Robert George of Robert George Studio

Coffee Talk with Robert George of Robert George Studio

Award-winning photographer Robert George is recognized nationally for his photojournalistic and fine art coverage of weddings. His photographs not only capture the moment, but also document the uniqueness and beauty of each wedding day. Long known as a black-and-white photographer, Robert George's work is brilliant, luminous and simply stunning as well. We had the pleasure of speaking to Robert George over a hot cup of espresso.

WC: How did you get started in photography?

RG: I got my start as a travel photographer working in Europe. It was a wonderful experience and I still love making photographs there. My studio still gets calls for our Paris and Venice portfolios.  

WC: Although your portfolio includes commercial and fine art photography, what motivated you to devote a majority of your talent and energy to wedding and portrait photography?

RG: I think it has to do with how much the photographs are appreciated. A portrait or a family photograph or an image from a wedding is an extremely significant image for the collector. Think of how important the portrait of a child is for the family. In that respect it probably has a long, long life. Advertising images come and go, sometimes all too quickly. A wedding photograph hopefully has a very long life!

WC: Are there any common misconceptions that couples have regarding wedding photojournalism?

RG: Good question! Each photographer has his or her own distinct style, just like a writer has a particular voice or a musician a certain sound. I think it's important to look at the portfolio of the artist and ask yourself how much you like the photographs, regardless of their style. Photographs that appeal to you should jump out at you, and you should be able to choose on that basis. You should select a photographer on the basis of the work you see. That is by far the most important issue. Look at the work! A photographer can only do one style. Photojournalism can be many things: action-oriented, artistic, documentary, candids, party-pictures, etc.

WC: Do you strictly focus on wedding photojournalism or can you incorporate some traditional photography into a couple's wedding album?

RG: Wedding photography includes so many different kinds of photographs. There are the action photographs, the pictures of what's happening. There are portraits of individuals. There are the pictures of the families and the wedding party. There are still-lifes (like the flowers), architectural shots (like the church or temple), fashion photographs (the dresses), and fine art images. As a wedding photographer, you are looking at all of these things and rendering them for the client in your own style.

WC: On a technical note, black-and-white photography has become very popular but many brides are surprised at the cost associated with shooting and developing B&W vs. color photographs. Why do black-and-white photographs cost more?

RG: I am glad you asked that question because I love to photograph in B&W. The cost has to do with the fact that black-and-white photographs are made by hand and each image is a unique piece of artwork. Black-and-white is a very old process, dating back to the beginning of photography, and the old hand-crafted processes, free of technology, give you the beauty and richness of the black-and-white image. If it costs the same as color, it may mean that it is being done by machine, which in my opinion, takes away from the quality.

WC: While planning their wedding, what can the couple do to help maximize the value of the photographer at the wedding?

RG: As with anything, you should have confidence in the studio you hire and then let them do their thing. But I think the dialogue during meetings at the studio prior to the wedding can be very important. This is the time for you to talk about what you want and for the photographer to show you what they can offer. If you want certain photographs, ask your photographer for them. Often, brides come to my studio with tearsheets from magazines of pictures they like. There is also the decision of whether to be seen or not (by the groom!) which the bride should discuss with the studio.

WC: Do you photograph outside of Missouri? The United States?

RG: I accept assignments nationwide, although much of my work is in the midwest. Last year I photographed a castle wedding in Scotland and next year I'm off to Morocco, and I have covered weddings in Europe and across the U.S., from New York to San Francisco. It is truly a fun business! I also travel on assignment to make portraits, primarily in B&W.

Read other interviews at the Club Cafe.