About Us
My name is Gretchen Birdwell…lots of people call me Gretchen B since my name is so long. Takes a long time to write it, too, so I sometimes use just my initials (yes, that’s why I have a “gb” wax seal which may turn up at the oddest places). I love reading books of all kinds–I even find time to read books with subjects other than photography techniques!
I started playing around with photography on a junior high school trip to our state’s capital, Raleigh, and have had cameras ever since.
Life is interesting on so many levels…the twists and turns of fate brought me to wedding (over 5 years ago) and portrait photography (over 10 years ago). I would not change it for anything.
Just as your wedding day will have many twists and turns, whether according to plan or completely off course, remember that champagne is your answer.
I am based in the Birmingham, Alabama, area. I have a studio in Old Town Helena where the buildings of the 1800’s house a cool coffee shop, my hair stylist, a stained glass shop (one of the few glass blowers around), an old time barber shop (hot shave for your groom!), an art gallery and frame shop with one of the most talented framers I’ve ever met.
My studio is on Buck Creek which feeds into the Cahaba River. The old buildings, narrow streets, park with a walking trail, and creek including a spillway, make for interesting backdrops for engagement environmental portraits. I also maintain an office for consultations in centrally located Cahaba Heights.
I am a Certified Professional Photographer…translation: I care enough about my work and your memories to continue growing my skills with posing (love the look of unposed photos–it takes skill to create those!), lighting, and my cameras.
My husband, Buddy, is an associate photographer. My children are mostly grown–my son is 21; my daughter, 16. We have a most loving dog (a stray who adopted us 12 years ago), and a recent addition to our family is a tiny kitten my daughter found in the mall parking lot.
I am available to travel to faraway and exotic locations…after all, I am a freestyle wedding photographer for stylish people.