March 5, 2021
Ryan Sneddon
|
Publisher
In the ranks of coolest jobs, "award-winning married photo + video duo for chill folks" must be near the top. Throw in world travel—16 countries and counting—and you have what most people would call a "dream job."
That's Victoria Selman, plus husband Hunter. You might think such a cool couple would live in Manhattan, or maybe Los Angeles. But Victoria and Hunter choose to live right here in Severna Park.
Victoria and Hunter met at a church youth group in Pennsylvania. Two years later, Hunter asked her out. She said no. He asked again. Same story. But Hunter didn't quit and on the third try, Victoria agreed.
College came around and they went to separate schools. Hunter's a year older and when he graduated, he got his dream job at PRS Guitars, where he's now the Creative Manager. Except (no digs to Kent Island), Hunter chose to live in Annapolis. After finishing up school—and a brief stint on a farm in Tortola—Victoria joined Hunter in Annapolis.
They got engaged a month later and married three months after that.
Victoria was set up for a cushy career after graduating college with a degree in Applied Anatomy and Physiology. The original plan was to pursue a physical therapy doctorate, have job security, and guaranteed income.
Victoria however, ditched it all and went into wedding photography.
It all started when a friend of a friend of a friend had their wedding photographer cancel on them. The aforementioned friend said, "I know someone with a camera." It was true. Hunter & Victoria did have cameras. But they were also very much amateurs.
But when your photographer cancels two weeks before the vows, you'd probably be grateful to have Grandma Jane snapping blurry pictures with her iPad. So there wasn't much pressure.
"We photographed this wedding and they were so happy just to have someone there that they gave us full creative freedom. They said do whatever you want. We're just happy we'll have proof this happened."
Victoria told me she and Hunter still look back on those photos with pride.
Victoria was hooked. But instead of going for the white-steepled, bell-tolling weddings from movies, she went for elopements and small weddings. Hunter films wedding videos and together they form a photo & video team for a seamless, stress-free experience. Since much of their work involves travel, they find clients "who feel like friends and are worth spending time away from home for". In other words, "people who rock."
"It prevents us from bridezillas. Which is a big benefit."
That first wedding paid $1,000. Now Victoria charges almost $6,000 for a wedding photography package. She's photographed in Greece and Iceland. But she says the travel draws her closer to home.
"There was a wedding in Mexico where the couple hired us for five days, not just the wedding day. They had twenty-five guests. The concept was to gather their family and friends and explore, relax, and celebrate together for a week. We documented their adventures to the Mayan ruins, a local cenote (a turquoise blue water-filled cave), sunsets on the beach, & treasured all of these beautiful moments.
It was certainly something we'll never forget. We felt so bonded with the family that by the time the couple's wedding day rolled around it was really special to celebrate. I noticed on that day I was really emotionally invested because I knew each guest personally. The only other time that's happened was on my own wedding day. That whole experience was really, really special."
You can see all the Mexico photos for yourself on Victoria's blog.
"A lot of what I do is based on the couple themselves. I'll play into who they are as a couple - goofy, quiet, energetic, etc. - to create photos that represent their relationship.
And the light is always different no matter how well you plan. So a lot of it is like, 'let's stand over here. This light is interesting.'
Or I say a lot, 'I have something really weird, it's either going to be gold or it's going to be trash. You want to get weird with me?'
Every time they say, 'Yes. Please be weird.'"
"Earthy, with warm, amber tones. Capturing memories in a chill, artistic way is what we're all about. I'd say we love the dark and moody style, but nothing that feels heavy or too somber."
Quiet Waters Park. Great nature vibe.
Sony. We used to be Canon but now we're Sony. They're powerhouses.
We're usually knee-deep in a renovation project in our house, backyard, or our recent rental property reno. I like to work with my hands so I've been really into pottery recently at the Providence Center down the road. I also like snuggling my cat.
And we love going on adventures, hikes, & exploring new places. Adventure brings purpose into our photos. We're always on the hunt for a new spot to take a cool couple.
You can see more of Victoria and Hunter's work and book them from their awesome website!
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