A Vermont Wedding at the Alerin Barn in St. Johnsbury

As a Vermont Wedding Photographer I get to shoot a lot of fun outdoor weddings. One of the principle reasons people choose to have weddings in Vermont is to take advantage of the gorgeous outdoor resources that make our fine state so beautiful and unique. A fantastic venue to consider is the Alerin Barn in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. There is a beautiful hilltop pasture for ceremonies, beautiful gardens surrounding the main house with lots of porches, a pond and a huge well featured barn built specifically for hosting receptions.

I’m often asked why I shoot, or specifically process images as black and white. There are several primary reasons. First, some images I just see in black and white, there is usually something about the light or tones within the scene that influence my vision. When the light is more harsh than I’d prefer and/or the contrast range is extreme I find black and white is the most pleasing rendition. The second main reason behind my choice to process an image as a b&w is the desire to create a “classic” look, something that could have been taken 50 or more years ago, wedding photos just look classy as black and white. The final reason is to emphasize the emotion or moment within the frame. Sometimes color can get in the way, strip it out and the viewer is influenced by nothing more than the interaction of subject, composition and light.

My approach to shooting portraits of the couple is pretty laid back and true to the ideals of wedding photo-journalism. I may place the couple in a scene with some nice light and the opportunity for a compelling composition but then I back off. I let them do what comes naturally and shoot from the sideline, paying particular attention to the moment as it unfolds. I find the resulting portraits to be much more “real,” less contrived and cheesy. The added bonus for the couple is some time to relish each other, it may be the only time they’re alone together all day.

During outdoor weddings in particular I love to get some scene setting shots at twilight when the sky has gone to a dark blue and the venue is lit up with the warm glow of incandescent light. The timing is critical and the shot usually has to be made about 1/2 hour after sunset, but before the sky has gone completely black.

~ by kurtbudliger on January 24, 2010.

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Tags: barn wedding, creative portraits, creative wedding photography, outdoor weddings, photography, photojournalism, photos, Portraits, vermont, Wedding Photography, wedding photojournalism

2 Responses to “A Vermont Wedding at the Alerin Barn in St. Johnsbury”

Yes, Vermont has lot of beautiful places for wedding venues especially for farm wedding.

Vermont Wedding said this on January 25, 2010 at 1:55 pm | Reply
I adore the shot of the older woman– presumably the bride or groom’s grandmother. Gorgeous.

Katy said this on January 25, 2010 at 5:42 pm | Reply

Vermont Photographer