Meet Ben Adams | Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ben Adams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ben, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I’m a wedding photographer, but the real impact of what I do goes beyond just capturing a beautiful day.

Yes, I’m there for the big moments, the laughs, the tears, the dance floor party. But what really matters to me is what happens after the wedding. Most photographers deliver a gallery and call it a day. For me, that’s just the start.

Every couple I work with gets a dedicated reveal experience. It’s emotional, intentional, and unforgettable. And it always ends with something you can actually hold in your hands. A handcrafted album that tells their story the way it deserves to be told.

Over 350 couples have one of these albums in their home form working with me. Not sitting in a Dropbox folder or buried in an email, but out in the open, on a coffee table, in the living room, where people actually gather. When friends come over, they flip through the pages and relive the story together. When family visits, they get pulled into the emotion of that day all over again.

These prints and albums aren’t just for the couple. They’re for their parents, their future kids, their grandkids someday. It’s a way to preserve a legacy, to keep a story alive and shared for generations. That’s the kind of impact I want my work to have. Not just beautiful photos, but real connection. Real memories. Something that brings people together.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is about emotional energy. That’s what I’m drawn to and what I chase on a wedding day. As much as I’m an artist, I’m just as focused on understanding my couples, their values, their wants, their needs. Because once I know that, I know what to look for. I know who matters most to them. I know which moments will carry the most weight years down the road. And that’s what I photograph.

I’m not just showing up to take pretty pictures. I’m there to tell a story that feels honest and alive. I want my couples to see their photos and actually feel something. Not just “Oh wow, that looks nice,” but “Oh my god, I forgot that moment existed,” or “That’s exactly how it felt to be there.” I want them to lose their minds in the best way.

What sets me apart is that I don’t approach weddings with a formula. I show up with intention, but I let the day unfold. I look for the real stuff, the in-between moments, the raw interactions that can’t be staged. The work I’m most proud of is the kind you can’t recreate. It’s the photo of a dad gripping his daughter’s hand a little tighter than usual. It’s a grandmother wiping away a tear when no one’s looking. It’s a groom laughing in a way he only does around his best friend. That’s the stuff that lasts. That’s what stands the test of time.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I’ve spent over a decade figuring out what matters most, both to me and to the people I photograph. I’ve made mistakes, felt burnt out, questioned if I was doing it right. But the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that if you lead with care, curiosity, and a commitment to telling the truth through your art, the right people will find you.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about my brand, it’s this. Your story is worth preserving. Not just the highlight reel, but the real, raw, imperfect beauty of it all. That’s what I’m here for.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I actually just moved to Wilmington, North Carolina recently, so I’m still getting to know the city, but I already love it here. There’s something really special about this place. It has a laid-back coastal vibe but still feels full of life and creativity.

We’d definitely kick off the week at Wrightsville Beach. The water is insanely clear and blue, and catching a sunrise there is like something out of a movie. I went the other day and the light was so cinematic it felt like I was stepping into a film scene. That’s a must.

Food-wise, I’ve already found a few favorites. Indochine is this awesome spot with a beautiful outdoor garden and some of the best Thai and Vietnamese food I’ve had. Olivero has an upscale vibe with great Mediterranean flavors. Kipos has incredible Greek food, and for pizza or Italian comfort food, Benny’s Big Time is solid. We’d probably hit all of them throughout the week.

For coffee, Casa Blanca is my go-to right now. Super good drinks and a great space to hang out or get a little work done if needed. I’ve also heard Bespoke Coffee downtown is a local favorite, so that’s on my list to try next.

We’d definitely explore downtown Wilmington. Tons of cool shops, good energy, and it’s all right along the Cape Fear River. You can walk the Riverwalk, catch some live music, grab drinks, or just wander into places and see what happens.

There’s also something kind of magical about the mix of beach life and historic charm here. The neighborhoods have character, the locals have been super welcoming, and it just feels like a place where good memories get made.

So the itinerary wouldn’t be packed hour by hour, but it would be full of good food, beach mornings, sunset walks, coffee runs, and soaking up the atmosphere. That’s kind of the best way to do Wilmington anyway. Slow it down a little and really enjoy it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely. If I’m giving a shoutout, it has to go to my good friend Ben Hartley.

Ben and I have been in this industry together for a long time, and he’s played a huge role in shaping how I think about service, value, and experience, especially when it comes to albums and prints. A lot of the strategies I use today to get albums into the hands of nearly every couple I work with were born out of conversations and late night brainstorms with him. We challenged each other, swapped ideas, and dreamed up better ways to serve our clients.

He’s one of those people who genuinely wants to see others succeed, and he’s poured so much of himself into helping photographers build businesses that actually impact lives. The approach I take to storytelling, legacy, and helping couples walk away with something tangible has all been influenced by the back and forth we’ve shared over the years.

So yeah, major credit to Ben. Couldn’t have built what I have without his voice and vision along the way.

Website: https://storytelleradams.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytelleradams/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storytelleradams

Image Credits
Photographs by Storyteller Adams : https://storytelleradams.com/