Tell us a bit about your approach to the work you do, your time in the business and a few personal facts about you.

I started shooting weddings seven years ago. I started my wedding experience second shooting beside a professional wedding photographer. I was mentored by Jaimie Krause, of Jaimie Nicole Krause Photography She taught me what “community over competition” truly means. Jaimie is the reason I am an open book about all things photography related.
Within the last two years I have found that I view myself more as an artist than a business woman. The need to satisfy my creative side has been overwhelming. That one simple realization has changed the way I approach almost all of the inquires I receive. I changed the questions I ask potential clients. In doing so, I was able to book John & Lindsey’s elopement, at this beautiful chapel, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
My normal approach to photographing a wedding day would not have worked for this elopement. I will be completely honest, it was a challenge cramming a ceremony and portraits into one hour. My approach was to basically run…full speed.
Personal facts… Ever since I could remember I always wanted to become a photojournalist. I dreamed of traveling and educating others about the world outside of their homes. I strongly believe in the phrase, “It’s never too late.” I’m taking small steps toward my dreams. I will be leaving the kitchen this month to partake and document the Women’s March in Washington D.C.

 What about this session was most memorable?

The most memorable moment for me, was one I did not capture with my camera. It was the moment my bride asked me to lace her dress. As I was lacing every loop of her dress I became overwhelmed by the privilege. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of photographing so many special moments among mothers, sisters, and best friends as they fasten the bride into her gown. After all the weddings I have documented, being a part of that moment made it all the more meaningful.

Were there any hurdles?

I did run into a few obstacles during this elopement. I wasn’t even allowed inside the grounds before hand. So there was no extra time to scout or plan my ceremony lighting. We were given EXACTLY an hour inside the grounds. Only an hour to do the ceremony and take portraits. We were also followed the whole time. Talk about being under pressure. Luckily, my clients were laid back and very much in love, so they hardly noticed.

Your best photographer/session advice?

The best advice I could give would be, to always challenge yourself. If you’re not learning you’re not growing. Challenging yourself also helps keep you from losing your passion. Of course you can challenge yourself by trying different techniques, but sometimes the best challenge is to work with other photographers. To take time for sharing together and learning together. It makes trying new things less terrifying. Every time I meet, collaborate, or just shoot beside another fellow photographer I feel my confidence soar. After every encounter with another photographer, I have learned something new. Learning through others, and their experiences, helps us from having to learn the hard way. I can’t imagine how far behind I would be if I had tried learning everything on my own.

What gear was used to achieve these?

Two Canon Mark ii 5d’s
Sigma 85mm HSM
Sigma 35mm Art
Three TT560 speed lights during the ceremony

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Karissa Eaton, of Lucky Life Photography, is a fine art portrait and wedding photographer based outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Specializing in creative lifestyle and documentary imagery. She lives in a cozy little home along the Meramec River with her two handsome little boys and husband. She strongly believes, less is more. Karissa thoroughly enjoys days were she is not required to wear pants. However, if you see her with pants on, she’s probably getting something accomplished.

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