Chicago Ritz Carlton wedding: Ashley & Kyle

Spending time with the couple during their engagement session and their wedding was filled with incredible laughter between the two (take note of Ashley and her constant smile and laughter) as well as incredible moments of confidence and excitement.  Who can’t have a grand time photographing a wedding that is all about celebration?

When editing the wedding for the blog, I found myself pulling image after image while putting together a sampling of their day.  What I found was half the images were from Chadd, my second shooter.  I was stunned. Slightly annoyed.  Somewhat nervous.

Annoyed?  Sure.  I knew I had to go back and find more of my imagery since this is a blog representing the works by Kevin Weinstein, not Chadd.  I just didn’t feel comfortable showcasing 50/50.  

Stunned?  I found myself proud for Chadd.  I am so busy, and don’t often get the time to slow down and soak in the what’s most important: the outcome of my work as well as Chadd’s.  He is going on his 4th season with me.  And the changes have been phenomenal.  He started out as my assistant, and the following year started second shooting for me  --- but just a little.  I needed to make sure his work was solid enough to produce compelling imagery.  I understood he was just beginning, but even a beginner can show potential.  I was shocked when I not only witnessed incredible moments within the collection, but I did feel that potential.  100 percent.

The following year, I changed my second shooter from an option/add-on to part of my collection when Chadd agreed to move from assistant to his new position.

Lately, I have found myself posting images on my blog to later find that they aren’t my images, but Chadd’s.  What does this say?  The boy has grown, a lot.  And I am thrilled.

Second shooters are needed, expected by the client, offer incredible benefits, but can take away all those in a nano-second.  The most difficult aspect of a second shooter is finding one that not only can compliment the lead shooter's style, but still offer their own voice and interpretation (artistically).  Those two items need to be met because the collection of images handed over to my client needs to be visually seamless.

When working with me, a second shooter does not take over responsibilities during any part of the event (portraits, details, etc).  I have (mostly) left Chadd to search, discover, find his own inspiration and voice from the beginning.  And more and more, I am seeing the benefits of giving him direction, but letting him go at the same time.  Sure, if I can’t make a cocktail hour, he knows to cover the social hour, as well as grab room shots.  But I don’t have to ask, and I don’t worry too much about the results.

I just felt that in order for an artist to find their own voice, barking orders from day one would do nothing more than cause anxiety and halt the growth process.

I do think at some point I need to relax.  Relax at a wedding?  Nah, never.  Chadd knows that I will run into the venue and redo all the room shots regardless how extensive he worked the room.  Now, I find myself reshooting decor not because I don’t trust him, rather we both are artists and interpret differently with our cameras.  I merely want my own stamp on these images as well.  

Having the consistency of the same second shooter with me at every event has been crucial to both his growth and mine as well.  And I can’t thank him enough for making that commitment.  My work has drastically changed since the day I met him.  Having him around has freed me to step back, stop firing off my camera like a machine gun, and start working backwards to become a documentary photographer again.

Ashley Shelton & Kyle Morrison

Ceremony: Fourth Presbyterian Church; Chicago, IL
Reception: Ritz Carlton; Chicago, IL

 Chadd Foy image

Chadd Foy image

Ceremony: Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago
Reception: The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
Caterer: The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
Wedding cake: Sarah's Pastries and Candies
Band: Ron Bedal Orchestra
Florist: Scarlet Petal
Lighting/decor: The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
Makeup artist: Jessica Sawicki, Bomber Betty Custom Cosmetics
Officiant: Sarah Johnson
Videographer: Poetic Productions
Invitations: Little Shop of Papers
Menus: The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
wsedding consultant: Marlene Leone
Host hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
Wedding dress: Ultimate Bride (Chicago), Rivini
Wedding rings: Tiffany & Co.
Bride's shoes: James Ciccotti (Chicago)
Groom's shoes: Modern Tuxedo (Chicago)
Groom's suit: Modern Tuxedo
Groom's shirt and tie: Modern Tuxedo