As a photographer, we are often challenged to present something new in our work. This is to ensure that our photos do not look like templates, identical to one another. By creating new works, we as photographers can progress and become better than before, allowing our creations to always appear fresh in front of clients.
In my opinion, almost all genres of photography should strive to showcase something new. It's fine to start by emulating the works of photographers we admire, but as artists, we should also modify those works. I personally apply the "copy and modify" approach to some of my works since photography, which has been around for hundreds of years, often shares similarities, whether consciously or unconsciously.
Lately, I have noticed that some wedding photographers appear very template-like. The poses in their works are almost identical, with the only difference being the faces of the couples being photographed. As a photographer, this truly bothers me. I believe these template works are influenced by the clients' moods, as it's not uncommon to encounter couples who struggle to pose, leading us to rely on pre-existing poses.
Despite this, I try to find alternative ways to make wedding photos still look interesting. This time, I focus on capturing the behind-the-scenes moments of the wedding. I concentrate on the bride and position myself as her personal photographer, resulting in my photos primarily featuring the bride.
Taking photos like these is relatively easy since they can be considered candid shots. There is no need for styled direction; we simply act naturally and be ready to press the shutter button. However, we must also act swiftly because such moments cannot be repeated. Personally, I find these types of photos more captivating as they encapsulate many wedding memories.
Starting from the makeup preparations to the photo sessions with the main photographer, I strive to capture everything. It appears very natural, and I appreciate all the expressions of the bride. Moreover, she feels comfortable because there is no need to pose, follow instructions, or repeat poses if the photographer deems them unsatisfactory. This is the advantage of candid photo sessions.
I am thrilled to be able to capture wedding moments from a different perspective. I hope that as photographers, we are not afraid to try new things. In my opinion, wedding photography doesn't always have to be template-like, and one way to achieve that is through candid shots. With candid sessions, everything looks natural, and the couple will not get tired from posing.
Thank you, and warm regards from me.