Each month, we’re highlighting one of our favorite wedding experts, from designers to photographers, florists to planners, and everyone in between, and finding out inspires them to be a part of one of the biggest days in a couple’s lives. We’re kicking off 2013 with Sandra Costello, a seasoned wedding photographer and owner of Studio SMC Photography based in Massachusetts.
Always smiling, Sandra’s bubbly personality is contagious, and clients of hers walk away from their experience with not just amazing, captivating photos, but a dear friend. Her work has been featured in numerous high-profile wedding blogs, and she is the winner of two Fearless Photographer Awards and a recipient of Wedding Wire’s 2011 Bride’s Choice Award.
How do you start off your typical day?
Checking in with the world: email, Facebook and any sites or blogs that inspire me.
What inspires you?
Positive people who are committed to doing good and being their best self.
If you could describe your signature photography style in one word, what would it be?
Emotional. My work shines when I capture those real moments of love, laughter and light. Smiling is my favorite!
How has the marriage equality movement affected your photography business?
I live in Massachusetts, the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, so I’ve been photographing gay and lesbian couples for more than eight years. My couples value my experience and find great comfort in the fact that I, too, celebrated my own gay wedding. This year I will be married to my wife for 10 years and I am so proud of us, and our state for celebrating and validating our relationship. I am very passionate about capturing weddings, but to also share a knowing and compassionate heart, and to validate such a special day for my couples is such a gift.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
A professional dancer.
If you could photograph anyone, who would it be?
Over the years I have taken millions of photos of my family but I haven’t ever done formal portraits, similar to what someone like Annie Leibovitz might do. I would love to photograph my immediate family and my extended family creating old world, black-and-white portraits. I would probably shoot most of them outdoors, some in Ireland and some in Italy, where my mom and dad were born.
