Why Awkward Photographers Are Better

We sat in a cafe after a hike through the hills of Hawaii. We were sticky from the humidity, full from eating wild berries on the trail, and covered in mosquito bites…but we were also content. Waiting for our drinks, my best friend from college regaled JD with stories from our early 20s and recounted embarrassing moments (like lip-syncing in front of our entire school to Destiny's Child and camping out for NSYNC concert tickets). Each story ended with: WHAT WERE WE THINKING?!?

JD and I were in Hawaii to photograph a wedding, but we went on a hike with Ginger (who lives on Oahu). She has an awesome way of making fun of my awkwardness and if there is anyone who can attest to my social discomfort, it's the girl who lived next door to me for four years. I didn't really go to campus parties (I just never got the lure of the red Solo cup), didn't pledge the Greek system, and dedicated myself to graduating with a 4.0 GPA. So, basically, I was one pen shy of wearing a pocket protector.

You've always been awkward, Ginger said in between sips of her iced coffee, but don't you think that's helped you as a wedding photographer? She went on to explain that my awkwardness helps me see awkwardness in others during uncomfortable situations…and I'm well suited to ease it.

On a wedding day, there are a litany of awkward moments (divorced parents who refuse to speak to each other, bickering in-laws, bridesmaids who can't stand each other), but–she explained–my acute sensitivity to awkward moments has prepared me to act as a buffer. All without the help of a Solo cup.

In that moment, I realized she was right. Awkwardness can be a strength as a wedding photographer because dealing with uncomfortable situations with ease makes us better at what we do. Embrace your awkwardness, your sensitivity to mercurial wedding day dynamics, and your pocket protector. These are assets–not a liabilities–as photographers.