A Portland Wedding

Last weekend I had the pleasure of working with Bryan Hoybook Photography. Bryan hired me as a second photographer for a wedding he was shooting.

As a documentary photographer I love being the second shooter at weddings because my basic responsibility is to roam around and document the event. People at big events are a fascinating subject because somebody is always doing something interesting. After a little while one gets synched up with the rhythm and vibe of the event, fading into the background, the only measure of time is the click of the shutter and the growing number on the shot counter.



Of course, Bryan and I plan out each part of the event, coordinating shots so we can get maximum coverage and don’t get in each others shot. As the lead photographer, Bryan has all the responsibility. His focus is to not only get the key shots - bride walking down the isle, the ring exchange, family portraits, etc - but also manage the customer service side by knowing when to step forward and take charge and when to fade into the background. 

Wedding portraits have never been my strong suit. It’s like herding cats with A.D.D. First, you have to get everybody to the same location. Then, pose them (line them, stack them up!) for the shot, making sure the composition is correct and all the hands, hair, jaw lines and background are flattering. Finally, you have to get them all to look at the camera with a genuine smile. Then, trade groups and repeat, again and again.

Bryan pulls this off with amazing grace, at once commanding attention (“right now I need everybody to pay attention to the photographer”), offering rewards (“the sooner we get photos done the sooner you can continue drinking”), and going with the flow (“oh, one of the groomsmen is an hour late, we’ll shoot the bridesmaids first then”).

During the day there are many things that impress me about Bryan, but the biggest is how he handles the portrait sessions. Bryan makes sure they are fun (warming up the crowd) and efficient (he only takes three shots per pose). With so much for the bridal party to do during a wedding, “fun and efficient” are key for all vendors. He’s been photographing weddings a long time and it shows. Bryan Hoybook is truly one of Portland’s best wedding photographers and it was great working with him.

After a 9 hour day (Bryan stayed for 12 hours) and 1100 shots, I head home, mind, body and soul exhausted but euphoric from a massive right brain workout...