Wedding photography

Photo credits: Cipriano Palmer Photography.



Jeff and I went to my relatives' Christmas party over the weekend, hosted by my cousin Naomi and her partner Rick. I always look forward to this event; I like my cousins, and it's always fun to catch up. Plus this time I got to see some of professional photos taken at Crina's and Dan's wedding.



Crina and Dan hired Cipriano Palmer Photography, a couple who specializes in wedding photography. Whoa, I was blown away by some of the photos they took! Excuse the slightly blurry quality of the photos posted (with Crina's and Dan's permission) in Blatherings today; I took them from screenshots.



Crina and Dan opted to take the subway instead of a limo, and got some great shots along the way. Apparently the TTC conductor made a public announcement congratulating the happy couple, and commuters on the subway all cheered and clapped.



I don't think I could ever be a wedding photographer, and admire those who do it professionally. Unlike casual portrait photography, you're under much more pressure to get it right the first time. You have to be prepared for all lighting and weather conditions, plus either be able to change lenses on the fly or have several cameras easily accessible. Plus if you're at a friend's wedding, you have to emotionally detach yourself from what's going on in order to take enough photos.

Plus a ton of other qualifications, of course. Some people think wedding photographers charge too much -- probably because almost everyone has at least a point and shoot camera these days, and the attitude is, "Heck, I could take photos myself. Why should I pay someone to take them for me?".



And of course if you're on a tight budget and aren't fussy about photo quality, this makes sense. I can't help but think that the attitude that wedding photographers charge too much in general is misplaced -- if they really DID charge too much, then no one would hire them.

But I admit I don't have a ton of experience in this area so am interested in hearing from any photographers (or those who have used wedding photographers) out there who have a different opinion.



Anyway, if you like the photos in today's Blatherpost, please do check out Cipriano Palmer Photography.


For comments, also see my Livejournal.

Comments

[Brooke Palmer]

Hi Debbie,

Great job!

Thank you for your kind words, they are deeply appreciated.
I am the "Palmer" half of Cipriano Palmer Photography. Your article is very flattering and complimentary towards Josie and myself but we have to give credit where credit is due here. Dan & Crina were a delight to work with and gave their all to the photography process at their wedding. The photography portion of their wedding day was carefully planned and orchestrated. More than ample time was scheduled to allow us to be creative and explore the various locations we photographed them in. This fact cannot be overlooked when discussing how well the photographs turned out from their wedding day.
Josie and I photograph many weddings every year and the attitude of the bride and groom is paramount in obtaining great results. There is the old saying, "You get out what you put in" and I feel the efforts Dan and Crina made were a big part of the success we all enjoyed on their wedding day.

Cheers to an outstanding couple and the talented author of this article.

All the best.

Josie Cipriano & Brooke Palmer
www.ciprianopalmer.com
info@ciprianopalmer.com

[damedini]

Wow, these are fabulous! I adore the graffiti one most. No, wait! I adore the subway one most, no Union station, no wait...

I hated my (professional) wedding photos and was terribly disappointed. Every shot looks plastic and posed, which is what I didn't want. I'd even asked the photog to snap the instant we smiled, rather than waiting, but no, he waited and we sat there, our smiles aging and growing forced.

[John]

Those are wonderful shots. My only complaint would be the always-tilted horizon line. Once or twice is fine, but these guys do it all the time.

Wedding photography can indeed be stressful. At the age if nineteen, when I thought I knew everything and could do anything I volunteered to be the photographer for my cousin's wedding. Well, this was in the days of manual flash, and I got the calculations wrong. All but two of the pictures were grossly overexposed. I was mortified, and didn't show my face around my cousin or his family for several years!

[Christmas tree ornaments plus]

[...] response to my post yesterday about my cousin’s wonderful wedding photos, Brooke Palmer posted the following: Thank you for your kind words, they are deeply [...]

[Dan]

Well, as the groom in the pictures above posted by my cousin Debbie, I must admit, selecting a quality photographer was very high on our priority list (probably only second to the selection of our venue @ the Sutton Place Hotel) for our wedding day. We must have interviewed at least a dozen photographers consisting of countless reviews of portfolios and discussions while searching for someone who was conceptual. However, that being said, after discussing the approach and locations with Brooke (the Palmer of Cipriano Palmer Photography), he was the only photographer we interviewed who did not give us the “deer in head lights” look when we told him that he must somehow include Toronto graffiti and the TTC as two photo locations. That it was imperative NOT to include the traditional (yawn) flowery garden/greenhouse approach to wedding photography. Rather, he showed excitement and collaborated with more ideas and opinions... exactly what we wanted. The bottom line... in selecting a photographer, Crina and I agreed the professional photographs of our wedding day should have a photo journalistic approach and non-traditional feel and experience. We are both very proud Canadians and, more so, very proud Torontonians. We wanted a professional photographer that would capture our wedding day while using the true essence of Toronto as a backdrop. What are some of the aspects that make our city beautiful? The architecture (CN Tower, Union station, Distillery District), the people (TTC passengers, busy streets, hot dog vendors), and the local artists who freely express themselves using blank concrete walls as a canvas (graffiti on Queen West).

Brooke and Josie made the entire wedding party feel like movie/rock stars for the entire photo shoot... a day that we never wanted to end. Although it rained all day long, Brooke and Josie, with their humour, endless energy, charisma, and willingness to stand in the rain, continually found the “perfect” shots and angles to make for priceless photos and unforgettable memories. Needless to say, I cannot forget to mention the willingness of the bridal party as well. They were all irreplaceable for the special day. The day felt like a fashion shoot for the entire wedding party and, more importantly, for my beautiful wife. Brooke and Josie made Crina feel like a beautiful princess for the most important day of her life (cameras all around her, flashes going off, pictures taken at every possible angle... just the way we wanted it).

So, after interviewing over a dozen professional photographers for our special day, the question to answer is did we make the right choice? The answer... plain and simply is YES.