Vendor Spotlight: Sharyn Peavey Photography

French’s Point Estate is thrilled to continue our series of blog posts spotlighting amazing Maine wedding vendors that help to make weddings at our waterfront wedding venue not only successful but truly the embodiment of the experience our clients strive to craft for their family and friends. This series will showcase some of the best providers from our vibrant, talented, dedicated wedding industry community we are so proud to be a part of here in Maine and New England. This group of professional wedding vendors understands and adheres to our guiding principles for the service we endeavor to provide our clients: Be Responsive, Be Kind, Provide Excellent Customer Service, Provide the Very Best Product/Service. Because of these wonderful people, the celebrations here are French’s Point Estate is the stuff of which dreams are made!

We are always thrilled to hear that Sharyn Peavey from Sharyn Peavey Photography is coming to French’s Point! We are blessed to feature her on our Preferred Vendor Directory and have the opportunity to collaborate with her on many celebrations at French’s Point. Her communication with our couples and our team from reservation to the final song is thorough and much appreciated; she is a true professional. Because Sharyn is familiar with our whole estate, she knows all the best spots with the best light for the most creative photos. The combination of her awareness of what is here, her 20 years of experience with her camera, and her talent, results in the most beautiful shots, Sharyn is always there at the right moments, capturing them in photos that couples treasure for a lifetime. Her creative energy and passion, which she lends to the wedding day, is incredible. She is often a great match for French’s Point couples. If you inquire and she happens to be available, BOOK HER! We guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

How long have you been operating your wedding photography business?

I have been photographing professionally since 1995. In Maine, since 2002 when I transitioned my business from New York.

How would you describe your style?

I am a 90% photojournalistic photographer with an editorial flair. Unlike strict photojournalists, I do get involved and direct periodically throughout the day. People need direction in posed portraits and I give that. I will first model what I want people to do and let them give it a try. Because of my years of visual arts college and dance training, I know how important it is to be shown what to do. Being strictly photojournalistic would mean that I don’t create images, which I do as well as blend in behind the scenes and document. Both documentary and directive styles have a place on the wedding day!

What lead you to wedding photography?

I began shooting weddings while attending the Maryland Institute College of Art. I was working in the photo department and we would receive calls from Baltimore brides looking for an alternative to traditional photography. (What was available in the 90’s for wedding photography was almost horrendous). I was the only student willing to shoot weddings that came in. I liked the challenge and the drama of the day. It reminded of my Theater experience, like a performance you only get one chance. I was drawn to the elements of fashion and doing bridal portraits. I was also drawn to the world of family dynamics and emotions that each wedding held. I find people fascinating. This is how I got into the business of photographing weddings!

What is your favorite moment to photograph throughout the whole wedding day?

Oh gosh, this is a tough one because every wedding is so different. My favorite moment to photograph is the most emotional one! At the last wedding I did my favorite moments were the bride dancing with her dad. He took such pride in dancing with her and both were tearing up, the whole room was, including me!

Do you suggest having a second shooter for a French’s Point Wedding?

I think it is always helpful to have a second shooter. Someone can be shooting candids while the other is focusing on portraits. Someone can be up in the balcony while the other is out on the lawn during the ceremony. Just a trip to the car, bathroom or main building from the tent one could miss a good candid moment! So to leave a photographer at the tent is a great idea. Is it necessary? No, but I do suggest it.

How many hours of coverage do you suggest for a French’s Point wedding?

On average 8 hours is great coverage for a wedding day at French’s Point. With the ceremony scheduled at 4 p.m., coverage from 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. is perfect for most weddings. With that said, some weddings do have more going on before the ceremony so that can be helpful. For instance, if there is a first look with family photos scheduled before the ceremony, starting at 12 p.m. is best. Also rehearsal dinner coverage the night before is great at French’s Point!

What is your favorite day trip in Maine?

My favorite day trip this past summer was going to Thompson Lake in Casco Maine with my assistant Matt and my daughter. We would paddleboard, swim and take the underwater housing out for great underwater photographs. Sometimes we would go out and relax on his family’s pontoon boat – there’s nothing like a good getaway with friends and family on the water.

Please feel free to include more information you feel could be helpful for our clients better understand who you are.

I believe a smile in a photograph starts with a smile from the photographer! I have been told since I was a teenager that I smile a lot. I think this helps people I photograph enjoy the process too!

Aside from shooting, an important aspect to how I approach weddings is I can help plan out the day and the where and when of picture taking. Having years of experience shooting weddings I have seen many things that got overlooked, and I like to help avoid that when possible. Being a part of the wedding day planning not only will help the couple for the day-of but will aid in better pictures which carry on past the wedding day. The experience of the wedding day extends long after the tables are cleared and the guests go home. The wedding day lives each time a memory is recalled, like every time someone looks at their pictures on the internet, their iPhones, or the wedding album. I want couples to remember how good they felt, not that they were starving, stressed, rushed, and thirsty because there was poor planning in when and how pictures were taken.

Sharyn Peavey
Sharyn Peavey Photography
43 Elmwood Road
Pownal, ME 04069
(207) 318-1829
www.sharynpeavey.com
sharynpeavey@gmail.com
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