There is an expression in photography that is attributed to Henri Cartier-Bresson, considered to be a pioneer of modern photojournalism. Photojournalism and weddings cross paths dozens of times per day.

The quote is…

“the decisive moment, it is the simultaneous recognition, in a fraction
of a second, of the significance of an event as well as the precise organization
of forms which gives that event its proper expression.”

 

My point?

Wedding photographers take great effort to make sure the split second of life , ie: the decisive moment we capture is flattering to our subjects. As I am fond of saying, it’s what we do. We don’t make photographs of people eating for this very reason. When we observe the perfectly natural emotion of shedding a few tears during a speech or ceremony, those images rarely make the final edit. Reason? Crying is not a pretty sight in a still photograph. It requires an even more perfect decisive moment to show the emotion of the subject while allowing theme to retain a modicum of dignity. The “perfect” crying shot is still on my bucket list.

Here are some paparazzi-like images from today’s news headlines. Our 4 federal party leaders are shown alongside a story about the “perhaps” upcoming federal election.

OK… insert your own joke here. The photographers, and the editors after them, chose these images BECAUSE they make the subject look a little goofy. It’s a sport for them. Just as wedding photographers look to flatter, they look to bring back to earth. Look at the single shot of Ignatieff. He appears to be crapping his pants.

Same news site, different image. Elizabeth Taylor passed away today, and not surprisingly, the image used shows her at her absolute best. As she has been ill for some time, the tabloids have been running images of her looking absolutely dreagful. Again, that’s their job. It’s what they do.

She was stunningly beautiful. Wacky as can be, but gorgeous while doing it.

Part of our skill as wedding photographers is knowing their is a decisive moment. Chasing it all day. And making sure it’s a flattering moment. Right gear. Keen sense of curiosity and respect.

It’s what we do.