Being that I am of culturally mixed heritage its always been really important for me to reflect that in the images I make. Prior to becoming a NYC wedding and elopement Photographer I made conscious decision to photograph people from not only mixed ethnic backgrounds but also diverse walks of life, and most importantly different looking people. Something I have seen missing within the world of elopement photography, and bridal and wedding imagery is just that.
The question as a NYC photographer becomes how do I market myself ? the fear always being if I swing to left will I miss out on business? I think we all unfortunately succumb to this sad reality, sometimes without even knowing it, when we go about our marketing schemes. We want the beautiful classically attractive cover couple for our website. Some companies and photographers go so far as to pre screen clients before even taking them on, and won’t shoot with people unless they fit a certain mold aesthetically.
That is disturbing to me ! on so many levels.
So how do we do better within the field of wedding photography in NYC?
I think one way is to make seriously consious efforts to portray diversity within the couples we choose to post. So that more couples of diverse backgrounds can feel included when shopping around for photographers. We have a lot more power than we realize and its vital we wield it with mindfulness.