I am often asked how I like being a wedding photographer. I love it! To me of all the types of photography, wedding photography is the most exciting one! Why? Because of its dynamics. No one wedding in Tampa Bay is like another. Each and every one is defined by the individuality of the bride and groom, their relationship, the energy and of course the locations they choose.
The fact is, on the day of your wedding, we wedding photographers get to wear many different hats. We act as photojournalists, portrait photographers, product photographers, on-location photographers, party photographers, and the list goes on. Take, for example, your typical wedding:
As I arrive at bride’s suite, first thing I usually work on is creating beautiful detail shots of bridal gown, shoes, bouquet, veil, rings – exactly what commercial product photographers do. Next comes candid photography: capturing the excitement of bride and groom getting prepared for the wedding, their families and friends joining them for the first time that day, final touches of makeup, guys straightening their ties – that’s right, I’m wearing my photojournalist hat. From here we switch to family and portrait photography. Posing the bride for a portrait which her mom, future husband and probably all members of both families will keep on their desks, walls, wallets probably for decades to come – you guessed it, portrait photographer!
During the ceremony we’re pure photojournalists. We’re there to tell the story as it unfolds, without adding anything to it. But once it’s over – studio lights come out. It’s time for formal pictures – family, friends, bridal party, aunts and uncles, grandmas and grandpas – as the coordinator calls out names and next group of relatives gathers around bride and groom, it’s amazing to observe how several generations of each family unite in every photo I take. Oh yeah, forgot to mention – group portraits photographer’s hat is on my head.
On-location photography with bride and groom after the ceremony is always fun no matter where in Tampa Bay area we are. While their guests enjoy pre-dinner cocktails, we sneak away and spend 30-40mins shooting romantic portraits of just the two of them. This is probably my favorite part of the day – editorial pictures, candids, closeups, in motion, kissing/hugging, standing/running – a little bit of everything!
During the reception, the style of photography returns to candid and photojournalism. I capture the reception itself, the beautiful details at the reception site and the dining hall, table arrangements, cake cutting and first dance. After that – the party begins and party finally, my photographer hat is on. Often the last hat for the day, but definitely the most festive one!
Here are just a few samples of the shots I mentioned above, each one representing different style of photography, yet all together – telling the same story. Enjoy!
Megan and Jonathan Wedding (Macdill AFB Wedding Photography)
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