Last week a bride emailed me worried about a scratch that her kitty gave her a few days before her wedding, wanting to know if I would edit it out. She also had a scar from a piercing she got when she was younger that she was curious if I’d remove, and I realized this is probably a concern that a lot of people have about their wedding photos!
My policy is, if it won’t be there in a couple of weeks, I’ll remove it without you having to ask. Blemishes, bruises, kitty scratches, etc.
I will never remove a scar or a beauty mark unless someone specifically asks that it be removed. These are a part of who we are. I have scars and moles that I feel weird about, and I completely understand the feeling. If your skin is stressed and you want me to smooth the texture or reduce redness, I got you!
I will never change your body to look slimmer, or remove prominent wrinkles on your face. Just as we all are vulnerable to the pressures of wanting to look a certain way because of media, wedding photos should be an accurate reflection of how we looked during this season of life. Plus - most of this is controlled by lighting and angles, which is why hiring a seasoned photographer can make such a crucial difference. If you feel concerned about a part of your appearance, don’t be afraid to share those concerns with your photographer. We’re there to find all of your best angles and hype you up on your wedding day. You should absolutely feel your best when you see your images. ❤️
Thought it was appropriate to reshare the time I surprised @jfowler_0_ with an Easter egg hunt at home 🐣
HAPPY EASTER
There are a lot of misconceptions about what “documentary style” means. For me, this means that I am a silent observer for a majority of a wedding day.
I never interrupt moments to adjust your dress or move you into “better lighting.” Instead I rely on my skills as a seasoned photographer to know I can handle any lighting situation without interrupting a good moment that you can’t get back.
When I am quiet on a wedding day, it helps you forget that there’s a camera in the room, allowing you to feel your emotions more deeply and without reservation.
During portrait time, I give you gentle guidance that allows you to be alone together for a few minutes (often the only part of the day that you get to be alone) without contorting yourself into poses that don’t look like the way that you’d actually interact with one another.
I still love documenting all of the details of the day. I still pose all of your family photos, because, obviously. I’m not saying my way is the right way, but I know for my couples that the way I shoot helps them relax and feel less pressure to perform for the camera. I love knowing that the moments I’m capturing are real, and that they never have to question if it was a moment created by someone else.
I will never deliver photos of someone “fake” zipping up your dress if they didn’t really zip up your dress, or tying a tie if they didn’t really tie it. I think this creates false memories and does a huge disservice to us down the line when we can’t remember the fine details of the day. I never fake these moments - but I am always there to catch the real thing when it happens. ✨
🏷️ #kansascityweddingphotographer #weddingphotographer #kcweddings #kcweddingphotographer
A week in the life as a wedding photographer in the fall.
Working a 60+ hour week is a normal part of being a wedding vendor. This is not a complaint - just something to offer perspective on why GOOD wedding photos take time. I’ve never seen someone else break down a normal week of work, so I thought I’d give you a little peek into what mine looks like this month.
PS - I forgot to track fall sessions that I did in the evenings last week! Make that a 63 hour week. 🤦🏼♀️
@jfowler_0_ has been so good to us, sleeping on the couch with me when Sadie couldn’t get up the stairs. Carrying her to the yard, and helping me make her last days extra special. We have great friends and neighbors who have all taken good care of us throughout this process. I’m devastated but I am taking my grief one day at a time, being present with it, not rushing through or numbing. If you’ve reached out, thank you. It means the world to me and I feel so held. Sadie was so loved.
And she’s the sole reason I have to vacuum so often. #goldenretriever #goldenretrievers #goldens_ofinstagram #oldgolden #seniordog
Coming soon 😍 I can’t wait to share this one.
Yesterday with Jordan and Jack. ❤️
@simpleelegancekc
@wirkenphoto @missionhillscountryclub @jmjohnson4
Happy anniversary to the Zereners. 🌊
How to Write Your Own Wedding Vows
Pia & Matt | Kansas City Wedding Photographer
