I’m invited to homes quite a bit when it comes to weddings. Observing someone in their private space, where they can be themselves, is a privilege to a storyteller. Everyone puts on a performance to some degree when there’s a camera present, but it’s my role as one human to another to break the walls down to share how I see my subjects. Maybe there are fewer walls at someone’s home versus in a public space, but there is still a proper approach to earn their trust. I often have my own nostalgic moments, so I’d like to think I have a knack for homing in on family photos and mementos in peoples’ homes that tell me more about them.
It is especially nice to continue with a past story. I photographed JoJo and Na’s wedding at the beginning of 2020. We reconnected to celebrate their newborn daughter’s first month. We got to talk about how we’ve all changed since last seeing each other. As a family man myself, I’ve discovered a newfound appreciation for photographing young families. One needs to have endured the hardships of parenthood themselves in order to understand the array of emotions new parents go through! Perhaps I am seeing my recent self as I take these photos. Enjoy!
