J. Patterson Photography Real moments, beautifully told

J. Patterson Photography

Real moments, beautifully told

Latest Articles

Landscapes

Forget the Pose: How I Get Real Smiles Out of People Who Swear They're Not Photogenic

"I'm so awkward in photos" is the first thing most of my clients say — and honestly, they're usually right, but not for the reason they think. Here's why I've stopped chasing perfect poses, and the weird little games I play instead to get portraits that actually look like you.

Twelve Hours, Two Batteries, One Incredible Day: What a Wedding Shoot Actually Looks Like From My Side of the Camera
Weddings

Twelve Hours, Two Batteries, One Incredible Day: What a Wedding Shoot Actually Looks Like From My Side of the Camera

Ever wonder what your wedding photographer is doing at hour nine, when the cake has been cut and the dance floor is sticky? Here's an honest, slightly caffeinated look at a full wedding day from behind the lens — plus a few things you can do to help your photographer thrive.

Chasing Light Across America: Six Landscape Trips I'd Take Again Tomorrow
Landscapes

Chasing Light Across America: Six Landscape Trips I'd Take Again Tomorrow

From slot canyons in the Southwest to foggy Blue Ridge mornings, these are the American landscapes that have stuck with me after years of travel shoots. Plus the stubborn case for finding extraordinary light within an hour of your own front door.

The Moment Between Moments: What Your Wedding Album Is Really Made Of
Weddings

The Moment Between Moments: What Your Wedding Album Is Really Made Of

After a decade of shooting weddings across the US, I've learned the frame that ends up on the wall is almost never the one where everyone was looking at me. Here's why the unguarded seconds matter more — and how to get more of them on your day.