Every couples’ wedding is so much more than a celebration of love; it’s a collection of hundreds of stories and memories between two people who cherish, value, and care about each other. They are making a promise to each other -- to face every obstacle together, to see the beauty in themselves and in each other as they begin their new lives together, and to be by each other’s side, especially when they’re in times of need. It’s up to the wedding photographer and videographer to capture these intimate, special moments not only between the couple, but also between their guests, family, and friends. In the hands of a skilled professional, your precious once-in-a-lifetime memories are preserved forever in the form of pictures and videos. 

In the realm of wedding photography, every click of the shutter holds the potential to preserve a piece of your history. From the nervous anticipation before the first ceremony to the joyous celebration that follows, each phase of the wedding day presents unique opportunities for creativity and expression. These happy moments become more than cheerful recollections; they become a work of art. 

But beyond technical proficiency and vision lies the subtle art of posing. Posing is more than just striking a pose; it’s about capturing the essence of a couple’s love, their connection, and their story. Both the photography subjects and the photographer work together to create beautiful photos that evoke cherished memories for years to come. 

Guiding us through her journey as a wedding photographer and her lessons on posing is Berit Bizjak. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, she embodies the spirit of a passionate learner with an endless love for wedding photography. As one of the top 12 wedding photographers in New York City, she commits herself to creating beautiful portraits of her clients. Whether they’re in a remote destination, big city, or local countryside, she captures the essence of love, joy, and thrill of every wedding through her work. 

What Inspired You to Pursue Wedding Photography? 

When Berit first started college, she was studying theater; however, in her second year photography “bit her.” She changed her trajectory and finished college with a degree in the fine arts. Right out of college, she started her journey as a photographer by developing and printing her own images. A few years later, she met her husband and had two beautiful children. 

As her children began to get older, Berit and her husband started contemplating what career path she could start. Wedding photography allowed her to continue her passions with the option of staying home to watch over her kids. She soon applied for a program at Hasselblad University and started working for other wedding photographers. With a few years under her belt, she took a leap of faith and launched her own business when her kids began school. 

What Do You Love about Wedding Photography? 

Ever since she began her business, Berit solely focused on wedding photography. She loves honoring all cultures and people through her work, and weddings offer a vast variety of traditions, heritage, and customs. Every love story is just as unique as the couples themselves, giving Berit opportunities to learn and grow as a photographer. She loves the world of weddings just as much as photography itself. 

With wedding photography, she can capture every intimate moment, big or small. She sees not only the beauty of the celebration, but also the beauty of the environment’s lighting, the guests’ poses, and the couples’ emotions. She loves taking something as simple as a hug between a mother and daughter and showcasing the happiness and care shared among them. Each individual moment describes the story that hides behind each photo. When clients look back on their wedding photos, they can easily remember the emotions behind each happy tear, laugh, and smile. With this particular industry, she directly contributes to her clients’ satisfaction and delight. She captures moments that last a lifetime, and her clients can cherish these memories forever through her photographs. 

How Do You Navigate Photographing Couples Who Feel Uncomfortable Posing in front of a Camera? 

Her photography methods depend on each couple she works with. There are some who naturally feel comfortable in front of a camera, while others shy away from the spotlight. While most of her clients feel more relaxed as they continue, some need a bit more guidance when it comes to posing. Berit’s knowledge and experience in this industry has allowed her to know what will look great, such as finding the best settings, backgrounds, and lighting that highlight her clients’ natural features. 

One way that Berit allows her clients to become more comfortable in front of the camera is by speaking to them before they meet for their big day. She asks if they have a “good side” that she should focus on and if there are any poses they like or don’t like. If they’re particularly shy on their wedding day, she makes sure there are no onlookers when they’re taking photos since they could cause more intimation for the couple. She makes sure that each photo she takes reflects the couple’s personalities and wants. Her studies in posing over the years allows her to easily adapt to any situation that the bride wants. She carries her teachings on how to properly photograph everyone’s unique beauty to every wedding she works for, allowing her to enhance everyone’s features in a flattering way. For South Asian brides specifically, she pays special attention to moments shared between the bride and her family members as they get ready together. She captures the stories of where their dresses came from and why they chose it. 

One common mistake that Berit sees in her field of work is other photographers not knowing which lens to use, meaning that they don’t understand which camera lens would create the most flattering photos for each unique situation they face. That’s why she carries two cameras with her whenever she takes photos for her clients: 24mm - 200mm. This allows her to have the necessary range of camera options to capture the best images.

What is Your Favorite Part of the Wedding Photography Industry? 

Some of Berit’s favorite parts of the wedding photography industry are the challenges she faces and the people she works with. Each appointment presents unique situations that she has to navigate. And with each obstacle, a new learning opportunity presents itself, allowing her to grow her knowledge and skill set. She also loves discovering and honoring the differences in everyone she photographs. Whether she’s taking photos of the couple themselves, their family members, loved ones, or friends, each photograph showcases everyone’s unique distinctions and individuality. Her job also allows her to meet and work with new people; no one day looks the same, and each new day gives her more and more chances to build relationships with her clients. This industry, as she describes, allows her to meet non-judgmental, welcoming professionals who guide her along her journey. 

In the world of wedding photography, every moment captured is a timeless treasure, a fragment of love and joy immortalized for eternity. Through the lens of an experienced photographer, the art of wedding photography transcends mere snapshots; it becomes a narrative, a story told through carefully crafted poses and candid moments.

In our enlightening interview with Berit, we’ve uncovered the essence of this craft. It's not merely about clicking a button; it's about understanding the intricacies of human emotions, the dynamics of relationships, and the significance of every detail – from the lighting to the angle, from the backdrop to the subtlest expressions.

Wedding photography isn't just about documenting an event; it's about creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. It's about capturing the essence of two souls intertwining their destinies amidst the beauty of love and commitment. From elegant poses to candid shots brimming with raw emotions, the artistry of wedding photography is a delicate dance between skill and passion. It's about freezing fleeting moments into everlasting memories, weaving together a tapestry of love, laughter, and tears.As we delve into the world of wedding photography and posing, let us remember that behind every breathtaking image lies the expertise, dedication, and sheer artistry of the photographer – a master storyteller immortalizing love in its purest form.

To Berit, thank you so much for this interview opportunity! If you want to check out more of her work, make sure to visit her website: The Portfolio

If you want to read about our South Asian bridal hair and makeup services, check out the rest of our website at cinderellabridez.com. 

If you want to learn more about our destination wedding services, feel free to look through the rest of our website at luxxescapes.com. 

If you want to discover Barbie’s experiences as a small business owner and want some tips for your own business ventures, visit her website at barbiepatel.com.