Justin Graddy Bio:
Justin Graddy is an award-winning photojournalist specializing in wedding photojournalism. He has a BFA in Photography and Graphic Design. Graddy Photography has been in business for 5 years and has provided wedding photography services to over 175 weddings. He has been featured in Minnesota Bride and has won numerous awards in the wedding photojournalism community.

Contact Information:
Justin Graddy, Graddy Photography, Minneapolis, St. Paul Wedding Photographer
Website: Graddy Photography | Email: graddyphotography@yahoo.com | Phone: (952)649-0529

How did you get your start and why did you chose wedding photography as a career?

I have always admired photography but never knew how to get into the business, so I stopped wondering why or how and dove in head first 5 years ago and let things fall into place as they may. I just knew that if I applied myself 100% mind, body, & soul that everything would work out.

How has your extensive experience in wedding photography helped you in difficult circumstances on a wedding day?

Wedding day stress. If you’re not confident it will show and it is contagious. If I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off panicking, I can promise you that it will show in the photos. Every single one of my clients knows that I am a confident and seasoned professional. When I walk into a room I am calm and ready for a great day!

What are some of your favorite local venues?

Semple Mansion, Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church – HAUMC, MN Boat Club

What advice would you give a bride who is looking for a wedding photographer?

Go with a professional if you really care about professional shots. Also, find someone you are comfortable with and can relate to.

What’s your favorite part of the wedding day to photograph?

I love the anticipation and emotion of the getting ready time of day.

What kinds of weddings do you love to photograph?

Backyard weddings are always intimate and full of emotion and great ambiance.

What are your top tips for brides to help them get great photos on their wedding day?

Risk Vs. Reward. Follow and trust me, it will be worth it and they will be your favorite photos. Be yourselves and have fun with it.

What do you find is the biggest challenge in wedding photography?

Anticipating the next unexpected moment and not being hard on myself if I miss it because I know that there will be other great moments throughout the day.

What do you do for fun when you’re not shooting weddings?

Travel abroad, stomp around Europe, create visually stunning art, spending quality time with my wife, and catch up with family and friends.

How would you describe your style of photography?

Cutting-edge, exclusive, and passionate.

How would you describe the current state of the wedding photography industry? Where do you think wedding photography is headed in the years to come?

I think you need to have passion, good work ethic, and an unrelenting willingness to succeed and do the very best you can to be a contender in this field. I think that if your heart is not in it, you are going to have a tough time. I am thankful every day that I love what I do. Of course the field is being flooded with AMPHOGS ( amateur photographers) and we hear a lot of horror stories from clients who say their “sister” or “cousin” used “the other guy” and the pictures turned out horrible. We don’t ask the name of the photographer, we just ask, “ Well, were they professionals?” The answer is always the same.

What do you use for inspiration?

Color theory books, fine art photography books. I try to see how they incorporate light, color, shutter speed, etc. to create stunning visual art.

Have you found any products, services, or seminars that have made a difference to your photography or your business?

I wish. I find many that I would benefit from but many of the seminars and workshops I find are held on Saturdays. Come on man, I am shooting weddings every Saturday.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

Don’t ever half-ass anything. My dad used to always tell me that especially when it came to cleaning the garage. If I cleaned the garage half-ass, then I would have to do it again until it was right. I apply this to every aspect of my daily life, tackle it head-on and leave no room for excuses because in the end if you aren’t true to yourself, your only cheating yourself. I still hate cleaning the garage though.

What would you say was the biggest reason for your success?

You only live once and you have to make the most out of every day.

What future plans do you have for your business for the next year?

I want to create my own brand of art that is exclusive only to my studio. This business is a lively adventure every single day and that’s what makes it so exciting; that I never know where I’ll be a year from now, or for that matter, even a month or week from now. I do know that success breeds success.

Thanks for the interview Justin. If anyone has questions for Justin, go ahead and leave them in the comments below.

Contact Information:
Justin Graddy, Graddy Photography, Minneapolis, St. Paul Wedding Photographer
Website: Graddy Photography | Email: graddyphotography@yahoo.com | Phone: (952)649-0529

Looking for the best wedding photography for your wedding? Check out the ISPWP Wedding Photographer Directory for photographers serving your area.