The question of Formal Wedding Portraits as part of the Wedding Day is historical and relevant.
Is the portrait a fake representation of moments in time on the day? Is it how it has to be because it was always done that way? Is it possible to photograph the entire Wedding Party in a journalistic sense without some sort of plan to provide a situation that includes everyone? How important are these groupings and will they stand the test of time?
With many couples whom visit our Studio, often the first words that we may hear is, I want “creative bridal photography with a photojournalistic or documentary style”. That is beautiful! We want, will and do include that. In fact, I believe the Wedding Day is more that that. It is both “a day in the life of the bride and groom” as well as a complete family reunion with both Bride and Groom’s side coming together to celebrate the newly weds Day. Who would not want to consider a family reunion picture?
Many photographers will have nothing to do with posing; Portraits can take a lot of time and can involve a lot of people; there is studio lighting needed to enhance the beauty and texture in the bridal gown, giving the natural expressions that stand apart in that fine group of 20 and actually document the 4 generations of great grandparent, grandparent, parent and son; and finally, many photographers do not have the skills; however, we find that with a requirement of photojournalism style, inevitably, the bride and groom will order those classic, timeless portraits with family photography, bridal portrait, couple portrait, the 2-3 year old nieces and nephews of the bride standing at the altar with the couple. Why?
A formal wedding invitation was prepared and sent, the Bride has an amazing Formal Gown, the groom has his Black Tux, the mothers are equally matched in color and style, a fortune is spent on flowers in which to add dimension to the background and then the bridal party spends hours preparing their dress. This time is obviously so special and will not ever be the same in any sense beyond this special day. Looking at 25 years later, many of the guests will have moved on, important family members may no longer be with us. Even Bridal Cake Pictures and Reception Details play into the entire planning process.
I ask, Why Not?
It is obviously important to some how blending both formal portraits and the fun, candid photography must happen together. It may be an hour of Formal Portrait Photography or 15 minutes, depending on our Couples desires.
To do this, Steve understands that it is very important to plan. We utilize a checklist if our client so desires to complete, and look at where we can fit these not to be missed groupings into the Day’s event. A wedding coordinator such as Tracy Fricke with YourPerfectEvent.com is sometimes requested.
In fact, moving throughout the midwest photographing in Omaha, Lincoln, Des Moines, Chicago, and Kansas City, Steve incorporates that sense of fun into all of the Formal Portraits. That means, nothing ever feels fake, we bond with the entire group throughout that process and by the end of the evening, we are practically part of the family.
A Blended Wedding Photography style is important and necessary in most cases; however, we will always do as instructed and can make the Day’s approach be such as a fly on the wall or complete documentary style. Nothing is ever imposed as our fundamental belief is that this is the Bride and Groom’s Day.
At the end of the day, all that remains are the memories. For the Bride and Groom Album and the Parents Album as well as the Wall Portrait, these memories will always remain and passed on to future generations. What an honor it is to be a Wedding Photographer!
Please contact us for a viewing, discussion about your Wedding Plans and Custom Pricing for your Day.