Books - 'Photographically Hitched'

It is perhaps one of the greatest days in the life of every family member who attends a wedding. Secure in the knowledge that post service proceedings take on a whole new meaning, and that cake and champagne will be served in abundance, inhibitions are loosened along with bow ties and corsets. Spare a thought however for the contracted photographer. No refills on the house for him. If he's really lucky he may have a second-hand salmon and cucumber sandwich thrust in his sticky mitts in between shots, but that's it. So he's checked his equipment, polished his lenses and probably read a few books while waiting for the big day. But how will he really fair when he attempts to capture a series of memorable and widely distributed images, which incidentally, will be wide open to an equally unforgettable barrage of verbal assassination? With very little, if any room for error, the photographer must exert as much initiative as humanly possible, whilst testing his creative licence to the limits.

There are infact no books available that could prepare the most professional memory maker for what lays ahead, and only the most confident ability with a little bit of luck thrown in stands a chance. Capturing an attractive, albeit inanimate object on film, will always be a damn sight easier than rounding up groups of people, openly displaying their physical flaws and begging their forgiveness by requesting a cheesy grin. Patience is a virtue, as they say, but the final click of the shutter may not even capture the desired effect. Thank heavens then, that wedding books or albums are gradually being replaced by graphically enhanced CD's. If a respectable amount of touching up is required, then this can be effected by the canny movement of a mouse. The expectations of the organizer are enormous in this regard. After all, it is the end result that has been purchased and everyone must look their best. These unrepeatable images will be viewed by countless individuals, through many generations, so it is absolutely essential that the photographer attempts the impossible, and surprises even himself.

The novice, or beginner, will not get it right for a number of attempts, and he/she will continue to raise eyebrows in this difficult and demanding arena for some time. Having said that, experience does count for something, and time will inevitably provide a more light hearted approach to an otherwise daunting experience. In professional terms, the best of the best all had to start somewhere, flicking through page after page of relevant books, in order to glean as much knowledge as possible, then venturing into the unknown in the hope of becoming successful. There is however, a natural ability or flair that will continue to distinguish the good photographer from the great photographer, and no amount of learning from books is going to subsidise that. So, if your determined to make an impression, but fearful of applying the Midas touch in unfamiliar territory, too bad!