Philadelphia Photographer Phil Kramer Reveals His Favorite City Settings For Frame-Worthy Wedding Photos

By Connie Capone

Location, Location, Location

For professional wedding photographer Phil Kramer, the secret to his trade is knowing what's going to happen before it happens. "I know my equipment, know the light, anticipate the shot, and watch it unfold." Kramer—the CEO, founder, and director of photography for Remark Weddings—has worked as a photographer in Philadelphia for 30 years and has shot more than 3,000 weddings. It's no surprise, then, that his favorite settings span the city and suburbs. "No location is as iconic as the street shot of
City Hall, with bride and groom standing on an island surrounded by cars and towering skyscrapers," he says. "A lesser-known backdrop is the Painted Bride Art Center in Old City, where a couple can pose in front of the building's colorful mosaic of glass and metals."

Getting the right outdoor shot can mean traversing through natural settings—Kramer is particularly fond of Longwood Gardens, which offers an infinite amount of breathtaking shots with over 1,000 acres of land—so he requests that brides bring walking shoes to the shoot. For inclement weather, Kramer recommends a spot under the Benjamin Franklin Bridge: "You are covered by the bridge in case of rain, while the architecture, colors, and shadows create something truly spectacular."