LGBTQ wedding photography is an important aspect of creating a safe and inclusive space for all couples. It’s about capturing the love and joy of the day while also honoring the unique experiences and challenges that LGBTQ couples may face. Learn more about why inclusive wedding photography matters and how it can make a difference for couples.

Celebrating love in all its forms is a beautiful and important message to share.

Inclusive LGBTQ wedding photography is a powerful way to send this message and create a safe and welcoming space for all couples. By showcasing the love and joy of LGBTQ couples, photographers can help to break down barriers and promote acceptance and understanding. It’s about more than just taking pretty pictures – it’s about celebrating love in all its forms and creating a world where everyone feels valued and respected.

So you may be asking, as a photographer, what can I do?  Oh, there are so many things!! The following is a short list, as there is a lot you can do.

• Be aware.  
  • This is a really simple one, even though it may seem a bit daunting at first.  Be aware of your surroundings and those within it.  Ask questions and be kind to people.
• Realize that it is not about you.
  • Although you may be photographing a wedding, the day is not about you.  You have to understand this because if you do, it won’t be hard to be inclusive  You will care that others are comfortable and understand that it’s bigger picture.
• Include couples of all types in your portfolio.
  • One of the biggest things that we hear from LGBTQ couples is that they contacted us because we have same sex couples on our portfolio.  The only excuse I feel that you have for not having certain couples in your portfolio is that you haven’t worked with them.  Because obviously, if you don’t have the photos, you can’t post them.  But we talk to SO many couples who say photographers have same sex wedding photography, but they don’t post them.  Couples have to ask for them.  Imagine for a minute how that would make you feel if you were looking for a vendor.
• When you post couples, don’t use them as props.
  • This can sometimes be hard to explain, but you know it when you see it. The way we don’t use people as props is that we simply see photos as photos.  We don’t use photos because of who is in them.  We use them because we like the photos.  For example, photographers are total nerds for lighting.  Nothing makes me happier than AMAZING lighting at a shoot.  So if I’m going to use that photo, it’s because it looks great. It’s not because the photo has a straight couple, LGBTQ couple, or any couple at all in it.  It’s because I like the photo.  I feel that’s the easiest way to explain our process.

Again, this is a short list.  There are so many things you can do and there are more things day to day. You also can apply more to your particular business.  What it all boils down to is really just treating others the way that you would want to be treated.  It’s really that easy, regardless of how silly that sounds.