This week’s Member Moment features work by Film Club member Jessi McDonold, whose work features intimate documentary-style wedding photos as well as photos from her travels. Scroll down to see her pictures and to read the interview!
PL: What got you interested in photography?
JM: I first started shooting film back in high school but my interest in photography really took off when I started traveling. I eventually became a documentary wedding photographer but I still travel several times a year with a camera in tow to tell the story.
PL: What type of camera do you shoot with?
JM: I shoot with the Nikon Z7, Nikon Z6ii, and for film I shoot with the Nikon F100 and Olympus mju-ii. When I travel I usually backpack so I only take my Fuji X100V.
PL: When taking pictures, what are some objects or elements or feelings within a scene that inspire you to take a photo?
JM: I love to layer elements in photos, or shoot through doorways/windows to frame scenes. I love how it makes a frame within a frame, it's also a great way to block out distractions and bring attention to the subject of an image. I also shoot the in-betweens, moments where people are moving from one thing to the next, moments in-between family formals. It adds so much to the story, plus you get a lot of great candid moments when people don't expect you to be shooting.
PL: Of the pictures you submitted, can you share an interesting story about one?
JM: The image of the bride getting ready through the doorway is a favorite of mine. This isn't a staged photo, I don't stage images throughout the day but I am always looking for interesting compositions. Family and guests are always trying to get out of my way so I can take photos of the couple, but to me the family and friends are just as important to the story of the day! In this image the mother of the bride and the bride's sister noticed me trying to take a picture of the bride getting ready in the bathroom. They both quickly scrambled to the sides of the doorway so that they wouldn't be in the way. By pulling back to show that whole scene I was able to get a much more interesting composition and document a more meaningful moment between family :)
PL: What do you enjoy most about digital/film photography and what is challenging about it?
JM: For wedding days both film and digital have their advantages and disadvantages. Digital allows me to keep up with the fast paced nature of the day without missing a beat, but just because I can take 20 photos a second doesn't mean that I should. Film allows me to slow down and take more time to focus on compositions and moments, each frame is important. The feel of film is hard to replicate with digital, scan day is always a magical day.
PL: How would you like to grow this collection of photographs?
JM: More traveling of course! My wedding work is ever evolving, I am not sure where future weddings will take me but I can't wait.
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