LEFT: Photography by Laurie Klein.

Photography: Capturing Moments in Time

Denis Reggie, the dean of wedding photojournalism and the most influential wedding photographer in America, is best known to the public for his celebrity images of 16 Kennedy family weddings as well as the weddings of Vera Wang, James Taylor, Mariah Carey and Prince Alexandre von Furstenberg of Austria. "In the past, managing the wedding was part of being a wedding photographer," Reggie noted. "Now it is counter to what brides are looking for and goes against the spirit of the day. The greatest wedding photography captures people as they are without an active awareness of the camera." While he may present up to 700 images, Reggie takes only four to five posed groupings for purposes of family history such as the couple with their parents and grandparents or the wedding party.

"Its the little details documented and put together in a photographic presentation that capture the personality of a wedding," he explained. "I quietly sense, feel and find those detailsthe squeeze of a hand, a father carrying the brides suitcase to the car for the last time, name tags on luggage that read Mr. & Mrs. for the first time, newspaper clippings, photographs and invitations stuck on the refrigerator with magnets the "ooh aah" moments. If the couple can relive the excitement and spirit of the day whenever they see their pictures, then my mission was accomplished."

Reggie shows his subjects in the best possible way. "Angles and lighting are important," he noted, "as well as technique and film. A portraiture background allows me to do quick facial analyses for the best light and angles. Most faces are not symmetrical, one side being more photo-friendly than the other. Black and white film and portraiture film are face-friendly hiding crows feet and rough skin." All shots are taken without flash, using only ambient light.

"Color film also provides realistic detail," Reggie noted. "Film longevity and fading are no longer issues. Flowers, the glow of candles, the bridesmaids dressesall need color. Black and white is for texture and shadowsthe groomsmen in their tuxedoes. Its more forgiving and documenting for the behind-the-scene moments like the bride and her maids dressing without their full makeup. There is something about a black and white photograph in a sterling silver frameeven for only a small photo."

Reggie subtly tints black and white prints toward the sepia, stopping at the dark brown or brown/black of the couples preference. "Less is more in tinting photographs," he noted. "Just a little enhancement, nothing trendy or eye-catching." Reggie uses no special effects, nothing artificial. "I have two dozen cameras, 18 lenses and no filters."

Black and white and color photos may be mixed, sometimes on the same album page. "Theres a lot of room for creativity in the design and layout of the album," he noted. "A judicious blend of mediums, sizes and mats is best without getting overly cutesy. Subtlety is the key to albums looking timeless, not dated." Reggie loves quality leather albums to complete the presentation.

Shooting everyone at the wedding is not one of his concerns. "I concentrate on the tables and people closest to the family," he said. "I can tell by watching the faces and reactions in the receiving line on whom I should concentrate. There are other clues; many key people are wearing flowers. I dont really need directions. If something unusual is planned, information is always appreciated. Im good at keeping secrets, but my camera is ready always. Its a rush; I pick up on the unexpected. Its high pressure, capturing that once-in-a-lifetime photo. There are no retakes, no second chances."

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Reggie works mostly out of state in unfamiliar locations. Whenever possible, the day before the wedding, he will stop at the reception site at the relevant time of day to check shadow patterns and angles. He may not meet the bride and groom until the day of the rehearsal dinner. On the wedding day, he is one of the first people involved. "Unlike a portrait photographer, the power of my photography doesnt lie in building a rapport," he noted. "My success lies in being able to move about. Im the mystery man, the hidden element, the fly on the wall. Its hardest when people recognize me and come up to talk. I get to know them after the wedding while working on the album. Before, its an advantage to be unfamiliar."

Reggie treats each wedding the same regardless of celebrity. "Many people see celebrities as different because of their persona," he explained. "They are like us, real people with moms and dads. The wedding day is a day of love and commitment for all of usits the great common denominator. The ambiance should be softer, quieter, heart warming. It can be a challenge when there are helicopters overhead or waiters with hidden cameras or photographers hiding in bushes. If an event isnt public, it shouldnt be public. Weddings should be respected as private moments for everyone."