Image Issue: Paul Woo

Mantra: “Never put the camera down, or you might miss the moments.”

First camera: Canon Rebel XTi (with Kit Lens)

Last camera: Canon 5D mark IV + Canon 35mm 1.4 II

A phone can take beautiful photos, but the intimacy of the classic-shooter subject relationship can’t be forced. Like finicky Ohio weather, those shared moments can happen quickly. It takes a savvy wedding shooter like Paul Woo to catch them before they’re gone.

There was a moment where I reflected what wedding photography truly meant to me. Here I am, taking beautiful pictures, but something inside of me knew there was more to it. What truly makes a wedding unique really came down to two loving people and the friends and families around them. It dawned on me that the love, tears, and laughter is what made the day very special to capture. 

My biggest influence is and always will be my significant other, Joyce. She always provided courage, and allowed me to constantly challenge myself as a person and a photographer. It has taught me that I should always be challenging and growing myself. Photography isn’t a skill you learn once and are done. It’s a journey where you should always be learning and evolving.  I’ve also had many influences in the industry itself: Fer Juaristi, Two Mann, Ken Pak, Callaway Gable, Jeff Newsom, Thierry Joubert, Chrismans … and many more. Some of the amazing things I learned from all these amazing photographers were, to be myself, to have fun, and to love and care for my couples. 

Columbus is a very challenging environment. We have unpredictable and sporadic weather—which we love and hate—and limited amounts of environments. However, this pushes photographers to constantly be creative. I always tell my couples that I am the worst person to ask how the weather is, because I love the randomness.

@wanderingwoo

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