I have a photo featured in the cover story of this week’s Newsweek! The story, “The Conservative Case for Gay Marriage,” is a remarkable story written by Ted Olson, the Solicitor General under George W. Bush.
Also featured was a photo by my dear friend Charlotte Geary, a great wedding photographer from Colorado Springs. (She took the above photo; I am still away in Tennessee until tomorrow).
The last thing I ever want to talk about on this blog is politics. Politics are by their very nature divisive, while the work I do is meant to show individual personalities, quirks, and stories, but also to highlight the things that are universal about human stories — passionate love, the bond between friends and family, joy, tension, anxiety, celebration, humor. But I will say this: The wedding featured here, between Jon and Jerry, was perhaps the most emotional ceremony I’ve seen out of more than 100.
You know how certain people spend their entire lives dreaming about their wedding day? Every detail, every look, every color and smile? Imagine thinking your entire live that it will never, ever happen for you … and then it does. That was how the ceremony felt.
I tell stories, and I love my couples. I mean it: When I am shooting a wedding, I am in love with my couples, and that is what allows me to be joyful and sympathetic through my work. I’ve had so many couples I love who are extremely conservative; I’ve had amazing couples where were dedicated Marxists. What I believe in is that weddings are incredible parts of our personal and family histories, and that a good marriage is a thing of wonder and beauty, and I hope that everyone that wants that can have one.
show hide comments
Sawyer - Thanks for sharing Ryan. Permit me to lament for a moment: It’s only too bad that we never hear the real conservative case against gay marriage, a la Robert George (essays here: http://sawyerlaw.wordpress.com/essays/ ). George was recently on Hugh Hewitt’s show to explain the illogic of Olsen’s unfortunate position. Olsen disregards the seriousness of the real conservative case against same-sex marriage (hint: it’s grounded in non-religious policy arguments).
Just think for a moment, when was the last time you heard the best non-religious policy-oriented position against same-sex marriage?
Also, take note that “gay marriage” is a misnomer and its use in the article’s title is unfortunate; the appropriate term for the issue is “same-sex marriage”. Gays have the same restrictions on marriage as everyone else: they may marry anyone they want, just not those of the opposite sex—and neither can heterosexuals. Even same-sex advocacy groups acknowledge this much.
Kyle - Well said Ryan. I hope you are able to photograph many more weddings of anybody who wants to get married.
Dmitry - Congrats, Ryan! It’s a great photo.
Karsten - Congrats on the feature. I read the article yesterday, one of the best rhetorics I ever read from a US conservative. Olsen does get a lot of heat from the rightwing loonysphere for this, a good sign that he actually hit the nail with this.
rachael - well said…and I totally agree :)
Jessie - “highlight the things that are universal about human stories — passionate love, the bond between friends and family, joy, tension, anxiety, celebration, humor.” Yes. You do. Congratulations
Tracy - Ryan, you are a constant source of inspiration. Your images are absolutely stunning and top-notch. But the heart and mind behind your images are what really elevates them all. Thank you for the daily reminders to work from the heart.
#haitirelief
Dave - Congrats! And indeed, very interesting perspective you have on the situation. I, of course, agree. It’s just interesting to hear about the things that you don’t realize that photographers see.
#haitirelief
arthur - gratz for the photo , and greetings from poland , cheers . #haitirelief
Andrea - Ryan, that is a great picture. I agree with you on this: “What I believe in is that weddings are incredible parts of our personal and family histories, and that a good marriage is a thing of wonder and beauty, and I hope that everyone that wants that can have one.”
#haitirelief
Ceece - beautiful. I think this couple was so very lucky to have you capture their amazing day (as are the rest of your couples). well done.
#haitirelief
pam - congrats! their slideshow was just lovely. really captured their joy. #haitirelief
Brynn - Congratulations! It is a great photo! I love your work. :) #haitirelief
richard - I lovced your coverage of this wedding when you originally posted it. I’m glad your compassionate images are gettring more exposure, keep up the good work! #haitirelief
Nazra Z. - Thank you for sharing this beautiful capture with us. I think I remember seeing this photo on your Flickr. I wish I could get that Newsweek here. #haitirelief.
Nathaniel Perales - Wow Ryan. Congrats. #haitirelief
John Barker - Love the work! #haitirelief