AMA
I am a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner, a National Geographic photojournalist and Explorer, founder and chairman of the Dutch non-profit organization Everyday Refugees Foundation, Global Ambassador for Jordan Tourism Board and Canon.
I was named in 2013 by TIME Magazine as Best Wire Photographer. Since 2001 I have documented major events around the world, in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA and for over a decade and a half I have been documenting the refugee crises in different parts of the world. In 2023 I was a recipient of the National Geographic Wayfinder Award.
Streaming now on Disney+ and Hulu, the National Geographic documentary series “Photographer” features my life and achievements in Muhammed Muheisen: Finding the Light.
More about me on my website and my .
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Discussion
First and foremost. This was NOT a paid job. No contracts. It was a family wedding, so no disappointed or angry clients. Definitely the most IDEAL situation to make this mistake, if I had to make it...
I am 100% a hobbyist photographer, mostly landscapes or wildlife, occasionally street, rarely portraits. Thanks to a busy work schedule, I haven't shot ANYTHING at all in over 8 months... Haven't even picked my camera up.
My nephew got married today, and I didn't even consider being the photographer. Never crossed my mind.
A few days ago my sister (his mom) asked if I was bringing my camera, and I said "I hadn't planned on it, no..."
I found out they didn't have a photographer hired and were just going to hand out disposable cameras for everyone to use... But they had no one to get the big moments... The veil, the vows, the kiss, the ring exchange, the cake, etc...
So I brought my camera. I shot, and shot, and shot... I got all the big moments, all the post ceremony group photos, all the casual candid shots during the reception... There are a LOT of good pictures in there.
Then when I was going through the photos at the end of the night, my heart dropped.
I don't know when or how it happened, but my camera was set to high quality JPEG....
800+ photos. All in jpeg instead of RAW.
I got some great compositions, but the lighting wasn't ideal and I was banking on fixing it in post...
There's still some salvageable pictures in there, and I know they'll be happy because they weren't going to have ANY pictures...
But damn. I'm just kicking myself because all of these GOOD photos could have been great.
Don't be like me. Check your file type before big events.