When I am in journalist mode (which I must admit, is quite frequent), having the subjects unaware of the camera is primarily what I am after. It allows the story to be untouched by the photographer – and in my humble opinion, that result is the most exquisite. Like in music, too much “perfection” gives the image no soul. Great, well-timed improvisation is essential – and it’s just as important in photography. Without that approach, there would be no Henri Cartier-Bresson or anyone else who followed in his footsteps. Don’t get me wrong, a photographer should always strive for perfection when composing an image or correctly exposing light, but it’s the soul of the image that will really speak when it is all said and done and it takes a combination of all three to attain a great image.
When documenting a wedding, there are times where the subject is camera aware, it wasn’t your intent…….and it just works. In this case, I made a judgement regarding the lighting and the angle I wanted to approach and made the rounds photographing people embracing after the ceremony. As I move , no matter how unobtrusive I may be, there are times where people notice my presence. This image contains one of those examples. The gentleman knows I am there – you can see it in his eyes – however, it didn’t effect the emotion I was trying to capture. It’s his eyes that really make this image work – combining portraiture and journalism in one photograph. Steve McCurry’s widely circulated photograph of “The Afghan Girl,” Sharbat Gula, is an example of this type approach and is an image many of us in the industry have used as influential.
I wanted to take the time and thank Manisha and Nar for this wonderful opportunity to capture their wedding in Baltimore. It was a sincere pleasure and a joy for me to document such a colorful, high-energy wedding with such a kind group of family and friends in attendance.
Rob Garland is the owner of Rob Garland Photographers, a company which specializes in photojournalism and fine art printing. Rob prides himself on a classic, intuitive, heartfelt documentation with the utmost in visual integrity. He has documented many destination weddings throughout the U.S. and abroad as well as Charlottesville weddings at many of our outstanding local venues. Rob loves imagery that fails to go in and out of style and personal touches that make each wedding unique.
Wedding information and vendors:
Location of wedding: Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel
Phone number: 410-547-1200; coordinator Edward Good 410-986-4866
Address of wedding location: 202 E. Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Time of wedding ceremony: Baraat to begin at 10:30 AM, and ceremony to begin at 11:30 AM.
Location of reception: Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel
Phone number: 410-547-1200; coordinator Edward Good 410-986-4866
Address of reception location: 202 E. Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Time of reception: Cocktail hour to begin at 6:00 PM, and reception to begin at 7:00 PM.
Rehearsal/rehearsal dinner info: Mehndi/Sangeet – 6:00 PM at Kahler Hall, 5440 Old Tucker Row, Columbia, MD
What is the attire for the guests? Variable. For the ceremony, most will be in Indian attire, but for non-Indian attire, a suit would be totally fine. For the reception, semi-formal.
Floral Design (name, phone, and email): Prabha Bhambri, 703-759-0068/703-568-7722, bhambri@cox.net
Caterer (name, phone, and email): Deewan Banquet (contact: Herpal), 732-968-7000
Event coordinator (name, phone and email): Edward Good (Renaissance), 410-986-4866
Reception Music/Band/DJ: Basskick Productions (contact: Talha Makhdoom), 571-451-7574, talha@basskickproductions.com
Videographer/Cinematographer (name, phone, and email): Villatoro Productions (contact: Christian Villatoro), 571-271-1020, christian.villatoro@finehdmemories.com
Officiant: Padmanabha S. Joshi, (410) 861-8387
Groom’s attire: Ceremony: Traditional Sherwani; Reception: Tuxedo
Groomsmen’s attire: Ceremony: Ceremony: White Kurtas (purchased in India); reception: no coordinated attire, likely all in suits
Cake maker (name, phone, and email): Kupcakes and Co, 443-552-3033, anne@kupcakesco.com
Bridesmaids dresses (name of designer): Ceremony: light Purple Saris (purchased in India); Reception: no coordinated attire.
Favors: Luggage Tags (Purple for Ladies, Grey for Men)
Are there any DIY (“do it yourself”) pieces to the wedding? Luggage Tag Display at the entrance to the Reception, Candy Bar Buffet at Dessert