The memory is crystal clear. The day I wanted to become a photographer. It was spring of 1996, my Freshman year in college. I’d read a column by the late photographer Galen Rowell. I can’t remember the specifics on the column, but I recall that later in the day I was staring at the calendar on my dorm room wall of mountains around the world, when I noticed the photo credit: Galen Rowell. Realizing the creative genius of the creator of the calendar’s photos AND the column I was blown away! It was in that moment that I knew I wanted to be a photographer.
Now of course, the road to becoming a photographer has been the roughest ride of my life. I took numerous wrong turns from age 19 to beginning my first full-time year as a professional photographer at age 30. But now I’m here, almost to the end of year two, and I couldn’t be happier.
When I declared to the world that I wanted to become a photographer at age 19, many asked or shall I say stated, “you mean take pictures of weddings.”
I clearly remember saying, “I will NEVER photograph weddings.” For two reasons. One, I wanted to be a gnarly expedition photographer (like Galen Rowell) and second, I had the preconception that as a wedding photographer I would be “handling” bossy Moms, complete chaos, and the stereotypical “bridezillas.”
Funny thing. First I’ve eaten the word “NEVER” . . . . I do photograph weddings (and love it). Second thing, my imagination was completely off base. I have yet to meet a bridezilla, or a bossy mother. To date, I’ve only had gracious and wonderful brides and mothers. Chaos, yes . . . weddings are a bit crazy . . . but whatever, I’m the third kid and my wife is one of four - we thrive on the chaos.
Here’s another interesting thing. My 19 year old perception of bridezillas and crazy mothers was not far from the general public’s thoughts of today. In the last two weeks alone, I’ve had comments referencing the ideas of “bridezillas,” and stressed out mothers. When I get the comment I always chuckle and tell them that I love weddings and that Bridezillas and crazy mothers don’t exist. They refuse to believe me! So, I go on my merry way, knowing how fortunate I am to photograph weddings.
As of yet, I haven’t been hired as a “gnarly” expedition photographer or to photograph a Bridezilla. I suppose shooting a wedding and hoping to find a Bridezilla would be akin to being an expedition photographer whose sole purpose is to capture images of the mystical Himalayan creature, the Yeti - it won’t happen.
So, I chuckle about the mystical creature, Bridezilla, and it’s cohort, crazy mother. Everyone talks about them - yet to date - having shot numerous “wedding expeditions,” an image or their presence continues to elude me . . . . and always will.
But for those who insist that Bridezilla is “out there,” like those who want to believe in the Yeti, I offer the following tantalizing evidence.
Clue left in the snow: Experts think this is a track of a possible Bridezilla. Notice how the impression of the heel and the toe have an "angry feel." Skeptics (myself included), propose it's the track of a gal who unexpectantly got caught wearing heels in a surprise snowstorm.You decide.
still searching, -SMG
