This is one of my favorite wedding photos ever. It’s a snapshot. A moment. Somebody from the front row made it. I have no idea if it was a professional or a wedding guest. It doesn’t matter. It is of my grandparents on their wedding day. March 4th, 1960. For me this image represents so many things. It represents the beginning of their lives together, it represents life as I know it. It represents value. The value of a photograph. This image validates what I do and its importance. I am blessed with people that enter my life and are willing to allow me access to document their wedding.
My grandmother recently passed away, my grandfather passed away a few years prior. I have been thinking a lot about them lately and how suddenly you can lose a loved one no matter their age. I can thank both of them for so many things. They gave me my first camera when I was around 8 or 9. It was one of those time-life cameras that looked like an SLR. I didn’t do much with it. I don’t even have it anymore. My grandmother gave me my first “antique” camera. It was her mothers. Heck perhaps it’s the same camera that made this photograph. My grandfather gave me his camera a year before he died. A minolta srT-201 you could probably find one on craigslist for 20 bucks. The one he gave me is priceless though. Just like this image of the two of them. After all the hoopla of my grandparents wedding day, after the flowers in the bouquet withered, after the cake was eaten, after the dress was hung somewhere in the closet, after my grandfather out grew his tux, his hair turning gray with age, we still have this image. This moment.
This photograph of the two of them will be passed down from generation to generation it is and will be forever an heirloom. No matter who photographs your wedding, your family, your dog, your children, please I beg you print your pictures. A photograph isn’t a photograph until it’s a photograph. Make an object that you and future generations will hold, pass around and enjoy.
I loved my grandparents and I love this image. Rest in peace Ray and Ann Robertson you are loved, you are missed.
I just jumped on your site to see what was new, I almost cried reading the story about Ray and Ann. Very touching,
Love
C
Those of you who know me personally know that I have a problem. I am a camera addict. There I said it. The first step is acknowledging you have a problem right? One of my favorite things about an engagement shoot is that I get an opportunity to use various cameras. At Eric and Laura’s engagement shoot I brought 4 cameras with me. Yeah I know. For those who want to know, I shot with my Leica M9, a Leica M3, a Fuji 6×9, and large format 4×5 camera. Thanks to Eric and Laura for putting up with my camera juggling. Can’t wait to shoot their wedding in September.
i think i just pooped myself. your work is always, always, always so authentic and tangible with a beautifully poetic treatment!
Preston, these are so so nice dude. I’m with Steve, these are so incredibly beautiful. The silhouette in the trees is iconic, and needs to be printed really really big.
If you could sit on a cloud, this is what it would feel like! Nicely done.
Preston, these are absolutely phenomenal shots!
You’re so annoying – these are beautiful!! Especially love the 3 field shots.
These are AMAZING Preston. I love the ones of them sitting in the field.
We can’t wait for you to shoot our wedding this September too!!!! only 6 months left.
Wowwwwww! This is one of my favorite engagement shoots you’ve done so far. I truly think you are the best photographer I know.
I can’t believe Steve pooped himself.
These pictures are incredible. You have a new follower! My wife and I recently started a photography company and I look forward to seeing more of your photos in the future. Eric and I are old friends and these are great ways to capture the emotions of these two!
Poppin.
Preston-
WOW. Love. These are really phenomenal.
These are wonderful!!!!
just mind-blowing insightful photos. I feel like I immerse into that romantic atmosphere Laura and Eric embody.
Great work Preston! Perhaps your camera addiction slows down the pace of life allowing your couples to relax!