Where do I find wedding inspiration?
Continues from wedding inspiration – Part 1
First of all my primary concern is always about the available light on the day….where it is, how to find it, how to create it, how to shape it and even how to avoid it! Basically, photography is the art form of capturing varying degrees of light, so I’m always aware of this and will work accordingly with what I have and what I can do in any given situation. Along with constantly seeking the best light, I’m always aware of my surroundings and through many years of experience I can spot very quickly what will work well, and of course, just as importantly, what won’t. Whilst I do take a photojournalistic approach to a large part of the day, the “natural” photos don’t just happen to turn out well randomly…I have to place myself in exactly the right place at the right time to capture what I am looking for. Can you imagine setting a camera up on a tripod in the corner of a room and having it take a photograph every minute for 8 hours? I would bet that you wouldn’t end up with a single usable image, because professional photographs are created by a photographer…not by the camera. I do sometimes look around at other photographers for inspiration (and obviously to check out the competition). I have been on training days with the likes of Pete Bristo, and I receive professional Image maker magazines, along with buying books and scouring forums and yes, I do succumb to those lists online (you know the ones….ten things every pro-photographer should be doing etc). I do not, and would not want to, stand still with my photography. When I look back now at some images taken even 5 years ago I do cringe slightly, for example, why would I take a picture of a bride and groom nose to nose? However, over time and with multiple adjustments and experiments, I can see the formation of my current style evolving from the hundreds of thousands of times that I have looked through the viewfinder and clicked the shutter button. My biggest inspiration therefore, comes from each and every couple that I have the privilege to photograph, as every wedding is so completely distinct and unique, and together with your ideas, I’d like to think that this is the key to providing you with exactly what you are looking for…which is a complete set of beautiful wedding photographs.