TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Justin Payne's passion lies behind the lens.
"I really like the pressure of getting it right on the first try," said Payne.
That's the reason Payne said he started his own business, Echoes in Eternity LLC, to shoot Southern Arizona weddings. In the past year, the market for wedding photography has dropped off significantly.
"It's depressing really to see how much the business has changed," said Payne.
Payne said before the COVID-19 pandemic, he would shoot a couple of weddings each month. Since March, he has only shot about half a dozen.
"We've had a lot of cancellations and rescheduling. It has been difficult. There has also been opportunities in our economy's transition to delivery of services and mail order products. I've been able to reach out to some vendors and small businesses that have needed product shoots," said Payne.
By transitioning his focus, Payne has been able to keep his business alive.
"I've done product shoots for merchants that are selling things on Amazon or Ebay. I've worked with business that are offering services that were previously done in person and are now being delivered," said Payne
While he said shooting for businesses has helped pay the bills, there is nothing quite like shooting a couple's special day.
"It's such a fun and exciting day. It's one of those high watermark days in someone's life. It's just a real joy to be a part of it," said Payne.
Payne said weddings during the pandemic can still go to plan if the right precautions are taken.
"There's just a lot that's changing. I'd say be flexible but still go ahead and get married. This is a great place to get married and there's a lot of great venues to get married here," said Payne.
