Worry and Wedding Photography

I approach a closed door in the hallway of a somewhat stuffy church. As I open it, a swirling cloud of hairspray, glitter and makeup washes over my face. Chattering, high-pitched voices squeal and giggle with delight of the day. I introduce myself to the ladies present and ensure that I will make them all look fabulous, but that it won't be that hard. As the dress goes on, I watch the delight and sigh of relief emerge on the face of the bride. A veil is placed atop a head of curls and bobby pins and suddenly it all becomes so real. She's getting married!

Most people think that being a wedding photographer is the easiest job in the world. I get to photograph people looking their best on what is generally considered to be the happiest day of their lives. Brides are radiant. Grooms are giddy and all is right in the world...or so people think.

Mothers ask for another group shot. Wedding planners are clueless. Sometimes the only one who knows what is supposed to happen at a wedding is the photographer. And then there are the moments that I think ever photographer secretly dreads at a wedding. The moment the bride walks down the aisle and the kiss. The bride emerges from behind closed doors and there is about 2 seconds of prime shooting time and only time for about one flash equaling one shot. Kisses are better, unless the groom pulls the brides face away from where I can see her with my camera. such is just the tip of the wedding iceberg problems and stresses.

Here is how people think wedding photographers spend their time:
And while photographers certainly do have a lot of fun, it is not always just butterflies and wedding bliss.
Being a wedding photographer is NOT the easiest job in the world. It is fast-paced, stressful, and nerve racking, but rewarding. Some think that all photographers ever do is take pictures for one day and then they are done...not true. Wedding photographers spend time shooting, yes, but also editing, talking to clients, creating albums, making orders and more.
Here is a more realistic graph from ISPWP of how photographers really spend their time:


I, myself, have always been prone to worrying over a wedding assignments. I think it happens to every photographer at some point. "What if I lose the images?" "What if the they don't like my images?" "What if I mess something up?" "What if the bride or her mom decides to sue me?" And I'm not the only one. On his blog, Strobist talks about some of the worry and preparation that goes into a "simple" shoot. Check it out here: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2009/12/on-assignment-what-me-worry.html

However, there is a great deal of photography that is a true joy and passion that makes it all worthwhile. No matter how tired I am I always get a big adrenaline rush right before a photo shoot or wedding. It is almost like a different person takes over. I am way more confident and outgoing with a camera in my hand then at any other time. Which is good because without it I would probably crumble into a mess of worry and fear.

At the end of the day though it is all worth it. I take one final photo of the bride and groom inside the getaway car, close the door, pat the hood and wave good-bye. I have the best job on earth.