James' Wedding Philosophy
	wedding portraits: First of all, I think wedding portraits should be done simply. I don't like to do elaborate poses that are outside of your personality or comfort range. I just spend some time with you and get some great images of you just being together. My favorite time to create portraits of the bride and groom is right around sunset. We don't need very long for this, usually about fifteen minutes...your guests might not even notice that you have snuck away! It's such a great time to shoot because of the light, but also because we get such genuine reactions. Usually by this point you are just dying to spend a quite moment together anyway. group portraits: I often get asked if I prefer to do the group photos before or after the ceremony. I don't have any rules about this, but I will say that the stress level is many times greater if they are done after the ceremony. Group photos don't need to be too elaborate, just some simple arrangements of family and the members of your wedding party.  ceremony: During the ceremony I shoot with telephoto lenses (200mm and 350mm) from inconspicuous places (i.e., the back of the church, behind the guests, the balcony, etc.) so that you ceremony is not disturbed, and your guests are not distracted. reception: My favorite part of the wedding is the reception. I love to capture the bride and groom chatting with their guests. I especially like those little interactions; the touch of a hand, or an embrace. first dance: I know that this is part of the reception, but it really should be in a category all it's own! The reactions from the guests, and the wonderful looks that the newlyweds give each other are unique to this often overlooked part of the day.