In the other shoe

Sometimes it is good for all of us to spend some time in someone else’s shoes. I got to do just that this past weekend.

Stacey and TJ got married this past weekend and I got to attend as a guest. Stacey has been like a member of our family for almost five years now. She is like a big sister to Sarah. TJ is actual family.

This is the first wedding in a two or three years I was not working as a photographer. It was nice to be able to be just a family member attending the beautiful ceremony. I’ll admit it was nice not watching Stace officially becoming part of the family through the lens of my camera.

Stace and TJ’s wedding was a perfect opportunity for me to spend some time in the other person’s shoes. As a wedding photographer I try to always put the bride and groom and their family and guest first and do what I can to make their day as special as it can be. As a guest at the wedding this weekend I was able to experience what it is like to wait while the family group formals are being photographed.

I know the formal group photographs are not the fun part of a wedding, but they are very important if not now – they will be in the future. That is why as a photographer I try my best to create the family group photographs quick, fun and as relaxing as possible. I know you want to get back to your family and friends and have fun.

Some newer photographers put down doing the formal family groups photographs. They often say they are boring and dull. Family group formals are a lot of work, but as I said they are very important. Looking at my own wedding album, the images of me and my grandparents were the last ones taken of me and them before they died. I often think that some people just don’t understand this and that some of the newer photographers avoid the family group photographs because they haven’t had the proper training to photograph them. That is a shame, because it is a disservice not to provide them for the couple and their families.

I have often said it is important for photographers to get away from behind their cameras and remember what it is like for those on the other side of their lens. It only makes us better photographers. Speaking of getting on the other side of the camera; I need to contact our family photographer and schedule a portrait session for a new family portrait.

Congrats Stace and TJ! May you have many happy years together.