I am truly grateful and privileged to have received two accolades at the 2024 New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers (NZIPP) Iris Awards: a Bronze award and a Silver Distinction.
In another post, I will detail each recognition, but this blog focuses on the Silver Distinction from the Documentary category.
I am a Marlborough wedding photograph who provides outdoorsy couples who hate awkward poses with documentary wedding photography.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to my wonderful couples for trusting me with the task of documenting your special days.
I also appreciate the opportunity to share your memories with others.
What excites me most about documentary photography is its power to narrate genuine stories. Distilling hundreds of images into a cohesive series is quite a challenge. There are often numerous stories waiting to be told on a wedding day. I love to highlight the little tales, the micro interactions, the side conversations between uni mates and your new spouse's Aunty.
Rhiannon and Martin's wedding was emotion-filled, and crafted with love.
Every element had personal meaning. From the hand fasting rope Rhi created (including their names spelt out in morse code with wooden beads); to the anchor charms in Rhi's hair and signature cocktails at the reception.
I particularly loved how inclusive the whole day was; in particular for Phil, Rhi's grandpa. He was chosen as one of the witnesses. In another delightful break from tradition, the marriage paperwork was casually signed outside the community hall in a stiff breeze. Phil was so chuffed to be involved.
When I asked Rhiannon and Martin for permission to submit the photos, Rhiannon wrote:
I told grandpa you thought he was so charming and handsome that you wanted to enter some photos of him into some awards. Grandma chuckled and asked if you needed to visit spec savers. Grandpa also chuckled and said ‘if you like.’ So I believe that’s an enthusiastic permission. Thank you so much.
During the live judging, a panel of five respected industry experts score each image out of 100. They then discuss the image and the range of scores each gave. Judges fight passionately with words to win the other judges over to their point of view. In some cases a photo can increase it's final score and therefore the award it might receive (or not). This critique is an invaluable opportunity to learn and grow as a photographer.
The judges discussed the tenderness and empathy with which this learned gentleman had been documented. Each image tells a story on it's own. But when combined with others tells a wider narrative. Of a small community. Of a life near it's end. Of this man being the anchor of the family.
What the judges could never know was how symbolic anchors were to Rhiannon and Martin. Needless to say I was in tears during the discussion.
Thanks again from the bottom of my heart.
Please feel free to check out more Marlborough wedding photography on my website.
Ngā mihi,
Sarah xx
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