waiting...

Waiting_NewOrleans, originally uploaded by M.Prophet Photography.

This is hands down one of my favorite photographs that I have ever taken. There's something about brides on their wedding day. It seems like every emotion is a little bit (maybe quite a bit) more intense. Even the softer more subtle emotions have this gravity to them that makes them drop like a ton of bricks. This was one of those moments.

Mary had her ear to the door waiting for the music to signal to her that it was time and that the doors were about to open.. I walked through a hallway to find this and I was stopped in my tracks.. It was simply beautiful. She seemed to be in this peaceful place and everything was quiet. When I say subtle emotions having an amazing gravity to them, this is what I'm talking about. Seeing this I couldn't help but think "wow" and feel like I just found the most incredible sight ever! I quietly made my way behind her to get this shot. She was completely unaffected by my presence. I'm not even sure if she knew I was there at all, but I made my way directly behind and took the shot. Seconds later, her father came around the corner and they joined arms and awaited the opening of the doors. Another heart stopping scene as he smiled at his daughter looking so incredibly beautiful. That's another favorite point in weddings for me, a father seeing his daughter in her dress for the first time, but that's not what this post is about so getting back to the point, it was that subtle and quiet 15 seconds that I happened to witness that created this photograph.

This summarizes everything that I love about shooting weddings.. as much as I dislike terms such as "moments" or any of those cliche words.. it is these subtle moments that are amazing.. You train your eye to see them and when you do, it can be on the verge of overwhelming at times.

This photo was taken at St. Louies Cathedral in Jackson Square, New Orleans while 2nd shooting for Eye Wander Photo Inc.