Becoming a Mae B Photo Groom
Last week I talked about what it's like being a Mae B Photo bride. This week, I gotta share the love with those Mae B Photo grooms! Let's be honest, there's a lot of wedding planning tips focusing around the bride. Spoiler alert, the groom is important, too! I don't think there are enough wedding planning resources out there for the guys and I don't think enough wedding vendors are speaking directly to the groom-to-be. I definitely don't want to give the guys the shaft, so grooms, this blog is for you. If you're wondering what's in it for you when choosing a wedding photographer, I want to share with you what being a Mae B Photo groom is like. So get comfy on the couch, grab a beer or a coffee and keep on readin'.
A common misconception about wedding photography or wedding planning in general is that it just isn't a lot of fun and more like a chore. Since most couples haven't really had professional photos taken together before their engagement session, I think the idea of old school senior photos is in their head - you know, the stand here and pose this way while I tilt your head into the perfect angle, blah blah blah. If that idea is in your head, get it right out of there because that is not what I do. I won't be all up in your personal space, moving you with my hands like a puppeteer. That's just weird.
I have two goals for every single session that I shoot. One - let who my models are shine through in the most natural and authentic way. Two - have fun. Neither of those goals involve super posed or formal shots (we will get at least one smiling and looking at the camera shot for mom!). Mainly, we'll spend our time having a conversation. I might ask you ridiculous questions and I might make you say ridiculous things. Hell, I might do ridiculous things. But every little prompt I give allows your personality to come through in the images and allows us to get to know each other a lot better. If we can spend the entire session laughing, I won't be mad at that one bit! This makes the session super easy going and a lot more comfortable versus being stiff, formal and downright awkward.
After my sessions, I always hear about how much fun my grooms had. Maybe it's just that unexpected or maybe they hate getting their picture taken, but I try to do my absolute best in making our time together as easy and stress-free as possible. I know it can be awkward in front of the camera. I still feel kinda awkward in front of the camera, too. But that is the last thing I want you to be thinking about during our time together. Even if I have to bribe you with a beer or two, I guarantee your experience with me will be pretty easy. (Side note: totally down for shooting your engagement session at a brewery or a cool bar). All you have to do is be you and focus on spending your life with your significant other!
