Foreign Policy Magazine (yes, we know, we never thought we’d be linking to an article from there, either) has an interesting article on the state of wedding photography in China, or rather, about the wedding portrait, a life sized, high end photo of the couple that adorns the wall of newlyweds, often elaborate set pieces that are more anticipated than the wedding itself.
In China, unlike in the West, wedding photographs are often as important as the ceremony itself. Yet the quintessential Chinese wedding photograph is not of the bride and groom taking their vows, which may take place in a simple restaurant or banquet hall, but of the couple posed in lavish dress and with luxurious backgrounds.
What can I say, but where do I get my work visa?
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5 Comments at "Beautiful Me!"
How is this different than the west? I think they have not looked very far into the realm of wedding photography in other areas if they don’t see “the couple posed in lavish dress and with luxurious backgrounds.” in the west.
Sarah, it’s different from the West.
You walk into wedding premises or a wedding expo in the West and you’re shown images that derive from the wedding day and the events that took place. Yes, in may cases the photographer has manipulated the image and the circumstances to get a better result but it’s still part of the day.
In the East it appears that the photographers control the look of the bride and groom – make-up, hair, clothing, location, posing, style and then fiddle a bit more with the image to airbrush perfection in. And it’s all done away from the actual wedding day. Often not even close to the day.
I’ve seen several wedding expos in the East and am quite surprised at just how different it is. All the images and albums on display are as a result of the photo-shoot with the couple – not on the day, not involving any wedding party or family. It’s very anti-septic. NOt my cup of tea. But that shouldn’t be seen as a criticism. It is what it is.
The Eastern photographers are using pro gear – lots of flashheads, reflectors, assistants, props etc. etc. – high quality albums and printing.
The up-side for wedding photographers is that it is quite clearly PROFESSIONALS doing it. There’s no question that newbies with cameras are involved at this level – they couldn’t possibly be.
From what I understand, traditionally the (Han) Chinese did not have a wedding ceremony like the west.
There is the tea ceremony with parents, signing the certificate at clerks office, then a big banquet. I’ve done Chinese weddings where the couple flew to Taipei got the full 12 hour wedding photography (mill) with sets, costumes, assistants, full lighting treatment (think “Pierre & Gilles “). This was a month or three before the wedding. Then back home here in the west, they have a full western style wedding with reportage and portrait photography.
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