Pam Bredenkamp of Signature Studio

Coffee Talk with Pam Bredenkamp of Signature Studio

It doesn't take long for people to realize why Pamela Bredenkamp, owner and principal photographer of Signature Studio, is a great success! Her artistic eye, enthusiasm, and love for wedding photography are apparent in every photograph she takes. This month we had the pleasure of interviewing Pamela Bredenkamp over "Coffee Talk".

WC: How did you get started in photography?

PB: I have always been fascinated with photography even as a youngster. When looking back at old photos from family gatherings you would have thought I never attended - that's because I was always taking the pictures! Later, while living in California, I refined my skills and furthered my education at West Hill Collage. Professionally I started as an aerial photographer, owning my own business named "From a Bird's Eye View" and working under my maiden name "Segall". I loved flying but I didn't do the flying - I had three different pilots depending on where and how fast I had to get to a project. The only thing I wanted to know about flying is how to land - just in case, you know. It's funny how things happen though, friends knew I was a professional photographer so they would ask me to photograph their wedding, or family, or event, and things just grew from there. Now that I'm back home in St. Louis I keep my feet well planted on the ground!

WC: Although your portfolio includes several types of photography (seniors, corporate, and portraits), what motivated you to devote a majority of your talent and energy to wedding photography?

PB: I love weddings! I love everything there is about a wedding. I love the feelings of love and joy that are beautifully reflected in the eyes, the smile, and the whole presence of the bride and groom. This is a day when each moment becomes a separate, precious event of significance.

WC: Do you consider yourself a traditional or photojournalistic wedding photographer?

PB: I am a photographer that offers a "California flair". But if I had to categorize myself I would say I am a romantic photographer. What I mean by that is I will do whatever it takes to capture the romance between the couple. And how do I tell which way it will be? Well, I get a good idea during our consultations but it is very apparent during the engagement session. And it is during the engagement session that I really see how they work together, how comfortable they are in front of the camera, if they are blinkers, etc. I capture the wedding through the eyes of a woman and an artist - blending a combination of all styles to create "story telling" images that show a more intimate vision of the wedding.

WC: What are your thoughts on photojournalism vs. traditional wedding photography and which do you consider your favorite?

PB: I love both styles. I think there is a place for both. That's why we offer two photographers to cover your wedding. My associate and I are able to blend a combination of traditional, romantic, and photojournalistic images to create two perspectives of your wedding day.

WC: In your opinion, while planning their wedding, what can the couple do to help maximize the value of the photographer at the wedding?

PB: Have a REAL understanding about where and when you want to take photographs. So often the time to travel between locations is underestimated (or forgotten) when setting up a schedule for the day. That's where a professional comes in. Working with your photographer and event planner makes all the difference in the world! Let's face it -- a wedding is a wonderful day but it can also be a very, very stressful day if things are not planned properly.

It is also very important that family and wedding party know and understand any time limitations at the church.

WC: Do you photograph in color or black-and-white?

PB: We offer both color and true, silver based, black-and-white photography.

WC: Do you photograph outside of Missouri? The United States?

PB: Yes, we have been called to do weddings in California and Maryland.

Read other interviews at the Club Cafe.