Wedding: Molly and Ken

Since I am often asked often to shoot weddings, I have decided to take it up again, while keeping the commercial side of the business still active. While many couples may still prefer a very traditional approach to their wedding day photography, increasingly more couples want a more documentary style of images to be made, or a fusion of both, which I find I enjoy. The personal moments and relationships caught in the camera become the meaningful images of the day they celebrate their new life together as a married couple.  I will take the group shots and standard poses that people may still want, but now I am focusing on trying to capture moments that would otherwise be fleeting.  I owe much of my newly found  inspiration from observing friend and photographer David Burke, for whom I performed duties in this particular wedding as a second shooter.  In my view, he has mastered the style and graciously shared his thoughts and techniques.  In addition, equipment today is greatly improved over what I used twenty years ago, which opens up more creative possibilities. 

The day of the wedding can be stressful and even hectic, but as the minute hand steadily trudges onward, moments in time escape from our view.  While many will remain in our memories, others will be forgotten or missed altogether.  The job of the photographer is to capture images of fleeting moments with our personal styles.  We use our creative eye to grab those frames that tell the story, and document one of the most meaningful days in many of our lives.  When I think back to my wedding photos, I don't think of the staged group shots. They are of course, special because of the friends and family assembled together in them.  My favorites are the special, more candid moments that were caught by my friend Ken Bock on film and by my friend Greg Bassinger on video.  Yes, it's good to have photographer friends.  Not only are they all good friends but we no doubt shaped and influenced one another in many ways.  To them I owe a debt of gratitude.

One couple may not want any Black and White photos because they think of it as "old" or passé, while the next couple thinks of it as timeless and classic.  I subscribe to the latter.  Personally, I like a mix and some images are so much better in Black and White because color can actually be a distraction to some images.  I'll do what I think the couple likes but I may just surprise them with something they aren't expecting, and it's a real treat when they love it.

The photo above is one of my favorites for several reasons.  Not only do I love the design and composition of the photo, but it shows the happiness and joy that doesn't get captured as effectively in a photo that is staged.  Lastly, it shows how today's technology is always at our side and images are so conveniently being captured everywhere by everyone, and shared.  So while they were taking a fun selfie to share, I was capturing what I feel is an even more fun image of them...well, making a fun image.

It's always great to get a long shot of the church, chapel or venue where the ceremony is being held.  In this case, I was able to get an interesting  low perspective and use the decorations that someone took the time to make.  The ceremony should also have a good mix of close ups as well as the long shot.

Molly and Ken's first dance as Bride and Groom.  A special moment, and the photo should capture that.  This was a very nice venue, so in addition to full length and close up shots, I backed away to show the venue.  They are paying for that too, so it would be nice to see it in the photos so they can remember how special the hall was too.

A tighter shot of Molly and Ken using indirect flash and allowing the chandeliers to glow, capturing the mood and warmth of the hall.  I love taking these kind of shots.

Of course you can't be everywhere but you have to seek out and capture opportunities of priceless moments when you see them.  I have several great shots of this sweet girl.  Here she was looking up at the wedding party dancing. She was just being herself, but as far as photos go, she kept stealing the show!

Ken has an impromptu dance with his new Father-in-Law.  It was clear to see that these were two great fun loving families.

I've never seen a sign like this but I really liked it.  It's really a nice sentiment and starts the day with a feel of unity.

So, if you or someone you know is planning their wedding and think my style of photography is what they are looking for, please contact me to talk about arranging a package to suit your needs.  I hope you enjoyed this little photo essay.  In the upcoming months I will be touching on a wide variety of subjects and, of course, some photos to share.  Until next time, take care, and make sure you keep taking snaps of the ones you love.


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