Glancing through Andre Brown’s portfolio, one can’t help but notice all the gorgeous couples, outfits and locations that abound. “I like things to be stylish and fashion forward,” the photographer says, “with cool grooms and elegant brides. I want my clients to feel like they are stepping off the pages of their favorite fashion magazine.” To achieve that look, Brown always uses directional light, natural or otherwise. “I want the shadows to provide shape and depth and even mystery,” he says.

The MagMod and Light in Motion brand ambassador, who has won second- and third-place awards in WPPI’s The Annual print competition, says he has accomplished a lot in a short time and now wants to help others do the same. “I went from watching YouTube videos to learn photography to teaching workshops and speaking at conferences,” Brown explains. “Now I want to help other photographers starting out know that their goals are attainable. They just have to stay positive and stay the course.”

Check out the official announcement of this year’s 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography, along with the editors’ observations on the list of 2020.