This is my favorite post of the best of 2010 posts. It might be my favorite post of all time. It’s a perfect explanation of why I love my job.

Some of these shots may not be the most technically perfect photos, but in each of them there’s a pivotal part of the day’s story. When I search through the websites of my favorite photographers, the photos that stand out are the simple moments they capture time & again. Regularly, my mouth hangs agape in the horror that I’d have missed the shot they captured. In my opinion, these types of documentary photos is where the good photographers become great & the great ones become legendary. Someday I’ll get there—just got to keep at it and keep my eyes open. Sometimes it’s called photojournalism, but I’d rather call it documentary shooting.

Sometimes getting ‘the shot’ is the result of developing an eye that sees the potential for moments, sometimes it’s pure luck. I’m trying to make the ratio of skill to luck a little better. I’m closing the post with a few of those that I saw before they happened & got to where I needed to be to get the shot.

One of the reasons I love shooting weddings is that these photos are everywhere throughout the day. I just have to find them. Over the course of 2010 I had 30 weddings during which to find them.

I love this photo because in addition to the beautiful bride & scenery, the story is so full. It’s the last moments before dad gives away his daughter to her new husband who’s waiting along with all of the guests in the right side of the photo.

Throughout the reception, Jamie & Regy had a slideshow showing their childhood photos showing in the background. I noticed one of the photos was of Regy wearing a tux. So during the mother-son dance, I waited, hoping I would get a photo of Regy’s mom looking at her now grown up son in a tux, while the photo of a young Regy in a tux showed on the slideshow.It couldn’t have been more perfect. I love this photograph. I know Regy’s mom does too.

Immediately after Betsy & Chad’s first dance I could have kicked myself because I didn’t take a photo from outside of them dancing. Never mind that guests watching the dance would have been in the way. I was not happy that I didn’t get it. Then during the last dance, Betsy & Chad were dancing & I saw my chance to get the photograph I’d missed earlier. No doubt the last dance photo is far preferable to the shot I’d have got during the first dance.

And now for what might be my favorite photo of the year. During the pre-ceremony prayer I looked up & saw this scene. A great moment, but not really anything special. Then I thought, what if I move a few steps to the left. Could it really work? Nah…

I was amazed. That’s joanna’s mom & dad looking over her shoulders & Andrew’s parents looking over his, as they share a final unmarried moment minutes before heading to the ceremony. If there’s any better symbol of a wedding I don’t know what it would be. This photo is my reminder that amazing photographs are around me all the time. I just have to find them.

Finally, a fun photo to wrap the post. I’ve been asked by several brides where the photos of me on the dance floor are since I spend a lot of time there during the reception. If there’s a 90s hip hop song, some Jay-Z, or Michael Jackson, there’s not much I can do to control it.

Did I mention, I love my job.

**For the best viewing experience, open up the first photo & use the left & right arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate through the photos.**

What can I say? Sarah & Matt brought us to Hawaii to shoot their wedding at The Poipu Plantation Resort on the island of Kauai, AKA the most beautiful place in the world. Beginning to end it was an amazing experience. They spent their time surrounded by their family & closest friends. You’d have to think it’s a little taste of heaven. Granted, we did have some rain to work through—which ended up contributing to my blackened toe I earned by smashing it in to a wall after slipping only hours before the wedding—but it held off at all the right times & allowed us to get some really beautiful photos. Plus, I was the photographer for one of Sarah’s best friend’s wedding this summer at the Hayden Lake Country Club in Idaho, so it was great to see Naomi & Sean again. The gorgeous wedding wrapped with an amazing party at the resort restaurant that toed the line of out of control without crossing it. Perfect. It was obvious that everybody had a great time—me included! Thanks Sarah & Matt—enjoy your photos! I sure enjoyed taking them.

**For the best viewing experience, open up the first photo & use the left & right arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate through the photos.**

Weddings are always great, but it’s something different every time.

This one was special because I’ve known the groom since he was just a little guy playing at my house with my youngest brother. So I was excited when he asked me to photograph his wedding because I hadn’t seen him for so long. It’s always great to see when someone grows up to be such a great person who’s loved by so many people—especially when one of those people is his sweet, sweet wife-to-be.

They were married at Heather’s uncle’s property in Kirkland, Washington overlooking a vast valley of green in a special ceremony that included Heather’s son. After which, the party started & went until it couldn’t go any more. I had a blast the whole day.

Thanks Heather & Michael for trusting me to capture your special day—I’m honored.

**For the best viewing experience, open up the first photo & use the left & right arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate through the photos.**