It happens every once in a while… like here and here. And quite a number of engagement photos like this. But they tend to have a “photojournalist” skew…
If anyone is curious, here’s a little mini-dissection of the thought process from my point of view.
When a photojournalist shoots a wedding, there’s a chance that he’s going to be in close… but he should never be intrusive, and always respectful.
When a photojournalist shoots a wedding, access and invisibility is paramount…
But when ANYone shoots a wedding, the bride will be completely ready before the men have even unpacked their suits…
When a photojournalist shoots a wedding, even posed photographs aren’t going to look it…
…and, besides, posed photographs are never “better” even though that’s usually what hangs on the wall. Such is life…
When a photojournalist shoots a wedding, he never stops shooting…
When a photojournalist shoots a wedding, light is often more important than anything else… because almost everything is shot natural-light… (All but four in this series are shot ambient, btw.)
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When a photojournalist shoots a wedding, its about the details…
…and the places behind the scenes.
When a photojournalist shoots a wedding, the photographs are real…
…when so many people think “idealized” is better, true views of true happiness is the best kind of “ideal”… wouldn’t you say?
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When a photojournalist shoots a wedding, quiet moments between places are remembered; because, the quiet moments of life are where most of the living happens…
…because there are enough loud moments that everyone sees anyway.
When a photojournalist shoots a wedding, the Decisive Moment drives the images…
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But just know, that when a photojournalist shoots a wedding, the images are going to likely be “different”… but the thing that exists is the thing that’s photographed…
It’s probably the reason why I only shoot a few weddings a year. So it is all the more poignant for me to thank those who ask me…
…so this time I thank Michelle and Preston, a million times over: thank you for letting a photojournalist cover your wedding. But most of all, thank you for allowing me access – as the outsider – to such an important day.
For the rest of you, stay tuned…
-Noah D.
