I do.

With spring in full bloom, more and more couples are coming together and setting a date---unlike going to the movies, dinner, or to the park, this one is the date called, “forever.” As wonderful of a time it is for these couples, there is something that makes me “shutter” in some ways. No pun intended, this is called being the wedding photographer. It's stressful, but actually fun.

Last year, my wife and I were trained to become wedding photographers. This was not our first time shooting a wedding, but what we learned from these months of classes did open your eyes about this profession---and it is a profession! In order to be very good, you have to be artistic, patient, and a very good negotiator.

From the artistic point of view, this part is pretty easy to understand, but there are many tricks you learn to make the photos come out better. For example, “Got large arms?” Don’t let the bride or guests turn to the side, their arms will look like tree trunks. If a guest thinks it looks good when they don’t smile and look like they don’t want their picture taken, you’re right it looks good...to them. Certainly not to the bride and groom who have hired a very expensive photographer and want the best pictures taken. (Wasted time is expensive.)

Once you have the creativity down, the next step is learning patience. Why? You have to wait for the bride to put on her make up, the groom to show up for pictures with all of his potentially “buzzed” buddies, or both families to make their way to the "designated" photo area for the family shots. You want tension? These bring on tension. To get it down, it takes an ability to bring a lot of people on your side, and the best part is---everyone thinks they are the photographer and love to give you tips. They do and you smile and explain you are there to do a job. You really have to demonstrate patience when you get some idiotic friend of the bride or groom who is sure he is the life of the party; he pops up in pictures and will require some serious editing to get him out of there. Who ever invented Photoshop, you are my best friend.

Now with both the creative and patience down, the negotiations round it all out. From the moment you meet the bride (she pretty much runs the show as you might guess) to the pricing to making sure you get the right photos, there are going to be bumps along the way. I have found if you are nice to people, and get them on your side, you will get what you want done. If you have the personality of a rock or dead twig, you get the results that demonstrate you have the personality of a rock or dead twig. Get them to smile and interact with you, and the photos actually do come out better. One of my favorite things to loosen them up---have them stick out their tongues, cross their eyes or better yet, jump in the air. They may not want to do it, but bet they will---people will do whatever the photographer wants. It's amazing.

That’s what I learned about being a wedding photographer; also it’s very important to have a good camera.

The photo above was taken at the first wedding we ever shot. With no pressure, we offered to take photos at my nephew’s wedding. A family event and we offer to take pictures? Yes, I needed to have my head examined. We shot at every event and we took a ton of photos; I was very glad we offered because it was a lot of fun. The best part about it all was being with family---the most difficult part? I am smart enough not to have any because it's a family event and they read "Snap. Shot."

Thanks for stopping by.