Music at weddings, as in life can leave one with many feelings.  It is not a visual thing, however it is something that  triggers things in the hearer’s mind that evokes emotion or feeling.  Well chosen music played at a wedding does exactly the same thing. It helps to support the days emotions.

Music can be loud, sharp, soft, sexy, sweet, sultry, romantic, brassy, sensuous…  You name it, and it can say it.

How music is delivered can also add to its impact.  As a wedding  photographer, I’ve witnessed weddings were music was delivered via an iPod,  from a DJ, to music performed real time by a band.  All of the mentioned ways of delivery can be done very well,  and all of them can have a significant impact on a wedding day.

One of the things that separates really good photography from OK photography, is that the former leaves you with the thought “this is what it felt like to be there,” vs. “this is what it looked like to be there.”

A responsibility of a good wedding photographer is to communicate to the viewer not just what the day looked like, but what the wedding day felt like.   You want to be taken back to the feelings of your wedding day when you look at your images.

When photographing a wedding, I’m sure to include something that speaks of the music presented that day, as it plays such a large part in the day.  I have to admit that I’ve never photographed an iPod at a wedding reception.  However  I take great, great delight in photographing a band!

Here are some favorites which when I revisit them, I feel as if they take me back to that day.

Working  the crowd at a wedding reception at the Fresh Meadows Country Club.

Sounding brassy at the Fresh Meadows Country Club.

A very hot wedding band vocalist at the Fresh Meadows Country Club.

Letting it loose at a wedding reception at the Ridgewood Country Club.

A sassy bass at the Chart House Restaurant.                                                            Enda playing for his wife at their reception, the Molly Pictcher Inn.

My hat is off to those that have come before, those that currently do, and to those that will provide the music which makes our lives so much richer.  Our world would not be the same with out you!

Steve Burns

Karyn and George where married in a Greek Orthodox Wedding Ceremony at St. John The Theologian in Tenafly, NJ.

Their ceremony is one that I particularly love to witness.   It’s with good reason that I’ve fallen in love with the various aspects of, and the symbolisms in their service; having documented several over the years.

After their wedding mass, Karyn and George chose to have romantic photographs done at the beautiful Davis Johnson Gardens in Tenafly, NJ, a donation supported formal garden that loves to work beautiful brides and their grooms.  Without donations those lovely gardens would not exist.

The reception was held later that evening at the beautiful Graycliff in Moonachie, NJ.

Karyn and her girls getting ready.

Karyn, as a very beautiful bride.

Karyn being escorted down the isle by her father Carlos.

Karyn and George during their marriage ceremony.

Greek Orthodox Wedding Ceremony.

Beautiful late afternoon sun at Davis Johnson Park.

Karyn’s first dance with her now husband George, as their wedding guests look on.

And of course George and his uncle had to lead the cheers that evening!        Steve Burns

David’s earlier post about “how come you don’t call yourself a photojournalist”  is great!  I am similar in I don’t consider myself a pure photojournalist photographer,  but I find it amusing that some photographers I have met over time DO call them photojournalists yet they do more posing then me.   So getting ready, ceremony and reception – I have a Photojournalist attitude.. shooting as it happens

However I love playing with light..   capturing moments and having a good time at weddings.  Is that so wrong?

The following images were all taken at the Grand Colonial in Hampton NJ.

Josh

www.joshlynn.com

The Group of 10 was founded in part as a support group of friends, for friends.  All of the members are friends whom happen to be independent photographers, and all of whom are very active in the wedding photography industry.

We’ve been a support to each other so as to bounce creative ideas off of each other, act as a sounding board for each other,  and get honest feed back from each other.  We support each other in our marketing and creative endeavors.

Most importantly though, we are there for each other in times of need.

There have been times, and I’m sure there will be others, when we have loaned each other significant equipment in emergencies. We have taken on the role of “highly qualified responsible” second photographers for the other’s wedding coverage’s.  And most significantly we are willing, if available, to step in for one another as the principal photographer doing the other’s wedding coverage should an emergency arise.

As a bride, you invest heavily in your wedding day, and you should be aware that we are there to support not only each other,  but to support you as well.

So in times of need, who are you going to call?  ( Hint: Call your friends, they are your best back up. )

Bellow are some images I’ve created for others, and I thank you all for the oppertunity to work with you!

For George Weir…

 For Neil van Niekerk…

For David Mielcarek…

For Berit Bizjak…

Steve Burns

Nowadays the latest digital cameras became so darn good that you can comfortably work with the levels of light your eyes can barely see anymore. Yes, of course that is a good thing. It expands possibilities and gives us wonderful tools that can be used in ways never dreamt of before. On the other hand though… something is lost in those incredibly clean looking images shot in alomst complete darkness.

As much as I love technology… I think you get my point. The below images were shot on Kodak T-Max ISO3200 film during the wedding season of 2008. Just for fun, for myself and… for the clients of course:

Film… there’s something magical about that very word.

A part of what I understand is this:

The heartfelt pride and mixed emotion of a daughter getting married, and gaining a son.

.

Our pets are part of the family – always.

.

Running after geese in a field is not a crazy idea on your wedding day!

.

I totally get it little guy, tuxedo-thing, not getting dirty, waiting around.

.

Complete and total devotion and friendship come together during your wedding ceremony.

.

Sometimes the simplest gestures are the most beautiful.

.

It may have been a rainy day but the night sky was magic.

.

Love is uplifting and energetic

.

Happiness and devotion happen in a way you can never imagine until you become one (a parent).

.

The Harvest Moon Outside was breath-taking …

.

… as was the warmth and joy inside.

.

The anticipation …

.

… and the joy of getting there will always be remembered