Northern NSW and Byron Bay Wedding Photography

With an election just around the corner the issue of same sex marriage has become a popular topic of debate. Personally I am strongly for same sex couples to be allowed to marry. Professionally I am also strongly for same sex marriage.

Although gay couples currently hold commitment ceremonies and such, they are normally done quietly and without the lavish display associated with many weddings. This also means they rarely hire a professional wedding photographer. I feel open acceptance of same sex marriages would result in a huge boost to the wedding industry. Thus my professional feelings towards same sex marriage.

On a personal level, I just don’t understand the restriction that is placed on a loving couple. Who really cares if they are male and male or female and female? It’s their choice. Such an arbitrary restriction is similarly as ludicrous as telling two redheads that they are not allowed to marry because they share a common physical trait.

Even the argument put forward by religious people that it against God’s word or God’s law falls to pieces when put under scrutiny. Rather than being against gay unions, the New Testament is littered with positive examples of Jesus’ feelings towards same sex couples. For example, in Luke 7:2 and Matthew 8:5-13 Jesus heals the loved servant of a Centurion. In the time of Jesus the Centurion’s servant would have been his companion and same sex lover.

There is also evidence to suggest that Jesus himself was gay or bisexual. At the crucifixion John 19:26-28 mentions the disciple that Jesus loved was in attendance with his mother. Some believe this was a female disciple (Mary Magdalene) while others think it to be John, and that Jesus was in a relationship with him.

To many Christians the idea that one of the disciples was a woman is as blasphemous as the idea that Jesus was gay. Either way, such intolerance is not in keeping with the teachings of Jesus. When I ask myself ‘What would Jesus do?’ the answer always comes back that he would accept and permit same sex couples to marry.

What are your thoughts?

It’s hard to be the best wedding photographer in the world. It’s hard to be a great wedding photographer. It’s even hard to be a decent wedding photographer. In fact changing minimum acceptable standards make it hard to keep up in any field of endeavour.

Consider the world of freestyle motocross where motorbike riders risk injury and death to perform aerial tricks and stunts on motorbikes. Just over 10 years ago the first Superman Seat Grab FMX trick was performed. It is a trick that sees the rider completely abandon the motorbike, fly like superman, grab the seat and land back on the bike. He was the only person in the world to do this trick. Fast forward to the present day and the trick is almost seen as an entry level stunt. It has spawned variations that include performing spins while off the bike or doing it upside down in the middle of a loop.

In order to make the cut as an average rider you now have to be better than the level that could have won the world title only 10 years ago. Same thing goes for wedding photography.

The standard of wedding photography in Australia is incredibly high. The best in the world. The invention of high quality, low cost digital cameras has seen a huge influx of new wedding photographers to the scene. Some have low skills and super low prices that see them disappear quickly. Others bring a fresh perspective to photography and help to make wedding photography an even more vibrant art form.

For already established wedding photographers like myself, we have to constantly work to improve, to evolve and to embrace new ideas. Just like a motorcross rider this means taking time to experiment and push the limits of my gear and skills. Also to scout new locations, visit unfamiliar churches and check the routes to be travelled on the wedding day. Then, when your wedding comes along, the skills, locations and techniques are second nature. No-one wants to see their wedding photographer crash when doing a no hander lander back flip.

Come and see me next weekend (August 1st) at the Invercauld House Wedding Expo in Lismore. I’ll have my photobooth up and running for you to have some fun photos taken. It can be hired for weddings, functions, parties, corporate events, Christmas parties, school formals – whatever. You can see more details here.

This ad will be in a weddings feature in the Northern Rivers Echo and you can see more of my work on my website at www.davidfreund.com.au

My favourite blog stalker (Hi Mum) has pointed out to me that I haven’t posted on my blog for a couple of weeks. ‘No excuses’ she says. I did still post on Facebook but she’s banned from getting on Facebook. I did have a decent reason for being off the air.

Took off with the family to the sunny Sunshine Coast for a holiday at Mooloolaba. Loved the place.

After freezing cold rainy weather in the week leading up to Saturday and a forecast of rain and 12deg, I certainly didn’t expect the abnormally warm weather and sunshine that we ended up having. So of course, I made the most of it for Scott and Megan’s wedding photography.

We took it easy and made our way down the main street of Kyogle in country Northern NSW for some casual wedding photography. Great people, top fun, good times.