For Most of My Career In Photography…
I’ve done wedding photography only for a few special people. That’s by my choice and design. Any photos I did were always of friends that I knew firsthand. I knew very well who they were - such as a relative, friend or a co-worker. I knew their personalities, temperament, etc. Wedding photography is an art form in itself! It’s also a new layer of stress that is unmatched in nearly any other genre of the art of photography!
There are many technical and logistical factors to sort out in advance such as:
Does the client want or need a “second shooter” (a second photographer) or assistant - it can be challenging to photograph both the people getting ready for the ceremony at the same time, make proper adjustments to lighting, “bridezillas”, occasionally rude parents & relatives want certain photos taken that weren’t agreed to in advance, often (which usually causes the photographer to miss some other photo opportunity that WAS agreed to, but now the photographer can’t deliver to the customer because Mom or Dad wanted shots of Aunt Jane and Uncle Bob acting like teenagers again (or whatever!). Challenging even with a second shooter!
Spending hours on your feet walking from A to B - at the wedding venue then to the reception venue, etc.
And the bridal party - they likely have at least some rented clothes (perhaps a dress, tux, etc.), catered food and so on. I never want to say “Oh hey, sorry, can we reshoot this tomorrow?”.
And this is the big one: Since things tend to move along fairly quickly, for the photographer, there is extremely little margin for mistakes, glitches, etc. Likely no mulligans or “do-overs”.
There are other countless logistical & technical issues encountered in the typical formal wedding.
So, in light of those and many more factors, I decided some time ago NOT to offer (formal) wedding photography in my business. And if you want a big formal wedding and want to pay a quality photographer several thousand dollars, I’d be happy to refer you to another PPA Certified Professional Photographer that will be able to help you out.
However…
A casual/informal or civil wedding is a much more relaxed occasion. I know a couple that had their wedding party such that everyone in the party wore “Eskimo Joe” t-shirts & jeans! Traditionally this style of ceremony is much more relaxed and casual. With the rising cost of a “formal” wedding, many more couples are considering going the informal route. I recently read an article in a photography trade magazine that stated the average price of a wedding photographer in the U.S. is ~$10,000 !
Then Things Changed…
It seems after the pandemic, civil weddings have soared in popularity. In this digital age, it seems many people would rather view the images on their tablet, PC, phone or TV or other device than spend money on airline tickets and/or car rentals, gas, meals out, lodging, etc; and have to travel somewhere and sit or stand in a crowded church or event facility. I don’t judge! Each to their own, but as a photographer, I will stick to the more casual & informal type of ceremony. A young couple I know recently got married in a simple civil ceremony at the Tulsa County Courthouse, and I was honored to be able to memorialize the event for them. Just a few photos here. The lovely couple preferred I not show their faces in this portfolio, so I will honor their request and protect their privacy. But I have plenty of other images for them that are gorgeous and they’re totally ecstatic with! It was truly a fun session, and I was thrilled to be able to help them. If you’re considering a casual/civil wedding, please feel free to contact me. I’d love to help you out!
Let’s Work Together!
