I count many former clients as my friends today.
From the first phone contact, we connect. They trust me and just let go, being themselves, un-afraid of the camera. These are the same people who are not afraid of life. They face it full steam ahead: get knocked down and bloodied only to rise without surrendering.
What does that have to do with wedding photos?
Your photographer can be your best friend or worst enemy. All depends on how you relate - to each other. Honestly, any very technically competent photographer can shoot a wedding.
It's just pictures right?
Well, yes and no.
Of course you want beautiful, artistic photographs, who doesn't? But it's that little thing nestled within the still image, that, while hard to describe, shines through. It's total relaxation, comfort in your own skin as you relate to each other - NOT the camera. The camera should be nothing more than a passerby, a brief glimpse into a moment. That skill/talent is not something that can be taught or learned, ever. It's a special connection, a special vision.
Often as I work through editing the images after shooting a wedding or an artistic portrait session there are those in-between moments I capture that many would immediately edit out because they aren't pretty, little, perfect moments. But life isn't a bunch of posed, perfect moments.
It's messy, it's loud, it's well, life.
Those in-between captures are the REAL moments. The real vision into you both individually and as a couple.
Knowing when to press the shutter and when not to toss it into the trash is the real art. What we call grab shots aren't just point and press the shutter, they are seen in our eyes long before they happen because we are CONNECTED to our client and who they are, not just a paycheck. But living, breathing, imperfect lifeforms whose inner souls yield a quick look into their vulnerability.
A softness in the eyes of a man admiring the strength and crazy of his life-partner.
The brief moment when a strong woman leans into her partner and lets go of herself.
That is what takes a photograph from pretty to deep and real. Here is one of my favorite grab shots. And watch for the second part of this post, a more detailed explanation with some amazing and funny photographs.
Give me a call to discuss what we can create together. 504-920-8703