What makes me a good wedding photographer? Sure, there’s the obvious—experience, a creative eye, and knowing how to capture both the big moments and the quiet, meaningful ones. But this past Saturday reminded me that experience isn’t just helpful—it’s everything.
Right before a key part of the day, my flash stopped syncing with my Canon R6. Not ideal when you’re shooting in an old, dimly lit library. So I had to act fast: I switched to my backup Canon 7D Mark II, adjusted my lenses, and leaned on a prime lens for the R6. If that all sounds like technical gobbledygook, here’s what it really means: I adapted, problem-solved under pressure, and still delivered beautiful images.
Was it stressful? Oh, absolutely. Did I sweat? A little. Did anyone notice? Only the videographer clocked the slight hand tremble. The couple? Totally unaware. Because that’s what professionals do—we stay calm, think fast, and never let anything get in the way of telling your story.
Most people in that situation might freeze or miss important shots. But professionals come prepared—with backup gear, flexible thinking, and a cool head. You’re not just hiring someone to click a shutter. You’re hiring someone who knows how to handle anything.
So, if you’re thinking about letting your niece with the new camera shoot your wedding—hey, best of luck (and yes, I’ve actually heard that one before). But when you hire a pro, you’re not just getting photos. You’re investing in reliability, experience, and peace of mind.
Also… dear Universe, maybe let’s not do that again. Thanks.
A Little Bonus from the Vault
I’ve decided to include a very old photo of myself, taken many years ago at Artwalk by the wonderful Ed Valfre. It was during a gallery show I curated, featuring a collection focused on redheads. Yes, there are nudes behind me—I hope no one minds!
Besides weddings, portraits, and special events, I also pursue personal work in mixed media and fine art photography. Passion projects like that remind me why I fell in love with image-making in the first place.