The Bachelorette Party

I’ve photographed weddings and engagement sessions, family reunions, and family portraits, profile photos for social media, and documentary evidence for legal proceedings. I’ve photographed real estate, restaurants, industrial products and bottles of wine. But up until recently, I’d not photographed a bachelorette party.

But that wouldn’t stop this Catskills photographer…

The bride-to-be’s sister found Jonathan Ment Photography on The Knot or Wedding Wire, and we communicated there, reaching an agreement and signing a contract long distance months before the planned session. A deposit was received.

She was overseas, traveling to the Catskills – just for the party. I know it’s the first time I’ve been hired by a Paris-based client and I hope not the last.

We never talked about what type of party was planned or photos were wanted, not early in the process that is. She’d reviewed my work and liked my style. For me, the suspense was palpable at times, but with a busy summer season I had little time to concern myself with it. Throughout the summer, thoughts and conversation would periodically turn to the party… It was an exciting unknown to look forward to.

Would I be documenting the debauchery, I wondered? No problem. But I’d want to know. I’ve worked inside of all sorts of nightclubs … A cooking class? That would be classy, but no. Wine tasting? Well, they did pop a few corks, but only to toast, photograph and drink the champagne within.

Eventually, I had to ask – what the client had in mind. I’m all about preproduction where possible. Portraits, basically, that’s what she had in mind. Group shots casual and formal.

The client emailed a ‘mood board,’ – a collection of images intended to express the tone – think Pinterest, before Pinterest. These are still used in advertising campaigns, design work and elsewhere.

I brought printouts with me – incase I needed inspiration, but they also served to show the guests what poses the client had in mind. They were great. The gals were great. They took advantage of my suggestions and all the property had to offer in addition to the considering the inspiration photos.

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OK, so there was a sign reading “Same Penis Forever” hanging in the rental house, and there were some silly, props for games they said they forgot to break out.

And – I’m sure there was all sorts of silliness after dark…

The photoshoot? I think it’s among the best work of my season. Plus it was a lot of fun. Now booking for late season, all winter and next year, ladies!

Thanks for taking a look. You can also find, follow & like Jonathan Ment Photography on Facebook & at www.catskillsphotographer.com and check out the broad-topic’d “Observational Ramblings” of the Ment Media Group’s “Business Blog.”