Interview With a Portland Professional Wedding Photographer

February 27, 2023

Hi, I’m Lana, the gal behind the camera at Auburn Photography! I’m a professional wedding photographer and specialize in true-to-color, timeless photography, delivering a memorable experience at each wedding I photograph.

As a top Portland fine art wedding photographer, I’m committed to capturing your wedding day authentically, beautifully, and exactly how you experienced it.

Read on to learn more about me and what makes Auburn Photography the ideal choice for your wedding photographer.

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What do you like most about weddings? And why did you choose a career as a professional wedding photographer?

I love the energy of the day, the excitement, and meeting new people at each wedding I photograph. I enjoy seeing couples interact with each other on their big day – I feel so honored to be included in one of the biggest days of people’s lives to help their wedding moments live on forever.

The wedding day, in my eyes, unfolds like a story. It tends to have a natural climax, starting slow in the morning, building up anticipation in the first look, and leading into a super joyful ceremony.

As a documentary wedding photographer, I love documenting each couple’s entire wedding story rather than the separate events throughout the day. This transforms the final gallery into a storybook of this extremely special day in your life.

Getting to preserve couples’ precious wedding day memories drew me to photographing weddings, and I haven’t looked back since!

Portland Documentary Wedding Photographer

How much experience do you have in the wedding industry?

I’ve been in the wedding industry for six years now and have photographed over 100 weddings! As you can imagine, I’ve seen it all! I know how to come fully prepared to make your wedding day successful and everything you imagined.

My extensive experience as a professional photographer has made me one of Portland’s top documentary and fine art wedding photographers. Even though I’m Oregon-based, my passport is always on-hand and ready to capture weddings all over the US. North Carolina, Arizona, California, and Alaska are just a few states I’ve shot weddings.

Want to add your state to this list? Contact me to learn more about my travel wedding photography packages.

I’ve worked with countless vendors in the industry and love working closely with them to help create an unforgettable experience for my couples.

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How would you describe your wedding photography style?

I am a fine art wedding photographer and believe your wedding photos should be high-quality works of art. The three words I’d use to describe my wedding photography style would be timeless, joyful, and candid.

As a professional wedding photographer, I know when it’s right to step in and direct couples, but also when to step back and let the events unfold naturally. This way, I can capture gorgeous posed images and momentous candid moments throughout the day.

My work can also be considered documentary-style wedding photography.

Your wedding gallery will be full of joyful and authentic moments to help you remember your entire wedding day as you experienced it. Looking back on these photos, I aim to preserve the beautiful emotions you felt on your big day for a lifetime.

Curious about how to find the best wedding photographer? You might enjoy my latest blog post!

Portland Fine Art Wedding Photographer

How would you describe your approach to wedding photography (before, during, and after the wedding day)?

Before the wedding, I always check in with couples and other vendors I’ll be working with on the wedding day. During these check-ins, I ensure everyone is on the same page and prepared for the big day.

I also encourage all of my couples to book their engagement shoot with me, so we have time to get to know one another and get comfortable in front of the camera. I’ve noticed this can significantly reduce camera shyness or nerves on the wedding day – you’ll feel more at ease and like yourself in your photos.

On the wedding day, I love to create a joyful and relaxed experience for the couple. I always bring a speaker, my best jokes, and a Plan B and C just in case something comes up. My priority is ensuring your day goes as smoothly as possible so I can capture the best images.

The day after the wedding, I spend time editing your images. Nobody likes waiting forever for their wedding images, so this way, I ensure my couples have a small gallery ready in 48 hours!

Portland Fine Art Wedding Photographer
Portland Fine Art Wedding Photographer

What is the most challenging part of the wedding day? 

I’d say the most challenging part of the day is most likely the wedding day morning. There’s usually a lot of nerves from the couple, but also excitement!

I work hard to create a positive environment to kick those nerves to the curb, feel relaxed, and help you enjoy your big day to the fullest.

Doing a first look before your ceremony is a great way to calm any nerves before walking down the aisle and a fantastic photo moment! 

I also recommend exchanging letters with your partner before the wedding and reserving some time to read them alone. This is a fantastic opportunity to remind each other of your love for one another and the exciting commitment you’re about to make.

Auburn Photography

Do you have any advice for couples planning their dream wedding?

My biggest advice is to hire the best vendors, and you will have an incredible day. Your wedding should be the best day ever, and hiring inexperienced vendors can make or break your day.

Make sure to do your research to find experienced vendors, including reading Google reviews and looking at their portfolios.

Don’t hesitate to ask other vendors who have been in the industry for some time for their recommendations. Asking the experts is a fantastic way to determine if a potential vendor is a reliable, trusted partner for your wedding day.


Are you searching for the best wedding photographer to capture your wedding day? Reach out to me to discuss how I can photograph one of the most memorable days of your life!

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