Dear Photographers...

Dear Fellow Photographers,

I recently received an email from a bride whose wedding I had the pleasure of photographing a few years ago.  

"I just wanted to thank you again for taking such beautiful pictures on our wedding day.  My grandmother passed away last weekend and it was such a blessing to see the pictures of her from my wedding.  You captured her beautifully!" 

This email stopped me in my tracks and really got me thinking.  What a great reminder of the importance of photographs and our role as photographers.  We are tasked with a very important job on a wedding day that is not to be taken lightly.  The couple is trusting you to be a part of one of the most important days of their lives and to preserve memories of their day shared with the ones they hold most dear.  These photographs matter, YOU and your role here matters. 

Candid photographs of guests like the one above will always be some of my favorites.  Although these images are raw with emotion and so beautiful, it would be pretty difficult to capture an image like this of every single family member at every single wedding. 

Enter family portraits ...  Admit it, the family portrait section of the day isn't your favorite part.  It's not the photo you will get hundreds of instagram likes on, or the one you will excitedly display at a bridal show.  That's ok.  It's natural for us to want to shoot for our portfolio and strive for beautiful, scroll stopping work.  This is great in its own aspect as it helps us continue to grow and provide our dear clients with beautiful images to remember their special day.  BUT, first and foremost we must remember we are hired by the bride and groom to capture their wedding day that they shared with so many of their loved ones.  Family portraits is a perfect opportunity to preserve the memory of so many special people all at once!  

Can I ask a favor?  In all our excitement over the beautiful venue and the stunning details, let us not forget WHO we are serving: our clients. 

Next time you are rushing through the family pictures and feeling a little anxious about the long list in front of you... take a deep breath and remind yourself, these images matter.  You matter.

As for me?!  I will continue to photograph all the energy on the dance floor or the laughter at the receptions of everyone I possibly can without forgetting about the classic family portraits that all clients want and treasure!

Cheering for you!

xoxo - Natalie Carolyn