weddings
I've photographed in cathedrals, temples, in the woods, barefoot on the beach. I've been to Hawaii, Mexico, Cleveland, New York, (state, city, the boroughs, and the Hamptons) Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania. I've worked with Priests, Rabbis, non denominational officiants, friends who get ordained specifically to marry their friends. These endless possibilities provide for rich opportunities to discover the deep expressions of love and commitment.
Every wedding is different, every day requires an attentiveness to capture the unique expressions and rituals of your union. I'm not a wedding photographer. I've worked in the arts for twenty (plus) years. I continue to work with musicians, actors, dancers, directors, writers. I have extensive studio, and location studio lighting experience. I've managed large groups of people, I've worked with shy children (and even aggressive pitt bull rescue dogs!) These are all skills that will allow me to fold seamlessly into your wedding day. I know when to fade into the woodwork, I know when to step out and pose a photo.
The meditative transformation as the bride gets ready; whether it's at a busy salon on the Upper West Side, a bridal suite with a balcony, or a beach house with the surf in the background, whether it's with; bridesmaids, family, or alone, this is where the day begins. The walk down the isle, dad giving the bride away, rings and a kiss must all be captured. I must (and will) be quick, quiet, unobtrusive. I work in a way that lets me be close enough to cover the intimacy, and quick enough to be at a distance, to have the overall understanding of the setting.
Formals are never entertaining, but such an important part of the day. Here I can take charge. I work quickly, and keep (almost) everyone happy. The "vibe" is light, to make relaxed photos that show the relationships, not stiffly posed photos where everyone is dying to get away from the group.
On to the celebration!!! Here it is as important to be invisible as I was during the ceremony. I can't stop the fun, I have to capture it. Fewer days are more important to photograph right than the wedding day.
I wish I kept count of how many brides have told me that it went so fast they barely remember it. I believe that this makes my job awesomely important, and it's a commitment I take to heart. I invest a lot of time (and money,) into being ready for the couple that has invited me into their lives for a day. Every couple is different, every wedding is different, and I approach each one with a fresh vision.