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Written by Jeff Kolodny, Florida wedding Photographer. 954 560-1533
Choosing a photographer for your wedding day is one of the most significant decisions you'll make in the planning process. These are the images you will cherish for a lifetime, the visual story of the day you began your new life together. When you're getting married in the Sunshine State, you need a Florida wedding photographer who not only understands the unique light and landscapes but who also possesses the artistic vision and technical skill to capture your day perfectly. It’s about more than just taking pictures; it’s about creating art that tells your personal story.
This guide will walk you through what to look for in a top-tier Florida wedding photographer. We will explore the importance of a diverse portfolio that balances timeless portraits with creative artistry. We’ll delve into specialized techniques, like infrared photography, that can make your wedding photos stand out. Finally, you’ll understand the value of experience, professionalism, and a photographer's commitment to creating not just images, but heirlooms for your family.
Florida offers a stunning array of wedding venues, from sun-drenched beaches and lush botanical gardens to elegant country clubs and historic estates. A seasoned Florida wedding photographer knows how to harness the beauty of each location. They see more than just a backdrop; they see an opportunity to create something extraordinary.
I recently had the pleasure of photographing a wedding at The Club at Weston Hills. This beautiful country club, set on a sprawling golf course, provided a wealth of photographic opportunities. The rolling hills and the gorgeous clubhouse architecture gave me an incredible canvas to work with. Because the grounds were so expansive and beautiful, I had the freedom to position the bride and groom wherever the lighting was most flattering. This flexibility is key. An experienced photographer can adapt to any environment, finding the best light and angles to make you look your absolute best.
Whether it’s the golden hour light filtering through ancient oaks or the dramatic architecture of a grand ballroom, a great photographer uses the environment to enhance your photos. They understand how the intense Florida sun can create harsh shadows and know how to manage it, turning a potential challenge into a beautiful, softly lit portrait. This adaptability and mastery of light are hallmarks of a true professional.
Balancing Timeless Tradition with Creative Artistry
When you hire a wedding photographer, you have certain expectations. You want beautiful, well-lit portraits of you and your partner. You want classic family photos that your parents and grandparents will adore. As a Florida wedding photographer with a solid reputation, I understand and honor these expectations. I commit myself to delivering those perfect, timeless images that form the foundation of any wedding album.
However, I believe my role extends beyond just meeting expectations. It's also about exceeding them by providing images that are unique, artistic, and unlike anything you've seen before. This is where creative photography comes into play. It’s the "salt and pepper" that adds flavor and excitement to your wedding collection.
Think of it like this: a meal needs a solid base, but a sprinkle of spice makes it memorable. In the same way, your wedding album should be grounded in beautiful, traditional photography. But it's the creative, artistic shots sprinkled throughout that will truly make it stand out. I would never photograph an entire wedding using unconventional angles or experimental techniques. That would be like adding too much salt to your food—it would ruin the meal. Instead, I carefully integrate these unique images to complement the classic shots, creating a collection that is both timeless and breathtakingly original. This balance is what sets an exceptional photographer apart from the everyday, run-of-the-mill shooter.
One of the ways I push creative boundaries is by using a technique known as infrared photography. Most Florida wedding photographers don't offer this, and many have likely never even heard of it. Infrared photography is a difficult but incredibly rewarding method that captures images in a way that no other technique can.
So, what is it? An infrared camera captures not just the visible light our eyes can see, but also the invisible ultraviolet (UV) light that objects reflect. This process creates imagery that is ethereal, dreamlike, and completely unique.
Here's how it works in a wedding setting:
The results are dramatic and artistic. An infrared photo of a couple standing under a large oak tree can look like a scene from a fairy tale, with the tree's leaves glowing white against a dark sky. It’s a powerful tool for creating images that are not just photographs, but true works of art. I often use Photoshop to selectively blend these unique infrared effects, ensuring certain parts of the picture look more natural while others retain their otherworldly beauty. This technique allows me to deliver a handful of show-stopping images that will have everyone talking.
Below are some samples of my infrared photography.
Why a Photographer's Background and Philosophy Matter
When you choose your wedding photographer, you are not just hiring someone with a camera; you are investing in their experience, their education, and their entire artistic philosophy. My journey as a photographer has been a lifelong pursuit of excellence.
It began in college, where I earned a degree in communications and photography. There, I learned the foundational principles of lighting, composition, and portraiture. I was trained to produce images with solid, even, and flattering light—the technical bedrock of any great photograph. After graduating, I moved to Los Angeles and sought out the best wedding photographers in the business. I was determined to learn from the masters, so I worked for years alongside some of the most famous wedding and fine-art photographers on the planet.
This mentorship was invaluable, but I didn't stop there. Year after year, I entered my work into professional photo competitions in Las Vegas. There, my images were scrutinized by the industry's top judges. I learned firsthand what elevates a wedding photo from good to competition-worthy, and just as importantly, what technical flaws can cause a picture to lose points. This rigorous process honed my skills to a razor's edge.
Simultaneously, working with countless clients gave me a deep understanding of what brides, grooms, and their families truly want. I learned what they expect, what they dream of, and what makes them cry happy tears when they see their wedding pictures for the first time. My philosophy is built on this foundation: combine technical perfection with genuine emotional connection, and always deliver more than promised. This commitment is reflected in my long history of five-star reviews on platforms like WeddingWire.
The Mark of a High-Quality, Print-Worthy Image
In the age of social media, we are flooded with images. Many wedding photographers showcase "artistic" photos online that look moody and romantic on a small screen. However, upon closer inspection, many of these images are grainy, too dark, or too light. While they may capture a certain vibe, a professional eye can see that they are not technically sound. These pictures are not worthy of being printed, much less enlarged for a beautiful wall display or featured prominently in a wedding album.
The images I create are different. They are crafted with the final print in mind. My photographs are sharp, clear, and full of detail. In fact, they look even more beautiful and impressive as you blow them up bigger and bigger. That is the true mark of a high-quality image. It’s the result of using top-notch camera equipment, mastering advanced lighting techniques, and possessing a deep understanding of post-production in Photoshop.
I believe every couple deserves to have a magnificent wedding album. An album is not just a book of pictures; it's a physical heirloom that tells the story of your day. It’s something you can sit down with on your anniversary, show your children one day, and share with friends and family when they visit. Imagine a beautifully crafted album sitting on your coffee table. A visitor is sure to pick it up, look through the pages, and marvel at the beauty of the pictures inside. Many photographers just take pictures and hand over a digital gallery. I believe my job isn't finished until I've helped you create a stunning album filled with images worthy of being displayed.
My approach to wedding photography is not for everyone, and that’s okay. I was once at a seminar with a world-famous photographer who shared some powerful words of wisdom. He said that if your work is unique and different, some people will look at it and not "get it." But he also said that the people who do get it will see something they’ve never seen before. They will recognize that you offer a special style that no one else can replicate. Those are the people who will value your work most.
I have built my reputation on being that kind of photographer. I provide the beautiful, expected pictures in their truest and most elegant form. I also include a range of unique, dramatic images that elevate your collection into something extraordinary.
While I may not be the cheapest photographer in town, I’m also not the most expensive. My pricing is structured to allow me to earn a living, invest in the best professional equipment, and, most importantly, dedicate the time and artistry required to create the most beautiful images possible for you. Photography is in my blood; it’s what I do. Having happy clients and creating stunning images are the most important aspects of my career.
If you have recently become engaged and are planning your Florida wedding, I invite you to explore the galleries on my website. See the balance of timeless elegance and creative artistry for yourself. If my style resonates with you, please give me a call. I would love to talk with you, learn more about the wedding you have planned, and discuss how we can create a collection of images that you will treasure for the rest of your lives.
If you found this article helpful and if you think infrared photography is really cool then give me a call at 954-560-1533.
Location: 2600 Country Club Way, Weston, FL 33332.
