One of the questions that other photographers often ask us is where we find our inspiration.  In all honesty, we don't spend a lot of time looking at what other wedding photographers are doing.  We have an awareness of what's out there, but we don't really look at what other people do, you know?

As we get this question more and more often we have found ourselves really thinking about what inspires us.  What moves us?  More often than not we are inspired by each other and by our clients.  Steve and I are pretty competitive and we feed off each other.  If he makes a kick butt image during a session, then I have to go out and get a better one the next time around.  We push each other to use light differently, to see differently, and to do something unique each and every time we pick up the camera.  It's not about going through the motions...it's about making something we have done before different and fun every time we do it.

Each month we're going to highlight someone we find inspirational. We each have blogs that we check regularly and people that we admire.  We want to share them with you so that you can see the amazing success of people that lead rather than follow. 

Most recently we have found ourselves drawn to the successes of Jeffrey and Julia Woods.  These guys live in a little town in Illinois, have four children, and have managed to build an incredibly successful photography business from the ground up.

Not only have they created an amazing studio and the business to support it, they have also managed to stay on the cusp of most photography trends.  They have been instrumental in the shift we see towards vintage, roughed up images.  They produce consistently amazing work week after week.  And did I mention they have four kids?

If you are a photographer looking for inspiration, please check these guys out.  Don't copy them, please.  Use them to inspire you to find your way.  They found their path and we should let them walk it unfettered.