My philosophy.

The picture I am attaching is a shot of one of my grandsons. It really has nothing to do with my interest in wedding and event photography. It is simply documentary.

When not shooting events, I practice. Some opportunities are easy. Others are not. The goal is to improve.

I prefer photos that are not posed. One can pose grandchildren sometimes. Mostly, one cannot. This is the problem one encounters in events and weddings. Sometimes, one can pose. Mostly, one cannot. Still, some posed shots are needed.

At events, I prefer to work under the label "photojournalism", which may simply be a big name for candid shots. My goal is to document the event to create a storytelling format. I have no great desire to format beautiful bridal magazine spreads, but that does not mean that some or all of the shots would not qualify for that realm. I just prefer to focus on a cohesive story of the event.

Yes, I do capture atmosphere and detail shots, but I see no reason to photograph everyone present or every element of the day because I am cognizant that, in the future,  the couple will narrow their favorites to the more story-telling images. If a bride wants the other shots, they can be done. However, their relevance will fade with time except for those images that spike memories of a loved one who no longer remains after the passage of time. The bride and groom will help determine what is truly meaningful to them when we talk.

On Monday, I will shoot a civil ceremony. The venue will not be richly decorated and gaudy, but it will be functional. The wedding will be as honest and true as any wedding performed in a lavish church or at a country club. There will be fewer guests and fewer photos. Still, my responsibility will be to capture the event in a storytelling way. I will document it and give them shots that can emotionally and mentally return them to that event and time. I believe that this is my job rather than aiming to capture every intimate detail and person included in a highly priced event.