Here is a copy of Crystals, view of her day with us:
In my attempt to always see an event (and especially a wedding) from every possible angle I wanted to step behind the lens and see what it's really like to photograph a wedding.
So, armed with my Canon Digital SLR 40D I braved the winter sun and snow on Saturday with the ever lovely Jennifer Cavagna & Lisa Randall from JenniferImages.
Now, you should probably understand that although I don't shoot weddings professionally I do always have my camera on hand to capture the details - the beautiful cake, the gorgeous decor, a centrepiece, table setting, handmade program or even the setting as a whole but the people, well that's another story all together!
As a Wedding Planner my job is the detail the little nitpicky items that people may or may not notice but they always make a difference to me. My mother always said "love is in the details" and I truly take that sentiment to heart with every wedding and event I undertake.
So, as I said, armed with camera in hand and some kind and patient words of advice from Jennifer and Lisa I embarked on a day I won't soon forget.
The challenges are different but the premise of being a Photographer and a Wedding Planner are the same - same details count, you have to get it right the first time because there's no time for second chances and you need to truly feel your subject.
So here's what I've learned in my crash course of Photography 101...Learn to LOVE your strengths and forgive your weaknesses.
Jennifer allowed me the time, with some coaching, to have fun and to play (since both she & Lisa were actually shooting the wedding I was afforded a chance to "play" - look for details, find unique shots, try some regular stuff but none of my work was "counted on" for final images - not to worry for the bride & groom in question).
I found out that I adore small details - a gorgeous train on the dress, a handmade necklace from an aunt, a little piggy bank of "wedding fun", books with beautiful titles, invites on the fridge, flowers keeping cool in a kitchen pot.
I embraced that which I love and at first was intimidated by my photography weakness - people! I wasn't about to get off that easy!!!!
Soon the bride & bridesmaids were getting ready, dad was doing up his tie, mom was carefully putting on her corsage.
That which I feared suddenly had to become my muse.
I took a million shots and at first was terrified they'd be horrific but managed some nice ones too. I started editing myself and my work until I got the very best advice - "don't delete, don't edit... just visualize and shoot"!
So I shot... and learned through the lens. Lighting was bad here, move. Lighting was good there, stay. Wrong angle, move. Right angle, move again! Don't be afraid to be creative and try. You'll never regret it.The second thing I learned and the most important could easily be about the pressures involved.
Even though I was shooting "for fun" I still even felt pressure to get it right, the first time, as the day really does move quickly. The lighting changes as the clock ticks, people get antsy, emotional, tired, hot or cold.
It's an ebb and flow of getting it right but with time constraints and just general world noise you need to be quick and accurate.
Which leads me to my next observation you also have to learn the art of the background. I simply mean being able to blend. When people see the camera they either get nervous or cocky and become shy or comical. The better you blend the better photos you take. I often wondered why photographers I knew always wore black and were very quiet. The truth is, the less you notice them the better. It means their photos will be candid and captivating, capturing the truth on your face, in your eyes and on your lips.
A few more things caught my attention throughout the day that I just thought I would share:
* Don't create a massive list of Must Have Shots (except of portraits). This limits your photographers creativity and truly takes the longest amount of time when shooting.
* Dare to be different - want to go sit on a swing set? hang upside down? hold hands on a balcony? Don't be afraid to make suggestions/ideas!
* Be understanding of time and place - photographers have to move around people, objects and even the bride & groom throughout the day. A big part of the job is the details - removing unwanted objects from the background, readjusting the brides veil, fixing a boutonnierre, etc.
* Rubber neckers... those people who aren't involved in a wedding but always want to "take a peek" are a nuisance (or can be). Check it out but don't step in the shot for heavens sake!
* Leave out items of importance within your home for your photographers (photos, stuffed animals, dress, shoes, jewelry, makeup, lingerie, perfume, wedding invite, rings. This gives the photographers an idea of your personality and let's them get creative!Being a wedding photographer is a great deal more than just owning a camera and taking photos. It takes skill, vision, creativity, trial and error. In my mind, the best photographers are the ones who aren't afraid of a challenge, who love the unusual, can blend into your background when necessary, give direction without feeling impersonal, timely, organized and charismatic.
In other words... a jack of all trades!
And, finally, the thing I learned that resonated most within me...
That a wedding is a perfect blend - you need the details, the emotion and the creativity to try something new as well as the tested and true. Otherwise, you only have part of a story, part of a history, and part can never be whole. After a day with two of my very favourite photographers all I can say is this "I certainly won't be quitting my dayjob anytime soon!".
Although I love the passion, energy and creativity that drives Jennifer & Lisa (& every great photographer I've ever met) in the end I LOVE the details and for me thats no more prevalent and no more affirming than creating a detailed and complete itinerary, reviewing table placesettings, organizing the processional, fixing a brides bustle, getting a red wine stain out of a bridesmaids dress or fixing a grooms boutonnierre.
So, with a photographers eye in mind, I step forward now with a new vision on how beautiful a wedding can be when you see it from both sides of the lens.
Happy Planning,
Crystal Adair-Benning,
WPICC
Wedding Planner
Distinct Occasions
WEDDINGS
416.562.6995
A boutique wedding planning firm in Toronto, Ontario specializing in unique and luxurious nuptials. Destination, Distinct and Diverse weddings are our speciality!
Photos taken by Crystal Adair-Benning for Jennifer Images
