In the world of weddings, creativity is king. Every couple dreams of a day that reflects their unique love story and personality. While many elements go into crafting the perfect wedding day, the photographs are what truly capture the moments to be cherished for years to come. If you're a bride, groom, or wedding planner seeking out-of-the-box wedding photography that will stand the test of time, you've come to the right place. Let's explore my world of creative wedding photography and how it can transform your wedding memories into compelling art.
Why choose a photography who pushes the edge of creative Wedding photography?
Choosing a photographer who focuses on creative wedding photography means more than just standing out; it's about capturing the essence of your relationship with photography in a way that's true to you. These photographs are not just images; they are not only stories, emotions, and moments captured in time. They represent imagery that is completely unique. By stepping away from traditional photography, I get to create opportunities for breathtaking and unexpected visuals that evoke the raw emotion and joy of your wedding day. As I think about creative wedding photography ideas I find myself pushing to make images that have never been seen before. I use my brain and my skills of photography to dream up images that are clever, odd, different and in some cases just plain weird. I know these images are not for everyone. However, for me, shooting and then using photoshop and filters to make these images helps to satisfy my creative soul.
Meet Your Photographer
Hello! I'm Jeff Kolodny, a seasoned photographer with a passion for unique and artistic wedding photography. Having been a professional photographer since 1985, I've spent years honing my craft and pushing the limits of what's possible behind the lens. My early years were spent experimenting with film techniques like time exposures and cross processing. I've always tested new creative wedding photography ideas hoping to create something totally unique. Today, I bring that same spirit of experimentation to digital photography, always eager to explore new ideas. I recently read an article in which someone said, any normal person would never in a million years spend the hours and hours experimenting, testing and pushing themselves to develop something that many people won't even like. Even though a wedding planner once told me, You know Jeff, some people don't want to hire you because you do that infrared stuff. I'm sure that is true, however of the people who do hire me, I have found some of my infrared images do make it into their album. So if a couple is willing to use some of their album space to my infrared imagery than someone likes it.
My Journey into Photography
My professional path to photography began in 1987 when I moved to Los Angeles to learn from some of the best photographers in the industry. I worked tirelessly, often for free, to immerse myself in the world of photography. My work wasn't great at first, but through dedication and hard work, I improved. A pivotal moment came when a famous photographer told me, "If your photography is unique or very different, some people will hate it. However, lots of people will remember your work, and those people will embrace your style."
This advice shaped my approach, encouraging me to focus on developing a unique style that resonates with those who appreciate something different. Now, as a South Florida wedding photographer, I strive to come up with fresh and creative wedding photography ideas, staying true to my belief that creativity is what makes this job so fulfilling.
Creative Wedding Photography Techniques
Here are some creative techniques I employ to capture weddings in a unique light:
Infrared photography adds a surreal and dreamlike quality to wedding photos. By capturing images using infrared light, I can create ethereal scenes with striking contrast. The result is an otherworldly image that captures the beauty of the moment in ways the naked eye cannot perceive.
Reflections offer a unique way to capture the beauty of a wedding setting. By using mirrors, windows, or even water, I can create layered images that add depth and interest. Combining infrared photography with reflections can produce mesmerizing images that are both creative and thought-provoking.
Cross processing involves developing film in a chemical solution intended for a different type of film. This technique creates high-contrast images with unusual colors, resulting in a vintage look that stands out. While it's a technique rooted in film photography, its aesthetic can be mimicked with digital techniques for a similar effect.
Time exposure photography allows for the creation of dynamic images that convey movement and energy. By capturing long exposures, I can create stunning images of light trails, dancing crowds, and flowing fabrics that evoke the vibrance and excitement of a wedding celebration.
Night photography presents a canvas for capturing the magical ambiance of a wedding under the stars. Using long exposure and careful lighting, I can create images that highlight the romance and intimacy of nighttime festivities.
Unique Wedding Photography Ideas
With creative techniques in mind, here are some unique wedding photography ideas that can make your wedding album truly exceptional:
So how did I shoot this?
When I was photographing the bride getting ready I saw her reflection in the window. I also wanted her bridal gown in clearly in the shot as well. However, with a normal digital camera you would not get the ocean and the clouds in the background. The very low contrast of infrared allowed me to catch it all. The bride the backlit gown, the ocean and the clouds. I then used photoshop to burn in the background then applied a filter set from the company Nik. I used the Nik tonal contrast filter to bring all the hidden detail into view. When woking on my creative wedding photography ideas I often find I need the help from filters and photoshop actions to help me along the way.
Below are some other creative images that are uniquely me.
Capturing a wedding day is as much about the ambiance as it is about the details. At the Stonebridge Country Club in Boca Raton, where every corner is picturesque, I decided to explore a unique angle—literally. This stunning photograph is an alternative infrared capture, showcasing one of the most creative wedding photography ideas in South Florida's vibrant scene.
In this image, the bride's wedding gown takes center stage. The delicate fabric unfolds with an elegance only enhanced by the side lighting, creating a play of shadows and highlights that dance across the material. This approach offered extra tonal contrast, beautifully emphasizing the intricate folds and fine details of her gown. The infrared technique added an ethereal quality to the scene, transforming the familiar into something otherworldly and stunningly unique.
Such creative wedding photography ideas are not just about technology; they are about seeing the beauty in the unexpected. South Florida wedding photography has always been about pushing boundaries, and this image embodies that spirit. It's about capturing not just a moment, but the essence of a day when everything comes together perfectly.
This photo is more than a snapshot; it's a narrative captured in light and shadow, showcasing a moment suspended in time. At Stonebridge Country Club, with its lush surroundings and serene atmosphere, every wedding becomes an opportunity to tell a unique story, one frame at a time. And this infrared photograph is a testament to that—the new, the bold, the unforgettable.
On a day that celebrates the union of two souls, capturing a moment that transcends the ordinary becomes essential. This particular wedding photo, shot in infrared, encapsulates the romance and distinctiveness of the couple's love story. The decision to use infrared photography was intentional, driven by an artistic vision to contrast the warm, passionate connection of the bride and groom against the serene, almost ethereal backdrop of their natural surroundings.
Whenever I shoot, I focus on the interplay of tones that envelop the main subject. In this image, I deliberately placed the kissing couple in a light zone, creating an enchanting spotlight effect. This technique ensures they are the focal point, drawing the viewer’s gaze directly to their affectionate moment. The trees and ground frame them like a natural vignette, gently guiding the eye and enhancing their luminous presence in the photograph.
To provide flexibility and choice, I also captured this moment with a standard camera, offering my clients a selection between the magical allure of infrared and the classic beauty of traditional photography. This dual approach is my way of ensuring that every captured memory resonated personally with the couple, giving them something truly unique and reflective of their love.
This photograph is more than just an image; it is a testament to the timeless elegance and individuality that define this couple's special day. The infrared technique adds an otherworldly touch, transforming a simple kiss into a radiant symbol of their shared future. Through this lens, love appears not only as it is but also as a beautifully imagined version of what is yet to come.
In the wild chaos of nature, love finds its light. Captured in infrared, this couple's tender moment shines amidst the wilderness. 📷✨
Looking for a wedding photographer who offers a unique perspective? Call me at 954 560-1533. I capture both breathtaking infrared and classic color images, just like this one from the beautiful Morikami Japanese Gardens. 🌿❤️
Choosing creative wedding photography is about celebrating your individuality as a couple. It's about capturing your love story in a way that's as unique and beautiful as your relationship. If you're seeking a photographer who isn't afraid to push boundaries and explore new ideas, I'm here to help. Let's work together to create a wedding album that not only captures the beauty of your day but also tells your story in a way that's true to you.Ready to make your wedding unforgettable? Contact me today to start planning your one-of-a-kind wedding photography experience.
Location: 3030 Holiday Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.