The Evolution of Wedding Photography
By Phillip Broome
As we have moved into the digital age, many professions have been changed forever. One area that has been transformed in the last 20 years is professional photography.
Since the arrival of digital cameras in the early 1990s, the way photographers have taken, produced and distributed photos for their clients has evolved from an extremely tedious and time-consuming process to something that can be done quickly and easily. Gone are the days of showing clients 4” x 6’ proofs after their event.
Of course, as helpful as technology has been to the world of photography, any professional knows that skill and artistry remain more important than the technology.
To discuss the evolution of wedding photography, ISES met with Casey and Drea Cunningham at their Cunningham Photo Artists Studio for their May meeting. As pointed out at our April meeting, the events/wedding industry is under attack by non-professionals. Casey enforced this declaration by observing, “Never has the wedding industry been more accessible.”
The increased availability of quality digital cameras has made every Joe Schmo with a DSLR believe they are a pro. The Cunninghams advised that, in a world full of imposters driving down the cost of quality photography, “Raise your bar, but don’t devalue yourself.”
True professionals understand the camera is only a part of the equation. The photographer must have vision to capture each client’s moment. With digital photography, no longer are photographers looking for good pictures -- they have to be perfect. Discussing future trends, Casey noted that more clients are requesting video recording.
So what should event planners look for in a photographer? Drea had one word: “Authenticity.”
Thanks to the following companies for their participation in ISES’s “Evolution of Wedding Photography”
Party Reflections
The Wow Factor
Cake Design
Crawford & Company Florist
Passion 8 Bistro |