More and more photographers ... How do you choose? 2011-05-13

For those of us who have been doing this for many years we see the trend. Each year there are more and more people getting into photography and most think weddings is where the money is at. The reasoning is that love will always happen and this turns into marriage and thus a need for the services of a photographer. Some of that is true.

As I look online from time to time I can spot several new names in various cities. These are photographers who have recently opened the shop. There are several reasons why getting into this business is so easy. You don't need any formal education and in fact there is no law stating that you need a license. Perhaps a business license but many don't even get one. Cameras are cheaper and easier to use. Most have an auto mode that will get decent pictures. The investment can be minimal and since most operate from their home it is even cheaper.

Recently I had an inquiry from a young man who wanted to know if I could serve as his mentor. He really loves photography and wanted to work with someone who knows the ropes. I almost never do this but I agreed to take him on. He went to two weddings with me and then told me he was ready to go out on his own! I have had calls from other photographers asking how to do certain shots or how to operate their camera. These are the people who charge others to photograph their wedding.

How do you get the right one? First I would want to see their work and be able to establish that they took the pictures. Yes, people do take other photographer's work and post it as their own. I have had that happen to me. Once you establish that it is their work I would have tons of questions and do not hesitate to ask for a phone number or two from previous clients that you can call. By asking the right questions and asking around you will find out pretty quickly if the person you are looking at is the one to hire. (more...)

Photo Booths at Weddings 2011-05-09

To some it may seem cheap and tacky. To those of us who have been around for years it brings us to a cross roads. This is much like what digital did to us years ago. It puts a new technology in front of photographers and clients and yet one more decision. Photo booths are popping up everywhere. Who knew that those silly things from the mall would show up at weddings? The question for photographers and brides now is simple, "Will I get one"?

My wife and I have had more than one discussion about this topic. She is all for it and I am mostly against it. I see the benefits as long as the client knows that this machine will not replace a real photographer. My fear also is that people will try to stay in the booth as much as possible and we'll miss some shots that could have been taken. On the other hand I have had one wedding where a photo booth was present and it worked fine. I know that my team and I can move from spot to spot and change camera settings in an instant to capture the real life we are hired to document. The booth is a novelty and not a professional.

A photo booth is not something I intend to purchase. My clients are very specific in what they want and it is the the type of work we are known for already. I know that if we added a booth it would decrease my business and lessen the level of clientele we get. But, for those who want a photo booth I think it can be a fun thing to have at some events and I say get one and let it help you get some memories too.    (more...)

Photo Tip - Visualization made Ansel Adams a Legend 2011-05-03

In my opinion the late Ansel Adams was the photographer of photographers and this is why his work lives on today as a testament to his dedication to the art of photography. While Ansel had to take photos of people to earn a paycheck and support his family his true calling was nature. Many naturalist say that he and his work both played a role in preserving wild spaces. Ansel Adams saw things differently when he composed a shot and then in his darkroom he would do what we now do with computers. He would play with lighter and darker areas and so forth until he thought it was a master's art piece.

We can do the same thing as photographers if we look into our photos for the soul of the subject. It works for people, animals, places ..... anything really. The goal of any great photographer should be to tell the viewer something about the place and time the photo was taken. It should be a narrative with no words. This is the art of visualization. Ansel Adams work makes you want to go to the places where he shot his photos and that is because he was a master of his craft. To learn more visit his web site at AnselAdams.com.  (more...)

Should We See Each Other Before the Wedding 2011-05-03

I am not asked this question very often but I sure wish that I was. Even more I wish the couple would take my advice because the answer is YES! In the South tradition still holds firm to the idea that you should not see each other before the wedding. If I shoot 100 weddings in the South perhaps 3 will agree with seeing each other pre wedding. In my opinion this outdated tradition needs to just go away and I'll tell you why.

On your wedding day you will be nervous. It does not matter how much you want to get married and it doesn't matter how much you love each other. You'll be nervous when that moment comes and your expressions will not be the loving ones you'll have after the stress fades. There is still a way to get the groom seeing the bride for the first time even if it's done pre-ceremony. Just have her walk out from behind a wall or door and head his way. The photos of this moment are incredible and the tension releases like a vapor. Then you can do some fun and creative shots without a crowd around telling you to hurry so they can eat.

I really hate to see the one day a couple waits for ruined by rude guests who can't be patient for a few minutes just to get a chicken strip and roll. But it happens at so many weddings. The couple feels forced to end the photos and get to the reception. Of course I like to get them there in a timely fashion but to get good photos you have to have to have more than 10 minutes. So, I highly suggest considering seeing each other way before the ceremony. If not you can always opt for a session later where you get dressed up and have a photo shoot just like your wedding day.

In the end it is your wedding and that is my point exactly. Why let tradition or rude people dictate what you'll do on a day that can't be repeated? Do it your way and make it what you want it to be and there will be no regrets. (more...)

A Real Tornado 2011-05-01

Yesterday as we drove to the wedding in Virginia we had to take I-81 North which goes right through Glade Springs, the area devastated by one of the tornadoes a few days ago. I had honestly never seen the aftermath of an EF 2 like this one. It was amazing to see what this storm had done to so many lives in just minutes. As we looked off at a truck stop area we saw complete tractor trailers turned over and ripped apart like paper. Some of the trailers were stuck up in trees. On the other side of the road we saw an entire neighborhood leveled with nothing but debris scattered where people's homes used to be. It just really made me think that this could be me and I don't know what I would do. I know in time these strong people will recover and rebuild just like all of the others hit by disasters but suddenly I felt the need to do more to help others. Now, I'm just asking God what should it be?

One look at this photo should tell you what I'm talking about in this post. (more...)