How I became a wedding photographer in Cincinnati
Ashley Garland
Ohio Wedding Photographer
I was raised to work hard, chase my dreams and love people. I've lived and traveled all over the world. I love adventure and trying new things. I went on my first mission trip to Costa Rica at the age of 14 and loved every second of the experience. Years later as a 20 year old living in Zambia, I found myself looking for the moments that told a story filled with emotion and created a connection. However, my love for photography began as an elementary school aged kiddo sitting on the living room floor with my mother, flipping through the baby book that she had loving curated over the years. Seeing her smile holding me as a newborn or laughing at the stories she recalled from the photo of me sliding down the slide at Dollywood developed a love for capturing special moments and a greater appreciation for heirlooms.
As far as photography style goes, I like real “humanness” like dimples, freckles, and gap teeth. My edits showcase true to color, vibrant realness of the moment and locations. I am obsessed with sunsets and angry skies and you can guarantee that I’ll be toting around lighting for all situations. My clients seem to turn into my close friends and then we get to celebrate all of their big moments in life from senior portraits to their wedding day and beyond. My photoshoots are always an adventure thats relaxed and so much fun.
I became a photographer to show the world that photos should be more than those stiff, awkwardly posed photos we're used to seeing. Your images will be genuine, full of life, completely vibrant, and most importantly: completely YOU. Your uniqueness and personality will be captured in authentic moments.
Shawn Garland
Ohio Wedding Videographer
How did I became a wedding videographer in Cincinnati? That’s a great question and I’d love to tell you! I wasn’t always a wedding videographer. Honestly, I was never really into technology and didn’t ever consider that I could become passionate for storytelling.
I had no idea that in 2022 I would be ten years in and that wedding videography would have changed my life for the best.
My background is actually in construction; specifically building houses. I loved the fact that I could build something people could enjoy for a lifetime. I get the same feeling with film; capturing precious moments that will be enjoyed for generations.
It all started when my son was born in 2011. I wanted to capture all the precious moments of his life. Those “precious moments” that I captured started to turn into stories I would create and so my passion began.
I remember my first wedding like it was yesterday. The bride of one of my wife’s first weddings had a grandfather who was in his 90’s and didn’t have much longer to live. She insisted in having video included for her wedding. At that time I had only filmed my son. Needless to say I was very nervous to film her wedding. I did not even charge her because I knew it could go very wrong. Armed with just my handheld camera, I set out to do my best. I had a blast meeting everyone and capturing the best day of their life.
The couple ended up sending me money with a letter stating “Our hearts are so full of joy and our eyes are full of tears.” I put together the best story I possibly could with a sweet message from their grandfather. Ten years later, I am just as passionate about capturing authentic moments and creating stories that will last for generations.
MY PROMISE TO YOU IS THAT YOU ARE FREE TO BE IN THE MOMENT ON YOUR WEDDING DAY KNOWING YOU HAVE A PASSIONATE Videographer who is RICH WITH PERSONALITY, PASSION for CRAFTING AUTHENTIC, CANDID, AND BOLD Cinematography FOR YOU. With peace of mind – you can do all the things you’re dreaming of for your wedding.
Vibrant. Timeless. . Authentic.
FOR COUPLES WHO HAVE FOUND THEIR SOUL MATE
REVIEWS FROM CINCINNATI BRIDES
“She will help keep you smiling so that your eyeliner stays in place. She will let you cry on her shoulder if you are emotionally drained. She will capture the moments you will cherish forever (like the groom forgetting the ring) But most importantly, she will pray blessings over your day. What an honor it was to have her by my side. She was crucial to my wedding being the blessing it truly was.
- Tara P.
FEATURED BY:
ENGAGEMENT TIPS
FOR THOSE BOLD, FULL OF LIFE AND BEAUTY.
WEDDING TIPS
STORIES OF JOY, LAUGHS AND A BIT OF FUN.
Shawn and Ashley are Cincinnati wedding photographers specializing in candid wedding photography as well as cinematic natural feeling posed wedding photography. Shawn has also been recognized as one of the top Wedding Videographers in Cincinnati. As wedding professionals in Ohio, Shawn and Ashley are very familiar with both Cincinnati wedding venues and Cleveland wedding venues. If your wedding happens to be anywhere else in the United States or beyond, destination wedding options are available to you. Shawn and Ashley would be more than happy to speak with you about wedding photography or video in Ohio and have been labeled by reviewers as one of the top Wedding Photographers in Cincinnati, Ohio.
You can find us on photographerlistings.org’s Ohio Photography Directory