Jason Putsché

Wedding Photographer Baltimore  

 

Jason Putsché is a great photographer and his wedding photos are memorable. Jason is born and raised in Baltimore Maryland and has been running his successful wedding photography business since 2007. His photography comes to live with moments of fun and love and all the small things a wedding offers.

Tell us a little about yourself and your photography.

Well, Thrandur, I’m a native of Baltimore and I’ve been shooting professionally in the area for a little over 12 years. In college, I started as an assistant wedding photographer and photo editor for the school newspaper. I continued pursuing photography on the side for a few years after graduation. In 2005, I started my own business (Jason Putsche Photography) and after a couple years I was able to go full-time in late 2007. These days I like to keep my photography diverse, specializing not only in wedding photography but also other special events, portraiture, sports, and nature photography.

Why did you start taking photos?

As a kid I loved snapping shots with my mom’s 70s-era Instamatic. Then one Christmas I got my very own Kodak Disc Camera. I can’t tell you how many discs of film I went through with that thing, but whatever the occasion, I never had enough. Something about seeing the world in a photo, the way I wanted to make it, seemed magical. When I was able to take a real photo class in high school, I jumped at the chance. It progressed from there…

What inspired you to turn it into a business?

I majored in Information Systems at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and worked in that field after graduation. I knew computers were never going to be my passion, but it paid bills. I continued with photography on the side, shooting a few weddings a year and occasionally working as a second-photographer for others, but it wasn’t until 2005 that I decided to pursue something I actually enjoyed, full time. I had already met other photographers who had been very successful, so I knew it was possible. I was able to transition slowly, and navigate it carefully.

Why are you fascinated with weddings?

Weddings really bring out the best in people. They are celebrations of love where you see various types of people all at their best. Watching everyone interact and being able to capture special moments through the whole day is really rewarding. The positive energy and personalities make all the hard work worthwhile.

How do you capture the love and feeling of a wedding?

It’s all there for you – the love, the playfulness, the interesting, funny, and tender moments – the humanity. All you really need to do is keep an eye out, appreciate your surroundings, and know how to use your equipment. In that way, it almost captures itself.

I bet you can tell me about some challenges you faced or awkward circumstances. Tell me about some memorable moments.

Every wedding has its ‘interesting’ moments. Most of the time it’s fairly routine – nervous brides, wedding-gown challenges… but sometimes things get more memorable. There was one wedding several years ago that sticks out in my mind. For some reason the bride & groom confided in me that they were both [former] exotic dancers… and that neither of their parents knew. It was definitely interesting to watch them on the dance floor together, bumping and grinding like true professionals, while their parents looked on in simple bliss.

What are some other photographic projects you enjoy working on?

I like to take trips into the city, often along the waterfront, capturing whatever shows itself. Every year I have a spot at the Fells Point Festival to sell some of my prints. It’s fun and great to be out in the public, expressing a little more of my artistic side.

What kind of a camera and lenses do you primarily use and how do you select your equipment?

My main camera is the Canon 5D Mk II, and often with my 24-105 f/4 … but then I also spend a lot of time with my straight 50mm f/1.8, 70-200 f/2.8, and 17-40 f/4. Oh how I wish there was one lens that could do it all. There’s always a sacrifice with one or the other… but then this can also be good – limitations building the art, etc … For weddings, I tend to start with the standard zoom, play with the 50mm on a second camera (40D), use the 70-200 for the ceremony…. Then have fun with all of them during the reception. It’s sometimes a balance of being safe and getting the guaranteed shot, and experimenting and having fun.

Can you name some tips for those who want to start a wedding photography business?

Take any opportunities that come your way, and it will gain its own momentum. Shoot, shoot, shoot and meet people. Start a simple website. Go to some events, like a charity walk/run, snap some good shots and share them with the charity. Then someone will ask you if you do weddings, because theirs is coming up but they’re on a budget. Take your camera with you everywhere and be open to giving some services away in the beginning (and later on too). It rolls from there. You can also post on sites like Craig’s list. Reduce your prices to get experience. If you work hard & show people that you care about them, success is eventually guaranteed.

Thanks Jason for sharing these inspiring photos and some valuable tips. Best of success!

You can see more wedding photos from Jason at his site JasonPutsche.com

 

Thrandur
Digital-Photo-Web.com

 

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