Wedding Vendor Field Notes | Shane Long Photography
Your wedding photographer takes on the huge responsibility of capturing every part of your wedding day, allowing you to fully relax knowing every special moment will be captured for you to revisit time and time again - this is why finding a photographer who you can trust to do this is so very important! As we continue to spotlight our trustworthy wedding vendors, we are joined this week by Shane + Anna Long, of Shane Long Photography! Shane + Anna make a wonderful Husband and Wife duo, and they’ve shared with us some of their work along with some insightful knowledge from their experience!
We hope you enjoy learning about their expertise in the wedding industry while taking a glimpse at some of the stunning moments they’ve captured!
01. Tell us the story of how Shane Long Photography Began.
“Shane Long Photography was born out of a dream that first began when we received a camera as a wedding gift. Today, photography is our full-time adventure! Little did we know that what began as a hobby and then part-time summer gig, would become our passion and full-time career. We are Shane and Anna, a husband and wife team head-over-heels in love with what we do! Shane is the photographer and educator, and Anna is the editor and business manager, and together we are honored to serve couples in both Minnesota and Southwest Florida. Over the past 12 years, we have photographed over 325 weddings, as well as hundreds of engagement sessions and family portraits. We are incredibly grateful for the people we have served, as well as the vendors we have had the privilege of serving alongside.”
02. What’s your favorite wedding trend right now?
“ As a wedding photographer, I’m all about capturing emotional moments, portraits in light and bright spaces, and documenting the unique beauty of each couple’s day. First looks with bridesmaids, the father-of-the-bride, and with the bride and groom, as well as golden-hour portraits will forever be favorite trends of mine. I also love it when couples integrate beauty and design into every element of their day, whether it be in their details, decor, florals (especially hanging or arches), their attire (including multiple wedding dresses), or within their venue spaces.”
03. What wedding trend(s) are you over?
“I would have to say anything that takes up too much time, or causes stress, or the feeling of being rushed should go. Today more than ever, there is so much pressure to create picture-perfect moments that live up to what couples have seen on Pinterest or social media, which can then overshadow the focus on celebrating their own love story. While we love capturing beautiful details, moments, and traditions, we want to be sure anything extra is added because it is important to the bride and groom, and not out of obligation or outward pressure.”
04. What’s something you wish every planner told their couples?
“We have worked with so many amazing planners who are phenomenal at what they do! We love it when they talk through timelines and advise couples to allow for enough margin and transition time within their day to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere from start to finish. If capturing details is important, couples should plan extra time in the morning for them. If their wedding day takes place at multiple locations, allowing enough transition time to keep the pace of the day comfortable and not rushed is crucial. Planners are incredible at keeping the day running smoothly, and we are so grateful for them!”
05. What is your favorite wedding moment to photograph?
“There are countless moments on a wedding day that are so much fun to photograph! Whether it be the anticipation and excitement of a first-look, or the spontaneous kiss that couples share in the aisle surrounded by family and friends, or the romantic and emotional moments within a first dance, every memory made is both a privilege and an honor to document. “
06. What’s your favorite part of a wedding day as a vendor?
“It’s hard to choose just one favorite part of a wedding day, and yet, the moment that just might top the list for me is the short-but-sweet time spent taking golden-hour portraits. There is something about capturing those first “husband and wife” photos that is simply magical, and it’s truly such a joy to photograph!”
07. What would be your dream destination wedding location to work?
“While we have quite a few places on our destination wish list, including Italy, Greece, Hawaii, and New Zealand, we are absolutely loving being able to photograph weddings in Southwest Florida from January through April, and in our home-state of Minnesota from May through December. To us, capturing weddings within the beauty of each season in both states truly feels like the best of both worlds!”
Thank you for sharing some of your incredible captures and industry insight with us, Shane + Anna! It’s always an absolute joy getting to work with you, and we love seeing the work you continue to do within the industry!
Be sure to follow Shane Long Photography on Instagram & Visit their website shanelongphotography.com for more information!