The story behind the Photograph (The Weddings)

The story behind the Photograph The Weddings - I am not a big advocate of weddings so as a photographer I’ve stayed away from them. The reason is just that people expect miracles to happen. Of course now in this digital age a photographer can create miracles, but I prefer to capture natural beauty. I don’t like manipulating photographs other than to create visual effects so I use filters for that purpose.

In all of my years of taking photographs I’ve done nine weddings. The first wedding was easy. I think the reason is because I only shot the reception. Some churches don’t allow photography or they don’t want the photographer on the altar.

The second wedding I photographed had some good shots and some not so good shots. The setting wasn’t right and the wedding was put together so quickly there was not time to check out the places before hand. For me as a photographer having everything planned out is very important.

I had pretty much decided weddings would not be a part of my list of events to photograph so I didn’t include it on my business card.
Of course things happen and you find yourself going against what you said you wouldn’t do.
One of my models insisted that I do their wedding. I couldn’t refuse after all this person had done for me. I agreed to do the wedding on one condition. That I allow to do the photographs I wanted after the wedding. This was going to involve locations. Some of the unused locations in New Orleans.

I was already psyched about these photographs that I was able to shoot everything else without any real problems. I made sure I had enough film and took more pictures than I would normally take just in case. I wanted to make sure the client had what they needed to tell their story. From the rehearsal to the reception.

I did find out something very important. As they say you learn something new everyday… When a bride doesn’t have a wedding planner, it is the responsibility of the photographer to make sure things run smoothly. That means making sure the wedding party doesn’t spend the entire reception taking pictures. You are responsible for setting up the first dance with the DJ or band. You are to get the group shots, the cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc. You pretty much run the show. It was all a great experience and I had no problem with that.
I was looking forward to the on location stuff because this is where I was going to get to create ART. That’s what I do.

In 1999 I photographed my last wedding. Once again another model asked me to photograph his wedding. Of course I had to explain to him that although he liked my work it was his soon to be wife’s wedding. So they came over for a consult to look at my work and to discuss her vision and my vision.
I went over to the reception hall, everything was going to take place under one roof. Once again I would take on the responsibility of making sure the wedding was on schedule and that they were able to enjoy their reception. I was pleased with what I had done. Which for me is very important because if I don’t feel as if I’ve done my best then I didn’t do my job. I have to make sure the client is happy with the finished product.

The one thing about doing photographs of family and friends for such memorable events is that if something goes wrong it could destroy that relationship. Wedding photography I believe is the most stressful job a photographer can take on. There is a big burden that comes along with the job. If you can think of it as an art, then you can get through it as a surreal experience. Since we are now in the digital age I might consider doing a wedding when I start meeting people again. I would want to have total freedom and do what I do best. Create ART!

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