My breakup with weddings wasn’t a falling out, it was more of a slow burn.

It’s not that I hate weddings.

I actually really enjoy the process of photographing in a candid way and seeing people on their happiest days. I still have a relationship with almost everyone of my couples and they mean a great deal to me. About a year ago I started doing a deep dive into my portfolio, what brings me joy, what brings my happiness, and what my future looks like as a photographer. So, why am I giving up weddings in 2025?

Weddings in 2025 looking Different

When I was working with Brands in Bloome we were scheduled for a weekly call and I told her I’ve made a decision about something. She said “you’re letting go of weddings?” She already knew what I didn’t need to say. Here are some of the things that built up to me letting go of wedding photography. 

Time

I started to notice my attitude toward weddings changing after doing roughly 30 of them. When I’d get an inquiry, I started thinking long and hard about my days with my current and future family. Can I put a price on how much time I have left with them? Sure, I have more freedom throughout the week, but my family and fiancé are off on the weekends. Spending it away from them was waring on my heart and it was bothering me. I was missing the festivals, the beach days, Labor Day weekends, and was getting serious FOMO. After a lot of discussion with Jarett, we talked about what our future would look like and God willing, children are included in those plans. I don’t want to spend 10 hour Saturdays away from people who mean the most to me. 

Lack of Control

Wedding photography is really hard for control freaks like me. There is, in large part, a lot you can’t control on a wedding day at the fault of no one else. Many of my amazing friends in photography thrive on this energy and channel it so well. But, when I place heavy expectations on myself and feel like I’m falling short, it’s heavy. Even when the couple is happy. Hair and makeup running behind, the weather conditions, lighting situations are out of my control and I want to deliver something specific to my clients. If I am being trusted to tell someone else’s story through my style and lens, I want more control. 

Clarity

When I started to look at what excited me, full sun, color, harsh light and joyful photos made me excited to shoot. Families, seniors and businesses, for the most part, can reschedule according to weather, location issues and we can take time to plan wardrobes and make stylistic choices that will make their photos brighter. If I’m doing all of this and shooting weddings at the Same time, the amount of editing and planning doesn’t match up. I simply can’t serve both clients to my full potential. 

Team

My chapter with weddings is not completely closed. You may even see a wedding Instagram post in the near future. I’m sticking with my long time team of second shooting with the amazing PV Cobia. If you’re dying to have me as a apart of your wedding day, I’d implore you to inquire with her. I’ll be there to be your hype girl, backup, second photographer for weddings in 2025.

If you’ve stuck with me this long, thanks for reading.

All my best,

Jordan West