Honest Photography
I know I've posted here before about the concept of honest photography, but I thought I'd revisit it once more via the most honest wedding photos I've ever seen. When we were in Florida back in January for my brother Yossi's wedding, Zalmy Berkowitz (remember this honest photographer?) joined in the celebrations by gracing us with his camera lenses (and his presence). And while a bearded dude in a kasket with several leather camera straps around his neck (talk about hipster) may not bear any semblance of "professional photography", the captured images emanate beautiful honestly. Seriously, have you ever seen a more radient bride?? He captured her beauty. In the most natural, personal way. To me these photos feel so alive and intimate, I almost feel like I'm invading someones personal space...
And how about those family photos? The ones where the camera boss sets you all up to "perfection", tells you which hand to place over which, and just how to ever-so-slightly tilt you chin forward and gently smile? Ha! This man is evolved. And honest. :)
Not to mention, he gets results. Have you ever seen a more happy family photo? It may be imperfect, but it's so much more real! And so much more us.
I'm particularly partial to this shot, in the way my girls are so used to their crazy-ass daddy that they can't even be bothered to look up at him flinging himself off a sofa. They are so comfortable in the photo setting, they hardly notice there's a photographer at all; they're just stuck on the fact that they are jet-lag, hungry for dinner, and annoyed at the windier-than-expected weather. :)
But the greatest outcome is the love. How he captured the love...
It really feels too personal, right?
Photography is an art form. One that has been long lost in a rolodex of generic professional wedding photographers, sears family portraits, and studio shots. The life has been sucked out of this genre for much too long, it's time to go back to raw and organic film (literally, this guy uses actual film!). So do yourself and your family an eternal favor - seek out an honest photographer.
You can see a slew of more wedding photos and find out lots more about Zalmy here.