Interviews with New England Wedding Vendors – Photographers Part 2
This blog post is a continuation of the mini-series of interviews that focus on the pandemic’s effects on the wedding industry, specifically in Massachusetts. Today, I’ve interviewed two more New England wedding photographers, Anne Mientka and Warren Lane.
Ladies 1st – Meet Kate Mientka:
The first wedding photographer interviewed is Anne of Anne Mientka Photography, who specializes in working with couples all over New England, capturing elopements and weddings. When asked about her style, she describes it as “light and classic … I particularly love small, intimate weddings and my LGBTQ+ and BIPOC couples!”
Meet Warren Lane:
The second photographer interviewed is Warren of Warren Lane Photography. Warren is based in the Boston metropolitan area. He captures weddings, families, engagements, couples, and lifestyle shoots throughout New England. When asked of his photography style, he says, “I am a photojournalistic, candid style of shooter. I love pure and true emotions. My mission is to always keep those I shoot, in the moment of the day.”
How has the pandemic affected your business?
Warren: Business hasn’t changed much besides the wedding experience. Went from full on wedding days, to small intimate elopements, which I am starting to love even more. I work exclusively from home and since the state is starting to open back up, I am able to be outside, explore, and shoot outside again.
Anne: Everything came to a screeching halt back in March. I was getting emails left and right from couples who were worried about their weddings. The pandemic has also made me a little more anxious in general, which tends to make me feel a little less inspired creatively. I’m sure people can relate! I’ve had to make sure to take days off, get outside, and try to remember that I’m doing my best. Luckily I feel like my business had a solid foundation before this, and that it can endure this storm.
What do you think the aftermath of the pandemic will be on the wedding industry?
Anne: I truly do think it will bounce back with more force than ever. Vendors will book up quickly because people can finally plan their weddings. I also think that more couples will consider eloping.
Warren: I honestly think it depends on the business. Not all vendors work the same or have the
same business model, so it is going to vary. I hope when all of this is over, we can start thinking more about having a crisis plan in place.
What kind of regulations do you think should be put into place?
Warren: We need more guidelines and resources for our industry. We want to be able to help our clients. Guidelines [that are] set forth early on so we can navigate through everything with confidence instead of looking dumbfounded or not having any answers would be important.
Anne: I would encourage [vendors and clients] to pay more attention to their contracts … so that expectations are clear and no one is upset! I also urge people to take the government’s recommendations seriously.
Warren had one final inspiring statement before the interview closed:“My two cents: LOVE IS NOT CANCELLED! So many couples [are] still moving forward with their day no matter the circumstances. What matters to them is their unbound love for each other and still wanting to marry their better half. Making lemonade out of lemons. Does it suck being a couple trying to plan a wedding during this time? ABSOLUTELY, but doesn’t mean you give up hope on getting married. You do what feels right as a couple. Us vendors are here to help guide you through these terrible times as best as possible.” What a beautiful sentiment, and how true!
Thanks for reading. Please stay tuned for the next interview soon.
XOXO,
~ Nancy
PHOTOGRAPHER SOCIAL MEDIAS
Anne Mientka Photography
IG: @AnneMientkaPhoto
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annemientkaphotography
Website: www.annemientkaphotography.com
Warren Lane Photography
IG: @WLanePhotography
Facebook: www.facebook.com/warrenlanephotography
Pinterest: @WarrenLanePhotography