Vendors I Love: JUDSON RAPPAPORT
photo by AJ Tamari
I’ve crossed paths with Judson a bunch over the last few years. From Rising Tide NYC to other wedding industry events. While we have not worked together, I have long been an admirer of her work. Photos that capture the energy of the moment. Like you are peeking in on something special. Super excited to shine a little light onto JUDSON RAPPAPORT.
What was the path that led you to become a photographer?
While I have always been creative, I wasn't strong at drawing, sculpting, or any performing art. But I took a darkroom photography class in high school and was instantly hooked. I spent as much time as possible (often outside of class, during lunch, after school, and before school) shooting, developing, and printing. I loved being able to learn all the ways the camera played with different subjects, lighting styles, and compositions. At that time I was mostly photographing what was in close proximity to me: my friends, family, pets, and the suburban landscape. However I quickly realized my camera could become a tool to access spaces I otherwise would be turned away from - such as photographing people getting tattoos and piercings for an assignment about emotions. The idea of being a photographer pretty soon took root as part of my identity and has stayed a consistent part of my life and perspective ever since.
What excites you about weddings?
As a photographer, I so rarely get the kind of permission slip and entrance into such meaningful moments in peoples’ lives as I do at weddings. Weddings are a special ritual. A gathering where there is an expectation and acceptance that a photographer will be there to document each and every moment. Receiving that freedom from the couple and their guests means I can be a part of their day to capture it more authentically. And of course more truthfully than a voyeuristic or overly perfected version of reality that some other forms of photography tend to take on. There is a range of emotions and elements to a wedding that truly feels like a photographer's version of a progressive tasting menu at a fine dining restaurant. There is the chance to dive deep into someone’s world and capture moments that could have only happened on their wedding day, which cannot be staged or recreated.
What do you look for in a couple?
I seek out couples that don’t want their experience of the day to be centered around photography. Instead, they want to be fully immersed in the experience of their celebration, in the emotions, and being with each other and their loved ones. My clients often put guests’ experiences at the forefront of their celebrations and create unique, creative weddings that reflect their personalities, interests, and desires.
What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received?
Someone once described my work as feeling like their ultra-talented best friend followed them around on a wedding day with a camera. This compliment sticks with me because so often what I talk about with prospective clients is that the experience of having your photo taken is as important as the photo itself. If you are enjoying the process versus feeling rushed or uncomfortable, it shows not only in the photos but in your memory of the day as well. Creating beautiful photos doesn’t happen in a vacuum and so much of being able to make people comfortable, relaxed, and at ease is what I bring to the experience.
What do you desire for your business?
While I am a New York City-based Film wedding photographer, I am craving documenting more weddings in Mexico during the (long) colder months. Every time I travel to Mexico for work or pleasure, I find myself more enamored with the country, people, culture, food, and language. I’d love to explore all 31 states of Mexico to experience the regional differences. I have a wedding in Merida, Mexico this November and am already looking forward to the experience. Hopefully, to many more weddings in Mexico afterwards. Is it too early in my life to be a snowbird?
Haha. I don’t think so! It’s never too early to be a snowbird. So, what are you grateful for?
Having a two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan and two cat interns that, in 10 years, have never gone on strike for a promotion! On a more serious note, I also feel incredibly blessed to have a style of work and art that is so sought after and cherished that I get to call it my job. Being an artist was often spoken of as a secondary passion you did in addition to a career path when I was growing up. Being able to claim to be successful in creating photos for a living brings me immense gratitude.
Any recent cause for celebration?
In January I celebrated the launch of a rebranding of my business with a Brr-lesque party aimed at showcasing how fun, out of the box, and sexy events can be. When else do you get to celebrate a new visual brand, website, and portfolio with titty tassels that is also a tax write off?
Join me in celebrating JUDSON RAPPAPORT - in all of the creative, expansive and sexy ways! And check her out online: