When it comes to photographing weddings, I have a few points that guide me - document as much as possible without being a distraction, help you develop visions you may have, be the best photographer you could ask for &have fun while doing all of the above. I am a documentarian; I am a photojournalist. When I am photographing a wedding, I am constantly on the lookout for emotion and moving images. When you are looking into the eyes of the love of your life, you won’t see grandma Berta wiping tears out of her eye, or the groom’s father, Jim, boasting with pride about his son. The dress, the rings, the shoes, the fl owers, the cake, the decorations, the venue, the family, friends, guests, the entire day should be captured. This is why I prefer to work the entire wedding day.
When you’re looking through photos, suddenly the bride has a dress on, and the groom has a suit on - but what lead up to that point? Even before the dress and suit, there was a proposal, there are showers, there are many moments that can be captured - but I’m not asking you to hire me for all of them (though I’m not against it either.)
Granted, I am subject to limitations on exactly how much I can photography - which are usually imposed at the ceremony site. I don’t want to prove to be a distraction to you or your guests, so I try to fi nd one good vantage point, and move infrequently. Some churches and officiants have their own guidelines as well, and I must obey those rules to respect the sacred nature of your wedding ceremony. Because of that, I may not be able to get grandma Berta’s tears, or the pride in father Jim’s eyes, but it is something we just have to accept.
I want to work with you to develop your visions, whatever they may be. The pre-wedding sessions can be as plain or elaborate as you’d like them to be. Your engagement session doesn’t have to be shot in the park close to sunset - but if I don’t know what you want, I’m going to have to try to develop a vision for you, which isn’t always easy. Likewise, your bridal session can be as simple as ten shots against a white background in my office, but you and I both would have more fun planning out a session to rock your bridals. And lets not leave the groom out. When was the last time you heard of a groom session? Me neither. I wish I had been approached to do something a little GQ in nature when I had my new suit picked out. In case your wedding day is already scheduled full, a “dayafter” session can be included to recreate your wedding day attire, hair & makeup while we do some more intimate (meaning the two of you) photos in a suitable location or with a particular theme.
I want to be the best photographer you can ask for - I want to know what you loved & didn’t; I want to know if you enjoy local sports, theater, shows, etc. I am never satisfied with my work - and rightfully so - because I know there is always something that can be improved upon, something that can be done better. Without the feedback of my previous couples, I wouldn’t have improved to the point I am now - feel free to take a look through my work beginning in 2009 and see the progression.
I spend at least ten hours each week reading about new techniques online, searching for inspiration for sessions, receiving critiques from fellow wedding photographers from around the world, and bettering my work. When new seminars, trade shows & webinars come up, I make it a point to leave my schedule open so that I can learn more. I keep my equipment in the best shape possible and clean everything before every wedding I have. I don’t strive to be on-time; I strive to be early. I’m not a stickler about time - if I’m early and I see photo opportunities, I shoot. If my time is up but I know there’s a moment coming up, I stay. I do this because photography isn’t an income - its a passion. If I could afford to not charge but continue photographing weddings, I would.
Which brings me finally to fun. Every wedding I photograph, no matter how tired I may look, is fun. I haven’t shot a wedding that I didn’t enjoy. So no matter how large or how intimate; how glamorous or how frugal; how lively or subdued your wedding may be, I will enjoy it - and I will capture your joy as well.
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