For me wedding photography offers all an artist could ask for. "It fuses together the grandeur of tradition, the poignancy of emotion, and the simplicity of realism."

Photography attracted me before I ever knew that it was a part of a structured world. I saw a camera which my father was rarely without. I thought it was fascinating. I didn’t know about famous artists and museums and magazines. I innocently met that process. And I excitedly engaged it to the best of my ability. Later, because my excitement was so strong, I realized that this could be a medium through which I could work. My wedding images evoke something from the viewer. What that is, I don't try to know. It evokes something from me. That's why I take it. But I never try to describe what that is. The pictures seem natural to make. I wouldn’t say easy. I prefer natural. Photographers seem to have this notion, so often, that their photography and they themselves, as "artists", are more important than who the people in their pictures are. Wedding photography has helped me to realize that the deeper the relationship I have with people, the better my photographs got.

People constantly ask me about the pressure of the wedding day. I don't really worry about that. I assume that when someone hires me, it's on the basis of the work I have done and the style of that work. "I have a natural shooting style that doesn't leave anything out. I watch the story unfold -- not just the main event but the quiet times, the telling details, and the unique personalities."

"Always remain true to yourself." I still look forward to every opportunity to help a bride and groom make the big day uniquely theirs. I mean, face it, what we need to see, what we want to see, in photography is passion.

Joseph Vetrone


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