We were happy to have a brief email interview with Pat Furey the other day. He’s been named one of 30 Rising Stars of wedding photography by Rangefinder magazine [November 2013].
How did you get started in photography?
I’m the type of person who really gets into things I enjoy or want to learn more about. Photography was my first real obsession. I remember countless months, maybe years, of reading and learning and trying my best to make images that matched what I wanted to create in my head. During this entire process of attempting to find myself creatively, I was approached my someone who wanted me to document their wedding. I initially said no. Worrying it would be too stressful, or not allow me to flex my still-developing (and I’ve recently learned it’s always developing) creative wings. The couple assured me that it would be fun and I could do whatever I wanted. The wedding looked amazing, I shared it everywhere I could online. Before you know it, I was busy shooting 30 weddings a year for really creative and fun couples all over the world.
I enjoyed the hell out of that first wedding, and I still document in a way that is true to myself and my own vision. I had no idea that one could make a career out of making images and I try to never lose sight of that and enjoy the ride.
What has contributed to your success?
Loads of hard work and people skills. Being kind, trying my best, and treating people the way you’d expect to be treated will never do you wrong.
Favorite place to travel (so far)?
Iceland, by far. That country is insanely beautiful and the people are the most kind. I would live there if I could.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Create your own luck and be kind along the way.
Business philosophy?
Create your own luck and be kind along the way. ;) 
Most important element to convey in your photography?
The connection and love between two people, their closest friends, and their families is really important to me and the people I photograph. At some point, you need to sit your ego down and have a conversation with yourself. Why am I here? What is ultimately the goal of these images in the long term? I’d like to think what I do is “stylized photojournalism.” I make really good portraits of couples that flatter them, without being too hands on, and then really focus on capturing connections and moments with them interacting with friends and family.
If you’d like to know more about Pat, take a look at his website right here. He’s on Twitter, too. Also, Facebook. Last but not least, you can follow him on Instagram. Stay tuned for some exciting workshop opportunities from this guy, too. It’s pretty top secret right now, but in a couple more months we’ll know all about it.
