Early Monday Inspiration Post

The Bride and the Groom

Today I watched one of my new favorite shows, Iconoclasts on the Sundance channel. They juxtapose two influential, icons in the world living today and do a documentary on their lives. Today I watched Paul Simon and Lorne Michaels (from Saturday Night Live). They showed how the two became friends through Paul playing on Saturday Night Live, being a New Yorker and Lorne directing and running Saturday Night Live.

The interviewer asked Paul what gives him inspiration when he's sung a song he's been singing for over 30 years. I love Paul Simon, so it was great getting to see him laid back and talking about where his songs come from. His inspiration is New York. He grew up there, his children all born at the same hospital, goes to the same Italian restaurant with Lorne...and when he's dry on music, creating a song, he turns to his city, New York for inspiration.

I call myself a "Life" photographer. Sure, I shoot weddings, I could say I'm a wedding photographer, but I'm a photographer. I shoot life, I just so happen to shoot more weddings than anything else. I had a bride ask me, how I shoot weddings over and over and over and keep getting new and fresh images, it's the bride and groom.

Together, they give me something different every time. Sometimes, it's an outgoing couple who don't mind me photographing them all day, sometimes it's a shy couple that's more reserved and to themselves. Each one different and equally beautiful.

Over a month ago now, I shot a bride and groom in South Dakota. The day was hectic. A huge storm rolled through and their outdoor wedding went indoors at the last minute. Everyone in the family pulled together to give them a beautiful day. But you could tell, it was a stressful day for both of them. When it came time to their portraits, getting their photograph taken was the last thing on their mind. Relaxing, getting a drink of champagne, talking to guests, etc. I grabbed them for about 15 minutes and we gave it our all.

So, to all the brides and grooms, you all inspire me to give you the best! Show you how remarkable you are today! How completely in love you are at this moment! How you inspire me to constantly create new and insightful imagery to give you as a reminder of your wonderful, loving wedding day. Thank you for inspiring me!!!