It really is the journey for me. It’s the event of a lifetime and I want to be there as not just your photographer but as a witness. I once photographed a wedding where I was literally the witness for a couple that arranged to elope in Ireland. Myself and the chauffeur signed their registry! True story. We then drove them around most of Leinster stopping off at places they wanted to visit. Smallest wedding party I ever photographed – 4 people including myself. They booked me for 6 hours! Their wedding was very much a journey!
The point being I’m here for you on this journey. No ask too much. Yes, I’m a documentary wedding photographer but there’s so much more to being a wedding photographer, there’s family portraits, there’s help with planning, people management, time-keeping, creative photos, landscape photos. I’m there to capture your day but I’m there as a friend too. The journey is short, “it’ll fly” as they say. So, I’ve learned a few tricks to take it easy and keep it stress free when it comes to the photos.
My priorty is capturing your day within your expectations so I can’t force you into a story I’m telling. The film develops and I don’t really know where it ends until the day is over. I keep on my toes. From the wedding preparation til the dancing. You write the pages. We visit places. I take the photos. The story and photos unravel. All I can guarantee is that we don’t end up in a chaotic plot having to say “smile” for most of it. I like to keep moving. Going from one smiling guest to another. Experience tells me to stop every now and again, something unique is about to happen. Like a groom about to step on the veil. A mother about to cry. A child about to throw his shoes away. I keep moving with everyone.
When it comes to documenting your day, I don’t stop until it’s time to go home and even then I’ve been known to stop the car, get back out and photograph a scene that might be special to you. Something you might have missed whilst dancing. The journey is yours to remember. How you got “there” and who you were with on the day. It’s your story. Sure, isn’t that what’s it all about?
