Meet Joy and Ben Clifford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy and Ben Clifford. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Our love story began years ago, with a bucket of fried chicken, long before the days of Pinterest, Facebook, and dating apps. Where else can you meet your soulmate if not at KFC? On that fateful October day in 1998, we fell in love with each other and with the delicious fried chicken and biscuits. A month later, we got engaged, and on March 26, 1999, we tied the knot. When you know, you know, right?

Ben swears it was the Colonel’s secret recipe that sealed the deal, but Joy knew it was his genuine and funny personality that won her heart. We are complete opposites, but together we are a perfect match.

Our journey to becoming wedding photographers was not the typical route. Unlike most photographers, we didn’t grow up with a passion for photography or in a household of photographers. In fact, we even decided not to hire a professional photographer to document our own wedding day, which was a huge mistake in hindsight.

It wasn’t until we had our first child, Kyan, that we realized how important capturing life’s precious moments was. In 2007, Kyan was diagnosed with rare liver cancer at just two years old. He underwent six months of intensive treatment and two liver transplants, only to have the cancer return shortly after.

During this trying time, a friend who was just starting his career in portrait and wedding photography offered to take family photos for us. Little did we know that saying yes would have such a profound impact on us. He not only captured beautiful photos, but he also documented a moment in our lives that we will never forget. We can relive the love and emotion we felt that day through his photos, and we are forever grateful to him for that gift.

This experience made us realize that photos and moments can live on while life is short. That’s why we photograph weddings. For us, documenting unique love stories and creating memories you will cherish forever is an honor and privilege.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Becoming a wedding photographer is a dream for many people, but the road to success is rarely smooth.

The same was true for us.

There are several struggles along the way, especially in the beginning, from gaining the necessary skills, building a reputation and portfolio, learning how to work best with clients, and so much more.

One of the initial struggles in becoming a wedding photographer is gaining the technical skills necessary to produce high-quality photos. This requires a good understanding of photography fundamentals and an ability to adapt to different lighting conditions, weather, and locations. Unfortunately, it can take years of practice and experience to hone these skills.

Additionally, the business side of being a wedding photographer can be challenging. This really took us by surprise, as it does most photographers. You are marketing yourself, managing finances, and working with clients, only to name a few things. This was a big struggle for us to learn in the first few years.

Finally, the nature of wedding photography itself can be unpredictable. Weddings are often fast-paced and require quick thinking and adaptability to capture the right shots. We must be able to handle unexpected situations, such as changes in weather or last-minute changes to the schedule.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As wedding photographers, our work is centered around capturing each couple’s unique love story. We specialize in creating timeless and romantic images that will be cherished forever.

What sets us apart from others in our field is our ability to truly connect with our clients and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera. We strive to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere on the day of the wedding, allowing the couple to fully immerse themselves in the experience without feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable.

We are known for our attention to detail and our ability to capture the small, intimate moments that make each wedding day so special. The little moments – a tender touch, a loving glance, a shared laugh – are what truly make a wedding day memorable, and we make it our mission to capture those moments for our clients.

What we are most proud of is the countless happy clients we have had the pleasure of working with over the years. Being able to capture and preserve the memories of one of the most important days in a couple’s life is an incredible honor, and we take that responsibility very seriously.

In addition to the photography side, we are also skilled communicators and problem-solvers. We are able to work seamlessly with wedding planners, vendors, and other members of the wedding party to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the wedding.

Our passion for photography and commitment to creating a positive and memorable experience for our clients sets us apart from others in our field. Our ability to connect with our clients, capture the small moments, and work collaboratively with others is what makes us truly exceptional wedding photographers.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The wedding photography industry has seen significant growth over the last few years (minus Covid-19), and we expect that to continue. Couples are looking for unique and personalized ways to capture their special day, and wedding photography is a crucial aspect of that.

One of the significant shifts that we can expect to see in the industry is the adoption of new technologies. With the advancement of AI and machine learning, we can expect wedding photography to become more automated and efficient, allowing photographers to capture more moments without sacrificing quality.

Another significant trend we see is the rise of non-traditional wedding ceremonies or elopements. As couples prioritize their unique personalities and values, wedding photographers must adapt to capture these unique ceremonies, which may not follow traditional wedding norms.

Contact Info:

• Website: joyandbenphotography.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/joyandbenphotography/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/joyandbenphotography/

Image Credits
Joy and Ben Photography