A New Way To Photograph Weddings with John Dolan

by D'Arcy Benincosa

Calling all photographers! If you feel burnt out by shot lists, formulas, posing, and overall wedding redundancy, then tune into this raw and real conversation with Celebrity Photographer, John Dolan. We chat all about using a “less is more” approach to photographing weddings that allows for magic to unfold, and what photography clichés need to go so that we can get back to the real meaning behind the wedding photographs. This is truly one of my favorite episodes ever and I truly believe it could breathe new life into your work if you let it. Hit play.

About John:

John Dolan has woven a career of advertising, editorial and fine art photography. He is a recognized leader in contemporary wedding photography. Wedding clients include magazine art directors and editors, as well as celebrity clients Will Smith, Ben Stiller, Kate Bosworth, Bridget Moynahan, and most recently, Gwyneth Paltrow.

The Less is More Approach to Photographing Weddings:

Photographers feel handcuffed and stressed about all of these shots they “have” to get and it stifles creativity. Instead of focusing on a shot list and capturing every moment, try using John’s “less is more” approach.

The best clients want ONE amazing photograph that captures their love story.
If you look for the 15 or so quality key moments rather than capturing every moment, you’ll be shocked how happy that will make your clients.
You get a backstage pass to this day. If you don’t take advantage of that and step back and watch the emotions and capture the raw moments, then you’re missing out on the magic.
Look for the story instead of controlling the story.
Take the clients out for 5-10 minute increments to get portraits throughout the day. There’s a difference between the photos and emotions you’ll capture before the ceremony and then later during the reception. At the beginning of the day you’ll capture nervousness and anticipation, but by the end of the day you’ve gained their trust and there’s an opportunity for something within them to come out naturally.

Wedding Photography Clichés to Let Go Of:

These days the pressure to get published has messed up photographer’s priorities when shooting weddings. Stop trying to shoot within the formula and let go of the clichés.

Directing – Your presence as a photographer affects the photographs and the wedding. If you’re pushing to direct the shots then you’re imposing your will on people and their wedding day and changing how it would otherwise unfold.
Photographing and styling the invitations and flat lays – why take a photo of it when you have the physical heirloom itself?
Getting Ready Shots – Getting ready shots are like Act 1 of a 3 Act play. The first act is the two people separately getting ready and the tension is building. It’s not until act 2 and 3 that the magic really happens. Save your energy and creativity for the main act.
Sending a gallery link of 1000 photos – John likes to meet in person and hand them a box of 15 of the best printed photos to keep as heirlooms. He also gives them a bound contact sheet of all the photos with a USB with all the photos on them. This emphasizes the connection and allows a more magical experience when looking back on their wedding day.
Posing – there’s a difference between the image you’ll capture if you tell them to smile versus MAKING them smile or laugh. John likes to let stiff families be stiff and playful families be playful.