I try not to disparage the wedding industry, because obviously I’m part of it. And also I think marriage is an important right (for everyone) in society. But two things recently have totally set me off.
One was a 15 step beauty regimen guide leading up to your wedding day, posted by a large WIC website, so you can ostensibly transform yourself into some “better” version of the person your fiance asked to marry them. Which spurned this awesomeness and some positive conversations via social media among me and my clients. Because they are awesome sane people who agree with me. I don’t think I need to say any more about that, except simply that I think changing yourself for your wedding is downright silly, particularly if you are going to be surrounded by all the people who have loved you for your whole life as you have always been.
And then I came across this timeline in a photography magazine. And I started. acting. crazy. 
<rant> People. Your wedding day, while beautiful and amazing and life changing, is NOT A SHOW. I get that as a photographer it’s on me to create beautiful images so you will remember that day in all it’s glory. I even think I do a pretty good job. But one thing I will NEVER do is hijack your wedding and turn it into a photo shoot. That’s what day-after-sessions, bridal portraits and trash the dress shoots are for. You can totally have both–a fantastic, beautiful, memorable day with lots of photos to prove it. AND a photo shoot with wildly beautiful images taken on a day that doesn’t keep you away from the myriad of guests who spent good money (oh, and so did you) to be with you and your partner and celebrate your union.
What if you chose to enjoy your wedding day to the fullest extent? Why not BE COMPLETELY PRESENT? Why not dance and hug and laugh and eat and be merry and actually FORGET your photographer is even there? I’m going to get some hell from my colleagues about this. But seriously MINIMUM 1.5 hours for creative shots day of? Gawd. Never. Ever. Never ever ever. Not with moodeous. Not if I’m behind the camera. Your day of timeline is based on your needs and wants. Pinky Swear. </rant>
I wrote the above in a moment of frustration and feel it’s valid to point out this timeline is for a very traditional wedding day and the article it accompanies acknowledges that fact, but I still mean what I said. I have heard about, experienced and witnessed photographers with far too much ego, who seem to think your wedding day is theirs to rule. I really, truly believe that my job is far more than making awesome images. It’s about being someone you want at your wedding, because I do more than take photos. It’s about providing an experience that colors the memories of your wedding day, from making sure your timeline stays on schedule to helping you find your wedding zen. This is why I try to connect with my clients on a personal level. This is why I emphasize choosing a photographer you truly like and whose style jives with yours. We’ll all be happier that way. Double Pinky Swear.
Leave a Reply