This morning I have the honour of sharing a shoot by renowned fine art film photographer, Erich McVey, featuring Canadian photographer Jessica Rose, and her husband Daniel, in an anniversary session captured on film along the Oregon Coast. I first met Erich and his wife Amy while attending Jose Villa's photography workshop in Mexico four years ago, and have since really enjoyed watching Erich's photographic career and creative work take off and inspire a new generation of film photographers, as well as challenge current wedding photographers to push their work to new limits. I've also had the privilege of having photos done by Erich, for a post-wedding session with my husband, and like so many others, can't say enough about my experience working with both him and Amy.

Since Jessica is a fine art wedding photographer herself who has transitioned into shooting film, I thought I'd ask her to share her experience of learning from and being photographed by one of the truly exceptional talents in our industry today. Below in her own words, is a testimonial that I think will inspire brides, vendors, and photographers alike.

"The greatest artists do so much more than create beautiful things, they build up and strengthen artists around them, humbly enabling even more beauty to come into the world. That is what we found in Erich, not only an incredible artist who took images that we will treasure forever, but someone who went the extra mile to help me on my journey as an artist which I will never forget..

Our shoot with Erich on the Oregon coast was meaningful in so many ways. Firstly, being on the other side of the camera was such a good reminder that choosing a photographer means trusting them to tell your story. It can be nerve-racking because we all feel like we know our stories best, we know our best features and what we think we want, but when we invite in a photographer we give them (and we HAVE to give them) license to tell the story they are seeing through their eyes. I can tell you from experience that choosing someone we trusted not only as an incredible photographer but also as a very kind and intentional person put us completely at ease, allowing us the freedom to just be ourselves.

Another thing I noticed from witnessing a film session for the first time was the pace. Every shot was so intentional and thought out, and it created an atmosphere that wasn’t rushed in any way. In between switching film rolls we got to know Erich and his story, and it created an environment through which we could really connect. Having now switched fully to film myself, I love this time with my couples and the natural way stories can unfold when given that important time and space.

Lastly, it is a pretty incredible experience to see yourself and the person you love in works of art, and that is truly what a great fine art film photographer will do. They will learn your story, the uniqueness that exists only between you two, and then use the lighting, the scenery, and all of the skills and talents they have to create beautiful and meaningful art. The softness of film, the trueness of the colours, the way it captures movement…all of these thing combine and (in my mind) make it the most incredible medium through which to capture the most beautiful stories.

For all these reasons and many, many more, our shoot with Erich was the beginning of an incredible journey for me as an artist into the film photography world and I couldn’t be more thankful. So Erich, thanks again for telling our story so well, and for the way you have and continue to come alongside and build up so many artists along the way.” -- Jessica Rose Photography

For more Oregon Coast inspiration, you'll love this ethereal Coastal bridal shoot by When He Found Her, and might also want to check out this beachside elopement by Caileigh Kyle. For more work by Jessica Rose featured here on Vale + Vine, take a peek at this Ontario engagement session, filled with fall inspiration.

Credits // Photography - Erich McVey / Testimonial - Jessica Rose Photography / Location - Oregon Coast / Film Lab - Photovision //

Oregon Coast Anniversary Session