Joel Marion of Joel Marion Photography

Coffee Talk with Joel Marion of Joel Marion Photography

Noted for his unique and beautiful wedding photography style, Joel Marion has established himself as one of the top photographers in the midwest. His creative instincts have proven that photographs can be spectacular as well as reflective of the emotions and spirit taking place on the wedding day. His portfolio includes hundreds of weddings, not to mention PR shots of Martha Stewart, Tommy Hilfiger, Henry Winkler, Mark McGwire, and many other celebrities. Wedding-Club.com had the pleasure of talking with Joel over a steaming cup of coffee... made by Joel himself!

WC: Initially you began your career as a fashion photographer. How did you get started in wedding photography?

JM: Actually, I began my photography career in the military, as a photojournalist. Once out of the military, I came home to St. Louis and worked at various wedding and portrait studios. I began my own business in 1973, and continued with my own photojournalistic style in my approach to weddings. In the early 80's I ventured into fashion and loved the creative aspect reflected in my work. One day, an old wedding client called, requesting me to photograph her daughter's wedding. I decided to approach the wedding with a blend of the traditional, the creativeness of my fashion work, and the spontaneity of my journalistic candids, and I have been shooting weddings with this approach ever since.

WC: You describe yourself as a photojournalist and traditional wedding photographer. What are some of your favorite aspects of each style and which do you enjoy the most?

JM: As I mentioned, my style is a blend of both the traditional and the photojournalistic. I don't have a favorite because I do a blend. However, most of my time is spent doing the journalistic style and interactive candids. I love to shoot to capture the emotions and the people. Each wedding is different, each tells its own story.

WC: Do you interact with the couple and their guests during a wedding, or do you typically stay hidden and unobtrusive?

JM: Yes, definitely I interact with the couple and their family and friends. It is very important that the bride and groom and their guests feel comfortable and at ease with the photographer. Some of the most beautiful pictures I've taken are the "up close and personal" ones, where the emotions are captured in a moment that could never be recreated.

WC: Do you photograph in color, black-and-white, or both?

JM: It depends on the bride's request - I do a combination of color and black and white for most weddings. Black and white has become very popular. Personally I love black and white, it has a look of timelessness.

WC: What advice would you give a bride in search of the perfect wedding photographer?

JM: First, you need to meet the potential photographer and discuss with them what you want for your pictures on your special day. You want your photography to be an integral, fun, relaxed, and easy part of your day with someone you feel comfortable and at ease with. Secondly, simply look at the photographs and consider your emotions. Are you excited? Do you want your wedding photographs to look like that? When you see photography that excites you, you've found your photographer.

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

JM: The most common question we receive from a potential client is: I want the photojournalistic style, but will you also do the traditional pictures? My advice is to ask the studio you are considering to clarify their style - because so many studios are now using the term "photojournalistic" in describing their work. Most of the clients we work with still want a blend of traditional, interactive, and photojournalistic photographs.

Read other interviews at the Club Cafe.