You’re Not a Model. Neither are Your Guests. That’s the Point.

You're Not a Model. Neither Are Your Guests. That's the Point.

If you've ever told a photographer, “We're really awkward in front of the camera,” you're in very good company.

Most people aren't models. Most people aren't particularly comfortable being photographed. And most people have no idea what to do with their hands when someone suddenly points a camera at them.

That's okay.

You don't need to know how to pose, and you definitely don't need to become a different version of yourselves just because you're having your picture taken. Part of my job is making you feel comfortable enough to forget about the camera in the first place.

That's where posed, prompted, and documentary photography come in.

So what's the difference?

Posed photography is the most directed. I'm telling you where to stand, where to look, how to hold each other, or how I'd like everyone arranged. It has its place, especially for family portraits, wedding party photos, and those classic portraits you'll probably want hanging on your wall.

Prompted photography is a little more relaxed. Instead of telling you exactly what to do, I'll give you something to do together and let your interaction take over from there. Maybe I have you walk together, get close, talk to each other, or do something a little ridiculous that gets you laughing.

That's the heart of my “prompted, not posed” approach. I'm still creating the photograph, but I'm giving you room to actually be yourselves inside of it.

Documentary photography is where I step back and let the moment happen without directing it. I'm watching, anticipating, and looking for the things that are unfolding naturally around you. There's no recreating it and no asking you to do it again. I'm simply there to notice it.

Your wedding needs all of them.

I don't think a wedding should feel like one long photo session, and I don't think every photograph should be completely candid either.

There are moments when you need direction. There are moments when a little prompting gives you the most natural result. And then there are moments when the best thing I can do is get out of the way and let you live your life.

Knowing when to use each one is part of my job.

You don't have to worry about whether you're posing correctly or wonder what you're supposed to do next. I'll guide you when you need it and step back when you don't.

Because you're not a model.

Neither are your guests.

And that's kind of the point.

At the end of the day, I want you to look at your photographs and think, “Yep. That's us,” while also thinking, “Damn, we look good.” I want you to recognize yourselves in the way you move, laugh, love, and interact, but I also want the photographs to have that little bit of magic that makes you stop and stare.

It doesn't have to be perfectly posed or perfectly polished to be beautiful. It just has to feel like you.

You just have to show up and be yourselves. I'll take care of the rest.