Wisconsin Wedding Magazine Feature | Behind the Lens | Premier Bride
I am so honored to have been interviewed by the Wisconsin wedding magazine Premier Bride! See my previously featured posts on Premier Bride: Disco in the Garden Styled Shoot, Becca + Matt’s Tundra Lodge Wedding Day
Still need a wedding photographer for 2024 or 2025? Get in touch and let’s make some magic together!
Keep scrolling to read my Behind the Lens Feature with the Wisconsin wedding magazine, Premier Bride!
The following originally appeared on Premier Bride on February 26, 2024.
Finding the right photographer to capture your day is such an important element in your planning process. We recently went “Behind the Lens” to discover more about Anna Gutermuth Photography, a talented photographer based in Waupaca.
How did you know you wanted to be a photographer? How did you go about starting out?
I first picked up a camera in high school. My senior year, I completed a 365-day self-portrait project and did senior photos for my friends and their friends and friends of friends. The rush I feel behind the camera is incomparable to anything else. Making art, capturing memories, and making my clients feel the most themselves in front of the camera is the best thing.
How long have you been in the business?
I have been doing photography professionally since 2009, and doing weddings full time since 2018.
What are the qualities that make a successful wedding photographer?
Success means different things to different people, but for me — it’s all about the connections. From the very first email, I am all in on your wedding day. I strive to get to know my couples and their love story so that they can be in the moment on their wedding day and let me worry about timelines and most importantly — their photos!
Why do you love photographing weddings and engagements?
Storytelling has always been a passion of mine. Since picking up a camera in high school and turning it on myself to tell my own story, I have discovered my own way to make art and show people the beauty that lies within. That has also expanded into being able to tell the stories of my clients and the biggest chapters in their own love stories.
What would you say your photography style is?
Documentary. Emotional. Authentic. On wedding days, I prefer to be a fly on the wall and document the real moments as they happen. During your engagement session, I always strive to create a world where its just you and your sweetheart and your love story – the pretty pictures are just a bonus.
How has your photography (style) changed since you started?
My first wedding was in 2011, and I remember there being a lot of selective color edits where everything was black and white except the people in the photos, haha. But even back then, storytelling and documenting your real moments as they happen was at the forefront of my photography style.
When choosing their photographer, what should a couple look for?
Connection and hiring a photographer that you really vibe with can make all the difference when you look back on your wedding day in the future.
Any advice for couples not comfortable being in front of the camera?
Bring your awkward selves, and I promise we will make magic in front of the camera! Most of my couples have never had professional photos taken together and they come out saying, “You know what? That was fun.”
How do you assist in keeping the wedding day running smoothly? Do you work hand in hand with the other vendors?
Yes! Oftentimes, I work with planners and day-of coordinators the most in ensuring the timeline is at least on schedule if not ahead! I also work closely with the videography team if there is one, allowing for moments where you can get perfect still frames and dynamic video footage.
What is a typical wedding day routine for you?
I wake up after a night of tossing and turning because I am so excited to serve my couples and be a part of one of the biggest days of their lives. Drink approximately 10 cups of coffee and obsessively pack and repack my camera bag, making sure all of my spare batteries and charged and my wedding day emergency kit is fully stocked (including confetti, of course). I double and triple check my addresses and timelines and jam out to Taylor Swift the entire car ride to my destination. And then we are off and running, chasing the joy and capturing all the emotions that run wild during your wedding day.
