Interview with Debrah Woods, Owner/Photographer of Inspiration & Design Photography

It was a great pleasure having to spent time getting to know this one super talented photographer from Roanoke, VA. Elegance By Marivic really enjoyed chatting with Debrah at her beautiful home and indeed very cozy studio, where she meets with Brides-To-Be and discuss their photo shoot plans. Debrah's professionalism, organization skills and creative photographic designs are so impressive that you don't want to missed out. Her website says it all... to know more about this professional photographer visit www.inspirationanddesign.com

Q: Could you tell us what's your style as a photographer?
A: My approach is very story-telling with "guided" photojournalism. My images are very romantic, but also very fun & playful. Since each bride is different, some wedding images may have a more sophisticated contemporary look, while others may have a more casual relaxed feel. When I'm photographing the different groups, I try to make it fun, offering suggestions, but letting them be who they are. It always results in fun, natural, relaxed, & real images. I want the day to unfold naturally and for the bridal couple to enjoy their day and not feel like pictures are a lot of "work". Brides often tell me they liked my website because my images didn't look posed & stiff. As an artist, I'm not locked into any "one style", and I'm always evolving. For me it's more about capturing the day in a way that is true to myself, while also being true to the bride & her vision as well. I also try to create images that are new and fresh at each wedding, rather than just doing the same thing because it works. I love the opportunity to take risks when I can, to get something really different. Okay, was that too much information? (laughs)

Q: What's your most favorite part of the wedding, that you really enjoy taking pictures?
A: I pretty much love the whole wedding day! Hmmm...I would have to say my absolute favorites are the detail shots! OMG, I love those! A close second place goes to taking pictures of the gorgeous bride and of course last but not least, the romantic portraits of the bride & groom together showcasing all the joy, romance, playfulness, intimacy, and deep love, that they feel for each other. It doesn't get better than that!

Q: Do you personally edit your bridal photos?
A: Absolutely! I'm a perfectionist and would have a hard time letting someone else have creative control over the final look of my images.

Q: How long normally will the bride and groom have their photos back?
A: My goal is to have a sneak peak of the wedding day on my blog a few days after the wedding. I usually have the wedding gallery edited and on-line with-in a week of the wedding. The delivery of the album varies, but the average is about 6 months after they have chosen their wedding images.

Q: Do you travel and how much will you charge to out of town weddings?
A: I try to stay with-in 2 hours of Roanoke, VA. On occasion I will travel further and I give custom quotes for each situation.

Q: How long have you been working as a professional photographer?
A: I went professional in 1987 part-time and transitioned to full time in 1993.

Thanks for your time, Debrah!

~EleganceByMarivic