Ben Chrisman: Light and Moments in Wedding Photography

Ben Chrisman was born in Kentucky and moved to Florida as a child before relocating to New Mexico for university. He studied photojournalism at New Mexico State University, where he developed his skills in capturing real-life stories. Starting his career as a newspaper photographer in New Mexico, Chrisman covered significant events, including the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, which honed his ability to document human emotions under pressure. In 2005, he transitioned to wedding photography, founding Chrisman Studios in Charleston, South Carolina, with his wife Erin. This shift marked a milestone, allowing him to apply journalistic principles to celebrations of joy. Over the years, he has photographed over 1,000 clients in more than 30 countries, becoming a sought-after educator at international workshops. Visually, his work features glowing natural light and off-centre compositions that add depth and narrative.

Primary Genres: Documentary, Portrait, Other (Wedding Photography, Photojournalism).
Primary Photography Style: Documentary (candid captures of authentic moments with an unobtrusive approach); Straight (photojournalistic, focusing on raw spontaneity and real emotions without staging).
Key Message: Chrisman aims to capture the authentic emotions and stories of his subjects, blending raw, spontaneous moments with carefully crafted light to produce timeless, narrative-driven images that celebrate life’s joyful occasions.

Chrisman’s most common subjects include couples at weddings, families in portrait sessions, and individuals in documentary contexts, often set in dynamic locations like beaches, streets, receptions, or global destinations such as Mexico or Mongolia. His unique aesthetic emphasizes contrast and texture—think tear-streaked faces against lace veils or wooden barns illuminated by golden-hour warmth—creating images that feel intimate and alive. Techniques revolve around natural lighting, such as harnessing dusk shadows or midday glow to accentuate details, while he shoots handheld with digital cameras and fast prime lenses (e.g., 35mm or 85mm equivalents) to chase fleeting gestures. Editing is subtle, boosting contrast and softening tones to keep skin natural and hues vibrant yet grounded, avoiding overprocessed looks. Presentation includes online galleries for immediate sharing and midsized prints that preserve the day’s emotional pulse, making his work accessible for clients to relive memories.

For intermediate learners, Chrisman’s style can be understood as a modern evolution of straight photography, akin to Henri Cartier-Bresson’s decisive moment but infused with expressionistic flair for emotive impact. Unlike traditional film-based photojournalism, which relies on analog grain and limited exposures, Chrisman leverages digital technology—such as Fujifilm mirrorless systems—for rapid, high-ISO shooting in low light, allowing greater flexibility without sacrificing quality. This shift from film to digital enables real-time review and experimentation, encouraging photographers to prioritize composition over technical constraints. Concepts like the zone system, originally for black-and-white film exposure, translate here into his mastery of dynamic range in colour images, where he balances highlights and shadows to evoke mood. Beginners can start by practising off-centre framing through doorways or foreground elements to add layers, mimicking his depth-building techniques.

His global reach underscores a commitment to cultural diversity, from U.S. beach sessions to international elopements, where he adapts to varying light conditions and client personalities. As a Fujifilm Creator since 2020, Chrisman integrates advanced gear for experimental portraits, often teaching at venues like Foundation Workshops to share insights on light manipulation. This educational role highlights his evolution from aspiring war photographer to wedding specialist, where he initially viewed the genre sceptically but innovated by doing “the opposite” of conventional posed shots. Reviews praise his energy and results, with packages reflecting his premium status, starting at around $5,500 for local events.

Accolades:
- Ranked in Fearless Photographers’ Top 100 multiple years (#9 all-time with 64 lifetime awards)
- WPJA Photographer of the Year in 2007
- Featured in Rangefinder magazine for techniques like silhouettes
- Recognized as a top global wedding photographer by American Photo.

Trivia:
- Began photography as his high school yearbook photographer in Florida
- Initially aspired to be a war photographer but pivoted to weddings after finding photojournalism too grim
- His offbeat style attracts young, successful clients he describes as “a little odd

Lessons from this Photographer:

Chrisman’s unique approach lies in blending photojournalistic candour with creative composition, teaching photographers to train their eye for the unconventional by constantly seeking fresh perspectives in everyday scenes. A key lesson is prioritizing authentic moments over perfection—embrace spontaneity and use natural light to enhance emotions, as subtle adjustments in post-processing can elevate raw captures without altering reality. To apply this, intermediate shooters should experiment with handheld shooting and off-centre framing to add narrative depth, fostering a mindset shift towards storytelling that makes images timeless and personal.