| Nearly every weekend is jam packed for Terri Baskin ’99. In fact, the hardworking photographer is more than happy to have limited down time.
What keeps her schedule so tight is also what has her named to The Knot Wed100 list and offers her the opportunity to travel nationally and internationally to the likes of Paris, Jamaica, St. Thomas, New Orleans and more.
“As a [part time] wedding photographer, I put in just as much work as a full-time photographer. I carry a full load,” said Baskin. “Normally I do anywhere between 20-25 weddings per year. That’s full time for most photographers. I’m slated to shoot 27 so far this year.”
Growing up, Baskin was surrounded by photography and was introduced to what she calls the “old school” method of dark rooms and developing film.
“My dad was a wedding photographer. When he came home from weddings I would see him processing film in his dark room. Seeing those final images piqued my interest in photography at a young age,” she said. “I was always the friend who had the camera.”
Baskin purchased her first camera while in graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University, as an outlet for her creative side.
As much as she loved watching her father, developed a passion and  enjoyed the freedom of photography, her academic and professional career followed what might be considered a more structured path.
“I graduated from A&T with a degree in transportation and logistics. Upon graduation, I went to work in corporate America. My plan was just to stay in my field of study. But after about 10 years I left transportation and logistics and began working in pharmaceutical sales, which is mostly driven by FDA regulations and you don’t have much creativity with that,” said Baskin.
And Baskin has a definite need to let her creative juices flow. Photography happens to fit the bill.
“I’ve always been a creative person. Before photography, I lived in the Los Angeles area and even tried a little acting. I do website design as well,” she said. “But photography has been my passion. It drives me and makes me happy.”
Although Baskin admits it sounds sappy, she simply “loves love,” which is why she is primarily a wedding photographer. And for her and the hundreds of couples that have been able to book her, it’s more than just a “gig” or side-hustle. It’s being able to capture the emotion of lifetime moments.
“I want people to see the story and emotion behind the image. That’s what I try to do. I try to tell a story, especially for a wedding day from start to finish,” said Baskin.
Admittedly, she says there is a bit of pressure, particularly when she travels to various destinations, but it only motivates her to make each photoshoot better than the last.
While she was “floored” to discover she had been named among the top 100 wedding professionals by The Knot, one of the world’s most well-known and trusted wedding websites and sources, she says it was indeed a blessing and an immense honor.
Baskin has also been featured in other online and print publications. She is recognized by The Knot online, in print and through its various showcases.
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