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| Leslie Dumke Studio images are published in NY, NJ, CT and National editions of Modern Bride, The Knot/Wedding Pages, Manhattan Bride as well as Greenwich Magazine. |
Q & A with Leslie Dumke 2006
Q1: How did you get started in photography?
LD: I entered into the photography world when I was just fifteen. My
dad gave me my first camera and since then I haven’t stopped taking
pictures. Now, I’m a published, revered and a sought after
professional. Thanks dad!
I grew up in a family of five kids and naturally I
became an observer of human behavior. Because there was so much going
on, it was easy for me to just snap pictures. I began to develop a
discerning eye. My snap shots became a celebration of the differences
in people… from their physical appearances to their moods and
mannerisms. I had immediate success with portraiture and could make
people feel comfortable while photographing them, even at such a young
age. I found I had a real knack for bringing out an individual’s true
nature. I also loved the high energy of street scenes, “spy on the
wall” journalistic work, as well as fashion photography. All four
strengths, I think, make for a good wedding photographer.
Q2: How did you get started in wedding photography?
LD: When I was invited as a guest to weddings, I naturally brought my camera. Shooting impromptu candids of the guests enjoying themselves at the receptions and dancing it up on the dance floor lead to standing behind the photographer during the wedding’s portrait sessions. It was the beginning of my career path.
My images were the photo's that ended up framed on the mantles of the brides and grooms, not the pro photographer's that they had hired. They all encouraged me to start covering weddings. In the first year, I shot eight weddings, in the second I shot 18, then the third 32, and so on, and so on.
Q3: What's satisfying about shooting weddings?
LD: The storytelling aspect of it… I’d start with a new, blank canvas and unto it, I’d paint the story of the entire event including the mood, energy and motion of the day. It’s all storytelling.
Q4: What are the most exciting elements of weddings for you?
LD: Weddings are fantastic because they are all about special love, families joining together, beautiful settings and grand celebration. I feel very lucky to be a part of such an amazing event in people’s lives. I think to myself, “This is the best job anyone can have. It’s all about love and happiness.” I love the fact that the day goes by at a steady pace and is unfolding before my eyes. It is very exciting for me to work with the movement and high energy of the event rather than interrupting the flow by directing a pose and encouraging an expression.
Q6: What would you like people to know...
LD: The fact that I just “WOW” my clients.
That I sustain a really high energy level and focus because I limit the number of weddings that I cover in a year. I’m totally thorough in capturing everything that my clients want. From uniquely organized formals to journalistic shooting to fine art images with distinctive detail to stunning portraits, I can add a twist of innovation or go traditional. I deliver a product that goes beyond their expectations every time.
That I’m drawn to wedding photography because I’m a real family person. That my clients can tell that I love what I do and that affects the images that I come home with at the end of the day. That I balance being unobtrusive for candids with being calmly directive and energetically inspiring for group shots, which requires a true professional.
Q6: What photographers inspire you?
LD: Edward Weston for the beauty of his portrait photography. Irving Penn for the ingenious art of his fashion photography. Sebastio Selegado for the truth of his documentary photography and, Michael Kenna for the mood and magic of his landscape photography.
Q7: How do you relax?
LD: My reward for shooting a full season of weddings is to go out West to Big Sky country for the rivers, rocks, mountains, fields, farms, barns and horses. I'm currently working on a black and white series of horses. I love their fluidity, their strength and beauty. The farmland is a wonderfully open expansive backdrop. When I'm out there I have down time. I can think about how I can be growing as a photographer. I'm dedicated to how I can grow creatively as well as technically. As I sit on a mountain top, I like to look back at the past year of wedding photography and ponder about where there is room for growth, change and improvement. It's a reflective time that is spiritually enhanced by the far away. It's a healthy way to get clear on the next year's goals.
Q8: What do you love?
LD: I love standing on my head. I love yoga as well as running as fast as I can down the beach at the water's edge. I love mountain tops, rolling down the sand dunes and floating in the ocean like a raft. I love the sound of laughter. I love my work. I love what I do for living. I'm so lucky.
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