Vendor Spotlight-Gregory Byerline Photography

Happy Thursday!! With such a large amount of photographers in town, we have had the pleasure of working with some of the best. Today we are featuring Gregory Byerline, Photographer, he truly has a love for what he does and it shows in his work. How did you get into photography?

My love of photography reignited in June 2005 when my wife Meghann and I vacationed in Montana, a 1900 mile road trip through God's backyard. What started as a teenage hobby redeveloped into a deeply held passion after years of not using a camera at all. Photography has been an all-consuming obsession ever since.

Early on, I only photographed places and things, intentionally bypassing people. The thought of photographing people intimidated me. I didn’t know how to do it, and I didn’t want to do it. Luckily that was a short-lived intimidation because today I can think of nothing more interesting to photograph than people (specifically a bride in her wedding dress).

What do you love about photography?

What I love most about photography is elevating the girl next door into a glamorous bride for her bridal portrait. I believe women are always more beautiful than they think, and I love photographing her at the pinnacle of her style and elegance.

What would you say is your photography style?

I am most inspired by fashion photography from the 1940–1960s, the golden age of couture, when elegant femininity graced magazines and the silver screen. My style leans toward the cosmopolitan and sophisticated, shooting more in the city's hotels and public buildings with interesting architecture that complements the bride's personality or venue selection. Though I am certain to photograph a smiling/laughing bride, especially if it's part of her personality, my favorite bridal portraits are the ones with a Mona Lisa smile. The mystery and intrigue and softness of a simple, timeless expression gets me every time.

Do you shoot digital or film?

I shoot both, though mostly digital. My film shooting is primarily for personal work lately, though it makes an appearance on client work from time to time. There's something magical about black-and-white available from either digital or film.

Tell us why brides should choose you to capture their wedding day

I've been told that I give women permission to be beautiful, though I prefer to call that permission encouragement. Of all the days in a woman's lifetime, the time she spends in the most expensive and important dress she'll ever wear is *the* time to celebrate her loveliness to the fullest. And that includes the bridal portrait session which focuses entirely on her.

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Some personal questions about Gregory:

Mac or PC Definitely Mac

Tea or Coffee Rich, pour-over, single-cup brew Guatemalan coffee

iPhone or Blackberry Definitely iPhone

Favorite Song Right Now "And The Waltz Goes On"...composed by Sir Anthony Hopkins, performed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra