Reagan of Olive and Oath loves capturing the magical, fleeting moments of weddings. Her eyes seek honesty, beauty and genuine emotions. Raegan dedicates unwavering attention to every couple she works with, creating a gallery that truly reflects who they are. Although based in sunny Southern California, she always has her luggage ready to meet you and capture your love story no matter where in the world it unfolds. In a chat with THE WED, Reagan talks about discovering her true calling, opens up about her goals and unveils her secrets to successful collaboration with soon-to-be-weds.
Can you share the story of the first time you picked up a camera? What was it like?
My journey into photography was a unique one. Unlike many, I did not grow up always with a camera in hand wanting to document life around me. In fact, photography wasn’t even on my radar until one day while praying I felt the Lord tell me I was going to be a wedding photographer. It took three weeks of waiting and selling some bitcoin for my husband and I to get my first camera. I remember feeling so excited at the unknown before me and feeling like I was going to change lives with this small piece of technology in my hands. Five years later, I would say it’s true. My camera has been a bridge between me and so many couples. A bridge that’s allowed for deep intimacy and beauty to be created.
What drew you to wedding photography? Was there a specific moment that led you to focus on capturing weddings?
Since I truly felt like the Lord said to start my photography business with weddings I never really considered another niche. It turns out God really knows me well because I couldn’t have picked a better niche for myself. Weddings are the best blend of all the different styles. I get to be a portrait photographer, a family photographer, a documentary photographer, a food/product photographer, and most importantly a friend. The wedding day is the perfect blend of routine and newness. I generally know what I am going to get but still it’s different every time.
Tell us more about your photography style. What sets it apart?
My heart above all is to celebrate marriage, the coming together of two separate lives into one beautiful new story. I always tell potential clients that the most important thing to me is presence. I want them to be present with themselves, each other and their people. When documenting, I aim to allow them to live life while directing where needed and when appropriate for the best composition and lighting. My style is not cookie cutter and is heavily dependent on the scenery, the emotional atmosphere, the couple’s story, etc. No two galleries are the same and I don’t allow myself to be put into a box for what a wedding is supposed to be like. You can expect artful imagery, real emotion and unexpected perspectives throughout my work.
As a wedding photographer, what goals do you set for yourself, and what emotions do you aim to evoke through your photographs?
I want my photographs to be honest above all. I want real emotion, natural moments and deep romance. My goal is to be unobtrusive for the most part and directive when it makes sense to be. This requires a lot of preparation with my clients prior to the wedding day so that they are able to fully live it when the day comes.
When meeting couples for the first time, what do you prioritize to ensure a successful collaboration?
Trust. I can’t make art for a client that doesn’t trust me. Not just trust — I need my clients to make the decision, prior to the wedding day, to be vulnerable even when a camera is present. We talk a lot about the feelings they want to remember on the wedding day. We talk a lot about the importance of meaningful wedding planning decisions. By the initial call I have a pretty good idea whether someone is ready and willing to live fully in front of my lens.
Do you have a favorite season to work in? Any particular reason?
Either Spring or Fall! Spring brings lots of sun and wildflowers which are two of my favorite things to photograph. I got married in spring 2018 and it simply feels like a season of love. California winter is my other top choice because the gloomy weather and pensive moodiness of the woods in fall leaves me breathless. Those images feel sacred.
What types of venues and locations do you enjoy photographing weddings at the most?
I have two answers to this. First, the meaningful places. As a story driven artist, location is the most powerful motif a gallery has. When a location is sentimental, like family land, where they had their first date, etc., there is a richness to the atmosphere of the day that often leads to tender moments like no other. Second, I am a sucker for the unusual. I love greenhouses, quirky historic buildings, inns and the unexpected. My favorite locations are interactive and meaningful.
Weddings can be full of surprises, right? How do you handle unexpected situations or challenges during a shoot?
We plan for the worst and hope for the best. My base package is all day coverage and my timelines are always very open. My clients prioritize less formal activities and more time to simply enjoy their people. This means timelines are loose and rarely late. This also means that if we have to pivot, the decision doesn’t often feel dramatic. My clients are chill and care more about rolling with the day than having it all go to plan.
What are your top three tips for making couples feel at ease in front of the camera?
First and foremost, preparation. A lot of nerves come from the unknown of what to expect. I have zoom calls for every single session or wedding where we go over exactly what they can expect on the day of. We talk about weather, outfits, my shooting style, etc. By the time of the session we are not only friends but they’re very aware of what to expect. Second, direct more at the beginning. The first 10 minutes in front of the camera are the most awkward. Start with heavier direction and they will begin to unfold. Third, lean into their personality and read their body language. If they are bubbly, don’t try to pose them in serious ways. If they are a little shy and awkward, lean into more modern pensive imagery. After my call with clients I have a pretty good idea what style would actually fit their personality. Don’t force an image because you want it for the portfolio. Read the room.
Are there any personal hobbies or interests outside of photography that you feel influence or inspire your work?
I am a deep feeler and am moved by all things lovely, beautiful and good. You can find me out in nature, listening to beautiful music, enjoying a delicious meal. I frequent my local parks with a good book or some water colors or to simply sit back and people watch. The nuance of the mundane and how it changes from person to person fascinates me. I don’t think I will ever get tired of meeting new people or hearing new stories. That’s what keeps me inspired to live life well.
