Interview With a Pro - Photographer Maren Delaney

Smart & Chic is excited to partner with superb Twin Cities photographer Maren Delaney on an upcoming photo shoot in Los Angeles. To learn more about this talented favorite of ours, here's a mini interview and some samples of her work:

What prompted you to start your own photography business?
I've always been fascinated by photography. I hid in the darkroom throughout high school and college. After earning my BA in photography and graphic design from the University of St. Catherine, I headed to South America in search of something. What I discovered was an overwhelming pull towards documentary photography. When I returned from abroad, I held several positions in design, but never felt challenged or encouraged to be creative. I continued to pursue my love of photography in any way possible...documenting events, vacations, and every day activities. Finally, in conjunction with the birth of my son, I decided that the time had come to make something happen for myself. With the support of family, friends and clients who took a chance on me, I came to realize that it was a possibility to be successful if I remained true to myself. I love being my own boss and being able to do things my own way. It is extremely satisfying to make clients happy because of something I have created.

(That's Smart & Chic founder Julie Swenson styling hair in these photos!)

What is your favorite part of shooting weddings?
There are many aspects to shooting weddings that I enjoy, planned and unplanned. So much time is invested in every aspect of wedding planning. I know how much consideration is put into creating "the perfect look" and it is my goal to reflect that vision in my images. I love photographing the little details that make each wedding unique, whether it be known to all guests or simply the bride and groom. From cuff links to shoe jewelry, handbags to wedding night lingerie...I want the couple to remember their day as they should; beautiful.
Posed photos are mostly inevitable when it comes to weddings. I try to get this out of the way as quickly as possible. My favorite images of the couple are always the ones when they did not know I was shooting. I love capturing the looks, kisses, and laughs exchanged between two people in love.


How do you work with different couples’ ideas and styles?
I usually meet with the couple a few times before their wedding day. An initial meeting is normally during the early stages of wedding planning. From this, I can get a feel for the couple and any ideas they have.
An engagement session gives me a great sense of the couple's style as well as an idea of what to expect for their wedding. For this reason, engagement sessions are free when I am booked for a wedding. It is vital for me to get to know the couple, ask questions, and let them get comfortable with me. I welcome and consider all feedback from engagement sessions as well as feedback about my work from other client sessions. I try to make every session/event different so input from the bride and groom is very much heard.


I saw in your portfolio that you do Rock/Trash the Dress sessions! These are gaining popularity in the wedding industry - what prompted you to offer this service?
These sessions are a great way to get more use out of one of the most beautiful, sentimental, not to mention expensive articles of clothing a woman will ever wear. The idea of packing it away, never to be worn again makes me cringe. Rock that dress! Every bride is likely to be a tad concerned about getting her dress dirty on the day of the wedding... this is an opportunity to really show it off... now that the wedding is over, who cares?!
It is also a great opportunity to do something different than what was done on the wedding day. Hair up, hair down, dramatic makeup, extreme location...mixing it up is fun and refreshing. I have so much fun with these sessions, they are very laid back and relaxed!

What trends do you see happening in the wedding photography industry?
I am seeing less traditional, cookie cutter weddings and more themed weddings and DIY inspired weddings. I think couples realize that they do not need to follow the "rules" and are embracing this opportunity to make something special and unique that they and their guests will never forget. No matter the size, budget or amount of time to plan, any wedding can be beautiful and memorable.
I believe wedding photography is becoming more personal. Less stiff, posed, straight on shots...more unique perspectives and honest moments are what people want.


To see more of Maren's work, or to get in touch with her for a booking, visit her Facebook page by clicking here.