Love is in the air this weekend, and for wedding photographer Kesha Lambert, love is also in the details – the micro-moments, the atmosphere, and the artful choices that turn a wedding day into a cohesive visual story. In her latest video on the Alpha Universe YouTube Channel, Lambert shares how she arrived at a hybrid approach to photographing weddings – one that honors the authenticity of the day while shaping it with intention. It’s a philosophy that feels especially resonant as we head into Valentine’s Day: real emotion guided by thoughtful craft.
Wedding Photography: Storytelling With Purpose
Lambert describes her method as part “fly on the wall” and part “director.” That balance is central to how she sees and translates a wedding day. When she’s in observer mode, she positions herself quietly, letting moments unfold without interference – the laughter between siblings down a hallway, a reassuring squeeze of hands before the ceremony, the nervous exhale that says more than words ever could. It’s the photojournalist’s instinct, tuned to intimacy and timing.
Photo by Kesha Lambert. Alpha 7R IV. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/500-sec., f/2.8, ISO 500
But Lambert is equally committed to storytelling with purpose. That’s where the director’s approach comes in. She isn’t changing the truth of the day; she’s curating the environment so the truth reads beautifully in-camera. If the bride is getting helped into her dress in a cluttered corner, Lambert may relocate the moment to where textures, tones, and light align – think soft window light on satin, a palette that echoes the florals, a background that supports rather than distracts. The emotion stays the same and the frame does more with it.
This intentional toggling – observe, then refine – recognizes that weddings are a living, moving narrative. To tell that story cohesively, Lambert believes the day demands both restraint and direction. Being a “fly on the wall” preserves the candor. Being a “director” ensures the album feels unified from first look to last dance. The result is a body of work that’s both true and timeless, a poetic match for the season of love.
Photo by Kesha Lambert. Alpha 1. 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/2000-sec., f/2, ISO 500
A Pair Of G Master II Zooms To Cover The Wedding Day
Her gear strategy mirrors this duality. Lambert keeps two very different lenses mounted and ready so she can pivot without breaking the flow. The 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II zoom gives her reach during moments when she wants to stay discreet – ceremonies, toasts, or tender exchanges she doesn’t want to intrude upon. The 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II lives on her other camera for versatility in tighter spaces and fast-moving scenes. With this pairing, she can compress a stolen glance from across the aisle or step into frame layered, environmental portraits – no lens swapping, no missed beats. (Editor's Note: Learn more about Kesha's complete kit in What’s In My Bag: See This High-End Pro's Kit For Wedding & Portrait Photography.)
That readiness is about more than convenience – it’s about respect for the moment. Weddings move quickly. One second the light is perfect, the next it’s shifted. By anticipating where she’ll need to be, Lambert makes space for spontaneous emotion while protecting the visual rhythm of the day. It’s a simple setup with outsized impact.
Photo by Kesha Lambert. Alpha 1. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/160-sec., f/2.8, ISO 160
On the technical side, her thought process is a reminder that light, color and texture are as much characters in the story as the couple themselves. Choosing a location with harmonious tones, seeking directional light that sculpts rather than flattens, and aligning each scene with the visual language of the rest of the day – these are the decisions that make an album feel intentional. Sony shooters will recognize how naturally this approach pairs with fast, reliable autofocus and the flexibility of modern zooms, whether you favor a 24-70mm and 70-200mm combination or tailor your kit to your own style.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Lambert’s perspective offers a gentle challenge to all of us behind the camera: let love lead, but give it a worthy stage. Notice the quiet gestures, then elevate them with care. Observe generously, direct thoughtfully, and craft images that feel as honest as the vows – and as artful as the celebration that follows.
Photo by Kesha Lambert. Alpha 1. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/60-sec., f/2.8, ISO 1600
See more of Kesha Lambert's work on her Alpha Universe Profile and on Instagram @keshalambert.
