Why I Wear All Black: A Note on My Wedding Day "Uniform"

When you’re planning a wedding, you spend months obsessing over the color palette, the florals, and the attire of your wedding party. But have you ever stopped to wonder: What is the photographer going to wear?

It might seem like a small detail, but for me, my wedding photographer outfit is a strategic choice. If you see me show up in head-to-toe black on your big day, it’s not because I’m mourning the end of your single life—it’s because I’m committed to being the most effective, unobtrusive professional possible.

Here is the "why" behind what I wear and how it actually helps your wedding photos turn out better.

1. The Power of the "Disappearing Act"

The most important thing to know about my presence at your wedding is that the day isn't about me. I want to be as close to invisible as possible. By wearing all black, I can blend into the shadows and the periphery of the room. When I’m moving through a crowd to capture a candid moment, guests are less likely to be distracted by a "loud" outfit. I want you to look back at your memories, not at the person standing in the corner holding a camera.

2. Protecting Your Photos from "Color Casts"

This is a technical secret many people don't realize: if a photographer wears a bright red or neon blue shirt, that color can actually reflect onto your skin or your white dress when they get close for a portrait. By wearing all black, I eliminate the risk of accidental reflections or weird color casts. It’s a small way I ensure your skin tones look perfect straight out of the camera.

3. Professionalism Meets Performance

A wedding is a marathon. I’m squatting, leaning, and running for 8 to 10 hours straight. To stay sharp, I need gear that performs:

The Footwear: I wear Vessi's. They are the perfect middle ground—they look sleek and professional like a dress shoe but offer the waterproof comfort of a sneaker. Whether it’s a rainy ceremony or a spilled drink on the dance floor, my feet stay dry so I can stay focused.

The Utility: I use Peak Design clips on my belt. This keeps my cameras secure and accessible without the need for bulky, distracting harnesses. It’s a streamlined look that allows for maximum ease of movement.

Weather-Ready Fabrics: I choose high-quality, breathable fabrics. This allows me to stay in professional long sleeves and pants even in 90-degree heat, hiding sweat and maintaining a polished look from the first look to the final exit.

4. Avoiding the "Rookie" Mistakes

I’ve seen vendors show up in white, bright patterns, or loud colors. The problem? They stick out like a sore thumb in the background of other important shots. If I’m catching a wide shot of your ceremony, I don't want a brightly dressed vendor pulling the eye away from you. My goal is to be a ghost in the background of your other vendors' shots, too.

When I show up in my "uniform," I want you to feel a sense of security. It’s a signal that I am a professional who has thought through every single detail—right down to my shoelaces—to ensure your wedding day is captured perfectly and without distraction.