In photography, as many of my colleagues will agree, we are artists and scientist. We learn our art form “photography” as a science and then use this knowledge and understanding of light to capture evocative images in a visual art form. Breathtaking to us and hopefully our clients. These images are to be the beginning of a life long story that will be told time and again as our wedding albums our past down from generation to generation. We bear on our shoulders the images, each of more than a thousand words, that will be shared with family and friends for years and decades to come. However daunting this responsibility may be, my greatest fear is that of not capturing the personality of the bride & groom and their wedding. I go through great lengths to make sure our art form has a deep meaning to our clients.
It is in the study of my craft that has lead me to a greater understanding of not photography, but of God.

When photographing a sunset portrait, newlyweds kissing or children playing in the rain, it is impossible to not think of God in the portrait I look through my lens and see the majesty and feel the privilege He has given me to partake in this moment. For the honor of capturing this one brief moment in time. I look at the children and see how He wants us to be – lively, fun, curious, remorseful (when wrong), and quick to forgive when wronged. I look at the expanse above the horizon and see God’s palette and brush creating breathtaking sunsets. However hectic the wedding day may be, I take comfort in knowing that I have to be patient. I know, “The Shot” that all friends and family members will be talking about, will be taken.

On a personal level, when photographing the bride, I see my daughters on the alter. I see myself giving them away. It’s hard not to be moved by this expression of love and look inward for the same love. It is in these moments were the emotion filled shots of the wedding are created. Daddies and his daughter’s tears. A mothers embrace of her son. I look for these images. The behind the scenes, if you will, shots. This is were the real story lies. Within the memories of all involved. It is in these moments when, we take it up a notch, and not only capture a great image, but actually show the emotion, of a particular moment, in this particular wedding event.

Adrian Campos