I hear photographing weddings is one of the most stressful things you can shoot. WHY WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO PHOTOGRAPH WEDDINGS?

It’s simple, Brian says, ‘I’m a visual creative thinker who really enjoys fast paced problem solving and there are few things that present more creative challenges than photographing a wedding. If you need someone who thrives in a situation where everything has a tendency to work against you, I’m the guy - always the Underdog. In my studio, I can control everything and just knowing I can tweak things forever can be challenging for a perfectionist like me. Weddings tend to be the exact opposite; you control very little and timing is so very limited so you’re pushed to be exceptionally creative and adaptive. Contrary to what you’d expect, I find those limitations extremely freeing.

How Would You Describe Your Style of Shooting a wedding?

‘This may sound strange but I want people to remember that their day is a wedding, not a photoshoot. I want you to remember the moments that really happened. I find that, while people appreciate a little direction or helpful guidance once in a while, it’s not about posing or acting like something they’re not. Having your picture taken is awkward enough for most people, add the emotion and pressure of the wedding day and the last thing you need is someone telling you to smile, or make you feel more awkward than you already do. I work fast and keep things fun and moving quickly so that it’s effortless for my clients. I just want them to be themselves and be willing to have some fun with me taking photos.  If they are willing to do that, the rest is on me.’

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO WORK WITH YOU?

‘I don’t like to fake things and I don’t ask for do-overs. I believe photography is about anticipating what might happen and then figuring out how to make the most of every opportunity - before it actually occurs.    The way I see it, if a photographer sees the perfect shot - then they probably missed it.  I try to spend the entire day a couple seconds ahead of everyone else - anticipating what might happen and getting exactly where I need to be to make the best of what might come.’

WHAT ELSE MAKES YOU UNIQUE AS A PHOTOGRAPHER IN THIS INDUSTRY?

‘I don’t want to be a ‘wedding vendor’. I want to be an ally that you can trust completely - the wedding insider who has your back. When you’ve seen 500 weddings you have a very good sense of how the million little wedding intricacies work - what to expect when and what your options are when the unexpected happens. Not sure where to stand? Where to walk? What to say? How to cut the cake? Not to worry. I got you. You bought a bowtie for your wedding day but forgot to learn to tie it? It’s ok, I know how. They forgot to finish the bottom of your Reem Acra dress? It’s ok, I’ve got scissors and have done this before. The hotel sprinkler went off and ruined your dress? Been there, I know who to call. Your officiant’s dress is on fire? Don’t worry, we put them out before. There are 2 foot flames shooting out of the front of your limo ? Well, the last time that happened, I calmly got the unaware bride and groom out safely. It’s all good, we’re in this together.’

‘We get a lot of really nice thank you letters from our brides and grooms telling us how much they appreciated all we did for them on the wedding day that had nothing to do with photography.’

‘The ultimate thanks however, is that they bring me back year after year - annual portraits of their kids, family milestone events, I’ve even traveled the world with some of them - documenting fabulous family vacations. Heck, I mean, on her wedding day, I was in the room with the bride when she was getting dressed. I’m already part of the family!’