Meet Gary Edmerson | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gary Edmerson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gary, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Over time I have tried to focus more on composition, getting the correct exposure and white balance in camera during the shoot so I can spend less time behind a camera doing edits. In some aspects of my business I subcontract images to a professional retoucher. Doing these things have allowed me to spend more time with my family, do other shoots and even rest. Earlier in my career I was focused on trying to be a jack of all trades and learn all types of photography; Now I know what I am good at and I focus on that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I purchased a variety of lens of different focal lengths and capabilities to stand apart from other photographers. At weddings, I have the ability to take candids with longer zoom lenses. I try to focus on telling a story for a wedding that encompasses posed portraits, ring shots, candid photos, decor and family members that are important to the couple.

As far a portrait photography goes I try to give a nice natural look (not heavenly photoshopped) with nice composition and lighting. One of my mentors taught me how to take the same pose and do a wide shot, a 3/4 shot and a close-up to get different perspectives. It is a tool I still use to this day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I know it is cliche but I still love the Atlantic Station area. I like to frequent the restaurants there and it is close by a lot of attractions. Not too far from there are clubs on Edgewood that have lively crowds. As far as food goes I like Chattahoochee Food Works, the pirates boil, Azotea Cantina, or Pappadeaux. On weekends there is nothing more I love to do than going to the sportswear in Ohio State or Cincinnati Bengals gear trolling fans of other sports teams.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Early in my career I met another photographer named Der’rell Foster and we challenged each other, went to studio sessions and workshops together at unique photo in Fairfield, NJ to learn new lighting techniques and composition. We started off working for an event photography company and we used their gigs to tryout the techniques we were learning at Unique Photo. After some time we started our own companies but we still managed to shoot weddings, sweet 16s and other events together. I know without our friendly competition I wouldn’t have learned or developed into the photographer I am so fast.

Lastly, I would have to give thanks to my family. Without them I could not have managed a lot of the pressures of events while dealing with new clients etc.

Website: www.garyedmersonphotograsphy.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/garyedmersonphotography

Twitter: https://twitter.com/garyedmersonphoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GaryEdmersonPhotography/

Image Credits
I took all the photos. Models include Dominique Williams Blair, Devonne Rose, and Alexandria Pascucci,