From the time I first picked up a camera and started shooting photos, my goal was to be a photojournalist. Weddings weren't even on my radar. Of course, marriage was something I viewed with a typical teenaged male "Uggggh!".
So began a love affair with journalism that began at the age of 16 as a freelancer for a local daily newspaper.
Fast forward through a career in newspaper photography, from the glory days, into the digital age and the decline of print and here I am, photographing weddings.
And you know what? I love doing it. I love seeing people happy, hopeful and in love. I love seeing brides nervously moving a strand of hair, twisting a ring or trying to catch a glimpse of their beloved before the ceremony. I enjoy seeing the love in the eyes of a couple as I'm photographing them, it's that love that I try to capture.
Many photographers say they have a photojournalistic "style", for me photojournalism is what I know, what I lived, it's not a style, it's a deep part of who I am and I try to give a part of that to every couple I photograph through my work as I document their day. I am always looking for that perfect angle, that spot no one has thought of, heck, I'll even lay down in the dirt for a shot. Clothes will wash, once in a lifetime memories can't be recaptured!
I've had people ask if it was difficult to go from journalism to wedding photography. The short answer is no, and yes.
No because I was already used to working under pressure and getting "must have" shots and telling stories with pictures, whether using natural light, flash or off camera lights.
Yes because I had to learn to direct groups of people in order to get the best group portraits possible, and quickly. I'm not normally loud, nor particularly bossy, but I have a shtick that seems to work and keeps people in a good mood and allows me to get what I need.
As I've grown in this business, my style has evolved, as well. The storytelling is still there, but I've become more comfortable exploring my more creative side as I'm shooting and editing. I still try to create images that will stand the test of time, in other words, I'm not going to jump on every new fad, but I'm not afraid to try something new or different. The last thing I want is for my work to become stale. I want my clients to be just as proud to show off their photos at their golden anniversary as they were at their first.
I've been asked if I have a favorite wedding. Of course I do. All of them. Really.
Each one is unique. The couples are different, each had a different atmosphere, vibe if you will, and each presented me with unique challenges and opportunities. They've all been, and still are, favorites in different ways and have become part of who I am, both personally and professionally and I'm honored to have been part of their day.
Visit me at: www.ezizpix.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kai-Eiselein-Photography-163546837053044/