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All the way from Sweden, we’re bringing you an exciting One on One Interview with Isabelle and Emmi-Sabina of 2 Brides Photography. These ladies are fun and energetic in their style, and we’re so excited they’re here with us as we take a look into the world of wedding photography through a Swedish lens. Make sure to stop by their site and see what they’ve been up to and where they’re headed to next! A big Thanks to Isabelle and Emmi-Sabina for sharing their story with us. We hope you enjoy!!
We love the collaboration between you two. How did 2 Brides come to fruition?
Isabelle: After years of talking about working together we finally got down to it in early December 2008.

Emmi-Sabina: We started in the beginning of winter, kind of like a test and off season. Strangely enough, but it turned out great!

What is one thing you two use or do to always stay positive and focused?
Isabelle: Joke around. We do a lot of pep-talk to boost each other.

Emmi-Sabina: Laughs a lot and having fun! Try different things.

How have you challenged each other to become better photographers?
Isabelle: We always try to come up with something new, we push each other to new frontiers, and we try not to worry too much!

Emmi-Sabina: Not stay in “the same old shoes” for to long. Explore!

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the difference between an American Wedding and a Swedish wedding?
Isabelle: First of all, Swedish weddings are smaller and are totally focused on the reception, a.k.a the party!

Emmi-Sabina: American weddings are so much more colorful and are like a big fiesta that sometimes last for 3 days.

In a world of want, need and have to haves, what is one thing you’re dying to get your hands on?
Isabelle: Canon 85 mm f/1.2

Emmi-Sabina: Canon 85 mm f/1.2, we are boring… wanting the same things all the time…

Isabelle: And we always bicker about who is gonna have what lens….hahaha!

What have you found to be your go-to source for inspiration?
Isabelle: Music, movies, wedding blogs, street photography.

Emmi-Sabina: Music, movies, conversation, street photography.

How would you describe your style?
Isabelle: A mix of photojournalism and creative portrait photography.

Emmi-Sabina: Yes, right on! and I guess our love for the “old touch” comes through sometimes.

How do you decide what to photograph?
Isabelle: We go with the flow.

Emmi-Sabina: But maybe with some idea of what we would think will be interesting.

Isabelle: Yes sometimes, but usually we talk things through before a shoot but end up going in a completely different direction, which is good. Sometimes we just have to “kill our darlings” to get better.

What type of camera do you use?
Isabelle: Canon 5D Mark II

Emmi-Sabina: Canon 5D Mark II

What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
Isabelle: Our wigs and staches or a huge smile on my face.

Emmi-Sabina: Lip Gloss!

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Isabelle: 50 mm f/1.2, you can do groups, amazing pictures in dark churches and of course lovely portraits.

Emmi-Sabina: Can only agree!

What’s the best decision you made when you first started out as a photographer?
Isabelle: To go for it, take the plunge, learn, live & love!

Emmi-Sabina: Be yourself, have fun and never stop learning.

I’ve learned the most from…
Isabelle: J.O Ohlsson, a truly gifted documentary photographer and I also had the fab opportunity to work with Joel Peter Witkin, one of the greatest artist in the world, in my opinion.

Emmi-Sabina: So many people, things and events in life. We met at Gamleby Photography School and it had a huge influence on us.

What advice would you give to the photographers that may be starting out and new to the business?
Isabelle: Work hard and and an excellent way to do that is to be an assistant for a year or more. I did that and got to know the industry from the inside. You get a lot of great contacts and you learn to find your inner images. Look a lot at other photographers images, be inspired, but transform your inspiration into your own imagery. And, don’t sell your self cheap, short & or in any other way for nothing. If you produce pictures from your own heart and mind and appreciate that, your clients will too. And if not, they’re not your clients. Be humble, grateful & share you experience and knowledge with your fellow photogs.

Emmi-Sabina: Follow your dreams, learn your self-worth and know that the work you putting in your business is going to show in your pictures. Don’t be afraid to decline customers that are not willing to see that.

Up this week are some sweet & spicy ear shots to get you through the day. If you have any song recommendations, give us a shout and share the love in the comment section below.

1. Miike Snow – Animal

2. City and Colour – The Girl (Acoustic)

3. Citizen Cope – Off the Ground

4. The Black Keys – Tighten Up

With the recent tragic events of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami, we’re reminded how we take everyday life for granted. It’s also difficult to see the images and videos on TV but go about our normal lives here at home. Sometimes we can feel helpless and not even know where to start when it comes to lending a helping hand. That’s why we are urging people to get involved and support The Red Cross who is actively involved in the rescue efforts. Founded in 1881, The Red Cross has played a huge roll in helping others when they need it the most. With all of the recent horrific natural disasters, the Red Cross really needs your support to keep up the incredible work they do. Please take a few minutes to stop by their website and learn how you can make a difference by supporting The Red Cross.

Get Involved:
http://www.redcross.org/

Two is always better than one and with this couple, we couldn’t agree more! Meet Troy and Aimee Grover, a husband and wife photography team from Orange County, Ca. These two have an incredible style that compliments each other perfectly. Now, before we send you to dive into their interview, here’s a quick look at who Troy and Aimee are. Trust us, you’re going to fall in love with them! Don’t forget to show them some love and stop by their website and blog.

Q&A:

The Troy Grover website is like happiness in full effect. What’s the one thing that describes happiness for you?
Troy: Happiness to me is doing what I love for a career with the person I love.

Aimee: Happiness is when my husband says cheesy things like that. Haha. I love spending my days with him!

Lets talk about the video montage. It’s amazing. Tell us a little about how you planned for it and created it.
Troy: The first thing we created was a story board to map out what we wanted the stop motion video to be about.  We wanted it to be fun and playful but also wanted it to move as a story and express our personalities.  We shot it at our friend Cory Jones’ studio & he also helped us the day of shooting.  It took us about 8 hours alone just to shoot it.  We ended up taking about 1200 frames but ended up only using about half of them.

Aimee: Thank you so much! We had a ton of fun putting it together Finding the perfect song with the right message and coordinating with the lyrics was probably the hardest part.

How did you two meet?
Troy: We met up at a church camp called Forest Home.  I had my eyes on her and asked her out

Aimee: Diddo. I would say we had our eyes on each other. He called me the night he got my number! Score!

Any funny stories come to mind when you think of your first few times working together?
Troy: I’m known to forget to take the lens cap off.  It’s embarrassing in front of a big crowd

Aimee: I got stung by bee while we were shooting a huge wedding party. It wasn’t funny at the time…but it makes for a funny memory from our first year shooting together!

Let’s say you’re planning a surprise trip for one another. Where would you take them?
Troy: I would surprise Aimee with a trip to Australia.  She hasn’t been out of the country as of yet, and this is the one place that she keeps talking about.  She loves the water and the warm weather.  We shot a couple of weddings here in the states with an Aussie wedding party and everyone was SO nice so Aimee has been dying to go!

Aimee: Troy is a really hard person to surprise! He usually finds out. With the strong probability that he will read this – I’m gonna play it safe. Pass

…place you would actually like them to take you?
Troy: I would love to go to Australia, New Zealand or Norway!

Aimee: Australia, Ireland or Copenhagen in Denmark

Give us a little insight into your style of photography?
Troy: Our style is fresh and real.  Our main focus in our photography is lighting.  We use the light in a way to flatter all of our subjects and give depth to the picture.

Aimee: I would say, we try to really capture real, authentic emotion. We definitely give couples direction, and give them a starting place, but the real magic happens in the natural interaction between each couple.

How do you decide what to photograph?
Troy: Aimee is the detail queen, but usually during the ceremony I focus on close shots and moments while Aimee is shooting wide.  I love capturing reactions!  The parents faces during the ceremony is always a clutch shot.

Aimee: Even though we have shot tons of weddings together – we still have to communicate throughout the day. Generally, I am more of the details person (dress, shoes, table decor, ect), while Troy (our tall beauty catcher) is the portrait man. He always has a slimming angle on our clients

Camera of choice? What do you use to work your magic?
Troy: Canon 5d mark ii

Aimee: Canon 7d

What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
Troy: My favorite is our reflector!  I love reflectors and wish that I could use them on every picture I took.

Aimee: My lip gloss. Haha. No, but really.

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Troy: Canon 50mm 1.2L.   I love this lens!  I could shoot with it all day.  I love the color and the crispness it gives

Aimee: Canon 35 mm 1.4 L. This lens is my best friend. It’s sharp and produces beautiful images!!

What’s the best decision you made when you first started out as a photographer?
Troy: Going all in!  I knew from the very beginning of my business that photography was what I was made to do.  From then on I gave it my all.  Investing in the best gear, learning from the best, and striving to provide an amazing product to all of our clients.

Aimee: I took as much advice as I could and then I developed what I was given on my own. Understanding lighting and photoshop can take time…but it is so worth taking the time to learn!

I’ve learned the most from…
Troy: My wife Aimee.  She is truly wise and inspires me everyday!

Aimee: Being shot by other photographers. For our engagement photos, we modeled for a photography workshop & had the opportunity to be shot by Jasmine star and a handful of others. Since then, we have also been photographed by Jessica Claire, Jose Villa, and Robert Evans. Each time I learn how I can better communicate with my clients & am reminded of what it’s like on the other side of the lens. These experiences have been priceless!

What advice would you give to the photographers who may be starting out and new to the business?
Troy: To get your “business” side of things setup correctly from the beginning.  It will only make it easier down the road!  Learn manual mode right away!  It may take a little bit but its worth it!  Also, see if you can assist photographers in different fields.  I am mainly a wedding photographer but I’ll assist commercial photographers in LA every now and then, and I learn a TON!

Aimee: Less is more. I think in the beginning stages of our business we over processed our photos to make them feel more “special.” Actions are an AMAZING tool but you have to use them to subtly enhance your photos, not mask them

Sometimes in our busy lives, it’s good to stop and forget the craziness. Back to the basics. A life of simplicity that allows you to slow down and notice the little things. I love this video that documents the work of Blogger Scott Schumann, aka, The Sartorialist and his simple approach to life, fashion and the details. Enjoy and then swing by his blog! http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

Lizzy Kimball is here with client samples from our newest action set, “The Organics Collection.” Hailing from Arizona, Lizzy is a vibrant wedding and senior photographer, and we’re excited to showcase her work! A big thanks to Lizzie for her client samples and make sure to stop by her blog and say hello!