Vendor Spotlight - Mary Margaret Chambliss Photography

I'm super excited about this next vendor, she pretty much rocks, and it just so happens that she will be mentioned in tomorrow's blog post as well!  Who is she?  Why the lovely Mary Margaret Chambliss of course!  She not only does seriously amazing photography, but she's also just so much F-U-N!  We worked together on a wedding last month and she was incredible.  Just read her interview below and you'll see what I mean!  And her photos are breathtaking, so vibrant, full of life and emotion.  Love her work...lots!  Read on for her interview and a look at her photography.

Why did you choose to work in weddings/events?  How did you get started?

I got into the wedding/events business about seven years ago when I was assisting another photographer.   I was a travel photographer at Southern Living Magazine, and one of my co-workers introduced me to the fun of shooting weddings as a side gig.  I stayed with the magazine for about 7 years and have since decided to go out on my own shooting Weddings and Children, as well as Corporate headshots, Advertising work, and the occasional Rockstar I come across.  I've been photographing my whole life, my mother is a photographer, so I fell into the family biz.

How would you describe your style/product?

My style is upscale, but very relaxed and natural.  I am part photojournalistic, but also have a lot of respect for traditional photographs the grandmother expects to see(formal, by the alter).  I like to see the day's beauty unfold, and really lead the bride and groom into great photographing situations.  I like for my products to be as pretty as the day itself-I enjoy making brides cry when they see my work.....in a good way of course...

What separates you from other Birmingham area vendors?

For one, I am a girl-of marrying age, so.....I kind of know what I would want in a wedding photographer.   Another thing is I have traveled all over the South looking for the good in people while photographing for the magazine-I have been in most every situation with my subjects, equipment ect.  I know how to think things through in regards to a shoot, and what to expect in most situations.  A lot of people are getting into the Wedding photography business because of how easy digital cameras are to operate, and really the money you can make doing it.  There is so much more to wedding photography than that.  I am trained to see things most amateurs do not see- there is an honor of photographing a wedding for someone, and I don't take that lightly.  I get compliments at most every wedding I shoot from the groomsmen saying something along the lines of, "That wasn't so bad-you are kind of cool."  This is like winning a gold in the olympics of photography to me..If I can make the couple people who are not stoked about being at the church 3 hours before the ceremony have a decent time..I win!

What would you be doing if you didn't work in weddings?

I shoot weddings, but I also shoot many other aspects also...so probably one of those..I would love to shoot life on the road, whether it was a political campaign or a big music act's tour.  Something about having a team traveling together with their own little working city intrigues me.    If I wasn't a photographer all together, I think I would go back to school to get my MFA in painting.

Favorite TV show and why?

Actually....I am such a nerd...but I have no cable....totally rock the rabbit ears and everything.  I moved into my house in the middle of my travel job, and spending 4-5 days on the road seemed silly to spend money on cable.  I have since loved it, the fact I only have 8 channels to choose from....That said...I love some Sunday night TV(desperate housewives, Brothers and sisters).  I come from a family with 4 kids in it, so the chaos and noseyness of Bros and Sisters strikes pretty close to home.

What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general?

Have fun!  Don't sweat the small stuff.  This is a time to celebrate you and the decision to be with someone for the rest of your life..thats a big deal, but remember key word is to celebrate.  Everyone one is there to support you, because you have made an impact on their lives....THAT IS REALLY COOL IF YOU STOP TO THINK ABOUT IT....I mean...doesn't matter if 2 people are in the room, or 4200, you have made an impact so much so that people want to get dressed up-on a Saturday no less, and stand when you walk down the aisle.  Thats awesome!  I once had a bride who's band didn't show up....Best attitude ever, she just looked at everyone after dancing to a Kenny Chesney cd someone had in their car, and said, "guess we will have to drink more since we aren't paying for a band!"  That was cool to see that attitude....Im not sure I would have had the same reaction.