Patti Gabriel of Patti Gabriel Photography

Coffee Talk with Patti Gabriel of Patti Gabriel Photography

For over 20 years, Patti Gabriel, owner of Patti Gabriel Photography, has loved photographing people. Her approach to wedding photography is a natural extension of her portrait work. Most of her portraits are shot on location, in settings where people can comfortably be themselves. This candid, almost journalistic approach is a great way to capture the subject's unguarded essence. Patti's work is not pretentious or gimmicky, but honest, and elegant in its simplicity. We had the pleasure of speaking with Patti over a little Coffee Talk!

WC: How did you get started in photography?

PG: Photography is actually my second career. I was a Fashion Merchandising Major in college, with lots of elective classes in Fine Art Photography. With those classes, I had found my true love, but didn't pursue photography professionally until after having my first child. It was then that I began my photography career, initially doing lots of portrait work and hand-coloring with an unusual film called black-and-white infrared. I now do some wedding portraits with this technique. It's a lovely, nostalgic-feeling film that steps into the world of fantasy. My business grew and I established myself as a black-and-white portrait photographer, doing both residential and commercial portrait work. It was actually one of my previous portrait clients that gave me my first taste of the wedding photography business. A young lady that I first photographed at 13 was one of my first wedding clients.

WC: What inspired you to get into the field of wedding photography?

PG: After doing several weddings for people whom I had previously done portrait work for, I realized the importance of my responsibility in being part of such a personal and memorable day. I think that my job is to make people feel as comfortable as possible, so they can let me see them as they truly are. That can't happen if you've already decided WHAT the pictures are going to be. Each wedding is different. That's what makes it fun, and challenging!!! Of course there are group pictures that people really want, and those I try to do in as casual a way as the subjects are comfortable with.

WC: What kind of photographic style are you known for?

PG: My natural tendency is to document the day in black-and-white, catching moments unplanned as well as those orchestrated, but with as unposed a feel as possible. I also love to add little details of architecture and other close-ups as wonderful accents to these more documentary images. You see, the Bride and Groom will really be SEEING their wedding for the first time when they view their proofs! Those photos should complement and enhance their wonderful memories of the day.

WC: Do you photograph in black-and-white, color, or both? Out of the two, which one is your favorite?

PG: I prefer black-and-white film primarily for telling the story. I like to use Color for accents, such as cake, decor, flowers, and some bridal shots as well. Anywhere that color plays a major role. Sometimes certain segments of a wedding will need color to appropriately convey the feeling. That's all part of the pre-wedding discussions, and is based upon many factors.

WC: What advice do you offer to couples searching for a wedding photographer?

PG: My advice to couples is to pay attention to how well the photographer relates to them personally and wants to know about their wedding. Their wedding is unique and should be treated as such. Comfort level is key to getting great photos. Make sure you SEE THE WORK! Most people know if they like what they see, but you need to check out more than one person just to have some means of comparison. Referrals are always a plus just to reinforce your gut feeling, but usually that's reliable.

WC: In your opinion, while planning their wedding, what can the couple do to help maximize the value of the photographer at the wedding?

PG: My favorite couples are those who take the time to find someone whose style they love, and then give them the freedom to do their work!!! But... that also requires making a game plan. If the photographer knows what is happening, where, and when, they can do the best possible job of orchestrating and timing, which are crucial at a wedding.

WC: Do you photograph weddings outside of Missouri?

PG: Yes, I have done out of town weddings and am more than happy to work outside of Missouri, but the majority of my work has been here in the St. Louis area.

Read other interviews at the Club Cafe.