about my wedding photography style and philosophy behind it

guests falling on the wet dance floor in Prevailing Winds lodge wedding

what’s my wedding photography style and philosophy behind it?

I talked in detail what are the most common wedding photography styles and what are their pros and cons in previous posts. This article will explain what is my photography style and will dig into I do things the way I do. I will also also include image examples from the wedding I’ve photographed in the past.

I specialize in a wedding photojournalism, also known as documentary wedding photography. During this style of wedding photography coverage, I do not control or manipulate the scenes that I am witnessing. I approach wedding day events without predefined judgment. I take whatever life throws at me and make wedding story out of it.

Below is some wedding photojournalism principles I follow and my reasoning behind them.

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I won’t tell you where to stand or what to do

Seriously, I won’t. If you’ll ask me for some guidance, I will definitely help you out. But I will do my best to not interrupt your wedding day thoughts and happenings in any way. It’s you day. I am there document it with my camera, not to be part of your memories.

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I won’t touch or move things around.

It’s pretty straightforward: if I do, I start creating my own story. It’s your day. It’s your story. No touching!

Maybe there is not story behind why this banana was left on the wows. But maybe there is. And I am fine with “maybe”. And if I am right, I just captured an image that will trigger your smile every time you see it. And if I am wrong, well, I’m wrong.

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I won’t create my version of your story.

Why should I? It’s your wedding day, it’s your story!

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I won’t boss you around.

I will be there with you but I will stay quiet. I will observe and listen, but I won’t really talk unless asked to do so. I will let you experience and enjoy those intimate and genuine moments of your magic day.

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I will let you be true you.

Seriously. It’s YOUR wedding day ! You are surrounded by people who love you most. And you (hopefully) won’t be judged for who you are. So why pretend to be someone you are not? Be yourself, I’ve got your back!
Let’s have a fucking party like there’s no tomorrow!!!

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I hope you like my wedding photography style and wedding photojournalism is wedding photography style you are looking for. If you have any questions or interest in my services, do not hesitate shoot me a message via contact links below or check out commonly asked questions in my FAQ page. Give me a shout! I would love to be part your your wedding day!

Persian University club wedding | Nika and Sam

bride and groom kissing during tradition Persian wedding ceremony

University club wedding with Persian traditions

Nika and Sam met at a frozen yogurt shop in Iowa City, Iowa. But we’d both be telling a little bit of a white lie, if we started the story there. We found each other on Tinder, the online dating app, and both swiped right. Nika cancelled their second date, blaming it on “tests” and “exams” for dental school. Sam, on the other hand, just assumed that it was over. Needless to say, it was false alarm and couple fell in love shortly after that.

To Sam, Nika was and is the most generous, caring, and supportive person he ever met. Also, as he grew to know her more, along with her family, Sam realized special they all were. After all, marriage isn’t just between two people- there’s a family and network of friends, too.

It’s a pleasure to be able to trust and hold someone, knowing you both have shared this commitment to take on life’s journey- together.

As Nika and Sam are approaching their first-year wedding, they think the biggest change is in comfort with each other. While couple felt close before, they’re feel even more now. Sam notes, that it’s a pleasure to be able to trust and hold someone, knowing he have shared this commitment to take on life’s journey- together.

For initial wedding consultation I’ve met Nika and Sam in my photography studio in Madison, Wisconsin. They left me with an impression of super relaxed, honest and very much down-to-earth couple. And down-to-earth they were.

Sam and Nika’s wedding day couple had two wedding ceremonies. First one in State Capitol’s second floor, overlooking rotunda. And a second one, Persian wedding ceremony, at The University Club later same day.

Ceremony in State Capitol was attended by just immediate family and a bridal party. And the rest of the wedding guests showed up for the Persian wedding ceremony in The University Club. And Persian wedding ceremony was the one that I was looking forward to the most.

Why? Just because photographing Persian wedding ceremony is something I’ve never done before. Also, because it had many exciting parts in it. Parts like Like Sofreh Aghd (centerpiece of a Persian wedding), Kaleh Ghadn (sugar shower), Asal (honey exchange), Raghshé Chaghoo (playful knife dance) etc. This video has some good explanations of Persian wedding traditions.

Sam’s article named “Loving in the time of Trump” was published in Isthmus magazine two days before the wedding day.

See full gallery from Nika’s and Sam’s University club Persian wedding >>HERE<<.

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Thanks a bunch for stopping by, reading Nika’s and Sam’s love story and checking out their University Club wedding images! I am an award-winning documentary wedding photographer.

If you’re planning your upcoming wedding and leaning towards wedding photojournalism, shoot me a message! I would love to be part of your adventure! I currently am based in Madison, Wisconsin, but available to travel nationwide/ worldwide if needed.

PERSIAN UNIVERSITY CLUB WEDDING VENDORS:

Wedding Ceremony 1: Wisconsin State Capitol
Ceremony 2/Reception: The University Club
Flowers/Boutonnieres: Bought at Metcalfe’s. designed by Nika’s dad
Bride’s Shoes: Nina Bridal Shoes
Groom’s Shoes: Allen Edmonds
Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN And Watters
Groom’s and Groomsmen Suits: Bonobos
DJ: Komlan from C’est La Vie
Wedding Cake: Madison Sourdough Co.
Centerpieces: handmade by Nika’s dad
Hotel: Best Western Premier Park
Honeymoon: Pacific Northwest (Seattle and Portland)
Wedding Date: June 16, 2018

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James Madison Park wedding in Madison, WI | Cindy + Martin

bride and groom with sparklers standing on the dock at James Madison park wedding

+ James Madison park wedding in Madison, WI

Cindy and Martin have met at a spaghetti dinner the night before Martin ran the Tough Mudder (!!!) competition with a group of mutual friends. Cindy was only there for the spaghetti. In the end, guess she ended up getting a bit more.

Their first date took place at the Mediterranean Cafe on the State Street about week later. Couple got ice cream at the Memorial Union Terrace afterwards. And the rest is history (:

I’ve met Martin in their house on the Park street where I photographed him getting dressed. I witnessed him put to and moved on to see what Cindy was up to.

I’ve met Cindy in The Madison Concourse hotel where she got ready surrounded by immediate family and bridesmaids. That part of the day was filled with laughter through tears (after opening Martin’s wedding gift), raw emotions and lots of hugs.

Wedding definitely doesn’t need to be this over-the-roof extravaganza to be special. In fact, spending big money for the wedding and expecting it to be amazing just because of that, couldn’t be further from the truth. And Cindy’s and Martin’s James Madison park celebration is a good proof of it. Their wedding was simple and modest, yet delightful and very much inspiring.

Lawn games, dancing in the tent filled with beautiful afternoon light, keg stand, sparklers, big bottle of bourbon passed around, mysterious smiley face on grass in front of the reception tent. All these elements happened to be in James Madison Park wedding that day. And it all made Cindy’s and Martin’s wedding special and unique.

And I’ve been there to witness it all.

I love my job!

To see a full gallery from Cindy’s and Martin’s James Madison park wedding, click >> HERE <<.

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To see more photographs from Cindy’s and Martins’s outdoor wedding, click >> HERE <<.

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Planning your wedding in James Madison Park upcoming summer? Need local wedding photographer? Look no further! I’m an outdoors loving, laid-back wedding photographer from Madison, Wisconsin and would love to be on your outdoors wedding team. See my wedding photography FAQ page and give me a shout via my contact page!

JAMES MADISON PARK WEDDING MADISON, WI VENDORS:

Getting Ready location: The Madison Concourse Hotel
Ceremony and Reception: James Madison Park
Floral: Lewiston Perennial Farm
Catering: Smokey Jon’s
Rentals: Mad Fox Party Rentals

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Na zdrowie to Katrina, Jeff and their Hubbard park wedding

bride and groom posing in Hubbard Park pedestrian tunnel after their wedding

+ Hubbard park wedding in Milwaukee, WI

Want to hear my little secret?

There’s this kind of people. When presented with safe (less rewarding) and risky (more rewarding) solutions for certain situation, they choose the latter one.

Some of my wedding couples that do behave that way. I believe, I am that kind of person myself.

You know how I call my wedding couples that take risks? Gamblers!

And, boy oh boy, I love gamblers!

That’s who Katrina and Jeff were.

Their outdoor wedding ceremony in Milwaukee, Wisconsin was planned for October 21st, 2017. And in Midwest terms it’s definitely a serious gamble. Because during my wedding photographer’s career, I’ve seen snow in early October.

Anyway, I’m glad they went for it! Because, it was the last, please, hear me out, THE LAST, nice day that fall. It was high 70’s, it was sunny. That was Saturday. And the weather went all down to hell on Sunday. But who cares about Sunday, right?

Katrina’s and Jeff s outdoor wedding ceremony took place in Hubbard park, situated on the shore of Milwaukee River, overlooking river and greenery surrounding it. If you ask me, Hubbard park as a wedding venue is one of better kept secrets in Milwaukee area.

Throughout the wedding ceremony, couple and their bridal party were back lit by late afternoon fall sun. Combine it with a good wedding ceremony vibes, and” Boom!”, you’ve got yourself a combination any wedding photographer would die for.

And honestly, Katrina’s and Jeff’s wedding had it all: laidback schedule, amazing weather, good crowd, amazing river views in both locations- wedding ceremony and reception.

And for the last wedding of the season, I couldn’t have asked for more!

Na zdrowie, you two!

See full gallery from Katrina’s and Jeff’s Hubbard park wedding in Milwaukee, WI >>HERE<<.

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HUBBARD PARK WEDDING MILWAUKEE, WI VENDORS:

Getting ready: Hotel Metro
Transportation: Partridge Family Party Bus
Wedding ceremony location: Hubbard Park, Milwaukee, WI
Wedding reception location: Surg On The Water
DJ/Music: DJ Fuzzy Logic
Honeymoon: Iceland
Wedding Date: 10.21.2017

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How I use my wedding photography to help those in need

// helping those in need with my wedding photography

Today is January 31^st, 2018. And one of the first things I did in the morning was to send $85 donation to a family from Netherlands. I’ve never met them before and never will. What caught my eye was a post by Huy (the man behind Fearless photographers) in my Facebook feed, asking to help a family from Netherlands whose house burned down in recent fire.

I was in.

“Why would you do that?” someone might wonder. Well…

Even though, I might have agreed with them several years ago, I really wouldn’t today. I’m not the same human being and wedding photographer I was few years ago.

We live in the world that is getting wilder and crazier every day. Therefore, I think it’s more important than ever to suffocate that negativity and remain human being.

my family getting together at the bonfire

when and how it all started

When in end of 2016 I was working on my wedding photography business re-branding and was planning wedding photography business expenses for 2017, I was curious: what would happen if I wouldn’t spend any money on advertising?

With this in mind, I made a decision: I’ll give it a try. As a result, my relationship with Wedding Wire and Wedding Planner and Guide was over.

All of a sudden, I felt liberated. And I was ready to pass my all advertising expenses to those who really need it (and no Yelp, it’s not you silly).

Things were about to get exciting!

where did it take me?

2017 went by.

Throughout the year my family and I made several contributions for individual fundraisers, natural disaster reliefs funds, etc. And when wedding and portrait photography work started slowing down around Holiday season, I thought to myself: why stop here? Right?

See, donating money for the cause of my choice directly was one thing. Of course, it made an impact, but, I thought, wouldn’t it be amazing to have my friends, clients and social media followers join me for a good cause?

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in 2017, my family and I donated 5.8% of my wedding photography profits to help those in need. to some people it’s might seem not that much, but to me it’s helluva good start.

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With this in mind, I went ahead and did series of studio portraits for clients for free, as long as my clients provided me with a proof of donation of $150 or more. As soon as I posted proposals on Instagram and Facebook, people started to respond!

Suddenly, I wasn’t doing it alone anymore!

Consequently, I influenced around $1,000 donations to recent victims of hurricanes in US and Puerto Rico along with victims of wildfires in California.

And you know what’s the best part? Being wedding photographer that gives back to those who need it more than I do AND influencing people around me to join me felt amazing!

Aerial shot of the beach in Little Gasparilla island

what’s next?

Those who know me, know that me would be me, if I would keep it all simple.

Here comes the magical question that has been asked before: Why stop here?

I’m talking to you, my friend.

I’m asking you to look around and realize how much you have already. As Gary would say, “you won the ultimate lottery” already when you was born. Not as a snail, not as some weird specimen on Mars, but as a human being. And that’s a good start.

At the same time, even if you think you’re poor, you most likely are not. In reality, you’re probably still in the richest 15% of the world’s population.

So I want to challenge you to find your cause. To find your battle. Roll up the sleeves, get to work and help your brothers and sisters who need little push. Give little love to mother nature. Donate to local pet rescue non-profit.

It is easier than you think an. And I promise- it’s a damn good and rewarding feeling!

Because your donation can change someone’s life.

And it will!

And one day, all the good you gave to others, will come back you.

In 2017, my family and I donated 5.8% of my wedding photography profits to help those in need. To some people it’s might seem not that much, but to me it’s helluva good start.

That was 2017.

In the meantime, we’re all are stoked about what we’ll do in 2018.

Thanks for reading!

Please share thoughts in comment section and help to spread the word by sharing this story!

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the list

In conclusion, I put a list of several recommended top charities where your donations would make biggest impact:

United States:

EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY
US HURRICANE RELIEF FUND
PLANNED PARENTHOOD
ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTE
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
PREVENT CHILD ABUSE AMERICA
NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE

International:

GIVE DIRECTLY
AGAINST MALARIA FOUNDATION
FOOD FORTIFICATION INITIATIVE

Local (Madison, Wisconsin):

WIL-MAR NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
OPERATION FRESH START
W.O.R.T.
UNDERDOG PET RESCUE

If you don’t see preferred charity organization listed here, please click >> HERE << and look for well rated non profits.

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my nut family and I on a rental house stairs in Florida. February, 2018

All images used in this blog post are from Little Gasparilla island, Florida, where I am currently vacationing with my wife and kids.

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Amy, Jason and their DIY family farm wedding

Bride and groom drinking from shot ski during their wedding

+ DIY family farm wedding in Middleton, WI

Original one-of-a-kind wedding full of good vibe come to those who work their asses off while planning DIY family farm wedding in Madison, Wisconsin. That hard work includes deep sea fishing in Florida for mahi-mahi and king mackerel, carefully selected wines and cheese, hand making sausages for the wedding reception, putting all decorations together, and, of course, endless hours of planning.
Amy and Jason both been in the restaurant industry for well over a decade; he has been primarily back of house cooking and baking, while she has been solely front of house service. When couple got engaged, they knew right away they didn’t want the typical tradition wedding. That meant no caterer, no bartenders, no cake, no assigned seating and so on. That also meant that it was going to be largely DIY family farm wedding. Or as Amy calls it “do it (y)ourselves”.

Location: this was first Amy and Jason’s task. After a few hiccups (losing their first venue 4 months before the wedding) couple wound up using a friend of a friend’s parent’s backyard. Filled with trees, gardens, wetlands, location had heaps of space for guests and kids to run around. That was a good start.
Food: once the location was settled, it really became all about the food and beverage. During that DIY family farm wedding Wisconsin planning stage Amy and Jason were dedicated in sourcing all of their protein and vegetables from areas around Madison Wisconsin. The idea behind it was to support local farmers. And it was easy task due of the strong relationship with local vendors that Amy and Jason have built throughout many years via shopping Dane county farmer’s market on Saturday. As far as wedding menu creativity went, from the very beginning Amy and Jason wanted their friends to have as much as possible while helping pout the wedding together. So while they offered guidance in terms of likes and dislikes, they ultimately left the decisions and flexibility to those up for those cooking (Neil from Stalzy’s, Patrick from Oliver’s public house, etc).
Beverage: Amy and Jason ordered variety of wines from in vino veritas wine distributors as well bunch of different beers from local breweries.
Decorations/lights: Amy and Jason asked proprietor of the venue to put away some square hay bales (that he harvested before their wedding) so they could use them as seating. For covers they used burlap sacks. And for burlap sacks couple reached out to barriques, a local coffee roaster. Jason’s father brought a few hundred mason jars that later were filled with candles and placed all over the garden to illuminate the paths in the darkness. Couple also bought some battery powered led light strings that they strung in trees around the area.
Tent/ furniture: after all above was taken care of it was a matter of renting a tent and some tables with chairs for the wedding reception.

And it would nice to say that just like that a DIY family farm wedding venue was born, but there were plenty more moments where Amy and Jason’s DIY attitude came into play. They won’t be listed here, but let’s just say that popcorn was popped, lights were strung, grasses were mown, firewood was chopped, and the crowd was fed. Many of its thanks to the lovely help and support that they had from their friends and family.
And while Amy agrees that DIY family farm wedding Wisconsin is certainly more work than your average wedding, all DIY customization also means, that your family farm wedding day will be unique and exactly the way you wanted it.

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To see full gallery from Amy’s and Jason’s DIY family farm wedding in Middleton, Wisconsin, please see click >>HERE<<.

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See full gallery from Amy’s and Jason’s DIY family farm wedding >>HERE<<.

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Thanks a bunch for checking out wedding pictures from Amy’s and Jason’s outdoorsy DIY Labor Day weekend wedding! If you’re planning your simple yet elegant outdoors wedding, like to celebrate like there’s no tomorrow, have a creative and adventurous soul, shoot me a message! I would love to be part of your adventure!

I am documentary wedding photographer based in Madison, Wisconsin and specialize in moment driven wedding photojournalism. See here about common wedding photography styles.

During this type of wedding photography I will stay out of your way and I will let you be true you.

FARM’S BACKYARD WEDDING VENDORS:

Ceremony/Reception: Friends Backyard in Middleton, WI
Bride’s Sandals: Toms
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bhldn
Groom’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Catering Company: Stalzy’s Deli
Catering Company: Oliver’s Public House
Catering Company: Jordandal Cookhouse
Wine: In Vino Veritas
Craft Punch: Death’s Door Spirits
Rentals: Event Essentials
Transportation: Badger Bus
Hotel: Hilton Monona Terrace
Wedding Date: 9.4.2016

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Wisconsin Cultural Wedding in Wausau, Wisconsin | Coua and Dustin

Bride and groom embracing in Wausau, WI downtown

WISCONSIN CULTURAL WEDDING Coua and Dustin have met during their Freshman and Junior years of college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison while attending Hmong American Student Association annual social event. During the event, Dustin spoke as part of an informal panel about tips for success for the incoming freshman class and his voice caught Coua’s […]

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WISCONSIN BREWING COMPANY WEDDING | ANGIE AND BRIAN

WISCONSIN BREWING COMPANY WEDDING Angie and Brian met at a mutual friend’s birthday party. It was a college house pajama party on a Saturday night in their senior year of college. Angie was standing across the room in a Green Bay Packers pajama outfit holding a red solo cup, and Brian was wearing head-to-toe black spandex thermals. […]

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OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS WEDDING | SARAH AND MATT

bride and groom portrait in Olbrich botanical gardens in Madison WI

OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS WEDDING When Gov. Scott Walker took broad swipe at public employee unions and politics heated up in February of 2011, Sarah and Matt both took to social media to watch the events at the Capitol unfold. They on Twittet under the handles of @matt_t1 and @sjzep in March. In April they met […]

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OVERTURE CENTER CAPITOL THEATER WEDDING | STACY AND JAMIE

wedding couple leaving Capitol theater wedding ceremony

OVERTURE CENTER CAPITOL THEATER WEDDING Stacy and Jamie met during their last year of school at University Of Wisconsin in 2005. Jamie was the mystery roommate to Stacy in a huge house that 12 of their very good friends lived in senior year. They shared a bunch of mutual friends but never really met until […]

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