This is a natural place for me to start this series of images, as it was the first wedding that I shot a little less than five years ago. I was still working as a photojournalist based in Sofia, Bulgaria covering the Balkan region. Shortly before my thoughts changed to returning to the UK and carving out a new career as a wedding photographer in Dorset.
The Pomak’s are Bulgarian muslims that live in small areas in the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria, Northern Greece and Macedonia. Their traditional weddings are unique and hark back to their rich cultural heritage when they were ruled over by the Ottoman empire.
The bridal make up is something to behold, not the usual style adopted by bridal make up artists in this country! It consists of a very thick base layer of white oil based creme which is then decorated with sequins outlining the facial features. With a headdress and a dowry of Euro notes around her neck she is then paraded into the street and for want of a better description ‘ put on display’.
Why the mirror? This is a much needed bridal accessory! With such heavy make up its almost impossible for the bride to even lift her eyelids, so barely squinting she is able to utilise the mirror to view the environment around her.
This was one of the most fascinating environments I had worked in, being there as an privileged observer but also in the capacity of a documentary wedding photographer. Its a culture with its own particular traditions that are gradually being lost. Traditions that are our heritage, to be respected and celebrated.
Hopefully us photographers lucky enough to document the diversity within anthropology, can help direct a protective spotlight upon deserving cultures and customs.
So this is where it started, the shoot that put me on the road as a documentary Wedding photographer and a wedding photographer in Dorset. The weddings are a little different now but they are still beautiful celebrations holding emotional resonance.
If you have enjoyed this post, Why not get in touch now to check availability and to book Dorset Wedding Photographer Linus Moran. Frequently photographing weddings in Devon, Dorset,Wiltshire & Hampshire offering a distinctive approach to documentary wedding photography.
You can follow me on Twitter or become a fan of my Facebook page to keep up to date with my latest work.
Are you looking for something entirely new within Documentary Wedding Photography? – Then check out my Photofilm videos
Photofilms interweave the strong stills imagery of documentary / reportage wedding photography with recorded sound from the vows, speeches and background atmosphere. Photofilm videos allow me to present an emotive product & record of your day, containing timeless moments enveloped by the cherished voices of loved ones.
