Inspired by my own wedding experience, and the memory of the day feeling like one big hug, I strive to deliver images that will wrap couples in the warm embrace of their memories. Most of the images I deliver are created using a photojournalistic approach – meaning that I’m not directing or interrupting moments. The documentary images are supplemented by gently-guided portraits. This is only time I’ll ask you to do anything for the camera. Together, these images will tell the story of your day.
The couples I work with don’t want cookie cutter weddings and I don’t want to deliver generic images. Because every wedding is different, I don’t use pre-determined shot lists. But I do take care to learn about the two of you and your plans. What makes you good together? What makes you light up? Who’s in your inner circle? What are you most anticipating?
While no two weddings are the same, my wedding photojournalist approach is consistent. I like to start with an hour or so of getting ready. While you’re sipping mimosas and finishing makeup (or sipping bourbon and YouTubing how to tie a bow tie), I’ll start to immerse myself in your day, getting a feel for the people and energy surrounding you. I’ll likely encourage you to ignore me. Not in an awkward I’m-trying-but-failing-to-be-invisible kind of way. Just like I’m a friend with a camera and you don’t have to do anything special for me but be yourself.
Many couples choose to do a first look before the ceremony. If you do, I encourage you to do all of your formal photos (with your families and wedding parties) immediately after, so we aren’t interrupting the flow of the day for multiple photo sessions. I generally recommend 15-30 minutes for couples photos followed by 30-45 minutes for the other formals. I know that 1) family portraits are some of the most important images we’ll make on a wedding day and 2) nobody likes standing in line, so I’ve put together some tips on planning for formal wedding portraits here.
The couple’s portraits are always a collaboration and we’ll figure out if you want more or less direction. I pinky-swear there won’t be any awkward Pinterest poses, but there will be lots of cuddling. As a wedding photojournalist, I try to tune into the energy you share as a couple – whether that’s an open outpouring of affection or a quieter more intimate connection – and use that to create images that speak honestly to your relationship. For most, you’ll be focused on each other, but we’ll also make a few camera-aware portraits, which I call “the mom shots.”
During the ceremony, I move about discretely, documenting everything as it unfolds. The genuine emotions and unscripted reactions are my favorite. And some of the most meaningful praise I receive is from officiants and guests saying that they didn’t even notice I was there.
If you’ve done a first look and your formals, then you’ll get to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests. I’ll wander amongst you and your friends and family. I love to document the little conversational groups. You’ll love to look back on the smiling, laughing faces of your guests, even if you don’t know exactly what they’re laughing about.
During dinner, I’ll continue to look for moments between you and between your guests. It’s ideal if you and I can eat at the same time, as that maximizes the time I can be photographing (no one likes photos of themselves eating). Toasts are always a highlight, and I’ll unobtrusively document the speakers, your reactions and the reactions of your guests.
We may steal away for 10 minutes for sunset photos. Couples often enjoy the quiet moment away from everything, and we can take advantage of the magical evening light.
Once the party starts, I will be right there in the thick of it on the dance floor. I love documenting that sense of effusive joy. You may even catch me singing along behind the camera. And I’m thrilled when the couple dances to at least one song together (in addition to the first dance). While the dance floor may be the center of the party, I’ll always make a few forays to the edges, because I know some of the most surprising images will be found there.
My primary focus throughout the day is always on the people, looking for moments and interactions. But additional views and vignettes and some behind-the-scenes images will add depth and detail to the gallery of images.
