THE SURRENDER PROJECT
> Full slide show
My obsession with photographing at one of our most significant rituals began in 1992. A close friend, a prolific documentary photographer, asked me to capture her sister's wedding. She encouraged me to avoid conventional, formulaic shots, which set the stage for my approach.
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Over the years I've come to see marriage as a journey of deep self-acceptance and mutual surrender. Surrendering means allowing yourself to move away from what you think “should” happen and hence my “Surrender Project” was born. Releasing the pressure of the expected creates space for genuine, unscripted moments of connection. These moments drive me to photograph at weddings over and over again. As part of my practice I also create handmade books and folios that embody the essence of self-surrender.
Book and Folio Pages
> Full slide show
My obsession with photographing at one of our most significant rituals began in 1992. A close friend, a prolific documentary photographer, asked me to capture her sister's wedding. She encouraged me to avoid conventional, formulaic shots, which set the stage for my approach.
Over the years I've come to see marriage as a journey of deep self-acceptance and mutual surrender. Surrendering means allowing yourself to move away from what you think “should” happen and hence my “Surrender Project” was born. Releasing the pressure of the expected creates space for genuine, unscripted moments of connection. These moments drive me to photograph at weddings over and over again. As part of my practice I also create handmade books and folios that embody the essence of self-surrender.
Book and Folio Pages
This moment of tender care from both of the bride's parents and her sister, who watches closely, ready to lend a helping hand fills me with warmth. Her parents chose to abandon the traditional notion of “giving up” their child, and rather uplifted her throughout the day with their love and support. A quiet moment that truly embodies the spirit of this wedding, where everyone gathered not only to celebrate the couple but also to joyfully guide them into their new life together
To build trust and comfort, I meet couples in a relaxed setting before the wedding date for portraits. I attend the welcome dinner/rehearsal to become familiar with the guests, and in my own personal ritual I request to be seated amongst them during the meal. This immersive approach helps me connect with the family and guests, resulting in heartfelt photographs that memorialize the day. My work has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, InStyle, New York Magazine, and Martha Stewart Living.
