Bridal on the Temple Lawn

Brandon and Amber take a moment to enjoy being alone and being just married on the lawn of the Salt Lake City LDS temple in Utah.

Bridals on New Years Eve

You have got to love a woman who can brave the cold, and hike over rocks and sand bars in high heels to get the bridal images she wants. I have to admit, my fingers screamed when I grabbed the metal light stands! Ouch. I love doing sessions like this, even if my fingers complain. Find me a bride who wants something different, a bit unusual, and I will be happy. I love finding a way to make interesting images with people.

How Does a Wedding Photographer Deal With Their Own Wedding?

My son got married Saturday. It was a wonderful event and I was so proud. Family members I haven't seen in ages, ex-wife and her family, the billions of cousins of the bride, etc, etc. all there enjoying the moment and celbrating with us.

Everyone I know, knows that I am a photographer. I was surprised at how many people asked me if I was photographing the wedding. NO! It was my day to be the father of the groom. I did have my camera in my car, but never touched it. I left the photography desicions to the bride and her family. I have to admit, that was hard to do and I offered my input.

I did Amada's bridals and Amanda and Wynton's engagement photos and that was it. But now, after it is all done, I am left to wait and wonder what the photographer got, how good it was, if they got certain shots, how in focus, or how much noise in the photos. Did she get all the guests and family. I am aware how I would have done several things differently (not that it would be better, just different). But now, my anxiety of wondering if the photography job got done well is there.

When I photograph a wedding, I always have the anxiety of wanting the photos to come out well, and of not missing anything. But I have not experienced that anxiety before as a member of the wedding party. Photographing a wedding is the olympics of photography. There are so many moments that you only have once very short chance to get it right. So many special and tender moments to be captured and saved that you have to be watching and looking for. Like a tear in the eye of the father of the bride as he quietly talks to her, or the surprise and delight on the brides face as a dear friend arrives. The list is endless. I now appreciate the wedding from a new perspective.

Live long and happy Wynton and Amanda. I will be here to photograph the grandchildren!

Special Moments in A Brides Day

One of the things a bride treasures are the moments in her day that have meaning. The photographer should be tuned in to catch those moments. Many of the moments that have real meaning and tenderness are little hidden moments between herself and the people she loves. Her mom, sisters, brothers, dad or a best friend. Brides also care a lot about the dress. One of the special events in the wedding day is getting dressed and ready.

As you get ready and have your mom, a grandmother, a sister or girlfriend dressing you, primping your hair and getting you “perfect”, have your photographer join you and capture these tender and special moments.

Katie got her dress at Davids Bridal

Think Like a Ray of Light

Understanding light is vital to being a good photographer. Understanding shadows is vital to being a great photographer. Light and shadow are equal partners in a photograph and learning to manipulate them and get both parties to cooperate is essential to making photographs with story, and mood.

Heritage Garden Reception Center has this wonderful staircase, the lighting is nice for guests and feels comfortable, but cameras often want more.  Our eyes see a much wider dynamic range of light at the same time than our cameras can. Without any help, the balcony in the background would end up mostly dark and the brides gown may be a little blown out. I threw a little light on Katie, but most of the light went up to the ceiling to bounce back down and to the upper balcony.

 

You may or may not like my particular processing on this photo, but knowing the bride, I selected this processing as an option for her along with a more traditional rendering of the image. Brides love their dresses and this version shows much of the detail that she loved in the dress.