Portraits by Diana Deaver
Birthdate: May 19, 1986
When did you first pick up a camera? When did you know you had a talent for photography? I had played around with cameras as a child – almost all of my aunts and uncles on my mom’s side are artists, as well as my mother, so we were constantly exposed if not immersed in the arts – but it didn’t really connect until college. I always loved creating things (even now I have about 6 artsy projects in various states of remission all over my house). But, it didn’t really click until one of my professors pulled me aside and very assertively told me I needed to pursue photography! It was a huge compliment and humbling moment that she was so invested.
What do you love to photograph? ALL THE THINGS!! Food, people, their relationships, that moment when someone bursts out laughing, travel, puppies, families, concerts, all of it. I’m blessed that by profession I get to record and showcase and make art out of all the things that, to me, make life worth living. Virtually everything I photograph now is a celebration in one way or another.
Who are some of your photographer icons and/or mentors? I still have a strong love for Robert Frank, Richard Avedon, and Sally Mann.
You get to have dinner with 3 other people, alive or deceased. With whom would you dine? What would you ask them? Honestly, my grandmother would be the first one. I know that won’t be the boldest answer you get, but she was a wildly artistic woman who lived so boldly for the times. She really wasn’t afraid to do her own thing and blaze her own trail. I would ask her what it was REALLY like during that time, and what the push-back was, socially. I’d also want to have dinner with Oscar Wilde out of curiosity, but I’m not sure I’d like him in real life!! And Emily Bronte still is fascinating to me. I’d want to know about their artistic struggles.
Do you know when you have a spectacular shot, or does that come about in the editing process? I know in the moment, you can just feel it sometimes!
What makes you feel connected to your subject? Being human! I think that’s really what it’s all about, you’re empathizing and relating and tapping into someone else’s experience to present to the world.
What are your thoughts on editing? Like it or abhor it? Do it yourself? I do it myself, and I have a love-hate with it. There’s a window. The minute I’m done shooting something, I’m excited to edit it and get in there! But honestly I have trouble sitting still, so I have to put something awful on TV to keep my butt in the chair and actually FINISH editing.
Is there any genre of photography that you’d like to explore further? Travel, obviously!!!
What’s on your photographic bucket list? I don’t know that having a bucket list is the way I’d describe the way I think about my career? I think of it more as an awesome set of experiences that have come my way, and I’m always excited about whatever’s next. And not knowing what’s next is half the fun!
What inspires you? So many things! The wind through the trees, street art, random conversations with strangers, people who ask questions or aren’t afraid to share, when you have a museum all to yourself, trying new foods, being present, life!
How would you handle a difference of opinion with a client? Respectfully, but it depends on the nature of the difference of opinion.
What advice would you give an up and coming photographer? Make work to get work!
Are you involved in any kind of continuing education or professional groups? I’m currently working in photography for the Marketing Department of the College of Charleston, which has been a really nurturing professional experience.
What makes you feel loved? When someone else folds and puts away my laundry. But on a more serious note, I think the concept of “holding space” for someone is an essential part of loving and feeling loved.
What are your favorite conditions/lighting/circumstances to shoot? Hazy golden hour or clean diffused natural light!
What are your social media handles?
Instagram: ReeseMooreWeddings www.instagram.com/reesemooreweddings
FB: Reese Moore Weddings www.facebook.com/reesemooreweddings
Website: www.reesemooreweddings.com
What makes you feel pretty? Taking care of myself! Which I never thought I would say in my 20s. My 20s were all about the clothes and makeup and treating myself for feeling pretty. But now that I’ve settled into my own skin more, I definitely have to say feeling healthy and treating myself to a long hike makes me feel my most pretty!
Do you have any other thoughts or things to say about your profession? I fall in love with photography over and over again, and I hope that never changes. Recording someone’s life and memories through your own eyes is a privilege, a responsibility, and a gift!
Candids courtesy of Reese Moore
