The New Art of Capturing Love

March 24, 2014
GayWeddings.com president Hamm and photographer Dodds offer a highly informative revised and expanded version of their self-published manual Capturing Love. Most wedding photographers naturally assume they should employ the same strategies they use for hetero couples when photographing same-sex couples. This guide quickly dispels that notion, addressing subjects such as asking each spouse which gender pronouns they prefer, and avoiding poses that make the couple appear as “friends or siblings.” Most importantly, Hamm and Dodds stress that photographers get to know their clients and find out details, such as what rituals will be featured in the ceremony, and what attire will be worn. The authors caution photographers to consider that the road to marriage is different for same-sex couples and that family members or even passersby may not support such events. Though some of tips and tricks are common sense for anyone in the wedding business, the guide offers a host of specific strategies, such as how to pose brides with two bouquets, and what to do if the grooms are the same height. The book also includes a heartfelt foreword on love by Martie Maguire of Dixie Chicks fame. 180 full-color photos from 46 photographers. Agent: Kathryn Beaumont, Kneerim, Williams & Bloom.