I met Sharon Coker of Sharon Coker Photography when she was just getting started. I immediately loved her work because it was new, fresh, a little edgy and artistic. Over the years, Sharon has attended numerous workshops and her work is soaring. I’m excited that we are featuring Sharon Coker Photography as this week’s Vendor of the Week. Many of these photos and brides have appeared on the pages of Premier Bride of Mississippi!
How long have you been in business? 8 years
How did you get started? I have always had a love for art. I went to The University of Mississippi majoring in art, but had no idea how I would apply that to my every day life. Then, for a wedding present, my oldest brother (who is also a photographer) gave me my very first DSLR camera and a 50mm lens. He taught me lighting techniques here and there, and the rest I taught myself, I begged friends and family to let me take their photos, and gladly allowed me to practice on them. From there I taught myself photoshop and started styling and producing more elaborate shoots. With attention came paying clients and then I was asked to start shooting weddings and engagement photos. And as they say, the rest is history.
What do you like most about what you do? I love all the different people that I get to meet. Most of these people would never cross my path without the connection of photography, so for that I am grateful. I also love being able to be creative every day. No day is ever the same and plainly, I just have a fun job. I get to play dress up and create portraits that will linger for many years to come. Creating a positive memory for my clients is honestly the coolest thing in the world to me.
Tell us about you and your company: what you do, special service, products, exclusives, etc.: I am a wedding, fashion, portrait photographer who offers a fun approach to portrait photography. I am inspired by a movement, color, love, and happy people.
If you could give a bride one tip/one bit of advice, what would that be? I would say: please don’t use spray tan in the few weeks prior to the wedding. In my experience, this has not turned out well for any of the brides that have done this. Also, I would say to have fun! This is the biggest, most important day of your life so far and possibly one of the only times in life that you will have every person you love in the same place at the same time. Cherish that time with your friends and family and really live in that moment.
Any funny stories to share (no names please)? Once when I was shooting a wedding reception at a country club and the whole wedding party was being introduced and were entering the room via a very large staircase in the center of the room. Each bridesmaid was being escorted in by a groomsman except the maid of honor, who was wearing the highest heels that I have ever seen. She made it about 3/4 of the way down the stairs and then fell down the stairs only to land on the mother of the groom at the bottom of the stairs. Neither of the ladies were injured (thank goodness), but I’ll bet she won’t be wearing those shoes again!
Another funny story: Once when I was shooting a reception, it came the time to do the garter/bouquet toss. The groom had decided that he wanted to go first , so we went ahead and did the garter toss. Once that was done we moved straight into the bouquet toss. All the ladies made their way to the dance floor and the bride got right in front of me. The countdown began, 3..2..1.. TOSS! When the bride tossed her flowers, she also forgot that her strapless dress was a little big at the top! The top of her dress dropped right as I took the photo! Oops! Needless to say, that image was a little too indecent to show, so I deleted it immediately!
Sharon’s studio is located in Fondren at 425 E. Mitchell Ave., Jackson, MS 30216. You can contact her by calling, 601-398-1345, or emailing her: photos@sharoncoker.com. Visit Sharon’s website for more information to see more of her incredible work: www.sharoncoker.com
