The Perfect Imperfect: John Dolan’s Wedding Photographs redefines the genre. For over 35 years, Dolan has recounted the ritual of marriage in all its chaos. Following Dolan’s exploration of marriage in 2021, this expanded edition published by Damiani Books features more than 35 new photographs, with images from Gwyneth Paltrow, AnnaSophia Robb and a poignant portfolio from Naomi Biden’s White House wedding. Stunning locations include those in the USA, Rome, Bahamas, London and Dublin to Schull, Clifton to Cashel.
Dolan has quietly pursued an emotional and revealing art of the wedding day. He aims his camera at tiny, meaningful moments, perfectly imperfect scenes from the beginning of a marriage. Marriage is one of society’s last and enduring ceremonies: universal in its presence, complete in its emotion. Dolan’s frankness, respectful discretion, and gentle but astute and powerful observation combine to make a book that transcends marriages and enlightens us about the human condition.
“Each image is provocative, detailed, important, relevant and memorable,” writes Martha Stewart in the foreword. “John Dolan encourages his subjects to be bold, to show their emotions and to allow his lens to capture private moments as well as more open ones… John showed us what is possible in the many ways he has done photography. wedding photography a true form of art, rivaling perfectly with the painters of yesteryear, who barely had time to make a single sketch of the engaged couple to paint it later.
Dolan’s work offers a sociological view of communities and explores the mysteries of families. According to Dolan, each event follows a similar dramatic arc and the book is structured to match: “Act 1: Preparation. The couple prepare separately, each with their loved ones. Act 2: Union. Both parties come together to join hands, relieved and separate from their biological family. Act 3: Celebration. Both sides break bread, sing and dance, and become actors in a wedding party. Sylvia Plachy contributes to the afterword.
“Weddings exist at the crossroads of everything I love to photograph: families, lovers, nervous people. It’s the ultimate tightrope act,” Dolan said. “A camera is invisible in the midst of chaos and this allows the photographer to work quietly. »
About the author
John Dolan influenced a generation of contemporary wedding photographers. He is an artist who chose marriage as a subject, fascinated by the complexity of this shared ritual. Her work has been widely published and celebrated in major magazines and sought after by a variety of thoughtful clients, from Martha Stewart to Jerry Seinfeld. Dolan divides his time between New York, the Berkshires and Ireland.
The Perfect Imperfect: The Wedding Photographs of John Dolan
Damiani Books
Canvas, 9.75 x 12.75 in. / 280 pages / 63 colors / 151 pcs.
ISBN9788862088237
List price: $95.00 CAD $140.00
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