Wedding Bells
One of the ways I'm trying to make some money while "retiring" is through photography and videography. I've videotaped 2 weddings and yesterday I still photographed a wedding. While it's incredibly stressful (so many things to capture that only happen once), I also think it's a huge honor to be the one who can document such a monumental moment.
After the wedding day, really only about 10% of the job is finished. I then spend numerous hours transferring the tapes or photos, examining them, cleaning them up, cropping and editing, etc. Over this time, I get to live the day over and over again, get to see the couple and their families over and over again. Get to see the birth of a new, deeper love.
I enjoy being a photographer and filmmaker because of the moments that you can capture. For me, it's not about deception -- trying to make the moments look better than they are. It's about avoiding the deception that most videos and photos fall prey to -- I'm trying to capture an image that actually lives up to how incredible "being there" was.
I know I've done my job when this happens. I've been fortunate enough that with each of these projects, they rise to these standards.
Part of the "unique" thing that we do for the videos is we interview the couple, their family, their friends before we tape the ceremony. We try to make the video a true documentary of the couple, their relationship, the day, everything. In doing this, I get the chance to see the relationship and how it works.
All this to say that I like marriage, that I like when two people tie themselves to each other for life. I got married very young -- 19 -- and it's not all been easy. But I think being married has made us both much better people, our commitment and love for each other has shaped each other. . . And it excites me each time I see a couple entering into this seriously.
So hooray for marriage. And hooray for the hell you can survive together if you allow it to be the bond it's meant to be.
7 Comments:
As a recent bride, I can honestly say that the photographer's and videographer's job is the hardest of the day. There is so much pressure to capture the "moment" and produce what is in the bride's mind (although not usually privied to that information)while also dealing with large families, children, the crazy uncle that wants to be in every picture, etc. So Jase, good luck with your "new" project! P.S. I like marriage too - all 1 month of it!
It is a lot of hard work -- and nerve wracking too -- but to be able to document such a special day is all worth it. But at the end of it all I'm amazed at how tired and thirsty I am. And relieved.
any chance of us purchasing any of the pictures that might feature my wife or I?
I think that it is really cool that you are doing photography, in addition to everything else you have going on. A Photographer's job is very important, especially when it comes to weddings. Just like you mentioned that you get to live the day over and over again, you are making that same thing possible for the Bride & Groom, their bridal party, family, guests, future children, grand-children, and so forth.
Being part of a "photagrapher" family, I definitely know the joy, fun, and loads of laughter that come from looking back and reminiscing through film. Thanks to my father and uncle having a photagraphy business, my family's weddings, anniversaries, babies/children, parties/reunions, graduations, many vacations - basically our whole lives - have all been preserved for us. Fortunately, my father's appreciation and love for photagraphy has been passed down, and 2 of his grand-children are taking Film, Communications & Photography in school.
So Jason, I think it's absolutely great that you understand that being a good photographer & filmmaker isn't just about the money. It's really about the emotions and feelings that will come over your clients and friends when they continually revisit one of many important chapters in their life story. If you feel it, then they will too.
Tee (not really Anonymous, just too lazy to create an account.. LOL)
Hi Tee and Erin, glad you are posting on the log. Thanks and great to hear from you. Congrats on the wedding Erin.
There really is nothing like having special moments artistically documented. I love to look at the pictures of my wedding and honeymoon and have the memories come rushing back (I realize that I sound like I am 70 tears old right now).
That's such a great obervation Tee and you're completely right. That's why it's honestly an honor. Photographs become infinitely more valuable as time goes on. Just the other day I was showing my little ones our wedding pictures and it was so special.
I am a huge fan of marriage, too. Being married is the most fun I have ever had in my life. I am so thankful that I have the pictures to relive the day of my wedding, but more importantly, I am blessed to have my husband to live every new day with.
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