GET IN TOUCH
His mom handed him a few coins and pushed him toward the bride, whispering something in his ear.? He sheepishly shuffled over and waited for a break in the adult conversation.? “Here.” he said and handed her the coins “For Luck.”
This image, and the little moments like it, that punctuate?and?capture the true story of the wedding day?are what my job as a wedding photographer are all about.? And if seeing this image and hearing its context doesn?t explain why a long shot list makes my role as a wedding photographer more challenging, I’m not sure what more I can tell you.
The shot lists that are prevalent in wedding planning blogs are shots that a seasoned professional will already be getting. They are the routine and standard highlights to any wedding day. What makes for the amazing photographs of your wedding day (the ones that you really want!) are the unscripted moments.? Like these below!
I often say to clients during an initial consult, that the majority of the day I am responding to what is happening with my camera rather than directing the day.? And?I will always prefer to be alert looking?my viewfinder than looking down at a piece of paper. Ultimately, if we are looking at a list we are not watching what is unfolding and happening organically and authentically around us.
It all comes down to trust. And it is with gratitude that I accept the trust that clients give me.
This small wedding was split in two.? A Friday civil ceremony at Newton City Hall (images above), which a handful of friends in addition to parents and siblings.? Then a Spanish lunch following a ring exchange and toasts at Barcelona Wine Bar in Brookline (images below).? A relaxed and flowing day filled with hugs and laughter and plates and plates of food.
The best advice I can give after 15 years of photographing weddings it to get to know your photographer and let your photographer truly know who you are. A great photographer will be able to get a sense of who you are as a couple, how you interact with your family and friends, and be able to intuit moments because they?re paying attention to them. Understanding who you are as unique individuals is critical to capturing the real story of your wedding.
