“I've got a
camera.” Famous last words of an amateur, and with the decline in
the cost of DSLRs, a phrase that is becoming more and more common.
“Yeah, I think I could do it,” to which you should respond, “no,
no you can't do it. This is my wedding day, let's leave it to the
professionals.” Its harsh, but worth every breath spent to say it.
We are at a time in our life where
wedding photography and technology have met face to face posing the
question, is it the camera that takes a great picture, or the eye
behind the lens? I'm here to let you know, its far more complex than
that. Photography is about the synergy between the camera and the
photographers imagination melding into one, to frame the perfect
shot. Its about thinking on your toes and furiously changing
settings to capture the perfect bokeh, the glint in the eyes.
Being a professional is about crawling
around on the floor to get the right angle, but staying out of the
way. Its about sore thumbs and a blackened index finger from
changing the aperture. It about knowing the balance between science
and art, light and dark, focal points and white balance. Its about
finding order in the chaos of what is potentially the most important
day of your life!
This is a once in a lifetime event,
and every single guest should be enjoying themselves as such. No one
but the photographer should be worried about getting the perfect shot
of cake being smeared across your face, or the look on your face as
you hurl your bouquet through the air behind your back.
“I might just bring my camera along
as well.” Take a deep breath and say, “I'd rather you just enjoy
yourself.” Harsh I know, but after the ceremony ends and you see
all your friends and relatives making a mad dash to the reception,
and subsequently the bar, you will understand. There's a years
anxiety thats been building inside you and now that it has ended, you
just want to calm down, but now you have to pose for pictures and in
the moment it feels like an eternity. Now, here's the important
part, the more people standing around taking pictures, the longer it
takes. As each person calls out your name, you turn to their
cameras. Your throat becomes parched and the dress gets heavier
standing in the same spot. Your feet hurt. But it doesn't have to
be that way. With a professional at your side, like a quick draw,
you'll be shaking your tail feathers to the Chicken Dance in no time
flat.
Having spent so much time, and so much
energy on this momentous day, you want someone capable of freezing
time and space just as it was meant to be, not a person who lacks
vision. Just remember if you find yourself even remotely
considering a friend to document this important day, you might save
some money immediately, but in the long run, it is sure to cost you.
Blog Post by William of Sleeping Owl Photography
Photography Credits:
Kiss -William
Bouquet Toss - Annie
Jump - William
