Hello, I am Andy!
I am a sports, portrait and event photographer based in Gate City, VA. I am originally from the area, born in Kingsport, Tn. I attended Daniel Boone High School and graduated in 2002. I now live with my family in Gate City, VA. Here are some random facts about me:
- I am very happily married to my best friend, Lisa Meade. We live with our family in Gate City, VA. I have a 10 year old daughter and Lisa has an 18 year old son.
- We have a giant, loveable Silly dog. Her name is Stella and she is a 2 year old Great Dane.
- We love food....SERIOUSLY! Steak, pizza and chocolate. Any of those are welcomed tips or "favorite photographer gifts"
- Charleston, SC is my favorite place in The US. (Lisa and I were married there)
- I love sports. All sports. I played basketball and baseball growing up and through school. I enjoy photographing them as much or more than I did playing them. I love the reactions and emotions that sports bring out and I try hard to capture those moments.
- My favorite team... Florida Gators
- I love fishing. When i was growing up my dream was to be a pro bass fisherman. That obviously didn't work out, but who would REALLY want to do that for work anyways?
I like to try and keep sessions fun. So, expect several stupid and equally bad "dad jokes". I'm very open to your suggestions for your session and in fact, i want them from you. Each and every session I have will include a short meet and greet before our session. We will either meet in person or via Zoom/google meet video conference. I want to be sure i know your expectations and i want us to be comfortable working with each other. your best photos will be when you are relaxed and having fun.
“Some People want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen”
Testimonials
“Andy does some of the best pictures around. He makes the experience feel extremely personalized and is great at holding conversation! The pictures turned out perfect, definitely recommend to anyone looking for a high-quality photographer!”
“Andy is a great photographer and all of his pictures are very detailed! Him and Lisa are very fun to be around and I am very much looking forward to many more pictures with them. I highly recommend getting any type of pictures done with them!”
“Having my pictures taken by Andy was an amazing experience! Him and his wife, Lisa, make the entire time very enjoyable because of their lovable personalities. Not only are the pictures great, but the session is as well. From making sure you’re comfortable to cracking jokes, Andy Meade Photography is a great pick for any photographic needs!”
“I want to brag for just a minute and say how awesome and amazing Andy Meade Photography . He took Malachi’s pictures last night, and I already have them back today!!! Amazing service, beautiful pictures. If you are on the fence about whether to get your kids sports pictures done just do it!!! These pictures made me cry! I am so glad that I got him to do his pictures! I just wish I could have this done every year! What are you waiting on??? Give him a call!!!”
My equipment
CAmera
My Main camera is a nikon d5. i use it for all types of photography but mostly for sports due to its excellent auto focus and high iso capabilities for difficult lighting. I do have a Nikon D810 as a backup and main portrait camera.
Lens
Everyone always wants to ask, "Just exactly how far can you see with that thing?"
a Few of my favorites that I use:
- Nikon 400mm f/2.8. This is the go-to bread and butter sports lens. I will use it for nearly any sport i shoot.
- Sigma 85mm F/1.4. This is my most widely used portrait lens. I never go to shoot portraits without it. I will sometimes use it for basketball as well.
- Nikon 70-200mm F/2.8. Maybe my most versatile lens. I use this for portraits and sports.
Lights
I use All Profoto lights, mostly B1's, and Profoto modifiers. I believe the have the best quality and most consistent color light available. Their modifiers produce beautiful soft light for dreamy portraits. I also have reflectors for hard light for gritty sport portraits.