By Shaun Ryan
When photographer Wayne Guest shoots a wedding, he makes a day of it.
He is there when the bride and bridesmaids are getting their hair done or putting on make-up. He’s there when the groom and his men are getting ready. He’s there throughout the wedding ceremony. And he’s there throughout the reception, providing a comprehensive photographic record of the big day.
He’s mindful of the best ways to provide the happy couple with pictures that will forever evoke special memories.
He’s also open to destination weddings, which he said is usually discounted because the couple will be paying for his airfare, accommodations and food – essentially paying for him to have a vacation.
“I don’t care where the wedding is,” he said. “I will do destination weddings whether they’re in Missouri or New York or Canada or Bahamas. I’ll go anywhere.”
He doesn’t mind offering this discount because, he said, “I’m not trying to make a living at it. It’s just something I love to do.”
Guest discovered a love of photography as a boy watching his aunt, who was an avid photographer herself. He bought his first camera in 1994 and taught himself the art of photography.
To better understand how the mechanism of the camera worked, and thus how best to manipulate it when needed, he actually disassembled the camera and put it back together.
At one point, he owned a photo lab while living in Hiram, Georgia. Today, however, he shoots in digital and has transformed his developing skills into editing skills, adapting to new technology.
Experimenting with different kinds of surfaces, he has discovered that photos infused into glass or a tin plate – rather than paper – really bring out the details, so he offers to do customers’ favorite photos that way.
He emphasized the difference between simply taking snapshots and having the photos done by a pro.
“When you hire a professional photographer, you’re getting quality,” he said. “You’re getting clarity. You’re getting so much more of a photograph.”
He said photographers look at things differently than other people do.
“When you’re shooting a wedding, you’re really looking at the beauty of things,” he said. “When you’re shooting that sunrise, that sunset, you’re looking at the beauty of things. You’re always wanting that picture where somebody goes, ‘Ahhhh.’”
Of course, Guest doesn’t limit himself to wedding photography. He also shoots landscapes and portraits and more.
“I do all photography,” he said. “I love doing photography.”
Those wanting to see examples of his work will find it on Instagram at brightstarsranch1.
Potential customers can call or text him at 720-527-1632 or email him at [email protected].