Finding My Focus
As a wedding photographer, my inspiration comes from a diverse range of sources. The interplay of light, shadow, and emotion has always captivated me, and my artistic journey has been shaped by influences from both the world of cinema and fine art photography. While documentary and reportage photographers like Dorothea Lange, Sebastião Salgado, Diane Arbus, Martin Parr, Mary Ellen Mark, and Henri Cartier-Bresson remain a core source of wedding photographer inspiration for me, I’ve also found inspiration in other visual artists, and I’m excited to share those influences here.
Wong Kar-wai and the Art of Improvisation
In the late 90s and early 2000s, the films of Wong Kar-wai, particularly “In the Mood for Love,” had a profound impact on my approach to photography. Wong’s unique directing style, characterized by a loose outline and a reliance on improvisation, resonated with me. I found a parallel between his approach and the unpredictable nature of wedding photography. Both involve capturing fleeting moments and emotions, often requiring a spontaneous and adaptable approach. At the time I first saw his movies, it was also the cinematography of Christopher Doyle that blew me away. The light, the colours, the camera angles, the composition, and the whole energy and emotions that could be felt through the cinema screen. I wanted people to feel that too.
The Visual Poetry of Hiroshi Sugimoto and Cindy Sherman
The works of photographers Hiroshi Sugimoto and Cindy Sherman also played a significant role in shaping my artistic vision. They are each a very different kind of photographer and artist, but both use photography in such a clever way to communicate profound things. Sugimoto’s minimalist seascapes and architectural studies evoke a sense of timelessness and serenity. I was fascinated by how even his methods were part of his art practice. He would use very large negatives and his seascapes had no reference to place or time – there was no sign of human, animal, or plant life. There was just sky and water, dividing the frame exactly in half, leaving the viewer to contemplate so many things. There is the truth of where and when he photographed these scenes, the subtle yet obvious differences in each ocean, and the scale and size references are also missing, it is hard to comprehend how large and vast the ocean is that we’re seeing.
On the other hand, Sherman’s conceptual self-portraits are full of energy and colour, challenging viewers’ notions of identity and representation. Instead of Sugomoto’s very outward-looking contemplation, Sherman’s is a very inward-looking analysis drawing attention to the artificiality and ambiguity of stereotypes of women in particular to prompt the viewer to question and contemplate truth and perception. Both artists, through their distinct approaches, aim to evoke contemplation and challenge viewers’ perceptions. Their work has inspired me to push my own creative boundaries and embrace the limitless potential of photography as a medium for expression and exploration.
The Cinematic Language of the Three Colors Trilogy
Wedding Photographer inspiration for me mostly doesn’t come from other wedding photographers but mostly from other creative people. Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Three Colors trilogy – starring Juliette Binoche – is another source of inspiration. The films’ use of colour, light, and composition to convey emotion and atmosphere captivated me. I was particularly drawn to the way the cinematography reflected the inner lives of the characters. Similar to all the work I have mentioned, what I appreciate from these films is that they engage the viewer. They don’t invite you to be a passive consumer of their work. Marjorie Baumgarten of The Austin Chronicle wrote, “Blue is a film that engages the mind, challenges the senses, implores a resolution, and tells, with aesthetic grace and formal elegance, a good story and a political allegory.”
Celina Lunsford: A Mentor and Friend
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the influence of Celina Lunsford, a curator and photography writer and the former director of the Fotografie Forum Frankfurt. During my time in Germany in my early 20s, Celina’s friendship and guidance were invaluable. She took me under her wing during the roughly 2 years that I was living in Frankfurt, Germany and provided me with opportunities to assist world-renowned photographers, set up exhibitions, and connect with other photographers. Her encouragement helped me to develop confidence in my artistic voice.
Wedding Photographer Inspiration – Conclusion
These are just a few of the many sources of wedding photographer inspiration that have shaped my journey as a photographer. I am grateful for the artists, filmmakers, and mentors who have influenced me along the way, and I look forward to continuing to explore and evolve as an artist.
Looking for a wedding photographer?
If you’re planning a wedding and looking for a photographer who understands the power of visual storytelling and the importance of capturing genuine emotions, I’d love to hear from you. Contact me, and let’s discuss how we can collaborate to create timeless images that reflect the unique beauty of your special day.
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