5 with…Wedding Photographer, Montana Dennis (Santa Barbara, CA)
A new segment where I ask just five quirky questions to the wonderful people I have had the pleasure to work with- and hopefully this is a fun way for you to get to know them better! To see a previous post of a shoot we did together, check it out here.
One... Please share with us one of your favorite kooky or unexpected tales from one of your shooting experiences: One of my first weddings I shot I had a fairly awkward moment with the groom's family. As we got started on the family formals, which by the way I was never really introduced to any of the family on the groom's side, I asked for the immediate family to step in with the couple. The grandparents stood up and started taking pictures with them. When I asked the grandfather to stand on the other side of the groom the groom politely said, "That’s my dad." As you can imagine, I felt pretty embarrassed but kept going and apologized quickly without hesitation. =)
Two... What are your favorite tunes to listen to while editing after a shoot?
I knew at some point this was going to be asked. I typically listen to rock, jazz, some R&B. I love listening to Flogging Molly or some sort of easy listening, specifically Ray LaMontagne. However, somehow dance music has made its way into my repertoire of songs to keep me going as I sit for hours editing away. Crazy, I know but it is what it is. The straight forward rhythm allows me to forget about everything else and move quickly. Also, some of it is fun (Yes, I said it, some of it is fun). =)
Three... If you were not behind the lens, what other career path(s) spark your interest?
As some do know, I have been a drummer at heart for years. I started studying with a drum instructor and playing in bands when I was fifteen. once I moved away to college I realized that I would have to put the dream aside for some time and get school done and over with. So if I weren't behind the camera I would be up on stage spinning my sticks and rocking out.
Four... Using these perimeters, what would be your ultimate shoot? Person (past or present), place (on the map or a figment of your imagination), and theme:
My ultimate shoot would be comprised of a couple different things. First off, any couple and every couple is beautiful. My goal as a photographer is to not make someone feel special because t hey are pretty it is to make them feel special because they just are. So ultimately whoever hires me and has an awesome heart for their relationship and my photography. Second, I would love to shoot in Italy. A wedding in Italy would top the charts in my mind. Its beautiful landscapes and endless inspirational history would be so epic. In terms of style I would love it to be in some form or another "Anthropology-ish". I think that earthy quality would fit my vision and location perfectly.
Five... People may not know I can:
I can drive with my knees and play air drums while driving!!! Dangerous I know but I would have to say it is another talent of mine. =)
Photography by: Montana Dennis Photography
