Why wedding photography?

What is it about Wedding Photography in general that makes us want to do it again and again and again? I am pondering this question after reading another photographer’s advert, which states that the most satisfying part of being a wedding photographer to him/her is when the couple view their album for the first time and have joy on their faces. I guess that for every professional person the satisfaction of doing a job well ranks very high, but WHY do WE do it?

The answer is surely not as simple as “I love photography and being creative.” or “I do it for some extra income.” or even “I am just passionate about taking photos of people showing their love.” I even got hold of this one on a website: “I took photos at my cousin’s wedding and it was so much fun that I want to offer this service to other people as well!” —-IMAGINE!

At almost every wedding we go to, we find guests with sometimes simple cameras, and often cameras that would even outshine ours. Then there are those guests that follow us and try to take photos while we are working with the couple. Rarely do they understand the creative process involved in capturing a couples special day in the most special way! However, I know exactly why they are doing it (mostly anyway)! Being a wedding photographer is perhaps the coolest job in the world (after being a test pilot or astronaut or..) okay, one of the coolest jobs in the world. Every weekend we have the opportunity to walk around with expensive gear and be everybody else’s envy by sharing intimate moments with the couple of the day! And honestly, the coolness factor is part of the answer to the question in the beginning. The ingredients of pressure, excitement, creative thought, technical know-how, physical endurance and razor sharp focus, makes wedding photography one of the most exciting careers to follow.

The wedding photographer is also one of the people that spends the most time with the couple on the day. This allows us to become a part of the procession in a way that very few other wedding professionals, guests of even family has the opportunity to do. Being so focused on the bridal couple, we see more of their underlying anxiety, excitement and emotions than most other. This in turn allows us to build close friendships in some very short hours. Working well with people under pressure is an attribute every good wedding photographer need to develop.

Weddings are often held at the most beautiful of locations, Game reservers, on the beach, wedding farms and upmarket hotels. Not places everybody goes to too often! Just another perk!

Whatever the answer to the question, the passion of the photographer have to extend into the post-editing of the images, as this takes much more time and passion than to pitch up for the wedding. We have been criticized by other photographers that we give too many photos to our couples. Maybe we do, but every image captured on the wedding day, is treasured by us. We want to enhance every single image with care and ‘love’ to tell the FULL story of the couple’s day. It is not easy to hit the DEL button on the PC if you care for images that much. This is one of the reasons why we go the “Full Circle” on all the photos BEFORE we show them to the newlyweds. Only then can they choose their prints, as they will be able to appreciate the final vision we had for every image.

Back to the question: WHY!?

Answer: I love creating something beautiful, viewing a scene or moment through my viewfinder, apply my talent and skills and capture not what I see with my eye, but what I see with my mind. That is the primary reason why we do it. Yes we love all the perks and challenges of being a photographer, but that moment when I release the shutter and my vision is captured by the photocells on the image sensor, that is the moment I live for.

So when you meet your prospective photographer, just ask him WHY he/she does it….

It might just be the crucial question BEFORE you sign the contract!