me as is the lighting of the location. I will always prefer available light photography when possible. Next, I study the background for composition.
What are your favorite hobbies?
In addition to being a professional photographer, I am also the mother of two sons and the wife to Mac Basnight, my second shooter, my partner and, at times, my rock too. We tend to stay very busy with all aspects of photography, parenting and just being together.
What is your favorite meal?
My husband can grill a mean steak, and he's also fabulous at cooking steamed shrimp spiced with Old Bay. Otherwise, take out from many of the fine restaurants on the Outer Banks works great too!
