Check Out Etienne Warnery’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Etienne Warnery

Hi Etienne, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey in photography started back in 2006 when I tested a friend’s camera and fell in love at first sight. Before then, I had been attracted to photography for years. I read many books on it, but never gave it a chance because it was expensive and complicated at the time of film photography. So, when I tried my friend’s digital DSLR it was instant love. I went to a store the next day and bought the exact same camera. I usually spend hours making a decision to buy myself something, but this time I just did it with my gut instinct! It was a Nikon D70, and since then I have never left that brand. In 2011, I moved from France, where I was born and raised, to the USA. I worked as a mechanical engineer designing mountain bikes for the best brands. I was employed in Connecticut for Cannondale/GT, and in California for Specialized. I had some pretty good success, and designed the best bikes of their time. In 2019, I moved to Kansas City. I had to work remotely, and it was not a good fit for me or my companies so much anymore. I came to the conclusion that I needed to move on. For many years, people around me have told me I should be a photographer instead of a mechanical engineer. It took me a while to listen to the people who love me the most, but in September of 2023, I decided to jump right into wedding photography. I have never looked back since. It was so obviously what I needed to do for years. It is the perfect balance of entrepreneurship with its set of challenges, socialization and creativity. I get to know some amazing people that love each other, and I can help them express it to the world through photography. It fills me up with good vibrations for weeks! And of course it is a way for me to be an artist and make something of beauty that people enjoy.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest struggles right now are to have to do so many things at once to get started. I need to set processes, find good tools, invest, set some time aside to learn, work on my craft, manage the communication (instagram, website) on top of actually doing the photographer’s expected work. I feel like there is not enough time in the day to get all of this done. The biggest obstacle I am facing currently is to find my own clients. Fortunately, I am taking photographs at many weddings via working for a studio, but ideally, I want to get my own brides and grooms, as I am able to serve them better! The photographer and the couple develop a unique relationship during a wedding. We (photographers) get to see them in some pretty emotionally intimate situations and that creates a special bond. I develop that relationship as much as possible before and after the wedding so the global experience is more enjoyable and memorable for them. Getting to know each other before the wedding makes the wedding day easier, more fun, and personal. It is a way to get more meaningful photographs for them as I know what they value most. I also have more clues to understand what I am witnessing, and therefore know when it is an important moment.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a wedding photographer. My goal is to be known for my authentic and joyful photographs that document and tell the story of the wedding day. I thrive when I catch an emotion or a story with a good technical attribute (background, light, composition) that makes a photograph beautiful. I’m on the hunt for little moments during the wedding day. I am an emotional sponge that is inspired by what is surrounding me, and I excel at capturing these moments in a picture.
I have been making albums for myself and my family for years and I know how valuable they are, so I include them in my package as part of a way to tell the story of the day. I know the future selves of my brides and grooms, or their children, will treat it like a precious treasure!

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I listen to a lot of podcasts about weddings and photography in French. It’s kind of a way to not feel so uprooted while still learning a lot about my trade! I have also enrolled in SLR Lounge, which is an amazing teaching and coaching platform dedicated to wedding photographers. I think this alone has helped me save many years of struggling during the start-up of my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.atnfoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atnwarneryfoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551694674170