Stressing over where to do wedding photos? Don't.

In 2009 I photographed close to 30 weddings.  I was going nuts trying to come up with unique areas to do portraits for each one of those weddings… oh, AND engagement shoots.  I’d spend hours driving around looking for ‘spots’.  Taking quicks photos of areas, keeping a journal with street names & short descriptions.  It was crazy.

In 2011, I had my first son… and well…. ‘Ain’t nobody got time for that!‘

I distinctively remember trying to come up with ideas of Ashley & Mike’s wedding in July 2011.  Their church was 1 mile from my home… and I couldn’t think of anywhere to do their photos.  Then I drove by the elementary school near my home.  There was a bench, a few trees in front, solid brick walls & a field out back.  Perfect!  There it is!

Photo from google streetview.

When we arrived at the school, I was surprised to learn that it was the elementary school that most of the bridal party had gone to when kids, where some of them met & forged their lifelong friendship.  I have goosebumps.  These photos are some of my favourite.  They are classic, simple & modern.  They also have even more sentimental value for my couple.

So yeah, don’t stress over photo locations, it’s not that serious.  OR force yourself to hit up a new location every week.  It is more rewarding & challenging to shoot at the same location, in a new way. Finding interest & beauty in a less obvious way.