Heavyset Bride with Tattoo

Hey gang!
I photographed a wedding today......first of all I totally understand that everyone looks different. My idea of pretty or cool is different than the next guy. I shot a wedding today and the bride was a a little heavy set......the problem is she had this HUGE tattoo on her back. Now if she is fine with it .......heck I am fine shooting it. My problem is that I always want to have photos that I can use to show other customers. Not sure this wedding is one I can do that.

Let me know your thoughts on the weddings that you shot that had similar circumstances.

Here is a photo of the brides tattoo......... this is actually a very good shot of them.

Well personally I would love to shoot a wedding with a tatooed bride (i have seven tattoos myself), however, I am aiming for an edgier, fun, young audience. If you are aiming for an uptight, snooty type audience, then perhaps you should avoid showing clients shots with her tattoos.

For starters, just because people don't have tattoos... doesn't make them uptight and snooty. Some just don't think it's attractive at all.

However, for this particular bride, it seems that she loves her tattoo, and as such you were correct to include it in your photos. After all, she's your client. Congrats on doing a nice job showing this one off in a pleasing manner!

As to showing these photos to prospective clients, well, that's your judgement call. I wouldn't have a problem with it, but I would focus on whether the image from this wedding is stunning or not. If so, by all means, and I don't think the tattoo will matter. If the image isn't stunning, then I wouldn't show it, but then I think you simply show your very best work and let the rest work itself out...

Well, I am not saying just because someone doesn't personally WANT tattoos makes them uptight and snooty. But, I think if someone saw quality photography that had someone with tattoos in it, and they felt more affected by the tattoos, then they may be a little uptight. "If this photographer dare take a picture of someone with a tattooo..." Ya see what I mean I had a tone of humor but it probably didn't come across.

I think you need to show that you're willing to work with anyone. Last weekend I did a biker wedding, this weekend I did a very religious wedding. I'd do a wedding in a cemetery if asked.

I have a portrait of my best friend on the wall at my studio. He has his lip and eyebrow pierced and some sort of weird cap on, I can't remember what it says. It's a profile shot in black and white, taken in a cemetery with a statue of the virgin Mary in the background, and his piercings are on the visible side of his face. I get SO many compliments on that picture, even from the more religious customers.

I'm sure there are other pictures from that wedding that would be worth showing to every customer, and leave this one for your more edgy customers. If that bride didn't want to show off that tattoo, she would have gotten a gown to cover it. This picture proves that you pay attention to EVERY detail, and I think every customer would appreciate that.

Actually think it is a great effect ... with the very traditional wedding veil over the biker tattoos (or whatever they are). I hope you captured some in a better setting than the reception table. Seems you could have some real creative fun with this, and also give her something she'd really enjoy.

I once did a wedding where the bride had a green frog ( 5 inches x x5 inches between her breasts ). and of course she wore a low cut sleevless dress.
then she asked me to PS every photos. yeah right.

It will show your diversity.

I was a guest at a wedding in May with, well, maybe the same bride! But, they had no photog. I took the ISO400 disposable camera off each table and offered my services. At ISO400, hopefully they have one decent pic!!

I shot one last year and the maid of honor had a huge wolf tattooed from her shoulder down her back and arm. The tat was done in dark blue, almost black, and was in my opinion very unattractive.. I shot her as I would any one else and she loved the shots of her...

I didnt read all the discussion, but she pays you to take HER photos, not photos to show other people. This should be your main concern. People can still see goo photography, tatoo or no tatoo imo

I have nothing against (or for) tatoos, but take away the tatoo in that photo and ask yourself if you have a compelling or interesting picture. I'm guessing the answer is you do not. Therefore, it's a picture of tatoo. Tatoos are like bumperstickers to me -- most times they are tasteless and most times they simply advertise ignorance. It might be a bit provocative (to "uptight" older people like myself lol) just because it's on a bride but not compelling. You say it's a good shot of them? And you can't even see their faces? I disagree, but then again it's my opinion, of course and worth every penny

I am someone who is pretty open minded. In the wedding business you get to meet all types. I have been surprised on how many brides have tattoos. Even some very high end weddings that I do the bride has one or several tattoos. I am someone who markets myself as a creative photojournalist. I typically get brides that are looking for creative work but have the money to pay my fees.
My real issue is that I like to have fashion quality photos that I can use for samples later on. Now she hired me to shoot her in my style as she is. She is a heavy girl---this photo does not show it because I was able to soften the weight with the angle I shot and cut off part of her in doing so.
My issue is that in this case I really do not have as many "killer" photos that I can use to "sell" other potential brides.
My philosophy is that every photo I shot to potential brides should be a reason to hire me. I believe in showing very few photos--- I think weddings are a private moment and do not like to post them everywhere but am respectful of the photos-- but like to share a few of each wedding. This wedding I am a little perplexed.

Heck next weekend I have a wedding that the bride is 6ft2 and groom is 5ft7----that is going to be another dilemma.

Whether or not you show it in your portfolio would come down to whether you thought it was a great representation of your work. I have not seen your portfolio, so that is yours to judge. Did you incorporate the tattoo into any of the formals? That would be very cool, too. Talk about a creative challenge!

stathunter wrote in post #5775293
Heck next weekend I have a wedding that the bride is 6ft2 and groom is 5ft7----that is going to be another dilemma.

Two word: Yellow pages!

I think there is already good advice here.

For me, I take the photos that I know the bride and groom want. Second I take the photos that I know I will want for fillers/backgrounds for the album, and third I can sometimes work in other ideas that may turn out for my portfolio.

But remember, someone is paying you to get the memorable images for their album. That is your priority. If you are taking great shots for her album, then they should also be great shots for your portfolio.

As to the OP's heavyset question, I think this is a challenge that Jamie has previously covered some time ago. Find ways to put Her into a more flattering position. Sometimes from high up with the groom covering her shoulders (darn I need to look into my archives to find and example). I view this bride no different than any other. They want to look their best. Find that glimmer in her eye and capture it. Hope this helps.

stathunter wrote in post #5775293
Heck next weekend I have a wedding that the bride is 6ft2 and groom is 5ft7----that is going to be another dilemma.

No No No! This is not a dilemma. This is an opportunity. First thing I thought when I read this was. Groom closer to camera, Bride further back. Wide angle, afternoon sun in upper corner. Think of the opportunities.