I’m going to say something out loud that you won’t be expecting to hear from a professional photographer: there is no such thing as a perfect photo.
There are photos that perfectly capture the mood in a room. The personality of a child. The relationship between two people in love. The dynamic of a family. There are photos that are beautifully crafted, with stunning backdrops and flawless subjects. Yet after ten years of working as a professional photographer across Scotland, the UK, Europe and abroad, I do not believe that there is such a thing as a perfect photo.
Now I will preface my thoughts on this subject by saying that images that have been shot in controlled conditions, with subjects who can be directed to pose a certain way, and where the photographer has complete control over lighting, backdrops, etc. can be absolutely stunning works of art. Every photographer strives to get a few of these “wow” shots at each wedding or special event, and these will likely be the photos that get the most attention.
I’m willing to bet though, that those images won’t be my clients’ favourites. In fact, the photos they tell me they love the most are typically the ones that could easily be picked apart for their imperfections by art critics or other experienced photographers. The ones I like to call “perfectly imperfect.” And over the years, they have become my favourites too. Maybe the toddler is making a face at her screaming brother beside her. Maybe the bride’s dress strap is falling down. Maybe the family pet turned his back on the camera just when I pressed the shutter. The light may not have been perfect, the backdrop not picturesque. Yet they share something an aesthetically “perfect” photo does not: truth.
Usually these images are captured in between the planned shots, when interactions are at their most authentic and people are most relaxed. These are photos that share raw, genuine moments, captured sneakily from the sidelines of a wedding or event. These images are authentic: they are raw, real and genuine in every sense. And they perfectly capture the true essence of a family, a relationship, a personality in a way that manipulated photos just can’t.
There is a difference between creating an image and capturing a moment. As a professional photographer I certainly do both, but my focus is always on capturing as many real, genuine moments as I can, and keeping the manipulated ones to a minimum. It’s how I’ve built my natural style of photography, and probably how I’ve developed a reputation for getting even the most shy of couples and children to open up in front of my camera!
I get to know each one of my couples long before their wedding day, through meetings, emails, and a complimentary engagement session included with all of my Scottish wedding photography packages to ensure just that- they feel comfortable with me spending their day with them, and relaxed right from the start as they know exactly what to expect!
Most of the clients I work with for baby and family photography become regular clients who I see every year, which means I get to know the couple and the children over the years (and capture them in photos as they grow). This creates that comfortable, relaxed vibe as the family knows me and what to expect from their session, and I know them well enough to get genuine smiles and laughs out of them!
All said and done, the recipe for obtaining these perfectly imperfect photos is this: find an experienced photographer with a natural, documentary style and a love for capturing candid moments. Get to know them ahead of your day or session so you feel relaxed and comfortable. And most importantly of all, head into your session with a promise to have fun and be yourselves! You won’t be disappointed.
Looking for a natural family photographer in Glasgow, Lanarkshire or Ayrshire? Getting married and looking for a relaxed wedding photographer in Scotland? Please get in touch for more information or to chat about your plans! You can also reach me directly at hello@rhiannoneale.com or 07401 062 095.
