Pre Wedding Jitters

Idea found on Pinterest

 I am shooting a wedding this weekend, and I am beyond nervous.  Will I do a good job?  Will I get all the shots I need to get?  What if I miss something important?  I actually hate shooting weddings- the stress really bothers me.

So why am I shooting this one?  Favor to my step nephew as they can't afford another photographer and I know I can do better than some no name Craigslist wannabe.  I am renting the proper lens and lighting, which will help.  I have been reading articles and books trying to get ideas and practical knowledge.  I have a schedule, a contract and have met and spoken with both bride and groom more than once.  I know I am doing everything I can to be professional and hope all the prep work will result in pro images.  I hope they will print through my preferred lab instead of Wal-mart (eww).

            

I shot the engagement photos- which didn't turn out bad, but they could have been better.  I always think my work can be better.  The relentless pursuit of perfection and all that.  I think they are adorable together and very sweet, so I am honored to be part of their special day, I just hope I am worthy and that I can capture their love and happiness.   I hope I make it through the crazy of the day and shooting for a solid 9 hours doesn't kick my proverbial ass.   It's been years since I was involved in the actual wedding day and part of the wedding, I had forgotten how crazy it all gets.  Thank God for coffee :)

Portfolio Review

I have been looking at the images I have posted on this blog- some good, some great, others are crap!  To watch and see my growth as a photographer is amazing to me.  To see work I thought was interesting a year ago and now know it for the junk it is, well that's a great gift.  I feel an artist has some classic pieces that are timeless to their portfolio and others that will be out grown and need to be trashed. 

On my website ( www.mjbrennanphoto.com ), I have deleted quite a few images that couldn't stand the test of time.  Some were poorly composed, others were out of focus (gasp!) and still others were just blah.  I take criticism well, years of having my work torn apart will do that to you, and take direction well too.  Critiques do not bother me- no matter how harsh.  In fact I love them passionately.  A good searing crit will do more good than anything else I know for you to grow as an artist.  Sometimes it's also good for growth as a person.  Does it hurt- yes absolutely.  Is it worth the pain- without a doubt.

If you see an image the strikes you- tell me.  If you see an image that bores you- tell me that too.  Have I always been this way- no.  In fact critiques during my college years would often drive me to tears.  I hated being torn apart.  I wasn't able to see it for the gift it was- the honesty.  Today I would give anything to have one of my photo teachers critique my work.  I belong to a photo forum and recently received some harsh criticism, and it didn't hurt.  I could absolutely see this man's point and had to agree with him.  As they say- put your big girl panties on.  Well mine are definitely on.