The Method Behind Story-Driven Photography
For some photographers, taking a photo is just a point and click of their camera.
For me, it's an art form. An art form that goes simply beyond taking a photograph.
If you've perused my website, you've probably noticed that I take a bit of a different approach to photographing weddings. A more story-driven approach. And, while you've probably seen the similar words or ideals plastered on other photographers’ websites - for me, it's about more than that.
Instead of telling your story through candid emotions and big moments - which I do - I also document the small moments.
Because it’s those small moments that fill in the gaps to tell a much bigger story.
Where it All Began
My five years at the Vail Daily newspaper are what shaped my photography career. I photographed everything from lackluster town hall meetings and county parades to traffic incidents and ski races.
Not all days were newsworthy. And, when that happened, we were forced to get creative.
Ultimately, the experience informed how I photograph weddings. While EDLs (everyday life) pushed me to search for something to photograph that was worthwhile, photographing basketball games helped me perfect capturing movement in low-light situations (much like how your dance floor will be).
There's always a story to be told; you just have to know where to look for it. Thankfully, with weddings, it's pretty easy to find. But it still takes knowing where to look for the true heart of the story.
“He has the ability to capture moments and create a story unlike anyone I have seen.”
How I Approach Your Wedding Day
Like a play, I look at weddings in three acts or stages:
Act 1: Getting ready.
Act 2: The ceremony.
Act 3: The reception.
For the most part, you can always count on these three stages being a part of a wedding day. But where the difference lies is in the characters, the dialogue, the script, and how the story unfolds.
And while every story, just like your wedding day, has a beginning, middle, and end, there are also behind-the-scenes moments that take place when the curtain drops and intermission ensues.
These behind-the-scenes moments are precisely the micro-stories I look for.
When I immerse myself in the wedding environment, I look for the small moments and the supporting characters - as well as those in-between moments no one thinks to pay attention to. And because I photograph with your wedding album in mind, I always think about how the story will unfurl on a page.
Who are the VIPs? What guests are you most connected to? How can we integrate the personal details into your story? From beginning to end, moment by moment, it's all there.
Every Story has a Beginning, Middle, and End
While every story is undeniably different, the framework is relatively the same.
Most stories begin with you getting ready. You'll get your hair and makeup done. And you'll toast to your prospective wedding parties.
But before act two, your mom will adjust your veil for the final time. And your partner will anxiously fidget with his grandfather's antique watch.
The story continues with the ceremony, where I'll photograph your father wiping a tear from his eye when he sees you for the first time. Then, the ring exchange. You with the stunning scenery behind the altar. The family portraits right after.
In between, I'll look for the expressions that encapsulate the just-married giddiness.
And after I capture the final act of speeches, toasts, first dances, and cake cutting, I'll think, "how am I going to close this? How am I going to finish this book? This album?"
Usually, it's the send-off that caps the story. But if there's no official send-off, then I watch everyone dancing, hoping to sneak a peek of you kissing on the dance floor. And sometimes, I'll you pull away for just a moment for a nighttime portrait under a streetlight or starry sky.
“He was so calm throughout the wedding and captured the most incredible photos of the entire event. His non-intrusive way of documenting is amazing. Every photo he takes tells a beautiful story.”
Every Story Needs an Ending
I often hear that one of the biggest regrets couples have is that they didn't extend their photography coverage into the night. So I always make it a point to tell my couples how important it is for their photographer to stay until the night's end. After all, that's usually when the fun stuff happens! The laughing, the dancing, the moments you won't want to forget or slip away.
It All Comes Down to This…
Some of your photos might elicit a few words of what a specific moment means to you. Some might be a robust paragraph. And others might just leave you speechless.
But, put them all together, and they tell a story of novel proportions.
I want you to be able to look back on your wedding photos and see that story. Like a book you can't put down. In which you'll return to how you felt on this day over and over again.
Let's start "writing" your love story through the art of photography. Say hello, and I'll be in touch soon.
“Preston’s photography is more than just a collection of photos. It is the most honest, creative, and heartfelt look into your story.”