PHOTOGRAPHER | Spencer Penfield

Michigan-based Spencer Penfield has been capturing weddings for over a decade. He purchased his first film camera for $50 from Craigslist during his senior year of college and has since been captivated by observing people closely; how they smile at a joke, where they cast their gaze when thinking about someone they love. People’s humanity is something he could never not want to study. With a style that is honest, nostalgic, elegant, and spontaneous, Spencer Penfield travels throughout the US and beyond.

What would you like couples to know about you?

This will now be 11 years of photographing weddings and I still get the same butterflies as if it were my first. I approach each wedding as the individual, 1 of 1 celebration that it is; none of these humans will probably be in the same room again, and I treat it with the sacredness that it deserves.

Just as much as I have my own style and approach that I bring into a wedding day, I have the couple and their perspective in mind throughout the day just as well. These images are a legacy and I treat them with utmost care, as if they were my own.

Where are you based?

I’m based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Do you travel for weddings?

Absolutely yes! I’ve been fortunate enough to photograph wedding celebrations in all four corners of the US, including a few in Europe as well. I’ll go wherever you’re going.

How would you describe your style?

Like if Documentary and Editorial went for a stroll, holding hands. One might take the lead over the other every now and then, but through it all they’re both together in stride.

Honest, nostalgic, elegant, from-the-hip.

What is your most memorable career moment?

Without a doubt, it would have to be when my wife went into labor with our firstborn when I was photographing a wedding in Detroit, 2.5 hours away. By some miracle, a friend + colleague of mine was available and able to photograph the rest of the reception for me as I sped home in the pouring rain. I thankfully made it to the hospital with about 45 minutes to spare, and was able to welcome our daughter into the world.

What inspires you?

Scandinavian architecture; photobooks ranging from NYC black and white street photography to motorcycle/chopper culture of the 1970’s; fashion ranging from NYFW to the wax canvas and selvage denim of men’s traditional workwear; the layers and textures of a flower garden; the warmth and introspectivity of a fire in the fireplace; photos of my parents when they were growing up.

How would you describe your working style?

I’m dedicated to being a calm, grounding presence on a wedding day; the best photographs come from a place of trust, so I always aim to keep things light and laid back. I like to stay sensitive to when I need to lean in to catch the moment, or when to stand back and let it play out on its own.

I recognize that there are times that more structure is appropriate, such as family photos and couples portraits, so I’m more than happy to step in and give a little more subtle direction when it’s needed.

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?

About 60/40 digital and film, respectfully. The majority of the major moments are digital, whereas the fun and whimsy are on film. And sometimes both! Light definitely plays a big part in which medium I choose to use as well. Altogether, both are used to create a cohesive body of work that feels curated and intentional.

Where would you love to travel to for work?

The list goes on and on, but the top two would have to be either Switzerland or rural Japan.

Who is your dream client?

My dream clients are those who want to be so fully immersed into their day, their guests, their family, and each other, that they forget about photos being taken. 

No sweeter words can be said than, “We trust you. We can’t wait to see what you get.” 

What is your advice to couples getting married?

Do what you love, not just what you’re told. It can be really easy to feel pressured to follow trends or trust everyone else’s intuition rather than your own. Originality can be intimidating, but we’re all secretly craving it. Your day and all that goes into it is an invitation to express yourself and what your love means to you, and that is more than enough.  

Spencer Penfield

Website: spencerpenfield.com

Instagram: @spencerpenfield