Deep into the Pockets of Stylish Wedding Photos

Ever get curious about what people carry around all day? So does Jason Travis. But he doesn’t stop there. He gets his friends and the people he meets to empty their bags, pockets and purses (we know, it’s a carryall), and he documents the contents with his Nikon. “It was essentially a look at what people deem important,” says Travis, an Atlanta-based photographer, illustrator and designer. “I wanted to know what people carried with them and why. It was also a great way to catch up with old friends and get to know new ones.” The result is Travis’ Persona series (flickr.com/photos/jasontravis), which showcases people/possession diptychs from all sorts of folks - including a bride and groom. “When I met Kate and Aaron I knew they would be cool with me scoping out what they carried on their wedding day - the most special day of their lives,” says Travis, who began the series in 2007, the same year he began photographing weddings. Here, Travis shares some thoughts on wedding photos and offers a glimpse at his happy couple - and what they’re carrying, of course. How He Got Started I assisted a wedding photographer here in Atlanta for about six months, and it was during this time I started shooting on my own. I love photographing people and with my background (wedding experience includes being a groomsman, ceremony musician and reception bartender) it naturally made sense. Why He Loves Weddings My favorite thing about shooting weddings is being a part of the couple’s special day. Taking comfort in knowing that I’m presenting their day how I see it is a huge deal! And I try to deliver on what they expect, mixed with my vision. If I’m hired to shoot a wedding, it’s because the couple already enjoys what I do, and I just try to continue that with them as best I can. What Makes a Great Photo To me, the perfect wedding photos are the ones that couples can look back on fondly, of course. But I also think capturing something they can’t see themselves is so important. Making them comfortable in their own skin and taking away any doubts they may have so they can really enjoy their day that they’ve carefully planned. Artistic shots, candid shots, unique shots, and formals for Grandma. Everyone is generally always in a fantastic mood and translating that to a photograph should fall into place.