A Chat with Elizabeth Messina

Here we are with another Monday Miscellany! I'm so excited about this one... on the fourth Monday of the month, I will be featuring interviews with some of the most talented people in the wedding industry. Today, we're lucky enough to have one of my very favorite photographers here with us: Elizabeth Messina! Not only is she incredibly talented, she is also one of the sweetest people you could ever hope to meet.



Snippet & Ink: You didn't start out as a wedding photographer, but rather doing editorial work. Why did you decide to make it your full-time work?
Elizabeth Messina: I have always considered myself an artist. Wedding photography found me. When a good friend asked me to shoot her wedding and changed my life. My natural inclination towards intimate and artistic imagery fit so well with wedding photography. There is so much love and emotion at a wedding - I feel so lucky to be part of such a special day in people's lives.

S&I: What is the best part of your job?
EM: That I am doing what I love and meeting so many wonderful people along the way.

S&I: Do you have a favorite wedding that you've shot, or one in particular that stands out to you?
EM: All of the weddings I photograph have a special place in my heart - each one is unique and beautiful.

S&I: What is the farthest you've traveled to shoot a wedding?
EM: France. Last summer I went to the Loire Valley to shoot Christophe Eme and Jeri Ryan's wedding - their wedding was featured in In Style Weddings. It was truly beautiful and they are the sweetest couple.

S&I: So many wedding photographers use digital technology now, but you use film? Why do you prefer that method?
EM: I shoot all film, and I think it greatly contributes to the quality of my work. Film is luminous and beautiful. I've always used film and hope that I will never have to give it up.

S&I: I have my own way to describe your photos (magical and timeless are two words that come to mind), but I'd love to know how you describe your style?
EM: My work is very intimate and artistic. I think it has a timeless quality and yet is also very contemporary. I try to be very thoughtful and aware while I am shooting, so that I can capture the nuances of every wedding I have the honor of being a part of.

S&I: What should a couple keep in mind when choosing a photographer for their wedding?
EM: It's important to feel good about not only a photographer's body of work, but also feel comfortable and at ease with the photographer as a person. A wedding photographer is intimately involved with most aspects of the day. The more at ease a couple feels, the more natural and beautiful the moments of their wedding day will be captured.

S&I: What would you say to a couple who is planning a wedding on a budget and considering skimping on photography?
EM: There are wonderful photographers in every price range. Be thoughtful when making a choice about photography - the images of your wedding are truly time capsules, family heirlooms. So much of the day is just a moment in time...the images allow you to share the magic of your day with generations to come.

S&I: As a recent bride yourself, do you have any advice for Snippet & Ink readers?
EM: Enjoy every moment. My wedding was such a special day, something I will always cherish. And when I want to transport myself back to that moment, I look at my amazing photographs (taken by the very talented Thayer Allyson Gowdy).

S&I: Finally, Snippet & Ink's tagline is "daily wedding inspiration." What inspires you on a daily basis?
EM: My three beautiful children...

Elizabeth, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by Snippet & Ink - your work is such an inspiration! Check in later today to see some of Elizabeth's beautiful photos...