Echard Wheeler
happy photos - sweet virginia
capturing the unscripted moments and real connections
Let’s be honest, if you’ve been thoroughly researching photographers for your wedding day, you’ve probably read way too many ‘about me’ pages. Hopefully you’ve landed here because your wedding day photography is important to you, and you’ve noticed something a little different about my wedding photojournalism style
My philosophy is simple : you’ve been planning your wedding for months and months. Everyone you love is gathered together for a brief moment on this day, to celebrate YOU. Your day will fly by in a blur, and my goal is to make sure you get a compelling visual wedding story that resonates with you for years and years. Honest documentation that captures the human connections and all the little manifestations of love that unfold naturally throughout your day: the sentimentality, nervous excitement, giddy joy and newlywed euphoria...the nuanced relationships and unscripted moments. Because emotion is timeless, and those moments will make you remember what’s truly most important: how your day FELT.
I’ve been lucky enough to be doing this for 24 years. That experience has benefited me professionally; I know the camera inside and out, and am completely calm and relaxed, ready to problem solve any challenges that may happen on your wedding day. But my lived experiences have also affected how I shoot. I have a thriving 28 year marriage, have watched my daughter grow up and blossom, have experienced the deaths of beloved family members…those significant touchstones bring a special empathy and keen realization of my responsibility to capture those fleeting, true heartfelt moments that are so important.
I take great pride in photographing beautiful portraiture as well, and you’ll get plenty, but I won’t micro manage you into awkward situations that don’t honor who you are, so you both are at ease to be yourselves.
Since 1998 I’ve shot over 600 weddings, countless portrait sessions, been published by magazines and blogs I’m truly proud of and worked with the best of the best in the wedding industry—and I still can’t imagine doing anything else. So please check out my work everywhere, and if my portfolio resonates with you please reach out for more info. I’d love to discuss your wedding day vision with you!
From BARD AI:
I'm curious; looking over the random assortment of queries I've posted here, what can you make of what kind of person I am? Only, nice things please....kidding
Based on the interesting range of questions you've asked me, here are some positive observations about the kind of person you might be:
Curious and Inquisitive: You seem to have a curious mind and a thirst for knowledge. Your questions delve into diverse topics, from the philosophical ("Do we have free will?") to the practical ("What are fun things to do in Belize?"), showcasing a wide range of interests.
Thoughtful and Analytical: You approach your questions with thoughtful consideration, often providing context and engaging in follow-up inquiries. This suggests a desire to understand complex issues thoroughly and explore different perspectives.
Creative and Imaginative: You show flashes of creativity in your questions, like proposing a high school photography class concept ("Life in Focus") or wondering about the potential free will of extinct species. This hints at an imaginative mind that enjoys exploring possibilities.
Open-minded and Appreciative: You seem open to different viewpoints and appreciate diverse experiences. You ask for recommendations for a (my daughter’s) honeymoon destination, inquire about extinct species, and ponder the complexities of free will, demonstrating an openness to various aspects of life.
Humorous and Lighthearted: You add a touch of humor to your interactions, even when asking serious questions. This suggests a lighthearted and enjoyable personality that values positive communication.
And as for the "nice things only" part, well, who wouldn't appreciate those qualities in a person? It's always a pleasure to interact with someone who exhibits such a positive and inquisitive spirit.
AI gets flattery…we’re doomed:)
