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The Business of Luxury Weddings Podcast

John Dolan – The Perfect Imperfect

In this episode



On today’s episode, hosts James and Otto are joined by guest John Dolan, the legendary wedding photographer who has spent decades redefining what it means to capture life’s most intimate moments. John has a distinct approach to capturing wedding moments authentically, emphasizing individual frames that stand alone as works of art. To begin, he highlights the technical and emotional challenges of wedding photography,

and the fact that the fine art world is finally beginning to appreciate the industry,  which they once dismissed as lowbrow. John’s work emphasizes the emotional essence of moments rather than superficial appearances, a philosophy inspired by his early assignments, such as capturing the Cowboy Poetry Festival in Nevada. This approach reflects a rejection of traditional posed wedding photography, which he critiques as unartistic and mechanical.

John explains his unique business model, limiting himself to 10–12 weddings per year to focus on creating meaningful work. His ideal clients are understated, private individuals who value timeless, intimate photographs over social media visibility. He aims to create subtle, meaningful photographs that resonate on a personal level and endure as family heirlooms. He emphasizes quality over quantity, setting a goal of producing 15 impactful, museum-worthy prints per wedding. Traditional wedding photography often portrays an idealized version of the event. However, John highlights the importance of capturing the full emotional spectrum, including melancholy, nostalgia, and moments of vulnerability, which are often missing in mainstream wedding imagery. He believes that the most impactful photos are those that evoke genuine emotions, even if they deviate from conventional ideas of perfection. 

There has been a cultural shift among younger couples who value authenticity over perfection. John attributes this change to societal challenges such as financial crises and the pandemic, which have made people more appreciative of genuine, unfiltered moments. This shift has allowed photographers to find clients who align with their artistic vision and are willing to trust their creative process. John reflects on how years of experience have allowed him to approach weddings with calm and confidence, even in the midst of large, complex events. Early in his career, assignments like photographing CEOs for brief sessions were highly stressful, while weddings became his “happy place,” a realization that solidified his love for the craft. 

Then, John recounts the experience photographing a wedding at the White House, which involved meticulous preparation and high levels of intensity. Despite initial nerves and tight security, the event transitioned into a joyful and comfortable experience. He shares the story behind some of his favorite frames, such as a private kiss between the couple amidst wedding preparations and a poignant moment of the president dancing with his granddaughter.  John highlights his commitment to capturing authentic moments, contrasting this with the concept of “planned candids,” which are largely inauthentic. 

The conversation shifts to the significance of studying photography’s masters, such as Eugene Smith, to understand their processes and compositions. John encourages photographers, particularly those who have entered the profession recently, to delve deeper into the artistic and historical aspects of photography.  While modern technology simplifies much of the technical process, they suggest that true artistry lies in developing a personal connection with the craft. John discusses his own early struggles and the importance of learning foundational skills, such as working in darkrooms, to build a deeper understanding of photography. He emphasizes the importance of balancing technical expertise with artistic expression, often lamenting the sterility of overly polished images and advocating for authenticity and imperfection in photos. Wedding photography is a unique blend of art and commerce, involving connection-building with subjects, capturing genuine emotions, and portraying the complexity of relationships like marriage. In closing, John emphasizes the importance of authenticity, imperfection, and emotional connection in creating meaningful images, especially in wedding photography. 

Timestamps:

0:30 – Introduction of today’s episode and guest, John Dolan. 

3:28 – The Evolution of Wedding Photography and Dolan’s Personal Philosophy. 

9:26 – John’s Deliberate, Unique Business Model. 

15:35 – Emotional Range in Wedding Photography. 

24:11 – The Balance Between Freedom and Structure. 

27:31 – Adapting Styles Throughout the Wedding Day. 

36:09 – Photographing a White House Wedding.

43:10 – The Role of Education and Mastery in Photography. 

48:18 – Experiencing Photography Beyond the Digital. 

51:32 – Personal Moments in Wedding Photography. 

55:45 – Celebrating the Collaborative Nature of Weddings. 

Bio:

John Dolan doesn’t just take photographs—he distills time. Over his 30-year career, he has redefined wedding photography, creating a space where imperfection and authenticity thrive. For John, a wedding isn’t a staged performance; it’s a living, breathing story told through fleeting, unscripted moments. With his philosophy of capturing “15 frames,” he uncovers the quiet truths: a lingering glance, a ripple of laughter, a tender touch that reveals the essence of a day.

John’s work is not about chasing perfection but celebrating life as it truly is—raw, beautiful, and deeply human. He has photographed intimate moments for families like Jerry Seinfeld’s for decades and captured iconic events, including Naomi Biden’s wedding. His lens seeks not just what is seen but what is felt, turning the unpolished into timeless works of art.

Author of The Perfect Imperfect: The Wedding Photographs of John Dolan, he has made an indelible mark on the art of wedding photography, blending fine art vision with an ability to see beauty in the chaos. Whether working with celebrities or quiet, personal ceremonies, John approaches each story with a profound respect for its truth, crafting images that linger long after the moment has passed.

Learn more about John Dolan here, and on Instagram at here.

Buy John’s book “The Perfect, Imperfect” here.

Your days of being just
a normal wedding photographer are over.

You’ll become a luxury photographer who is recognized as a true artist.