So, let me set the scene for you. It’s January 2024, and I, in a fit of entrepreneurial optimism, decided to dip my toes into the tumultuous waters of professional photography. But here’s the kicker: I swore up and down that I’d never, ever do weddings. Nope, not for me. Too much pressure, too many bridezillas lurking around every corner, just waiting to pounce.
Yet, fate has a twisted sense of humor, doesn’t it? Because within the first four weeks of hanging my shingle, I found myself face-to-face with the daunting task of wedding photography. Cue the nervous laughter and frantic Google searches on how to politely decline without sounding like a total chicken.
But hey, life’s full of surprises, and this one came wrapped in a bride-to-be who insisted that my style was exactly what she was looking for. She even promised there’d be no glitz, no glamour, just a white knee-length dress and blue Converse. Well, color me intrigued. And let’s face it, when someone’s willing to support a newbie like me, who am I to say no?
Fast forward to the big day, and I’m a bundle of nerves wrapped in camera straps, trying to juggle lenses, lights, and bags without looking like a complete klutz. Did I mention I’m only five feet tall? Yeah, managing an entire wedding setup at that height might’ve been a tad… let’s go with “challenging.”
But you know what? The universe has a funny way of conspiring in your favor when you least expect it. The bride? Total sweetheart. Down to earth, a bit self-conscious about her postpartum belly (aren’t we all?), but her smile could light up a room. And her husband, Sam? A real-life Prince Charming, minus the shiny armor.
As I click away, capturing moments and stories instead of fabricating them, I can’t help but feel the warmth and camaraderie of their guests. They make me feel like part of the family, constantly checking if I need anything to eat or drink (bless their souls).
And then there’s the bride, who not only remembered that I’m a vegan but also packed a little lunchbox just for me. Oh, and did I mention the sweets for my kids? Yeah, she’s that kind of thoughtful. She even went as far as making name cards for my munchkins, just in case I needed a guilt-free excuse to have them tag along.
But in the end, it’s moments like these that remind me why I chose this path. Sure, it’s chaotic, sometimes overwhelming, but surrounded by the right people and the right kind of work, it all falls into place. Life’s funny like that, isn’t it?
So here I am, a reluctant wedding photographer turned accidental storyteller, sharing glimpses from a day filled with love, laughter, and maybe just a touch of chaos. And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Sushmita Chatterjee 