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Let me be honest with you: I am just not here for the stiff, posed group shots or fake laughs. Rather than orchestrating your wedding around a preconceived idea of what your wedding photos should look like, I prefer to take a documentary style approach.
This doesn't necessarily mean I take a complete "fly on the wall" style of shooting during your wedding. It just means I'll focus on capturing the moments of your day as they play out. I document weddings the way I learned how to document events when I was studying photojournalism in college. That means I'm anticipating emotions and reactions and doing my best to make sure I'm in the right place at the right time to get all the important moments on camera.
My style for shooting with family, friends, and wedding guests
My goal is to blend with the wedding party and guests as seamlessly as possible so everyone feels comfortable being photographed. I completely understand not everyone loves being in front of a camera, so I do my best to make everyone feel at ease - I want the photos to add to the fun of the wedding day, rather than the cause of any stress.
My style for timing the photoshoots on your wedding day
I've been a part of weddings where it's felt like the photos have completely taken over the day - newlyweds being pulled away from their guests for never-ending portrait sessions plus never-ending combinations of wedding party photos and family group portraits. While yes I can absolutely understand the importance of getting a photo with your parents or your bridesmaids, I don't believe it should take up a significant chunk of the wedding day.
When you spend less time focusing on those group portraits and family photos, the more time you will have to interact with your guests naturally and the more time I have to capture you in your element with the people you want in your photos.
My style for shooting portraits as a candid wedding photographer
My strategy for shooting a wedding is an 80 / 20 split: 80% candid, documentary-style, in-the-moment wedding photography. And 20% editorial style portraits and detail shots. The combination of these two styles creates wedding galleries that tell the unique story of your day.
Don't get me wrong: I love a good portrait session. There's nothing I love more than the a really high fashion editorial bridal portrait. But again - those portrait moments should blend seamlessly with the structure of the day. Does the room you're getting ready in have a picturesque chair or backdrop? Is there a nice patch of light where you're doing your makeup? There are tons of portrait moments that can be captured throughout the day without having to dedicate large swaths of time to separate photo sessions.
This is also why I recommend a wedding photo package with a minimum of 6-8 hours. I offer half-day packages as well but if you're dreaming of a wedding gallery that tells the story of your day from top to bottom, the full-day package is the one for you.
Ready to take things to the next level? If you're looking for a fun Portland wedding photographer or Montana wedding photographer, I'd love to hear from you!