I love telling a good story with good photos. Photographing makers and creators brings me so much joy because something really special happens when we pursue activities that align with our body/mind/soul. We get into a rhythm and everything just feels right. So when the mastermind behind Odd Flowers, Jessica Gring, was down to collaborate on a fall bouquet for a newlywed adventure session, I couldn’t help but photograph her doin her thing.
I cruised from Chelan to Seattle on a fall day and met Jess at her new rental home outside of Seattle. Even though I love our eastern Washington small town vibes, there’s something so incredibly nostalgic about entering the big city to the west. I had found her on Instagram, however this was my first time meeting Jess in real life. Any by stander would have assumed we’d been friends for a lifetime. We hugged and giggled as she showed me around her cute new home explaining what it would look like in a week once they got all moved in. They hadn’t even unpacked boxes yet and it was still adorable. We drank champagne and exchanged life stories that had us for sure thinking we’d been friends in another lifetime.
I distinctly remember before building the bouquet Jess took sips of her drink like a sophisticated, metropolitan queen. She held her head high in the most beautiful, if I were a city girl I’d wanna be like her, way. She interlaced her fingers, stretched her arms, and went to work.
Over the next thirty minutes we talked n talked. I’d lift my camera every so often and rattle off a few photos. The whole experience was genuine, down-to-earth and heartfelt, exactly how I prefer my sessions be. I am so excited to reconnect with Jess in Colorado for a wedding this October in Estes Park (!!!) In the mean time, check out the photos below and watch her work her magic. It’s pretty special.
Best to you,
Megan Kathleen
From Jess:
“Vendor to vendor (I’m a florist, she was the photographer), Megan was approachable, intentional and supportive from the first moment we met! When I invited her to my home to photograph me working, she was able to make me feel comfortable in front of the camera (a feat!) and in fact I forgot the camera was even there at times because I was so consumed with the meaningful conversation that she effortlessly and genuinely carried on!
While some photographers add extreme filters to cover up lackluster pics, she is able to elevate her already outstanding work and achieve a classic film look, something that will stand the test of time and trends.
She’s adventurous, kind, and not to mention extremely talented and I can’t wait to work with her again!”