Kevin Pugh Photography
While studying Corporate Media and Communication in college, my love for photojournalism and creative observation found a home in an approach to portraiture and wedding photography that was unique at the time. Most photographers were imposing their "used and re-used" formulas onto each job they photographed. And yes...they were typically viewed primarily as "jobs". My approach was, from the beginning, grounded in forming relationships with my clients that would allow me to know and portray their unique story. Every wedding was different, every time.
Other photographers thought it was an approach that was unsustainable, and that it would burn me out on wedding photography within a few years. This was back in the early '90s. Now, hundreds of weddings later, I've proven that this approach is not only sustainable, but if paired with the right photographer, this approach can be the catalyst for some truly breathtaking and meaningful images. In the last 10 years, photojournalism has found its rightful home in wedding photography, portrait work, and it's even visible in high-fashion photography. However, it's still the few relationship-oriented photographers who have developed the magic of authentic wedding photojournalism.
After several years of freelance wedding work in PA, NJ, OH, and NY, I was hired as a lead photographer for a large company based in Boulder, CO. A couple years' worth of 50-60 weddings per year, and the pressure to deliver my style within a company that wasn't as relationship oriented became simply too much to bear. The machine-style wedding photo company just didn't fit with my style. I knew there was a better way.
I formed a new company with two friends and partners, and it quickly became quite successful, without compromising our commitment to relationships as the basis for photography that was stunning in style, quality, and meaning. Years later, personal challenges ultimately forced us to close that business, despite (or maybe because of) several years of steady growth. The growth began to pressure the commitment to relationships, and our individual goals and vision for the company were no longer shared. We agreed that none of us was willing to make sacrifices to our founding commitment, just to keep the business going, and the decision was clear.
Keeping it small has become part of my commitment now. When it gets big, and becomes driven by dollar signs, the end product ultimately suffers. So, after seemingly trying it all (freelance, corporate, and co-owned photography), it seems that the solo path is what works best for me...and for my clients. The business may grow, and indeed, it keeps pulsing forward...but, the commitment I had from the beginning is unchanged.
I invite you to contact me so I can hear about your story, and how it will drive my photography.
Yours in storytelling through relationships and photos,
Kevin
