Right before Christmas, I was able to help out another photographer and friend who found himself a little over his head.  Actually, he’s a highly capable and published photographer but his success has been in the commercial world which is slightly different than the event world.  In the commercial world, the photographer is able to maintain full control and typically has days to test and nail one photograph.  Then in post production, you only need to perfect one photo.  And you can composite until you’re heart’s content.  The most notable commercial shooters simply walk on a set that was built, lit, and tested by a full crew, leaving the photographer to push the button a few times, and finally, turn the images over to a team of photoshop gurus who composite a dozen or more photos together.  Don’t get me wrong, it takes insane talent to get to that level and the final result from the team of specialists is brilliant.  Then you have the commercial photographers who do the whole process themselves.  Pretty sure they’re just crazy.

By comparison, in the event world, we fly by the seat of our pants, have little control over lighting or environment, and have 8-10 hours to capture a complete family and social history of two different people with no potty breaks.  We eat in less than 10 minutes and have stomach cramping afterwards because we didn’t take time to chew.  The camera is an extension of our arm and soul; dialing in manual settings takes as long as tying a shoe and comes just as naturally.  We often do both simultaneously.  Light or the absence of it, doesn’t scare us.  Although we’d still like to slap the person who nixed the bridal room at the church in favor of an extra large nursery with a Noah’s Ark border and florescent lights.  In the basement.  The day after leaves us flat on our backs, unable to move a single muscle.  I’ve never been hung over but I’m pretty sure that would be how it would feel.  After you turn thirty, a wedding makes you feel like you’re pushing ninety-seven years old.  Then we edit 2,000+ images and make them ALL stellar and create albums that make parents weep.  Yes, I really do love every second!

So Dave asked Max to photograph his wedding and being one of his best friends, Max couldn’t refuse.  I’m sure he would have done fine on his own but at the last minute he decided he needed help.  So with a few days notice, I flew to LA to be his second photographer.  I’ve actually known Dave for about 14 years but it was my first time meeting Grace.  She’s one of those people you feel like you’ve known your whole life.  I can’t imagine anyone more perfect for Dave.  She is the definition of Grace.  I was absolutely in awe of the hospitality shown by their friends and family.  I’ll probably still pass on the raw ground beef but I love everything else about the Armenian culture!

The ceremony was held in the same cathedral they filmed the Spiderman 2 wedding (just the interior footage) and reception was held in Glendale at Anoush.  Dave and Max also happen to be in a band that you might have heard in hundreds of TV shows, movies, and radios stations… and if not, you should check them out.

Grace’s brother makes me laugh!  Investigating the bouquet…

Dave’s first look at Grace.  AND he brought flowers.  What a gentleman.

Max’s photo:

Max’s Photo: