It's that time of the year again.  Weddings.  And I start to worry about how do I do wedding/engagement related imagery that isn't like all the other photographers. That's somehow different.   I'm photographing Fiona and Kevin's wedding this year and wanted to do a pre-shoot to get to know them, and for them to get comfortable with me and my style/ability.  It was (for once!) a lovely day in the park... despite the flock of killer geese stalking us.  And due to being so up north, even by 0900 the sun appeared to be at it's peak.. hello open shade, here we come!

The problem is, there are now apparently 6.2 billion photographers out there.. how the hell can you be consistently (or even inconsistently) different and bring something new to the table?   Either you're a genius and every thing you do is brilliant, or you stop worrying and focus on at least getting photos that the couple (or in this case, family) are happy with.  So, until I become a genius overnight, I'll stick to making my clients happy.

The above image is very low quality/resolution..sorry, I compressed it too much! ;)

Sometimes, the best moments are the ones where the client isn't expecting to be photographed.  For example, i n the above-left image, in the midst of joking around, Kevin had put his hands around Fiona's neck, she reached up and pulled them down and while we were all laughing, I popped off this shot and it's one of the most relaxed shots of the day and you'd never know he was just "strangling" her!  I'd like to say it's because of something witty I said, but nope, not even my wit trumps simulated violence!8-O

The above is one of my new 'thing' which are montage portraits... however, this is the first time I ever shot it with more than one person in the frame (intentionally!)  I think it worked out well and I'll be doing it again soon I hope.  One thing's for sure, I bet no other photographer in the area will do someone's wedding and have one of this types of shots (unless he reads my blog and borrows the idea.. and, I mean seriously, who doesn't read my blog!?).

I love tight crops. They bring out into the core of the image while still allowing some context (Fiona in the corner) to creep in and give meaning to the shot.  And yeah, yeah to my photographer friends, yes, the eyes could have been sharper.. but you think the mother cares because that smile will win anyone over.   ;)

Again, a lovely candid moment.. yes, the highlights are harsh.  But really, isn't this just something a parent wants to see of their child.

In the end, as much as people want to say the don't (or hate to) take contrived "posed" photos, unless you're a street shooter or only shoot in a photojournalism style, all photos are contrived when the person is an active participant in the image.  The key, is how do you make it look as natural as possible and different while still not making it look like a snapshot?  That's what'll set you apart from every other guy with a camera (GWC) who claims to be a "pro" photographer.  Next up, the Ashcroft family!