We don’t have to tell you
that weddings are a once
in a lifetime occasion and
pictures are the best form
of memorabilia. You also
know that you don’t want
a collection of unflattering
photos from your wedding
day. What will you send to
all your friends? And, more
importantly, what will you
post on Facebook?
For these, and may other reasons, it is
absolutely crucial that you invest in a
talented wedding photography team.
Preferably, one with great retouching
skills. They should specialize in wedding
photography, and have worked many weddings.
You want to hire the best of the best.
Many people make the mistake of getting
cheap and inexperienced photographers.
They discover (all too late) that they’ve
compromised on the quality or range
of photos taken. Their memories
are dampened by unflattering shots.
Unfortunately, photos cannot be retaken
since the wedding ceremony only happens
once (we hope, anyway!).
A great photographer understands perfect
timing and will capture the candid moments
you may have missed, so you can hold on to
them forever.
You won’t have to worry about posing,
because the right photographer will be
able to capture flattering angles intuitively.
You can simply enjoy the day and the
professional will know exactly what angles
and positions will translate into the best still
moments.
Emma Cleary, a very talented New Yorkbased
artist, photographer and professional
photo retoucher speaks to us about the
highlights of wedding photography.
Urbanette Magazine: When did you
realize that you wanted to get into the
photography industry, weddings in
particular?
Emma Cleary:
I got into wedding
photography three years ago. I have always
been artistically inclined, I am a painter and
worked as a photo retoucher which was my
gateway into photography.
Urbanette:
Did you start out alone?
Emma:
I started alone and found out very
quickly that as a wedding photographer
you need to work with a team. I bring an
assistant to almost every wedding, big or
small and most fashion shoots too. I also
book second shooters for some weddings
and book them on their own by request, so
I somewhat act as an agent for them too.
Urbanette:
What would you say is your
brand of photography? What makes
clients choose you over other wedding
photographers?
Emma:
People always ask me what my
style is. Photojournalism is the nature of
wedding photography, you are following
the couple and documenting what happens
on the day. I try not to interfere as much as
possible so as to capture natural moments.
Most couples want family portraits too
which is completely understandable. I guess
coming from a fashion background I am
always looking for moments when the bride
looks her best.
Urbanette:
How do you brainstorm
with your clients and how do you
stay updated with the newest themes
and photography styles suited
for weddings? What was the most
challenging theme that you had to
work with?
Emma:
I keep an open
communication line with my couples
from the time I am booked until the
day of the wedding. They often send
me images they like or shot requests
and I keep a file for them. I attend
tradeshows and browse online
for inspiration often and keep an
inspiration folder of images and
text on my computer which I often
look at before a wedding to get
some new ideas.
Urbanette:
What do you think are
the top three elements of a good and
memorable wedding photograph?
What is that one shot that should
always be taken?
Emma:
There are many shots that
should always be taken at a wedding
but one that often gets left out due to
trying to squeeze in family portraits
between ceremony and cocktail hour
is a post ceremony romantic shot
of the couple together sharing an
intimate moment, I love doing a first
look before the ceremony so that the
couple can take those great shots and
feel at ease before the days events.
Three elements that make a good
wedding photo for me are honesty,
spontaneity and love.
