It happens to all photographers.. you don't shoot weddings, but at some point you have to make an exception.
Melanie & Tommy Hageman are my exception.
Brides seem to have a way of getting what they want, so I happily obliged as "second shooter" only. Melanie is just one of those people that you can't help but like, from the moment you meet her, a fun, charismatic little powerhouse..
Second shooter.. no pressure, no posing, just the fun shots.. I can handle that... or so I thought..
The primary photographer was also running sound & lights...how could he be in two places at one time? So much for no pressure. I don't normally use flash and didn't bring lighting equipment, after all I am second shooter...but now felt obligated to "try a little harder".. the New Yorker in me kicked in pretty quickly and I found myself directing and orchestrating shots.. not my comfort zone at all.
While my results are not "classic wedding photography" shots, I did manage to capture some "moments" that represent who Mel & Tommy are.. their personalities, the love and the fun. Did I mention the bride wore a bass guitar?
I relieved the pressure on myself by reminding myself that some pictures were better than no pictures, and that they would be more interested in reliving the moments and less worried about the technicalities of the shots. I also noted two other guests toting the big cameras with lenses and flashes and knew they would share photos with the couple as well. Mel & Tommy are very easy going as well so I felt no pressure from them but didn't want to disappoint them either.
I learned a lot from shooting this wedding and going outside of my comfort zone (which seems to be my theme lately). First, while I did find it to be a lot of fun and a great crowd of people, I don't ever want to do it again. Weddings are a once in a life time event, too much pressure for me... it's too important you cant recreate that magic, and it's wicked stressful worrying about what you may miss or forget. There are too many variables, things that can go wrong, a lot of running trying to keep up and be in three places at once, too much photo processing and too many other photographers getting in the way of your shots.. Photographers.. you would think they would know better, but much like me, I think when you get in "your zone" you tune everything else out. truth be told, I am guilty of getting in other peoples shots.
It was a great day.. 80 degrees in October, dolphins playing in the bay during the ceremony.. sun dogs in the sky, and gorgeous clouds. Reflecting upon the day during my drive home I realized I went as an observer, to document, to capture an occasion, but made some friends along the way and met some fascinating people. Mel & Tommy have surrounded themselves with upbeat, fun loving people who truly understand the important things in life and live what they believe.
Some people are truly meant to be together...
Congratulations to Melanie Waters & Tommy Hageman as they begin their lives together. 10/9/11
