My grandfather recently passed away, I had spent alot of time and have a lot of great memories of him. What was interesting is that those memories had faded and where more bits and pieces. It was amazing to see how looking at photos brought those memories back to life almost like I was there, although unfortunately there where not to many images like this.
My family put together a slideshow for the funeral which got me thinking even more in a way these pictures and the memories that go with them are a lot of what he has left behind.
I realised that this is what I capture for a living, a lot of the images throughout the slideshow where at weddings, as it brings all the family together for a happy fun celebration. So then I thought what is the difference between me and other photographers or any person with the camera phone. The answer came to me straight away I approach each image with this in mind, To capture that moment for eternity, the essence, the character, the emotion. I want people to look at my photos and be taken right back to that moment. I use the tools the I have learnt to enhance these moments lighting, depth of field etc, but none of that matters with out the emotion.
The topic of connection with the client has been discussed with the team recently and I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, but when I look at my images I think its obvious to see which ones I have had a great connection with, So I then thought what does it take for me to get that connection, I realised it really doesn't take a lot,
The way I feel and approach things is obvious when I start talking about weddings and love and photography or video. So its a simple case of a phone call here and there to let them know that I am thinking about them and that I cherish there special day just as much as they do.
Finally I want to touch a bit on video and my thoughts on it, I remember when I made my first wedding video sitting behind the camera with a tear in my eye as they where a great couple and there vows where very touching. Then again when watching the footage on my computer a tear came to my eye, I thought to myself wow this is powerful stuff, Then receiving the feedback that a lot of other people where brought to tears, then a few minutes later to laughter.
I realised this is taking what I had previously done with photos to the next level. It means the world to me to be a part of these amazing days, I get so excited each time I get a new inquiry. I really can't believe how lucky I am to get to travel Australia doing wedding photography and video. With weddings booked in Melbourne Sydney, Adelaide, Perth,Gold Coast, Brisbane, Canberra, Airlie Beach, Cairns the list really does go on, next is a dream to shoot overseas!!
Thank you so much for reading, I would love to know if you have had a similar experience.
Rob Bampton