In the classic 1950 film The Father of the Bride, a classic film from 1950, George, played by Spenser Tracy, is watching his daughter Annie wh, who Elizabeth Taylor plays, take her wedding vows. George then says, “I was aware at that point that I would never be able back home to look at Annie standing at the very top of the staircase. I would never meet her at the breakfast table dressed in her nightgown and socks…Annie was grown up and had left us, and something within began to hurt.”
The story may be fictional; however, the emotion behind the scene is genuine. Through the wedding day, parents and their children can walk a fine line between the past and the present. It’s not easy to let go. However, it can result in stunning photos full of emotion. With experience and intuition, wedding photographers capture intimate moments that most brides aren’t privy to, providing them access to the hearts of the people they cherish.
LETTING GO
As some of our WPJA photographers from our member galleries have said, at some point in the wedding ceremony, parents are suddenly confronted with an awareness that their kids are now grown to be adults and are now living life on their own. This can happen when the father is walking through the wedding aisle. Or during the parents’ dance, which usually occurs right following the ceremony. Whatever the case, these moments are filled with different emotional nuances and are great for photos.
Photo taken by Lori Anne Crewe, Ontario, Canada
A few of our members suggest that it’s crucial to watch out for any emotional moments, such as keeping an eye on the groom’s father when he and the bride arrive at the final step of their aisle. In this way, if those emotions do occur, the wedding photographer can take an authentic picture, yet one that they’re both ready for and unnoticed.
Photo taken by Leonard Walpot, Utrecht, Netherlands
The idea of a sense of invisibility on the wedding photographer’s part is essential because being discreet is the goal of wedding photography. It is, therefore, crucial to allow the couple and the guest space whenever necessary while also being ready to stand in the frame and capture the shot.
IN THE MOMENT
A few of our members have said they adopt a spiritual approach to recording intimate moments with the couple’s parents and the bride. They say that they are aware of their presence within the space of another, yet they’re only an instrument. The wedding photographer is in the present and aware of everything that happens, and yet, at the same time, they’re the quiet, distant witness to the couple’s Wedding. Our photographers say this is an extreme privilege to be capable of sharing this area with the bride and groom. So, if you have to do those close-ups at particularly vulnerable times, it is essential to be calm and respectful. Also, be as fast as you can.
Awards-winning WPJA members have shared their experiences capturing these intimate moments, reminiscing about fathers who appeared to be not showing any emotion throughout the day only to suddenly break at the reception or even during their first dance with their child. Being in the loop for these events is essential since guests who have been very cautious all day might unexpectedly surprise you by revealing their genuine emotions. You want to take advantage of the moment that changes them. Suppose you’re at the present moment and have some empathy. In that case, these beautiful photographs are more likely to be missed since being able to comprehend the person you’re taking photos of will allow you to remain in the proper position in the right place at the right moment.
The feeling of family members and friends shedding tears of joy over the people they cherish and love is a moving experience that can occur at any moment. Perhaps even in formal occasions when individuals are usually asked to keep their emotions within, for instance, during the ceremony of signing the ketubah, which is the wedding contract used during Jewish wedding ceremonies. The expressions of emotions and tears at these moments of surprise are particularly touching and usually let us know what parents and other relatives are contemplating or the realization that they’re being struck with that their child is growing and has come of age.
The feeling of empathy during a wedding is a crucial aspect of capturing intimate images per our members, who state that often the weddings they take photos of remind them of the day that their children will become adults and get married, allowing them to imagine what it will feel like for mother as well as fathers of the couple to be able to look at their children on the day of the Wedding.
BECOMING INVISIBLE
A few of our readers have observed that during these incredibly emotional times, the photographer can completely disappear from the minds of the family and become an invisible witness. It’s almost like the weight of knowing the significance of this Wedding to the entire family and their child can make them not even realize that the photographer is even present, allowing the wedding photographer to capture their feelings without being intrusive or driving the family feel embarrassed which allows for gorgeous and meaningful photos.
Photographing intimate family photos is best when everyone is at ease with the photographer the moment they forget that the photographer is present. Our members have noted that this can take a long since the trust between family members increases, requiring patience on the part of the photographer. If they are patient and the photographer spends time getting acquainted with the guests, they will be more at ease and relaxed knowing that they are professional. When that happens, guests can relax and let go of any worries about the photographer’s presence, which is excellent for a wedding photographer who wants to capture candid moments even when guests aren’t aware they are being charged.
