What makes wedding photography so special to me? Surely it's just posh portraiture? Nope! It is so much more.
For starters, weddings are fun. Even as a photographer who isn't involved in the actual celebration, seeing everyone enjoying themselves gives me a buzz. I love being around happy people.
On a more more technical level, I can capture portraits, landscapes, architecture, and still life all in one day. It can be stressful to get the right settings on the camera, but again, I love it. I love the variety of the day, and producing images that the couple can keep and enjoy.
Then there is the plain old romance of the day. A couple announcing their love to the world. Looking longingly into each other's eyes as they say their vows. Walking down the aisle hand-in-hand. It's just a beautiful day.
Yet, even with all those reasons, even with the little spontaneous moments, I think what I like the most about wedding photography is that I get to capture all the hard work that the couple have spent months planning.
A guest would see a gorgeous dress, colour co-ordinated bridesmaids and flowers, a lovely venue, and great decorations. As a photographer who plans my shoots and understands the decisions, I see months of viewing colour schemes, anguish on finding THE dress, arguments and agreements on the setting and style. Every decision accumulates to that one perfect day. And as a photographer, I have the privilege of capturing every aspect of it.
