Let's be candid
I think its a myth when everyone thinks that guys don't like to get their photos taken. When wedding day comes around, I often find them in the room with his buddies drinking scotch, whisky, or anything to calm the nerves. It's almost a good strategy but what tends to happen is they'll get blush on their cheeks, red eyes, they come more defensive or available(if they're that type of drinker.) Which could ruin(or make) for the real and authentic photo.
When photographing the groom during their segment of the wedding day, I pull him aside to connect with them on a deeper level. I ask him how he's feeling and I'll get somewhere a long the lines of..."Anxious, excited, happy, or I'm looking forward for this!'" guys aren't the most complex species(I'm a guy, I know.) I tend to want to "get things over with." And photographing me, even though that I've been behind the camera, countless of times, I tense up. A smile feels like a defense mechanism that activates when someone tells me to. But, its not the real "me."
3 things matter when someone takes a photo of us.
It's not like men don't like to get their portraits taken. There are billions of guy who do. It's just the matter of who takes the photo, what they'd do with it, and do you feel good while the photo is being taken.
Who takes the photo matters.
When you know and trust the person behind the camera. If it's a family member, you're comfortable getting your photos taken. It's because you trust them. When you hire a professional, you'll already gaining a bit of confidence because you've seen their portfolio, you're invested and know its going to turn out great.
What They'd Do with it matters.
If I was told that my photos will be published in a magazine, I want to make sure I'll look good. If they're going to be printed or turned into a wall art, they yes, what they'd do with it matters. Sharing your photos with your family and friends doesn't necessarily need to look perfect. But the very least, look amazing.
Feeling good in front of the camera matters.
How a groom feels about their photos being taken matters. If you're grumpy or have a RBF(resting bitch face), its gonna show. A little bit of effort to smile makes a whole lot of difference. I think with the years I've experienced, all I really have to do, is sit them down, ask them questions, and connect with them.
Ryan was anxious and I can read it from his body language. So instead of photographing him standing up, I sat him down for 5 minutes without my camera on him. I asked questions, I listened, I waited for my turn, and photographed him without needing to pose.
Breaking the ice
When I come in for the getting ready, at the grooms quarters, I introduce myself to the guys. I usually can match the energy in the room. If its quiet, I'll be "a fly on the wall." If its high energy, I'll be the guy who quickly goes through a list, with stealth. Not in a ninja kind of way, but shoot from the hip while conversing with people. I'll try to blend in the crowd and listen to the room.
What If the groom is having a bad day?
I'll rescind towards being a fly on the wall while going through my shot list. Anything can happen, especially during a wedding day. It's best be prepared to whats going to come.
What if he feels not photogenic?
You're beautiful just the way you are <3 I'll make sure that you look good in the camera!
Before this photograph was taken, Tyler had pretty dirty lens, I noticed it and ask him to clean it real quick, (sorry Tyler haha.) The videographer quickly lend his shirt. It was a very nice gesture.
Expectations
Sometimes when the groom and I connect really well during our pre-wedding consultations, there's really no need for me to break the ice. Instead, the best clients are the ones who invites me in their holy ground and be the best buddies. I can say the same with the brides because they know what to expect and all they really need to focus on, is themselves.
I had the pleasuring working with Sydney Rose for a wedding she led and shot a week ago. She's one of the best hype woman I know and can easily break the ice despite how little she knows them. Working with her has taught me so much how dressing up and look inviting, can really make a huge difference when working with couples who have only known me through phone calls or zoom.
So whether I've created an expectation before the wedding or on the day of, my goal is to make sure that I am connecting, not just the bride and the groom, but also their guests.
My Approach
When I take a portrait of the groom, I look for strength and vulnerability, depth and authenticity, tenacity and resolve. Photographing people shouldn't always be "smile for the camera." Surface level, if thats what you came for, I am not your photographer. In the moments that lead up to the click of my shutter, I am full of hope that I've captured what I feel and that what they've shown me is who they are, not what everyone else wants them to be. (Maybe except the bride).
I want to leave you with this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson. "Be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."
When you want an authentic photo, I want the groom to connect with me, share with me what you like, ask me questions about my photography, what makes me tick, what I'm like when Ironman snapped his finger at End Game, because what happens when you open up to a photographer or anyone for that matter, the idea of your getting your photos taken becomes a fun, authentic, and meaningful! (fam!)
""be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment”"
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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HEY! I'M GLENN GUIAO
Hi there! I'm a wedding and portrait photographer based in Wilmington, NC. I have a passion for capturing the beauty and joy of life's most precious moments through my lens.
With years of experience and a keen eye for detail, I specialize in creating stunning, natural images that reflect the unique personalities of my clients. Whether you're getting married or looking to capture a special family moment, I am dedicated to creating beautiful, timeless photographs that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Recent Wedding
FAQ
How many photos am I going to get for a wedding?
Normally I'll send between 100-120 per hour session, which means in a typical 8 hour session, you'll receive about 800-960 photos. Not every wedding is the same. It will also depend on how dense the timeline is going to be.
How much does it cost to hire a photographer?
A seasoned photographer can cost about $3000. This will depend on the location, the saturation of the market, cost of doing business, etc. My packages start at $3300.
Do I need a second wedding photographer
It depends on your needs. For a full coverage, a second wedding photographer is a must. There are many useful things a second photographer can do. Weddings with 50+ guests can give the lead photographer a relief between sections of the wedding. They can photograph your significant other getting ready. They can slow down and find beautiful compositions while the second gets the essential shot list. A single photographer can't be at two places at once. They could be photographing a family wanting a photo of them, another could be photographing you.
How should I have a wedding photographer for?
8 hours. That's usually the traditional wedding from Getting ready to Reception. However, there are options for a longer or shorter reception.
Testimonials
Maria & Herson
"Glenn has been nothing but terrific as our photographer. Between the year that we had our engagement photos done and the day of the wedding, he checked in with me and offered answers and guidance; including tips on overcoming awkwardness in front of the camera! It really helped that we had done our engagement photos and had those check-ins, because we felt way more comfortable during our next photo shoot as a result. The day of our wedding he was our superstar vendor by going above and beyond through communication and people-wrangling. My only wish is that we would have booked him for a larger package."
Danielle T.
"Glenn was an absolute pleasure to work with! He is so positive and has such great energy! On a day that flew by and felt hectic most of the time (our wedding), Glenn was the easiest and most fun vendor we worked with! We also received the pictures and they look amazing! We could not be happier with how they came out. Would highly recommend him for weddings or other events."
Lillie R.
"It was incredible to work with and have Glenn with us on our wedding day. Booking was a breeze with a detailed and professional consultation. Day of, he seamlessly fit into the group and became a family member almost instantly. He made us feel comfortable in front of the camera and did a great job catching staged and candid photos. The shots he captured were beautiful, artistic, and some of the best pictures I've ever seen. His picture composition, color balancing, and focus is stunning and his experience shines through his work. The pricing for the photos and his time were very reasonable for the quality of work produced. 10/10 would recommend"
