The other night Drew told me that I didn’t shut my drawer or clean out my sink after watching my face. Did I mention I married a neat freak? He is seriously following behind me every step and cleaning up tsunami Jenna as I go about my day as a creative. His attention to detail would drive anyone batty (the kid makes the bed with me still in it) but it’s something that has very slowly (read: five years later) rubbed off on me and benefited my life as a wedding photographer.
I remember a year ago, listening to a photographer talk about teaching her husband how to shoot and style wedding day details… I laugh at the picture of Drew trying to style items on a wedding day. (I mean, let’s get serious, the man wouldn’t know what to do with a pair of Louboutins.) If cleaning were involved, he would totally rock that out. The more I grow and learn, the more I realize how important attention to detail is in wedding photography. From laying out the stationery perfectly to balancing the wedding rings – each and every last detail needs to be considered. As my work has evolved, I see the changes in my style of photography. From helping direct the day while knowing when to stand back and let moments happen, a fusion of presence is what makes for those picture perfect, authentically real moments that unfold during a wedding day. I like to think of myself as half director, half fly on the wall, all awesomeness.
Attention to detail is something you want your photographer to have for so many reasons: will they know the best light to shoot in? Will they help pose you to perfection? Will they allow you to be authentic and candid? Will they capture each detail that you spend time and money on? Finding someone who is a good mix is so incredibly vital to making your wedding day the most perfect of days. I am the first to say (literally, it’s usually the first words I tell brides) that I am have a different approach than most, I hate awkward poses and strive for natural moments. I don’t want to spend two hours taking your picture, I want you present and in the moment with your husband, your wedding party, your guests. I don’t want you skipping your entire cocktail hour (Seriously, have a cocktail!) and I want you to not even notice me while you are whispering your vows or offering cheers during the speeches.
I want you to trust that I will rock out your photos, guide you through your wedding day, and be the best extra bridesmaid with a camera in hand. Getting things right the first time offers an ease to the wedding day! Ensuring everything is correct prior to taking the shot will save time retouching or wishing you had noticed that darn hair tie on the bridesmaids wrist. Little by little, Drew’s invaluable type A tendencies have created a beautiful monster out of me, one that makes sure things look great the first time and one who wants each and every detail captured so that your story can be told for generations to come. (For clarifications sake: Tsunami Jenna is one beautiful mess that is filled with creative ideas, painting, and photos, so don’t go feeling to sorry for my husband just yet!) Attention to detail makes all the difference, I pinky promise.
To see Laura + Eric’s complete wedding story, click here.
Oh, you know there’s way more wedding talk to be read:
