Using Photographs in Combination | Lori and Matt's Decatur Wedding Photography

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When I worked as a picture editor for the Indianapolis Star, one of the techniques I liked to pull out of my back pocket when appropriate was the use of photographs in combination. I now use the same idea in slideshows, blogposts, and wedding album design. There are several reasons to use photos in combination. In this example, the photos are used in a series of three to show the changing expressions on Lori's face. Capturing emotion is at the heart of wedding photojournalism, but often expressions and emotions flow from one to the next -- a series helps capture this flow.

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Father of Bride with boutineer

Father of Bride with boutineer

Groom and Groomsmen

Groom and Groomsmen

Bride Combo | Decatur UMC

Bride Combo | Decatur UMC

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Another reason to use a combo of photographs is to show a small detail, Lori's Dad's boutineer, and then how it is used. Here the series contrasts Matt with one of his groomsmen and his Dad, all in similar poses, but with slightly different expressions. Action combos, like the one below, work best if all the characters from one photo, Lori, two bridesmaids and Mom, appear in the next. The contrast in this combo comes simply from the far away view of Lori in her dress vs the close-up dress detail. When using this type of combo make sure the detail is especially interesting. In this combo we see a scattered group of family and friends come together in community to pray. This final series uses three images to show unfolding action. The tiny arm movements before the wedding become a dance when put together in a series. Rock on, Lori!

Atlanta Wedding Photojournalist

Funny aside: How not to put on a boutineer. (In case you're wondering, they never figure out where the boutineer is supposed to go.)

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Cindy Brown

I'm an Atlanta wedding photographer who takes soulful, quirky and honest photos ...

I'm also an adventurous traveler and all-round nerd. I love to hike with my beagle/cattle dog Roux and best friend/spouse.

I was born in Atlanta, moved around a lot--30 cities and 5 states--and then came back.

After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, I took a job at asmall newspaper in south Georgia, where I photographedhospital teas, pecan farmers, and beauty queens.

I photographed a biker funeral, death penalty protests andTed Bundy while interning with the Associated Press.

While a photographer for two dailies in Florida, I photographed Ronald Reagan, a train derailment and the dedication of a screened-in porch.

An unexpected life turn took me to Vermont where I fell in love with Bernie Sanders and on to Indiana, where I edited photos for a major daily, and nerded out getting a master’s and PhD.

After teaching photojournalism at colleges and universities in Florida, Indiana and Mississippi, I returned to Atlanta to earn myfifth degree--a Master's of Divinity.

My passion for storytelling with my camera and my interest in religious diversity led my to the field of wedding photojournalism.

I have documented weddings large and small, Unitarian and Pagan, indoors and out, Christian and Muslim, in backyards and in churches. The most exotic wedding I have photographed took place in Mexico and was officiated by aMayan shaman.

When I'm not photographing weddings, portraits or corporate events, I work on personal photo projects, visit friends in amemory-care home, and volunteer at a recovery center.