Vendors I Love: JUSTIN McCALLUM PHOTOGRAPHY
photo by Julius Motal
I worked with Justin on a wedding in 2018. However, it wasn’t until we ran into each other at The Love Union at 501 Union in Brooklyn that I started to get a glimpse of the awesomeness that is Justin McCallum! Over the years I have come to adore the authentic joy he brings to his work. I also appreciate his thoughts on making the wedding day and the planning leading up to the Big Day as stress-free as possible. Without further ado, I’d love to shine a mighty bright light onto Justin from Justin McCallum Photography!
What was the path that led you to become a photographer?
I became truly enamored with photography during a family road trip I took as a teenager. Since my father is terrified of flying, my parents and I drove from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon. To quell the angst coming from the back seat, my parents bought me a digital camera to document the trip. I was instantly obsessed with it. Later on I tried to learn every way to manipulate the point-and-shoot camera, while trying to recreate America’s Next Top Model photoshoots with my friends. It was a fun hobby! I didn’t realize could be a career until I started taking formal photography classes in college. I studied film processing and lighting techniques and the history of the medium in traditional fine art courses. I then applied for and was lucky enough to be accepted in an intensive colloquium on photojournalism and documentary practice. I wasn’t really sure how to utilize these skills all together until I started working with some studios back in New England over the summer. It was then that I photographed my first weddings. I started my own business - and learned the subway map! - in 2013 when I moved to New York City with my partner, and the rest is history.
What excites you about weddings?
I don’t want to sound like an energy vampire, but I feed off the joy, love, sense of community, and camaraderie of a wedding day. It’s the only thing that can get you through a 10 hour day with 30 pounds of camera equipment on your back -- in addition to sneaking a few passed hors d'oeuvres.
I really get to know a couple before their wedding. When see how personal and meaningful the day ends up, it's like a shot of adrenaline. I get so excited to capture their kind of love, whether it’s shown in a playful dance competition or wiping away their partner’s tears during the vows. Weddings are such a stressful experience leading up, to and even during the day itself that I really encourage people to be as in the moment as possible. So, when I get to click my shutter right at a big belly laugh or tight squeeze, then it all feels worth it. Also, I am a sucker for the songs ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’ and ‘Dancing On My Own’, so I can’t help but dance around to those when they’re played at any reception!
What do you look for in a couple?
I am just over the moon when I first talk to folks and they rank having fun, making the day personalized to them, and ensuring their community has a kick-ass time above everything else. Also, I find my couples really value authenticity in their images. They understand that we have to build a relationship to get those real, intimate moments captured on the wedding day. That ability and openness to form a genuine connection with a couple is truly what I look for most. Bonus points if they’re really vibrant, theater nerds, or a little irreverent though.
What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received?
A client once pulled me aside toward the end of their wedding. He said that I felt more like another groomsman than a person they just met a few months before who was paid to document the day. I held it together until he shuffled off to dance or hug someone, but then started bawling! That level of connection and intimacy with my couples is what I strive for in building relationships prior to and during the wedding day. The fact I’ve formed friendships with so many of my past clients is truly the greatest honor. And being invited back into their lives to photograph more milestones is an accomplishment of my career. I also once was told I look like Ricky Martin when I was living in Argentina, and I rode that high for a whole week.
Oh my gosh, that’s awesome!
I know, right?
What do you desire for your business?
I got into wedding photography because of passion instead of a paycheck, so I always just hoped my business could sustain me. But as I learn more about what impact my business can have, I really hope to be a beacon of inclusivity and joy for all people. That is regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, body shape, ability or age -- especially in an industry that doesn’t always represent all types of people or love. Additionally, I am getting older and hoping to grow my family soon. So I desire quality over quantity. I am slowly whittling down to only photographing 20-25 weddings a year as opposed to 40 in a season. That leaves me with less back pain and more free time.
What are you grateful for?
The last year really was a great excuse to take stock of everything I have to be grateful for. The incredible support I have received from my clients and community is the most amazing thing. I wish I could find more ways to give back to all of them for getting me and my business through the COVID pandemic. Both current and former clients found ways to support my business financially. My fellow vendors kept me sane as we all navigated constant change. Also I am lucky to have an amazing husband who I have gotten to learn even more about over the last year while we were both stuck in our tiny New York City apartment.
Any recent victories?
I’ve been taking a lot of strides to hone in my branding and work on the behind-the-scenes aspects of my business. A lot of my progress is thanks to my incredible friend and colleague Crystal Lily Creative. Her empowered branding program helped me finally define the values of my business -- community, connection, authenticity and inclusion. By centering those in my thinking everything else has really fallen into place. Over the last year, I also got to try new and exciting things I hadn’t ever expected to do, including appearing on a business-minded podcast, speaking at a global wedding conference about networking, and being asked to contribute to a book on wedding planning. Last but not least, I have been able to keep most of my house plants alive throughout the winter, which was a first for me.
LET’S ALL CELEBRATE THE AMAZING WINS OF JUSTIN McCALLUM AS HE’S LIVING LA VIDA LOCA. TO LEARN EVEN MORE, PLEASE VISIT:
AND CHECK HIM OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA: