The Imperfect

I have some reflections on the role we play as photographers.

Pop culture would have us believe that a wedding must be perfect down to every last detail to be successful. I see things differently. In my experience, it is precisely the unpredictability of a wedding that often makes it memorable. Photographers have a great opportunity to look beyond the shot list and find beauty and truth in these imperfect moments.

Current trends in photography have inadvertently reinforced an unattainable ideal of perfection by focusing on the flawless over the real. Brides and grooms may not realize that many of the images they see online are actually produced during styled shoots, shot weeks before the actual wedding. While these photographs may be inspirational, they often end up creating an unrealistic expectation of what can be achieved during a compressed and stressed wedding timeline. What if wedding photographs aren’t only meant to depict dreamy romance, but instead, chronicle a full range of emotions?

Photographs have the ability to reveal what it felt like to be there; the light, the air, the tension and the euphoria. As photographers, we have the power to bring the viewer back to that moment, even years later, by showing an honest version of events.

I believe my role as photographer is to witness and record in a sincere and loving way. Since a wedding is a ticking clock, I must constantly choose where to focus my energy. I can’t allow my quest for a perfect photo to become the reason I miss an emotionally important, fleeting moment.

Photographing a wedding is a live performance. Here are a few of my mantras:

-Resist the urge to play it safe. Aim high and avoid the easy.

-Imagine what photographs a couple will want in 20 years. Make those photos.

-Take the pulse of a situation before you raise your camera.

-Shoot fast, stay present, then allow yourself to pause once the moment has passed.

-Weddings are poignant lessons in human nature. Take notes.

-Your behavior as a photographer affects the photos.

-Gently coax couples into pools of sweet light, then let them be themselves.

-Celebrate with your couple, you have been part of  something unforgettable.

When I look at a wedding photograph I ask myself, “Do I believe it?” Is it specific to this couple, this moment, this place? The key is that the emotions of the moment should come from the couple, rather than from the photographer. Let the subject feel the weight of the moment. It is their wedding after all and we are just guests.

Right before our eyes are small moments of true emotion that reveal intricacies about relationships.The challenge is to get a powerful image by observing and interacting, rather than staging a preset moment. This approach is riskier than a scripted shoot, but can also be more rewarding. Better yet, it can be authentic and specific to that couple on that day.

A great wedding is a circle of loved ones spinning together in a swirl of love and laughter. Great music helps. Add some wine and a few heartfelt words. Those are the ingredients of a memorable wedding, perfect in all its imperfections.