EP 58: navigating the wedding photography world with tess gearhart: film, posing, and behind-the-scenes insights
Hey friends! It's Summer Grace here, and I'm so excited to share highlights from my latest podcast episode. This time, I got to sit down with the amazing Tess, a wedding photographer with a fresh perspective on film, posing, and even her own wedding planning. It was such a fun chat, packed with insights for anyone in the photography world or just curious about the art of capturing love stories. Let's dive in!
Welcome to Summer School!
To kick things off, I want to say a big welcome to all our listeners! In this episode, I chatted with Tess, who's been in the wedding game for about eight years now. Originally from Michigan, she’s now based in Arizona, and her style is such a beautiful mix of digital and film, with those dreamy editorial vibes we all love. About a year and a half ago, she started exploring film in her work, and her journey and advice are so inspiring—I can't wait to share it with you all.
Film Photography: Tips and Missteps
Film is definitely making a comeback, bringing this timeless, authentic touch to weddings. Tess was so real about the learning curve that comes with film—like taking the time to really understand it before offering it to clients. She’s a big advocate for getting hands-on practice, even if it means doing a few shoots for free to build confidence. Tess shared that starting with a solid camera, like the Canon Rebel, and getting the basics down (hello, film speed and exposure!) are key first steps.
One of the best pieces of advice she gave was not to rush into offering film if you’re not ready. Mastering the nuances ensures you’re delivering quality, and it’s always a good idea to guide your clients on what to expect since film has its own quirks!
Posing with Purpose
Tess and I also talked about posing, and I loved her approach. She’s all about reading the vibe with her couples and letting their personalities shine. Instead of getting bogged down by a list of poses, she encourages photographers to create space for those genuine moments. Every couple is different, so adapting to them and their energy keeps things real and unique.
For anyone wanting to elevate their posing game, Tess’s advice is gold: focus on capturing the connection in front of you rather than following a rigid list. Just go with the flow and let the magic happen!
Navigating Vendor Dynamics
We couldn’t leave out one of the biggest parts of the wedding day: working with other vendors. Tess shared some great tips on fostering strong communication with planners, videographers, and everyone involved. It’s all about keeping lines open and making sure everyone’s on the same page to give the couple the best experience.
Her experiences are a great reminder of how teamwork and mutual respect keep everything running smoothly. The more we’re all working together, the more memorable the day is for our couples.
Personal Wedding Insights
With her own wedding coming up in September 2025, Tess had some awesome insights as a bride and a photographer! She’s keeping things true to her personality with a “funky formal” vibe, unique florals, and a small guest list. She also recommends a longer engagement to keep things low-stress and let each piece of the puzzle come together naturally.
If you’re planning your own wedding, Tess’s perspective is such a breath of fresh air—your wedding should feel like *you*, not a checklist!
Looking Ahead: Educating and Expanding
I’m so excited for what’s next for Tess—she’s currently working on a new course focused on documentary-style wedding photography. The course is designed to be a virtual second-shooting experience, where she guides photographers through a wedding day in a way that’s as hands-on as possible online. If you’re looking to step up your game or dive deeper into storytelling, this is something to keep an eye on!
Final Thoughts
This conversation with Tess left me feeling so inspired, and I hope it does the same for you! From adding film to your workflow, to crafting intentional poses, or just getting a peek into the behind-the-scenes world of weddings, there’s so much value here.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let me know what you think or share your own experiences in the comments or on social media. I’m here to cheer you on as you capture your own beautiful stories.
Until next time, keep creating :)
Love, Summer ❤️"
Do you need any more advice? Fill out the inquiry form below if you would like to schedule a mentorship with me. Mentorship’s open Nov. 1st!!
Connect with Tess Online:
Website: tgphotofilm.com
Presets: tgphotofilm.com/presets
Instagram: @tessgearhart.photofilm
Connect with Me Online:
Instagram: @summergrace.photo
Shop My Products:
My Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)
