LGBTQ Wedding Photography on Long Island: How to Find a Team That Gets You
Finding LGBTQ wedding photography on Long Island should mean finding someone who sees you, not someone who squeezes you into a bride-and-groom script. At Dane Nelson Weddings, my team and I photograph and film weddings across Long Island, NYC and New Jersey, and we love documenting all forms of safe, consensual love.
Planning your wedding? Book a free consultation for photo, video, or both.
Every couple wants the same thing
All my couples have one thing in common, whatever their background. They want to enjoy the moment, be in love, and be surrounded by friends and family. One couple I worked with was from Jamaica, where the laws aren’t on their side. I photographed their engagement there, and when they came to New York to get married, they chose me again. New York has recognized same-sex marriage since 2011, and getting to document that day for them was a privilege.
Gay marriage photography starts with a conversation
I meet every couple before the wedding, LGBTQ or not. Some couples are big on particular pronouns, and some don’t mind much either way. So I just ask how you’d both like to be addressed. We talk about what you’re comfortable with and what you love, and by the end of the call we’re vibing. You’re spending your whole wedding day with this person, so you should actually like them.
Posing that fits you, not a script
I don’t pose you, I talk to you. Once I know who you are, the direction follows. Some couples want fun, playful and creative. Others want documentary moments with a few classic portraits. Either way I keep it casual, step in every now and then to make a fix, and let the rest flow.
Two partners getting ready, both covered
When you’re both getting ready in separate places, a team of two photographers and two videographers puts one of each with each partner. With one photographer and one videographer, we still make it work. Every package starts at 10 hours, because couples always need more time than they think. That’s 10 hours of absolute fun and great coverage, in photo and video.
Long Island spots we love
Gatsby on the Ocean sits right on Jones Beach in Wantagh, and the sunsets there are epic. There’s a pier nearby for portraits, and it’s a great place for drone shots. Being on the beach, you’ll have some foot traffic around you, but people love cheering on a wedding. For spring and summer portraits, Old Westbury Gardens is beautiful. Just request your photo permit at least six weeks ahead.
[Video: embed the Gatsby film, https://galleries.vidflow.co/videos/enj26qgt]
A little farther out, I’ve photographed two LGBTQ couples at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. You get snow in winter, greenery and sunsets in spring and summer, and the Manhattan skyline behind you all year. Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers has a majestic look in every season; portrait permits there come from the City of Yonkers.
What to look for when you’re hiring
Start with style. There’s a style for everyone, so find one you love. Then look for someone who makes time to talk with you before you book. Check that their portfolio shows weddings like yours, whether that’s an LGBTQ wedding, a Southeast Asian wedding, or anything else. And look for a personal brand over a big studio. Some bigger, cheaper companies are a mix of random shooters, so you don’t know who’ll show up. With a personal brand, you know exactly who you’re getting.
Who we’re a fit for
If you want a photo and video team that treats your love the way it treats every couple’s, and gives you 10 hours so nothing gets missed, we’d love to meet you. We cover Long Island, NYC, New Jersey and the tri-state area.
Send me your date (and venue) and we’ll set up your free consultation.
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