I was recently chatting about my work with Evan Cohen, a retired advertising photographer of 40 years, who remarked that “your photos are so beautifully understated… like you’re doing nothing special… but you are!“. He’s a really kind and generous guy. But I found his perspective interesting as it points to my philosophy and fundamentally how I’m not a ‘wedding photographer‘. I don’t identify as a ‘wedding photographer’ and don’t believe I ever have.
And let’s be clear, I am commissioned to photograph weddings.
I just don’t get hung up with this idea of creating prescribed photographs or scripted situations. Take this photo below.
You could say it’s understated.
It’s not bursting with overstated emotion. Why is that?
Because it’s here to show us that the real life that we actually lead is significant. That we’re not here to just compare to others, or look to always emulate something better. But that the time we spend with loved ones is important to us; that they’re always there to listen, to care and help whenever you need them.
Without these more casual exchanges, it would feel out of balance to me. Insincere – as if you were just running through a list of highlights (or bucket list, if you will) that could have happened to almost anyone.
This image was taken during the morning before the ceremony. To the left and center, you’ll see the bride’s father and grandma, and to the right, two of her best friends. It was thrashing down with rain at the time, and her father was rushing back and forth to the car to try and help prepare the cake.
Not a typical wedding photo; no sign of the bride and groom, but I don’t believe that is necessary to create an album that is genuinely meaningful.
