I've been photographing weddings for more than 6 years and have photographed more than a hundred weddings. Over those years, I have learned more about wedding day photography but also gained insight into the planning and execution of weddings in general. I have fine-tuned important questions to ask my clients so I understand what is important to them and what their expectations are. Furthermore, I also know what to expect on the day of a wedding. It is more than just knowing what pictures to take, it is feeling the situation and being able to predict the outcome while watching different scenarios unfold.
I think it might be helpful for future brides to read about different wedding day scenarios from a photographer's point-point-of-view.
For example, what is it like to walk into a bridal suite to take photos of the bride getting dressed while complete chaos is flooding every inch of the space? Of course, we all see and love the staged photos of the perfect bridal suite in magazines. But as real wedding photographers, we don't have the luxury of hours and hours of pre-time. As wedding photographers, it is always "Now."
Weddings are often planned months, if not years in advance. Many details are attended to with great care and attention.
When the wedding day finally arrives, it all seems to happen in a blink of an eye.
As wedding photographers, we hope to have tons of time getting all the photos we want, but the reality is that we often only have a few minutes to get the job done.
I really love the rush of the job and having to produce under pressure.
However, taking photos in the bridal suite brings added challenges.
No matter how big the space, on the wedding day every inch of available space is taken up with bridal accessories, and to the outsider, it might seem completely chaotic. Before I can even start taking photos, I have to make sure we have a space available that is clutter-free. If we are photographing in a hotel, the challenge often is an unmade bed and luggage that has to be put away. People are coming and going in and out of the room, last-minute details are being discussed, and last-minute changes are organized. By no means, it a bridal suite a relaxed or serene place, even under the best of circumstances.
Sometimes, however, I am very fortunate to have a bride who is completely cool and collected and even while she is getting dressed can organize and see through the chaos of the moment. Her focus is on getting through this part and getting the show on the road.
Other times, this is the time a bride has her "moment." The chaos starts to get to her, everything feels overwhelming and she just needs a break. When it gets to that point I learned over time that it is time for me to step in. Until then, I have been mostly in the background and taking photos as the moments unfold. Now, I have two options: trying to get my bride to calm down and relax or take charge of the organizing. It all depends on how I see and feel the moment. Sometimes all it takes is for me to hold her hand and tell her "You got this! Take all the time you need. Don't feel rushed, this is your wedding day. Today everyone will have to wait on you!"
Other times, the bride truly needs some time to herself and I should say out of the way. This is when I start straightening up the space and try to create some calm that way.
No matter what unfolds, I am ready to jump into action so I can take the best photos possible.
If you want to see my photog gallery please click here:Â Portfolio
and as always IÂ would love to talk to you on how IÂ can be part of your wedding day celebrations, so please don't hesitate to reach out:
Here are some helpful resources I found while thinking about this blog: