Cake. Ninety-nine percent of weddings have them and nearly 100% of those 99% perform the ritual cutting-of-the-cake. How, then, to make that shot not the same as every other cake-cutting shot considering it’s basically the same thing over and over and over? I like this picture because it’s an out-of-the-ordinary look at a time-honored tradition while still relaying exactly what’s happening. That we also get to see budding amateur photographers participating as well is a bonus and adds to the storytelling. Plus, it’s obvious what’s happening with the cake – it’s at just the right moment, scooping the cut cake onto the plate in anticipation of the feeding/smashing. This picture was made at Jena and Justin’s winter reception at The Columbus Athenaeum.
With happiness there’s sometimes an underlying sadness that’s not evident to those not in-the-know. This lovely picture of Doug’s mother and father dancing and having a wonderful time at his and Nancy’s wedding belied the fact that his mother was suffering from cancer and, unfortunately, would not be long for this world. If anyone ever doubts the power and longevity of a photograph, they need do nothing more than look at this picture and think of loved ones, departed or present. So, look at this picture and then go hug your mom.
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Another one from Amy and Spencer’s wedding, this one from our pre-wedding portrait session at Jeni’s in the Short North. Spencer is obviously about to take too large a bite of Amy’s ice cream and Amy is obviously stunned by his audacity (and appetite). Again, it comes down to expression – it says it all.
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