From 1985 through 2005, I photographed nearly 490 weddings—about 25 each year. In western Pennsylvania, the season ran from late spring through October, with an occasional holiday wedding, so for many years a wedding every weekend was simply part of life.
A wedding a weekend – sometimes two – for twenty years
Around 2006, I stepped away from weddings to focus on commercial and advertising photography and portraiture – now called “branding” of course – and to reclaim weekends for family and friends. Aside from a few exceptions, including the 2010 wedding of my former assistant and model, Kelin, I have photographed only a handful of weddings since moving to Frederick, Maryland.
The beauty of just enjoying a family wedding
That is why I was so excited to attend my niece Sarah’s wedding on July 4, 2026. Happily, she did not ask me to photograph it. Having assisted me on assignments and photographed weddings herself, she understands that it is nearly impossible to be both a family member and a working vendor at the same event.
Still, I love weddings. Out of respect for the hired photographer, I stayed at the back of the church with a long lens, careful not to intrude or distract. The sanctuary proved much darker than expected, and I had chosen lightweight telephoto lenses rather than my fastest glass. Fortunately, today’s cameras and software are remarkably capable.
Good to know I still remember the important stuff!
What surprised me most was how quickly the old instincts returned. Wedding photography is as much about anticipation, attention to detail, and readiness as it is about artistry. The ceremony images, made at ISO 12,800, would have been nearly impossible to achieve fifteen years ago. With thoughtful retouching and a little help from modern AI tools, they turned out better than I could have hoped—and I was able to enjoy the day simply as an uncle.
So, no, I won’t begin shooting weddings again, but man, I’m glad to have been able to capture some sweet moments at this one! Congratulations Sarah and Sean, and many happy years together!
