As a boy growing up in Philadelphia, art and expression were the furthest things from my mind. If it did not involve hitting a baseball or an opposing running back then it was peripheral noise. However, for some reason, when I was twenty years old, I registered for a photography course at the local community college, but never showed up upon learning from the bursar that my check had bounced. It wasn’t until my wife and I had our first son that I again got that itch. The profound love I felt induced me to document the remaining chapters of our lives.
For as long as I can remember I have been enamored with stories and storytellers in particular. In fact, it was one professor’s ability to craft concise three-dimensional stories out of a series of flat, semi-related events that led me to attain degrees in history and secondary education. Over the years, while contemplating my trade (teaching history) and perfecting my craft (photography), I discovered two things. One, was that my best lectures centered on a single photo. Even the most unruly student was transfixed by the story that unfolds in a single picture. The other, was that my best photos were captured while practicing restraint, and allowing events to unfold organically. I found that I had a knack for anticipating the movements of subjects, and the dynamic of their interactions. It was a surprise to learn that I was a storyteller. This is why I say that documentary photography found me.
As a people person my approach to documenting a wedding is completely positive. I cherish meeting and interacting with interesting people, and getting to do so on the happiest day of their lives is a bonus. My skill is in telling the story visually. I am not there to create the narrative. The story line has been set and the subject is Love—the transcendent love that each of you has for the other— It’s about the boy who met the girl, and just had to marry her. This is the day they knew was a possibility the very day they met. With love as the theme, the motif revolves about sharing…the sharing of your love with each other, and the day with all of those who love you. Therefrom the heart of the story will eminate.
As with any good story though, the depth is in the nuance, those subtle moments that should not be missed: a stolen kiss, an unconscious hand on the small of a back, or piercing glance of pride from a parent’s eyes. I make it my mission to capture the authenticity of the entire story being told on your day. Your wedding will unfurl in the blink of your collective eyes, and there will be so many emotions that you did not have the chance to process. There will be events that you can’t believe you missed. My photographs allow you to see those occurrences, and relive those emotions shared by the many in your story. The date is set, the players are in place, I cannot wait to document your story.