ALL ABOUT AISLINN
1. What led you to be a wedding photographer?
“Funny story, actually! A million years ago (okay, it was 2007), I was a high school English teacher and spent most of my free time taking pictures of my son, my dogs, my husband, my garden . . . . you get the idea. That December, my husband Drew came home a few weeks before Christmas with a wrapped gift, and insisted that I open it early, which I did with some trepidation (we aren’t really “surprise gift” people, so this was unusual!). Inside was a Nikon D40x, which to 2007-Aislinn, seemed like a professional camera! He said (and I remember the conversation vividly!), “You know, all you do when you’re not working is take photographs, edit them, look at other people’s photos online – have you ever thought about really DOING photography?” And you know what? I NEVER HAD. Somehow, photography had never occurred to me as an option, even though it was my hobby for as long as I can remember (seriously, I was the 8th grader who went on a 3-day trip to Washington DC and returned with 13 rolls of film). But on that evening, with Drew’s suggestion, it was like a giant cartoon light bulb ignited over my head – this was clearly the career I was meant to do! I dove headfirst into learning, shot my first wedding 8 months later, and never looked back.”
2. Describe your personality in 3 words.
“Analytical, empathetic, sensitive.”
3.If you had one song that described your life, at this very moment, what would it be?
“This is hard. Generally, my musical tastes cycle through 90s alternative (RHCP), 2000s pop rock (No Doubt), angsty female singer-songwriters (Tori, Ani, Sarah), and full scores from Broadway musicals (Joseph, Rent, and duh, Hamilton). If I had to pick ONE SONG RIGHT NOW, it would probably be the entire first act of Hamilton. Does that count as one song? Okay, great.”
4. Dog or cat, obviously the most important question on this list.
“Obviously both. The love of my life was a golden retriever (after Drew, of course – and my kids), but I’m pretty obsessed with my cats right now. Someone should make a heating pad that mimics a cat’s purr – because there is nothing more satisfying than a fat, soft cat curled up on your lap, purring. Wait, did I just invent something? Maybe that’s my golden ticket!”
5. What would your dream vacation location be?
“I would love to do a back-country camping trip on horseback, through Yellowstone or Yosemite. I find nature and wide-open spaces exhilarating, but also terrifying – so I would want an amazing guide to lead the way!””
6. What is your secret talent?
“I can recite all 50 states, in alphabetical order, in 14 seconds. Seriously.”
7. What is your favorite location to photograph?
“Give me a gorgeous garden any day and I’m a happy photographer!”
8. What is at the top of your bucket list?
“I STARED AT THIS FOR 20 MINUTES AND FINALLY SKIPPED IT.”
9. What is the best part about being a wedding photographer?
“We get to spend everyone’s BEST DAY EVER with them. No one has a bad day on their wedding day!”
10. IF you could be something other than a wedding photographer what would it be and why?
“Probably a writer or a teacher. My educational background is in literature, and I taught high school English for seven years and really loved it! I also have always had an itch to write a book – so maybe that will be my path once I’m too old to lug around camera equipment!”
