Get Closer

Great advice, in so many ways …

When I was just starting out in photography, I heard this from more experienced friends and it was repeated in a bunch of the training videos we all watch – get closer to the subject of your picture. Fill the frame. Decide what your picture will be about it, and zero in on it. It’s easier on the viewer – they don’t have to figure out what you’re taking a picture of – and oddly enough is a huge help to you too, as it makes you really think about why you’re clicking the shutter and what story you want to tell in the frame.

I give this same advice to couples, who are often shy about being affectionate in front of the camera. It’s understandably hard for many of them to share that very personal connection while I’m there to witness and capture it. Strangely enough, by focusing on each other and forgetting about me their shyness disappears. The act of coming closer together physically shrinks their worries, allowing them to relax into the comfort of their normal relationship – and get the best pictures of who they really are together.

The pandemic has caused a similar change in the wedding industry – and while some couples are reacting by going really big in their planning, so many more have realized that the important moments of the day are with family and best friends. Intimate weddings allow for so much more opportunity for those moments! All of your time as a couple can be given to those you care about the most, and not spread among distant family, casual friends, or co-workers. You get more time for yourself as well, which many couples don’t really think about during planning. You should have time to enjoy your catered dinner, to eat that beautiful (delicious!) cake, and even have time with for just the two of you to bask in the glow of this unique experience – and to get closer.