Meet Shane Macomber of Shane Macomber Photography in Vail

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Macomber.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Shane. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It’s been a long road, but I feel I first fell in love with photography on a road trip out west from NY to CA when I was 19. I wasn’t ready to go to college and decided to drive an old VW bus out to Huntington Beach, CA. On the way, I stopped at tons of national parks and drove scenic byways. My parents who were always supportive of my decision not to go to school right away bought me a camera for my trip, as I had taken interest in photography.

It was while traveling through a national park that I discovered a level of drama in the light I had never seen before and definitely didn’t have the ability to describe it in words, but I could put it all together visually. On that trip, I found the visual language in which I could communicate best.

After six months in CA and another year of saving, I decided to head to Art School in Denver as Colorado had been my favorite place on that trip to CA. School was hard, it took me 3+ years to complete a 2-year degree, During those years, I worked full time and I also lost my father. But I put my nose down, worked tirelessly and graduated second in my class, I was onto something special.

I was on track to be a photojournalist and was willing to move anywhere to do so. I worked odd jobs until I landed a job in Vail, CO at the Vail Daily Newspaper. It was there that I learned how to tell a good visual story working 50+ hours a week shooting assignments. That job would last almost five years before the internet would change the news media landscape forever.

As the paper shrunk, my mind wandered to what new challenge might await me, I was ready to move on I wanted to tell stories with my images. The classic photo essay and I wanted time to do it. I didn’t want to be rushed. And my inner artist was being tugged at as well. Who will pay me to just shoot and tell their story I wondered… then a friend of a friend needed a wedding photographer for cheap. I shot the wedding, but I shot it like I thought I “should” shoot it. Traditional and generic… it lacked enjoyment for me. But the pay even on the lowest level was good compared to what I had been doing. So, I looked around and discovered work from a few photographers shooting weddings in a documentary style (this was new back in 2007). These photographers were shooting weddings just like I would have shot an assignment or anything I cared about for that matter–capturing moments, using interesting compositions, simply making art out of what is known as a standard event. So, I followed suit and dove in head first. I would be the documentary wedding photographer in the Vail Valley.

Now, I’m walking into my 11th year as a documentary wedding photographer and my 11th year being self-employed. The thought just makes my head spin in the best way.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
You know it hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve never minded putting in long hours to get this thing going and keep it going. I love photography so that hard work mentality has always been there naturally.

The biggest challenge had been finding my people and sticking to my approach with wedding photography. The wedding industry can be loud and in the beginning, was not super welcoming to me. But it also took me a few years to find my voice as a wedding photographer. To figure out what I wanted to say. I personally think the connection of the couple, their friends and family and the moments that translate those bonds, far outweighs the material items of the day. I’m all about documenting the lives of my clients. Finding images that they will connect with for the rest of their lives. A hug between a bride and her beloved grandfather… that’s an image that will stand the test of time.

Shane Macomber Photography – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Shane Macomber Photography specializes in moment driven wedding photography. Telling a visual story the couple can relive, is what I’m all about. I’m known for finding and capturing the connections between my clients, their families & friends, but also effortlessly translating the vibe and location of the wedding.

The approach I take to wedding photography is what makes me most proud. I have continued to evolve and grow year to year, but have avoided becoming one of the masses. I stay true to my vision and have been able to attract people who see life the same way. When the clients’ vision and mine converge, I make timeless images that are natural, real and full of raw emotions.

I think what you see and how you put it in the box is the only way you can separate yourself as a photographer. You have to put some of yourself in your work. My commitment to communicating each family’s unique bonds, histories and traditions paired with my photographic knowledge and skill is what sets me apart. I’m capturing split-second moments that other photographers (with a different approach or sense of importance) may not even notice.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
That’s a tough one to nail down. I’ve made the last “good” photograph of many grandparents and even of parents who have since passed away, I’ve documented a mother’s second wedding and then the little flower girl’s wedding ten years later. But I guess what I’m most proud and grateful for is walking into another year with my camera. I’ve been supporting myself and my family with my craft, with a little sacrifice, for the last 15 years and I still love what I do. That is more than a lot of people can say…

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shanemacomber.com
• Phone: 206-669-1710
• Email: shane@shanemacomber.com
• Instagram: @shanemacomber and @caughtinheadlights
• Facebook: Shane Macomber

Image Credit:
@shanemacomber

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