The Beekeeper’s Lens: Why My Hives Make Me a Better Wedding Photographer

When couples ask me how I handle rain on a wedding day, they expect me to talk about umbrellas or backup indoor locations. They usually don't expect me to talk about bees.

In addition to being a photographer, I’m a beekeeper. And while that might seem like a distant hobby, it’s actually my most valuable tool for wedding day logistics. My bees have taught me more about timing, light, and "the calm before the storm" than any photography masterclass ever could.

1. The Original Weather App

Bees are the world’s most sensitive meteorologists. Long before a storm shows up on a digital radar, my bees know it’s coming. They can sense changes in barometric pressure and atmospheric electricity.

When I’m prepping for your wedding, I’m watching my hives. If they are frantic and rushing back to the colony, I know we have a narrow window. This "nature-first" intuition allows me to tell a bride, "Hey, let’s do your portraits now," even if the sky looks clear. Ten minutes later, when the clouds open up, we’re already inside, and I’ve already got the shots in the bag.

2. Patience and the "Golden Window"

Beekeeping requires an immense amount of patience and a steady hand. You can’t rush a hive, just like you can’t rush a wedding day. This hobby has trained my eye to look for the "Golden Window"—that moment right before the rain starts when the air goes still and the light becomes incredibly soft and cinematic.

Because I’m used to observing the subtle movements of thousands of bees, I’m hyper-aware of the subtle movements of a wedding day. I’m watching the clouds, the wind, and the light with the same focus I use when I’m inspecting a frame of honey.

3. I Don’t Fear the Elements

In beekeeping, you learn to stay calm even when things get... buzzy. That translated directly to my photography. If it starts to pour, I don’t panic. I’ve got my "protective gear" (rain sleeves and waterproof shoes) and I’m ready to work. Just like I wouldn't abandon my bees during a storm, I won't abandon the vision for your photos just because things got a little wet.

4. Lean Into the Natural Flow

Bees don't fight the weather; they adapt to it. I bring that same philosophy to your wedding. If it rains, we aren't "losing" the day—we’re gaining a different kind of beauty. The same rain that keeps my bees inside creates incredible reflections, vibrant greens, and a romantic mood that you simply can’t recreate on a sunny day.

The Bottom Line

When you hire me, you’re hiring someone who is deeply connected to the environment. I’m not just looking at a screen; I’m looking at the world. Whether it’s through a camera lens or a mesh veil, I’m always searching for the light and the story—rain or shine.