It’s not often that one hears Tom Waits music being played at weddings however, ever since I heard it as a couple took to the floor for their first dance many years ago, it’s had a special place in my heart, even more so since my wife, Carol, took a temporary job in NJ. – eleven years ago!

My “Jersey Girl”

and I’m glad she’s wearing my ring.

“Don’t you know that all my dreams come true when I’m walking down the street with you?”.

Happy Anniversary.

…and all our best wishes to all the “Jersey Girls” getting married on the 20th.

However I do have to say that, for me,  probably the most important or precious thing about membership of the Group of 10 is the trust that we share. That may be somewhat intangible I grant you, however it is very real and of inestimable value. This value was recently demonstrated when I called a fellow member of our group and asked if he would be able to assist me at a wedding, at short notice I might add.  Now the details of why I asked for assistance are almost irrelevant, what is relevant is that I knew, without any shadow of a doubt, that I could trust this photographer to;  compliment my shooting style,  treat my clients as I do,  deliver great images and if the situation required,  step-in and take over the shoot entirely.

On this occasion Steve Burns complimented my style, treated my clients as I do, and delivered a great set of images. Thank you Steve.

Thank you Group of 10.

The wedding was at the Glen Foerd Mansion in Philadelphia, Lauren & Mickey truly were a great couple to work with.

Wedding Photography at Glen Foerd

Putting on the Wedding Dress

The Groom's room at Glen Foerd Photo: Steve Burns

Mickey the groom and groomsmen Photo: Steve Burns

Lauren inside Glen Foerd just before the wedding

"The Ring Please!"

Wedding ceremony witness Photo: Steve Burns (one of my favorites)

Lauren & Mickey

I first heard it used in the context of piping, better known over here as bag-piping. Several years ago on a dark and stormy night (sorry couldn’t resist that) as I was quietly sitting in the background half listening to my youngest son’s solo tutor preparing him for his first competition. Mark, the tutor explained that it was not simply enough to have  learned to play a piece of music exceedingly well but that the piper must “own the music”.  Meaning that he, or she, must be in absolute control of himself and his pipes, reeds, drones, bag and all the other elements that make up a set of bagpipes. Not only that but also he, or she, must be oblivious to anything else, the weather, the judges or a parent in the audience.

I dropped the book I had been reading, listened, wrote down what the tutor had said and thought long and hard about his words. I believe it is the same for photographers. I believe that in order to produce excellent images on a consistent basis the photographer must “Own the image”. He, or she, must know not only all the ins and outs of the equipment but must also be completely focused, pun intended, on the subject matter. The professional wedding photographer must also have an acute awareness of the space, events and others around himself/herself  and work quickly and quietly without becoming a distraction.  One arrives at this point only after many, and by many I mean thousands, hours of practice.

Last month I practiced some more myself

Ulster Scottish, the pipe band my son plays with, recorded some of their music. I was given permission to photograph the event. I have to say that I was absolutely flabbergasted and struck by their level of competency and by their dedication. These folks do “Own their Music”.

Pipes

Practice

Practice makes perfect

Ulster-Scottish Pipe Band

"This isn't their first rodeo!"

As I watched I whispered to the pipe-major, Dave Hall, “This isn’t their first rodeo, is it?” Dave quietly chuckled and shared with me just how long and hard they practice. I could see and hear how they “Own their music”, some of which you may enjoy in this short show.

I took the time to view a short show After Dark, Finding Light by Michelle V. Agins who describes some of the challenges of finding images after dark. It’s an interesting story and like all presentations it does leave one “asking for more”.

She shot without adding any artificial light and was encouraged to “find the light” even if it meant going “inch by inch around the subject”.

As a wedding photographer, I am also often “finding light after dark” usually in churches and reception venues where there is little light to be found. The easy way may be to use flash and I do sometimes. However, I do enjoy and thrive upon the challenge of capturing images in tough situations; it makes me think more about what I’m shooting and how I’m working as well as permitting me to shoot without having subjects be too aware of me.

This first sequence is a few frames I shot recently at Capitale in New York. I used no additional lighting. I had just moved away from the dance floor and spotted these small candles which I found interesting.

Then, just as the NY Times photographer described I moved inch by inch around the subject, actually what I did in this instance was adjust my framing and focal point over several frames.

In addition to close-up shots of people, which I love shooting, (here’s a father listening to one of the speeches at his daughter’s wedding).

I am also a great advocate of stepping back. One of my most frequent observations when I’m asked to review another photographer’s wedding work is that there isn’t a sense of place. To me this is a very important aspect of documentary wedding photography. Actually that’s crucial for any type of documentary photography, not just weddings. There’s also the question of respect, whether it be respect for the rules of a church, a speech or a prayer I don’t wish to be a distraction or detract from these moments in any way.

For the uninitiated “Uncle Bob” is the name given by wedding photographers to any wedding guest, male or female, who appears at a wedding with either with a bigger, fancier or even Lord forbid, a newer camera than the actual hired photographer or someone who appears to take as many photographs as the aforementioned photographer. Generally speaking though we don’t often see classics like this at weddings. This is a 8X10 field camera and it belongs to Mike, the groom. He’s just come home from honeymoon in Canada and can’t wait to process those negs. I can’t wait to see them myself and despite not having shot any large format film for many years I must confess to just experiencing just a twinge of “lens envy”.

Some photographers may be not always be happy when they see “Uncle Bob’s” big fancy, read expensive, new equipment, can you say “lens envy”?

So what’s wrong with that and why is he cursed?

Absolutely nothing at all and “Uncle Bob” is not cursed despite those few photographers who may say inwardly or outwardly

1. He’s in my way, he’s in everybody’s’ way and he’s distracting.

2. His behavior is disrespectful and people will think he’s with me

3. He’s stealing my shots, i.e. profits

Here’s a quickie multiple choice question for you all;

When confronted by wedding guests with cameras do you

a). Throw a hissy fit demanding that he put down the camera or else you’ll go home declaring all contracts null and void?

b). Wear a sandwich board that states “he’s NOT with ME”?

c). None of the above?

d). All of the above?

From high school days you’ll know that the correct answer is of course c).

Or you can simply consider any or all of the following;

Make them part of the shot.

Wait for them to move, even in rare cases asking them to move.

Move yourself and re-frame the shot from a different position.

Talk to him, obtain his cooperation for those times when he might actually be a distraction.

Most photographers who have been around the block have learned how to deal with the phenomenon of “Uncle Bob” recognizing opportunity when we see guests with cameras and just get on with doing the job we were hired to do, namely finding images. Have fun!

So why would one want to hide on a wedding day?

Well, unlike in a church or other wedding location everything takes place in direct sunlight and given that Murphy’s Law will be in effect the sun is usually out in its brightest form.

Bright sunlight will of course create some pretty harsh shadows and there’s little hope of trees or other structures to give some shade.

In situations like this one cannot hide one’s inexperience or lack of skill. Correct Exposure is critical and that’s a little tougher than usual as the obvious solution that we usually turn to, adding some flash, just doesn’t work for many of the desired shots because of the power required to overcome the effects of the sun.

I tip my hat to the photographers in Florida, Jamaica and such places who do this, and do it well, regularly.

For brides: if you are planning a beach wedding, either in New Jersey or some sunny destination I don’t mean to imply that it’s a bad idea at all. Beach weddings are a lot of fun. I do suggest though that it is not the time to rely on someone who is “building a portfolio” or the well-meaning amateur. This is truly a job for a pro.

Also do check and see if a permit is required.

For the professionals a few do’s and don’ts;

Do have a full bottle of water on you and don’t forget to drink plenty beforehand.

Do wear a hat

Do wear shoes that provide some traction. I don’t suggest going barefoot-that sand can be hot, it can be cold and it can be difficult to walk on draining energy.

Do wear sunscreen. I keep a small stick of roll-on Neutrogena in my car, it has come in very handy.

Don’t carry a camera bag onto the beach. Lay nothing on the sand. Either carry everything on your person or have an assistant carry and hold extra gear.

So does one really need to hide at a beach wedding? Not at all, with a little planning, a good dose of experience and a good attitude there’s really no need to hide at all when photographing beach weddings. I hope you enjoy these few images I shot at last weekend’s wedding on the beach by the Lighthouse in Cape May, NJ.

While there may be some truth in the old adage “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” there is also almost universal agreement amongst photographers that better photography is seldom gained through use of “bandwiches”.

What’s a “bandwich” ?

A bandwich is the universal term applied to MWS (Meals Without Sustenance) provided to musicians, DJ’s, videographers and photographers at weddings, usually some form of sandwich served in white paper lunch bags.

The actual contents may vary, however often times included are culinary delights such as packets of mayonnaise, mustard and even chips. Often demarcation lines between the merely old and the really old & dry cheese are clearly visible.

Usually “bandwiches” are served either just before the cake is scheduled to be cut or half a mile away, thorough dark passages. Sometimes both.

This one was served, well surreptitiously placed would be a better description, on the DJ’s chair as the last dance of the evening was under way.

Each of us received one of these charming little boxes.

Identification of this last item in the box has proven to be very challenging indeed to our forensic staff.

Actually challenging is an understatement; they don’t have a clue what it is and suggested that we send it to CSI and ask for their help.

There were no bandwiches available at Nanina’s on the Park earlier this month.

I arrived early, was chatting with Liz and asked her “Is there somewhere near here where I can run and grab a quick bite to eat?”

Liz took me by the arm and led me into the kitchen and introduced me to the chef saying “Vinnie, I know you’re busy. This is George, can you rustle up a quick bite for him?”

Ten minutes later a gorgeous salad with grilled asparagus, peppers & chicken was served to me along with a very tasty cappuccino and a smile.

Many, many thanks to Vinnie and all the staff at Nanina’s, you guys are the best, and by the way the photos from that day are super.