I once was a new wedding photographer too, and I know we all have to start somewhere but if I were to go back in time in the beginning and really be able to watch how I photographed weddings, I would realize I was missing what was the most important about capturing weddings… those moments. I was so wrapped up in getting that list of shots (come on you know what I’m talking about!) that I almost forgot to get some beautiful imagery for my couple. If you must know, these lists are still out there for brides to tell their photographers they must have, go HERE for example. Now I get it, I do, coming from a bride once myself, I thought I needed to do everyones job for them by making sure these lists of things were fulfilled. Don’t get me wrong, there are some things that aren’t on those lists that you would like to make sure your wedding photographer knows about. This is where hiring the right photographer for you is so important and one who is experienced and doesn’t need you to hold their hands throughout the day. It is the photographer’s job to make sure that “list” of shots is fulfilled along with the gorgeous imagery solely of the moments you miss and can’t believe your eyes when you see the shots. It is our job as Wedding professionals to ask you about any special attributes throughout your day that we need to know about, so that we make sure its captured. If you trust your wedding photographer ( which I hope you do, since you hired them) then you should know that your day will be captured as if you could relive it all over again.
Photographers; be watchful of anything and everything that happens during the day, have a second photographer there to make sure you have coverage so that you can make sure you watch for these moments and capture them. Get to know your clients unique story, get to know them so that you are able to photograph this day JUST for them.
I wanted to share a favorite moment I captured last year for Katie & Brian, I remember this exact moment, they had just been announced husband and wife for the first time and walked down the aisle past their friends and family, as they got past everyone, they sort of skipped out toward the vineyard, Brian holding her hand, smiling and so happy and ready for their moment alone. Katie did sort of a “YES!” holding her bouquet in the air and Brian looked up with a smile on his face as if he was thanking god for sending him his wife. Then Brian stopped her in the midst of walking out to the vineyard and pulled her in close and kissed her. My goal was to not be intrusive so I followed from a distance and it was truly beautiful.
I have probably said this many times before, but I have truly been blessed with some of the most amazing couples who I can now call my friends and couldn’t ask for a better job. Having the Privilege to photograph so many unique stories and gorgeous weddings has been one of the highlights of my career!
