Business & Tech

'Tell Me Your Story': Wedding Photog Works in Narrative Fashion

Jaynee Peterson Photography of Port Washington has put an emphasis on wedding photography over the last few years, and has captured many love stories along the way.

To local photographer Jaynee Peterson, shooting a couple's wedding day is about more than just capturing a moment in time — it's a chance to tell the love story between the two soon-to-be newlyweds.

"I like to create sort of a narrative as the day goes along," Peterson said. She meets with couples before the big day as a way to set the background of the tale. "Tell me about you, tell me your story — so that when I do when end up shooting your wedding I'm telling your story."

Peterson calls her approach to wedding photography "journalistic," and said she's made the switch from photographing all types of situations — such as newborn or family photos — to focusing primarily on weddings and engagements over the past few years.

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"I've sort of been trying to rebrand myself over the last several years," she said. "I'm really loving it, it's really great."

In talking about her method of business, Peterson really takes on multiple roles: beyond photographer and storyteller, Peterson also finds herself offering planning advice to the engaged couple — such as making suggestions around the itinerary for the day.

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Peterson also encourages couples to first meet with her for an engagement session to learn her style, and make sure both her style and personality is a good fit.

"You're really essentially asking (the photographers) to hang out with you on the most important day of your life," she said.

Peterson didn't start out in photography, and actually graduated from college with a degree in American Sign Language. Though she had a full-time job in that line of work, she decided to make the switch to photography because "this is where my passions always were," she said.

Peterson is a Port Washington native and has photographed a lot of local events, including weddings of people she went to high school with.

In telling couples' stories on their wedding days, she said it's also important to capture bits of both individuals. She recalled one unique wedding at the Family Farm in Grafton where the couple set up everything in a mostly do-it-yourself fashion, but also incorporated the groom's interest in superheroes and the bride's interest in vintage style.

"Seeing the wedding and how they incorporated both parts of themselves into (the reception) was really, really unique," she said. 

Jaynee Peterson Photography offers wedding packages starting at $1,500 which includes two photographers, six hours of coverage and more. Learn more about her pricing and see past photos on JayneePetersonPhotography.com.


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