The Importance of Cultural Relevancy in Wedding Filmmaking and Photography
In a recent on-topic episode of Perspective by Cinemate, Gregg and I delved into a topic that’s often overlooked but deeply significant in the creative world: cultural relevancy. As wedding photographers and videographers, our work focuses on capturing timeless moments, but do we need to consider the broader cultural implications of our creations, especially in today’s interconnected world?
What is Cultural Relevance?
Cultural relevancy is the idea that art, including photography and filmmaking, reflects the time in which it is created. While wedding photography and videography don’t usually make overt political or social statements, they are snapshots of specific moments in time. Fashion, decor, and even the style of our work subtly document the era.
Looking back at weddings from a decade ago, it’s easy to see how much has changed. But what happens when an image inadvertently resonates with current events in a way that might be misinterpreted or seen as insensitive?
The Image That Sparked the Conversation
A recreation of the image that sparked this conversation prompted by Simon in DALL-E.
This discussion began with an image I saw online—a backlit couple standing in a forest with white smoke swirling around them. It was a dramatic and beautiful photograph, but in the context of the ongoing LA wildfires, it gave me pause. The smoke in the image unintentionally evoked the devastating fires dominating the news.
It wasn’t that the photographer did anything wrong. We’ve created similar images ourselves. But this raised an important question: do we, as wedding photographers and filmmakers, need to think about how our work might be interpreted in light of current events? More importantly, how should we approach posting such images online, where the context can shift based on the viewer's perspective?
The Role of Context for Wedding Creatives
When we create wedding content, we do so for a specific client. The final product reflects their story and vision. However, when we post these images or films on social media, we enter a global stage. Context matters, and our work might take on unintended meanings. For example, while a smoke grenade adds drama to a wedding shoot, it might evoke thoughts of fire and destruction for someone else.
We’re not suggesting that wedding photographers and videographers should stop using creative tools like smoke grenades. Instead, we’re advocating for mindfulness when choosing what to post and when. Sometimes, it’s worth considering whether an image might unintentionally echo sensitive topics.
Do Wedding Photos and Films Reflect Cultural Moments?
Earthrise by William Anders.
Historically, iconic images—like the sailor kissing a nurse on V-E Day or the Earthrise photo from Apollo 8—have encapsulated the spirit of their time. While wedding photos and films don’t usually carry the same weight, they still document personal milestones within the larger cultural landscape.
For example, a wedding during the pandemic might feature masks, smaller guest lists, or outdoor settings. These elements subtly capture the zeitgeist. Similarly, posting an image or video that unintentionally mirrors a tragic event might unintentionally tie it to that moment in time.
The Kiss by Alfred Eisenstaedt.
Navigating Online Communities as a Wedding Photographer or Videographer
The global nature of social media means that our work reaches far beyond our local audience. This raises questions:
Should we consider global events before posting?
Do we have a responsibility to be sensitive to cultural or political contexts?
While it might not be necessary to retroactively remove older posts, being mindful of timing and context can help avoid potential misunderstandings. For instance, holding off on posting a smoke grenade image during a wildfire crisis might demonstrate thoughtfulness.
Retrospective Responsibility
The smoke grenade trend has been popular for years, and many of us have similar images in our portfolios. Does this mean we should remove them if they no longer align with current events? Not necessarily. Context at the time of posting matters, and revisiting older content with today’s lens might not always be practical or fair.
Staying Informed as a Wedding Creative
As wedding photographers and videographers, it’s impossible to stay up-to-date on every global event. But having a general awareness of major issues, especially those that resonate with your audience, is crucial. While wedding work might not often intersect with global crises, it’s worth pausing to reflect on how our art might be received.
Final Thoughts
This conversation isn’t about limiting creativity but about being intentional. As wedding filmmakers and photographers, our primary goal is to celebrate love and connection. Being aware of the cultural context in which we share our work can help ensure that it’s received in the spirit it was intended.
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever reconsidered sharing an image or film due to current events? How do you approach cultural relevancy in your work? Let us know in the comments or on social media. However…
In the meantime,
ENJOY YOUR LIFE!!!
