some flair at the fair!

If you remember a few posts back, we showed you Tim and Carrie's sneak peek. For their creative session we took them to the fair! From ferris wheels, to bumper cars, to eating cotton candy, nothing was off limits to capture some creative and truly unique imagery. They even slid down a big slide, capturing the attention of the entire crowd.

a kiss three different ways...
For those looking at these for ideas, considering the following:
Depending on composition, the image can be about the kiss, or the kiss could be happening but not necessarily be the focus. Cropping, composing and editing, can create a stark contrast when creating an image. Consider experimenting in your own projects with the different ways something can be shot.

In the first image, I brought the couple in close to the frame, making them very "in your face" commanding the attention of the bride and groom first while giving them a unique backdrop to rest in.

In the second, the cropping creates a unique feel.
The couple is smaller, giving the ferris wheel more presence, but the light on the couple draws your attention back to them, creating an interesting dynamic between the two elements. Our eyes are usually drawn to the brightest area of a photo, and this time, playing off of the size of the ferris wheel while having the larger, brighter light shining on the, albeit smaller, couple creates an image you want want to take a second look at.

In the last image, you have the couple in a very low-light setting, with the background pulling your eye directly to the drama in the clouds and vertical element of another park ride.

Remember, all three images show kissing, but each image commands the attention in different ways, creating a unique experience for each photo.

having fun pt3: kickin' it!

From parking garage to alleyway, all you need is a creative spark and a couple who is having fun. Both these shots are very different from the other, yet both capture the fun we had celebrating!

joe and karina, you rock!

lady of the lake

Elegant, stunning, beautiful. These are just a few words to describe sarah on her creative session with us. We had the idea of shooting a bride in a pool, and she readily agreed and was even excited to do so.

Continuing in the theme of the last post, having fun with the client, we see yet another example of what can be done when the client enjoys working with you and is open to some creative craziness.

Thanks sarah!

having fun pt1: street kissing

It hit me tonight that having fun with photography and with your subjects is something to strive for as much as you would for perfect exposure, or that "magic shooting hour" between sunset and twilight; it's another ingredient to the "perfect recipe" for great photos. But more than that, it's keeping the spirit alive to try new things, and experiment, to see growth in your own work. In other words, it's the best way to get from where you are now, to where you want to be.

If another photographer asked me my first bit of advice for pursing photography, I'd say find your passion and let the rest flow from that passion. As world renown photographer Jerry Ghionis says, "aim big and you might just hit something!"

Over the next few days, I'll be showing you different images from the same shoot. And I want you to see how much fun we had keeping things fresh, using different locations, lighting techniques and creative ideas all with the same couple for their very special e-session.

Here's the first. I call it "street kissing" :) (actually it's the second, yesterday was the first)

classic is always "in"

If you're familiar with us, you know we're not, nor do we strive to be, your traditional photographer. In fact, I've always looked at us as conceptual photographers, leaning more towards the stylized-illustrious philosophy. You could call us "painters with a camera" rather than a brush, but painters nonetheless; you get the idea.

I belabor the point because today's post, "classic is always in", appears to contrast with what I just said; when in fact I believe it compliments. To me, "classic" is not synonymous with traditional. Traditional is safe, conservative; the antithesis of progressive. It's a style well equipped for certain situations though not one we practice. However, classic is something more. Classic levitates above genre, style, and personal preference. It stands on it's own, unassuming.

I believe classic can compliment any style, and is necessary for any photographer. Both the latest trend can be as much a death wish as staying safe and traditional can be. It is said in any field you're in, "you must know the rules in order to break them".

Today's post reminds me of a classic "gap ad". A timeless black and white that will stay in style far longer than my experimental pieces.