Here at Calluna we are always looking for ways to highlight and honor some of the amazing creative partners we get to work with. We feel incredibly fortunate to work with some seriously talented vendors in the industry, and we want to show them off to you in our new Calluna Community Series! We will sit down with some of the fabulous vendors of Colorado and get to know about them, their business and what life is like behind the scenes. Stay tuned for more!
This week for Calluna Community we caught up with Nate at Nate Shepard Photo! Nate’s passion for photography started in Asia, where he grew up! Since moving to Colorado, his photo opportunities expanded into the mountains and beyond.
“We live in a beautiful world with beautiful people, so my job is made easy for me.” – Nate Shepard
Cheers! Xo, Calluna
Describe what you do!
I am a wedding photographer for adventurous and intimate couples! Half my job is hiking in the mountains with couples and shooting their raw and genuine selves and capturing their love for each other. My work involves finding beautiful and unique locations, planning and working with other vendors, and building a new relationship with couples I’ve never met before.
What is your idea of a dream project?
I love travel! I grew up in Asia and my family and I were always on the go, so I tell people I grew up on a plane! My dream shoot would be an intimate wedding in a remote and gorgeous part of the world. This could be in Patagonia, Jordan, New Zealand, the Faroe Islands… I’ve got a long list of locations I’d love to explore with adventurous couples!
What has been your favorite wedding that you have worked, or attended?
My favorite wedding was last summer – Nate and Emily Flack’s wedding! It wasn’t the location or food that stood out to me… but rather the JOY that radiated that day. From crying with each other at the ceremony and endless cheers and laughter on the outdoor dance floor, the wedding was just fun. Emily and Nate treated me like a guest and friend and we just had the best time ever.
What does your morning routine look like?
I wake up at 5:30 in the morning, roll out on the side of my bed and spend some time in prayer. I follow that up with reading the Bible and other devotional books. I’ve found this to be a relaxing start to the morning and gives me a chance to mentally be reminded that I have a brand new day to work hard, love others, and bring glory to God who has blessed me in every way. I then take the dog for a run or go to the gym depending on the day. I do intermittent fasting so I typically skip breakfast and get right to work and learning new skills!
What are some of your favorite trends that you are seeing?
Hmmmm! I don’t know if it’s a trend, but I love any and all weddings that incorporate nature and elegant simplicity! I’m more drawn to a dance floor in the forest with lanterns strung overhead than to a fancy ballroom. In terms of a stylistic trend, I absolutely love all floral work, but the floral designs that draw my attention most incorporate nontraditional or exotic pieces. I’ve been so impressed with what brides and designers come up with!
What advice would you give to a younger you?
Don’t compare yourself to other photographers out there that are killing it! You can learn from them — don’t let comparison discourage you.
What makes you excited to go to work in the morning?
It is an honor to capture the joys at a weddingI I am grateful to have the opportunity to spread warmth and enthusiasm, as I really see wedding photography as such a special part of a couple’s relationship. Down the road, marriage can be tough and I want my photos to remind them of the joyful commitment they made to one other and remind them that they are in it for the journey – to love and build each other up!
What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you drinking tonight?
Oooooo how about some mango kombucha! 🙂
Follow Nate on Instagram and check out more of his work here!
Check out some beautiful photos of Liz + Chris’s wedding by Nate!
