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Print ArticleWEDDING FEATURE
"I've only recently realized that my passion for photography started when I was around 7 or 8. When I would have an especially fun or exciting day, I'd find one thing to look at—maybe a tree, a cloud, a flower—and any time I wanted to remember that day all I had to do was remember that one thing and it would bring the time back to me. . ."Inspired by her early memories, wedding photographer Priscilla Wannamaker hopes to create lasting memories for her clients-this time, with a camera.
"I know that an image can bring so many feelings and memories rushing to the present," she says. "That's why I photograph weddings with a passion for capturing an image right at the moment it happens. To do this, I have to be totally present in the moment; it's almost a Zen experience."
As It Happens
The hard part is not letting her subjects notice she's part of
their moment. "This takes knowing when to move quickly, when to
back off, when to move in, when to use a wide-angle lens, when to
use a telephoto lens," she says.
Wannamaker uses as little flash light as possible, preferring 800
or even 3200 film and "letting the image show what the mood or
ambiance really was, rather than shooting perfectly lit
photographs."
Essentially, Wannamaker favors shooting what's happening, rather
than creating the action, which "leaves me flat. You can always
spot the photographer trying to create a 'candid' moment, like
photos where all the groomsmen are jumping up in the air. Now, how
many times in real life does that happen?"
Much as a painter selects different media and tools, Wannamaker
uses a variety of films to achieve desired effects.
"While my favorite B&W film is Ilford's Delta 400 and 3200, and
the color film I use is Kodak's Portra 160, 400, and 800, to get a
mystical, ethereal look I occasionally use B&W infrared film.
This film only works in certain situations, so I use it
sparingly.
"By the way, when traveling by plane, I always demand a hand check
of my film, especially infrared, which is extremely lightsensitive.
In New Zealand one time, I actually had the security person put
their hands into this dark bag I travel with to check out the film
because any trace of light would have destroyed it."
Anxious to learn more about digital tools, she's signed up for an
intensive digital workshop with Denis Reggie this coming May.
"After learning more about it and seeing what's possible, I'll
probably add digital to my camera bag," says Wannamaker.
She already anticipates seeing an advantage when shooting the very
few posed family portrait shots she takes at a wedding, namely
being able to check the shot for closed eyes or turned heads.
Powerful Promos
Wannamaker carries her "of the moment" style into her promotions,
so couples looking for a photographer will know photography is "a
part of me, not something totally separate that I only use as a
means to make money," she says.
Her images are showcased regularly in Martha Stewart
Weddings and Town & Country magazines, and most
recently appeared in the new Elegant Bride and Wedding
Style magazines. She also has images in the book Legendary
Brides. In the fall of 2000, she was profiled on the CNN
website under the heading of "careers."
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