The Content Couple

Access staffers love nothing more than a photoshoot. And while we plot and plan, if the photographer isn’t up to the challenge, the results can fall flat. We’ve also become quite adept in the event planning arena and with the demands of social media, videography has become another common talent we seek. Meeting Patrick and Shaylyn (Shay) Pickett, who relocated from Virginia to the Bay area, left us feeling like the clouds parted and a bright light of sunshine landed on our shoulders as they do both. A power couple that radiates talent and determination, they capture both personal and professional content with the joy, creativity, and skill we all seek. Just go ahead and add their information to your contacts now.

By Hayley Hill Photos of Patrick & Shay Amber Michelle Photography, JonesAmberMichelle@gmail.com Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com Hair Jason Chambers, 251.689.7427

Here to follow their passion in the world of photography and videography, Patrick and Shay piqued our interest when we realized they work together. Knowing our Mardi Gras photoshoot was going to be a challenge with one day to photograph 8 Leading Ladies for their individual stories as well as a cover. Considering the time constraints that revolve around hair, makeup, and wardrobe fittings, it was a tall order, and we knew a duo would be perfect to meet the endless content creating demands of this photoshoot. 

Thrilled with the results and knowing everyone from brides to event planners and media businesses are constantly looking for those who can provide both creative photography and videography that stands out, we wanted to know more about Patrick and Shay. “For the first few years Patrick focused on building, networking, and learning while obtaining the necessary equipment to build our business. Once we felt like we could provide the best experience, we took a leap of faith and opened Pickett Media Group in 2021,” Shay tells us.

With a long list of services that includes portraits, headshots, maternity, engagement, wedding, commercial, real estate, automotive, lifestyle, branding, events, highlight films, ceremony films, and destination weddings, Patrick and Shay do it all with smiles and infectious positivity. “We offer drone services, full frame, medium format, and 4K video processing to ensure the highest quality with extremely quick turnaround times. We’re able to release photos on site as an added benefit for our clients that like to use social media real-time,” Shay adds.

And the feedback they’ve received is a testament to their ability to meet the varied needs of their clients. “We’ve earned incredible feedback from our clients that ranges from the 2023 Couple’s Choice Award on Wedding Wire, the 2023 Best of Weddings on The Knot, and being named Nappie Award finalists for Best Wedding Videographer in 2023. We were also chosen for Hangout Fest and several Mardi Gras balls. These accomplishments remind us that we are doing the right thing by our clients,” Shay explains. Chiming in, Patrick adds, “We were also blessed with the opportunity to photograph and film Access Magazine’s Merry “Pinkmas” event and given the absolute honor of documenting the Leading Ladies for the recent Mardi Gras issue!”

While some may think we overdo it when it comes to an Access photoshoot, we have fond memories of Patrick and Shay racing about downtown Mobile clicking away with joy even as the sunlight was long gone. Shay explains, “It’s better to overshoot as you can’t recreate an event to get the images you should have captured.”

As the man behind the lens, Patrick explains, “I’m motivated by capturing still and moving images to convey couples and brands in a cinematic fashion. The story is always “king” and through researching and collaborating, half the battle is won. We use creativity, music, translations, pacing, and color grading to help portray a client’s vision and we love to utilize drone footage as well. Having learned photography and videography through hands-on experiences, I also earned certifications from Canon, Sony, and Fujifilm. From there, I observed there is a big need for a local “hybrid” photography and videography business. Because this is our passion and purpose, we provide an unmatched customized experience that is reasonably priced, too.” 

As the backbone of the business tasks, Shay shares, “My background is in business management, sales, and customer service. I started working in film in high school and have been able to incorporate my background in musical studies into the work we do, too. It’s our goal understand our client’s point of view and to be there for them during a special time in their life. That is our greatest joy, and we pride ourselves on being kind and personable so that our clients are comfortable and confident.”

As for life-work balance, Patrick shares, “My wife is the steam to the locomotive that is Pickett Media Group. She often coaches and handles a lot of the behind the scenes planning and production work and I don’t take that for granted!” Sharing the sentiment, Shay adds, “I’ve been honored to be Patrick’s helpmate! I like to focus on the details while he focuses on the creativity. We complement each other very well! “

As for being a part of a wedding, Shay explains, “Weddings are my absolute favorite! I’m super sentimental and love meeting and learning about a couple before and during the wedding. Hearing their love story and wedding plans allows us to capture what they have worked so hard to build together. We also like to be prepared with things the bride and groom may need such as bobby pins, chewing gum, and a small stitching kit, etc., and to help in any way possible to ensure they have everything they could need!” 

It’s all about being chosen to document such momentous occasions for Patrick. “It’s an honor! We are there to serve our clients and it’s comforting for them to know that caring professionals are there to serve them on such a meaningful day. I love the laughs, tears, big moments, silent whispers, and everything a wedding day encompasses! However, I can’t stress enough how important it is to document your wedding day with video! Your video should be a keepsake for future generations and to relive the event with family and friends. You’ve done so much for this moment! Record and savor it! “

Furthering that point, Shay adds, “Wedding pictures are awesome because you can place them in your home. But videos can also be displayed with digital photo albums and screensavers on your TV, and you can go back at any time and see all the details like a band performance, toasts, custom dances, and so much more. It’s incredible to have as time passes as it just shows that dynamic visual perspective and nuances of the day that you just cannot capture with a photograph.” 

And capturing a wedding takes more than showing up with a camera. “We take the time to get to know our couples and the importance of this can’t be understated. For example, we had a bride whose band asked her to dance in front of her guests and we noticed she felt uncomfortable.  Knowing her, we asked if she wanted to step outside for a quick bridal session. This gave her the space to relax and build her confidence. Plus, it allowed us to get some nice photos and she was very appreciative for the reprieve.”

Patrick was recently photographing a wedding when the bride’s father got injured on route. “She was very upset and sad and to help turn her day around I let her know that I would provide video coverage to share with her father in addition to the pictures. That made all the difference in her day. I want our clients to feel how I felt on my beautiful wedding day!” Jumping in Shay adds, “We like to provide some of the wedding highlight images within a week as a special gift for our clients, too.”

Clearly driven in business, their family is equally important. “Our three children are everything to us and we hope to grow this company with love and as something meaningful that we can give them one day. We focus on keeping the family in church and that almost puts all the building blocks in place. We also squeeze in some fun as this area has no shortage of events and activities. Overall, the Bay area is a great place to raise a family and having a camera around your neck increases the conversation and good vibes!” Patrick beams. 

Having a great network of friends, family, and a team of photographers and videographers they enjoy working and living life with is key, too. “This allows us to be able to provide the type of coverage and content to more clients than what Patrick and I could manage on our own. We make time to rest and enjoy the beach and nature in general so that none of us get burned out. Also, the people are amazing and everywhere we go we meet a friend. Life is truly what you make it, and we are honored that we get to call this area home. We just love it here!” Shay exclaims.

Pickett Media Group

PickettMedia.group

PickettMediaGroupllc@gmail.com

251.303.9229