Good enough for you?

I hired another photographer to work with me for a beautiful wedding at Sage Chapel and the Statler Hotel on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca last weekend. At the rehearsal, he asked the question that always confounds me and (pardon the neurotic drama of the following statement) causes a great deal of introspection and soul-searching.

"So, like, what's your style?"

I've thought about this question forever, and never produced an answer I'm content with. I've tried to pin it down in an "artist's statement," a "philosophy," a catchy blurb that looks good on business cards and promotional materials ... I just never can seem to craft the words, written or spoken, that sum up my style. It's much easier for me to tell ya what I ain't.

I ain't a "fashion" photographer. I'm not "ethereal." I am not an "artist." And, despite my college degree and many years as a news photographer, I am no longer a "photojournalist." I am a wedding photographer, damn it. And that's good enough for me.

Okay, so, undeniably, the sexy pose of the bride wedged into the splitting trunk of a willow tree, her back arched and hair spilling onto the soft earth below is beautiful, but does it really tell me anything about the bride? Okay, I get it ... the table settings were really, really cool. How many black and white images of the bride's silhouetted back do we really need? And who, who I say, actually hangs these photos on their wall, anyway?

This is my bone of contention with the "artist" set and the "fashion photographers" ... Others take the shots that will impress potential clients viewing their portfolio galleries. Others wait for the opportunity to make a work of "art" for competition and accolades. No doubt about it ... some of these images have everything going for them ... mood, technique, composition, perfect lighting. Your wedding rings nestled inside the sultry folds of a calla lily looks great printed poster-size ... but you know where it looks great? In the window of the photographer's studio. Not so much over your couch. How long will you keep it there? Maybe until your first anniversary? Maybe?

Oh, I beat myself up as much as any neurotic artist. I pour over the websites and blogs of other photographers, looking for insight and inspiration. I always see images that take my breath away, really knock me out, make me shake in my boots and wonder if I chose the right profession. But a lot of times, when I attempt to recreate the images I see, I feel just plain silly. Because what I see a lot of lately is photos that just plain lack relevance.

I know several photographers who make images so ethereal and beautiful that the subject doesn't even matter ... they could be stock photos for greeting cards or boutique ads. But where's the fun? Where's the personality? They fill the viewer with the essence of wedding, but they do nothing to describe the actual man and the actual woman who were joined together on that one special day. 

My ever-evolving answer to the "What is you style?" question currently is this: I photograph the pictures you want. I take the shots that you want to give to your children someday. I photograph the pictures your mother and grandmother want right now. I photograph images that bring tears to your father's eyes. I take the shots that show you how much in love you were on your wedding day. I am a wedding photographer, damn it. And I make shots for no one else but you, your family and your closest friends.

I make the subject matter. Maybe I won't enter any contests, but that's enough accolades for me. Is it good enough for you?

View my wedding photography, portrait photography, commercial photography and sports photography at  www.strinnistudio.com

Fleeting Moments, Precious Imagery

The wedding of the lovely Valerie and Robert at beautiful Belhurst Castle in Geneva this past weekend has left me with two pieces of indelible advice for future brides-to-be: plan your time and plan your moments.

Not that every moment can be, or should be, scripted. That's no fun. And a little annoying, actually. But there are many little things a bride can do to help create not just good photo opportunities, but enduring memories.

Example: Valerie had each of her bridesmaids and her mother perform little tasks during the dressing of the bride. Her sister sprayed a fine mist of perfume over her. A bridesmaid clasped her necklace. Another bridesmaid fastened her bracelet and yet another helped her slip into her shoes. Valerie's mom laced her dress and her dad poked his head in for a first look at his daughter. All are such little mundane gestures but each task gave Valerie a special moment with her most dear friends and family, and provided excellent opportunity for the photographer (me) to make special images of bridal preparations.

I don't know if Valerie did all this by design or if it was just a happy accident. What I do know is that great wedding photography can occur when these gestures and moments just naturally happen, allowing the photographer the opportunity to capture them as memories. And good photography comes from TIME- enough time to get a myriad of portraits in a variety of places, and enough to time to relax a bit and take things slowly so the wedding party is not rushing from Point A to Point B.

That's another matter of high importance - Point A and Point B. Your wedding venues and portrait locations are crucial to amazing photography. I hate to say it, but I'd be lying if I told you your getting-ready pictures in a dark church basement are going to be as lovely as the getting-ready pictures in a nice room somewhere. I'm not saying you have to go all out for some fancy inn. Not everyone wants to plunk down the change for yet another wedding day expense, and let's face it, some people just don't care all that much about photos from this portion of the day.

But if this IS a priority for you, a good preparations site will give a wonderful backdrop for touching moments, provide a relaxing environment in which you can begin celebrating your day with your girls, and provide a place for us to make portraits of your family and bridesmaids before the ceremony. This allows us to achieve your bridal portraits while your hair and make-up are fresh and it saves you precious time we can use for the full bridal party and couple photography between the ceremony and reception.

For obvious reasons, your ceremony and reception locations are critical. Look for natural lighting and nooks and crannies that could be good portrait backdrops. Architectural lines such as arches and beams, and interesting windows and details, add to your backgrounds.

All of this suggested, rest assured that every Strinni Studio bride- no matter how grand or simple your venue-  will receive my 100-percent devotion to ensuring your photo opportunities are maxed. And most important, you should feel comfortable with your locations and situations. Don't do anything that feels like a "set-up" or "acting." Don't force anything. Take my advice into account, but do what feels right for you. I want to wow you with my pictures, but it's equally important that you look back on your day and remember it as an enjoyable, true expression of your self and your love.

View my work at www.strinnistudio.com