The Life Formula

Photographers working for Life magazine in the early years--when the photo essay was a developing art form-- worked to capture a variety of images that would tell the story of the event they were covering. Those images fit together to give narrative structure and variety to their story. Included in their shot list were: 1) an introductory shot to set the scene; 2) a portrait to provide characterization; 3) an interaction shot to create drama; 4) a signature shot to capture the essence of the story (this would often serve as the opening or cover photo); 5) a detail shot to highlight a story-telling element that would otherwise go unnoticed; 6) and a clincher to bring the story to a close.

Because I spent so many years working as a photojournalist and teaching photojournalism, this method of story-telling with a camera is ingrained in my DNA. When I photograph a wedding, I am constantly thinking of how I can provide the narrative structure for a meaningful story about the particular event I am covering. Every wedding is different. The story that develops from each wedding is different. My goal is to create images that reflect that uniqueness.

Here's a photo of groom Mica Maddry from a wedding I photographed in November of 2007 that was created to move the photo story about the Maddry-Pease wedding along through characterization.

www.cbrownphoto.com

My very first wedding

Seven years ago I had no idea that the photographs I took at my cousin Josh's wedding would lead to my current profession as a wedding photojournalist.I just wanted to take some nice photos as a gift to Josh and Carly. Even though they had hired a traditional wedding photographer, I felt I would be able to document what was happening in a way that would be potentially more memorable than the posed shots he would make. Two years later when Josh's sister Jamie got married, I was hired to photograph her wedding.

The photojournalistic approach won the day. .

Here's a photo of Carly explaining things to her bridesmaids.

Carly and friends

And here's a shot of my cousin Larry and his cigar.

Larry and cigar

Cindy M Brown Wedding Photojournalist

My very first wedding

Seven years ago I had no idea that the photographs I took at my cousin Josh's wedding would lead to my current profession as a wedding photojournalist.I just wanted to take some nice photos as a gift to Josh and Carly. Even though they had hired a traditional wedding photographer, I felt I would be able to document what was happening in a way that would be potentially more memorable than the posed shots he would make. Two years later when Josh's sister Jamie got married, I was hired to photograph her wedding.

The photojournalistic approach won the day. .

Here's a photo of Carly explaining things to her bridesmaids.

And here's a shot of my cousin Larry and his cigar.

Cindy M Brown Wedding Photojournalist

Choosing your maid of honor: South Louisiana Wedding

Early on in my work as a wedding photojournalist I realized the importance of a good maid of honor. I had the privilege of photographing Kelly and Kyle's wedding at Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana.

Soon after arriving to photograph Kelly getting ready, I was introduced to her maid of honor and best friend since childhood, Nicki. As I followed Kelly through the preparations, the ceremony and reception, I noticed how

attentive

Nicki was to

Kelly's every need.

If Kelly wasn't happy, Nicki made sure that changed fast. If Kelly was happy, Nicki was delighted. Nicki's enthusiasm for the loving connection that was about to be ceremoniously celebrated never wavered.

www.cbrownphoto.com

Choosing your maid of honor: South Louisiana Wedding

Early on in my work as a wedding photojournalist I realized the importance of a good maid of honor. I had the privilege of photographing Kelly and Kyle's wedding at Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana.

Soon after arriving to photograph Kelly getting ready, I was introduced to her maid of honor and best friend since childhood, Nicki. As I followed Kelly through the preparations, the ceremony and reception, I noticed how attentive Nicki was to Kelly's every need.

If Kelly wasn't happy, Nicki made sure that changed fast. If Kelly was happy, Nicki was delighted. Nicki's enthusiasm for the loving connection that was about to be ceremoniously celebrated never wavered.Here's one of my favorite photos of Nicki. It shows her response after Kelly has finished doing her makeup and hair.

www.cbrownphoto.com

A favorite from Tybee Island

Here's a photo of my daughter-in-law Jess as she is "coming down the aisle" on the beach at Tybee Island. Photographing family is some of the most challenging and rewarding work we do. I feel lucky I had the opportunity to document this memorable moment.

Jess in her beautiful dress

www.cbrownphoto.com

A favorite from Tybee Island

Here's a photo of my daughter-in-law Jess as she is "coming down the aisle" on the beach at Tybee Island. Photographing family is some of the most challenging and rewarding work we do. I feel lucky I had the opportunity to document this memorable moment.

www.cbrownphoto.com

The carriage photo

The photo at the top of the blog (well it used to be at the top of the blog) was taken in 2007 at a beautiful wedding in Picayune, Mississippi. Anthony and Bethany, both dance instructors, chose to tie the knot beside a lovely lake. Bethany decided to ride in style on her way to the peninsula where the ceremony took place. I shot the photograph with a 70-200 mm f2.8 Canon lens from a bridge in an effort to include storytelling context ... the lake and scenery.

Later that evening, I took this photo of the bridesmaid who caught the bouquet watching the groomsman who caught the garter as he danced the Garter Dance. The photo was chosen as a runner up in the September Fluid Gallery photo contest.

img_1874_pictage.jpg

www.cbrownphoto.com