Hola!
I am trying to learn some Spanish before I go to Mexico City… oh, you didn’t know about that? Yeah… So this guy I met during the workshop lives in Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico City). We had him stay with us for the weekend and I think we bonded. He is trying to pitch me as a shooter for some upcoming weddings! I think the experience would be great, and it would be fun to visit him.
On to more items in the future: I am working on our updated price guide. I am inspired by what Paul Gero does for his and I am trying to use what I learned from his without copying it 
So that is in the works. I am also trying to scope out a possible software product for photographers workflow management. More to come on that later but I don’t want to spill the beans just yet.
So today I find myself in Chicago… I flew in yesterday, or should I say we flopped in… it was so windy that we were moving down and to the left with every gust. White knuckled like a roller coaster.. scarier but I would go back on the ride again :) Off to Vegas today - nothing fancy just meetings!
This is the age-old question that usually directly follows “How much does it cost?” Most couples are shocked at what even decent wedding photography costs. Most think “you’re only taking a few pictures – why so expensive?” Sometimes you’ll hear “geez, that’s like $400 to $500 an hour – I don’t even make that kind of money!”
The reality is that most people aren’t aware of what actually goes into making great pictures that you’ll cherish for the rest of your days. They’re not familiar with the processes that most photographers go through – it’s much more than just showing up to take the pictures and then handing you a CD or printed proofs. There is actually quite a bit that takes place before, during and after your wedding that contributes to the final result.
Before the Wedding
Most good wedding photographers didn’t just wake up one day able to make the kind of beautiful images that you see in their wedding portfolios. Most of them started their careers with education – both formal and informal – on how to make great pictures. Professional photography is definitely an acquired skill. Most photographers spend years learning how to master their camera equipment, lighting scenarios, image composition and different posing situations that work (and ones that don’t work). Formal education is often supplemented with internships, on-the-job training and many hours spent making, evaluating and re-making picture after picture.
Continue reading ‘Why is Wedding Photography ‘So Expensive’?”’
Today we did a lot, and we are really seeing our results. We added the dreaded flash to our portraits. At first, I had a hard time but I ended up with some pretty nice frames. I am continuing to work with the 50mm and am loving it. I am going to buy the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L , I used it exclusively yesterday thanks to George for letting me borrow his. I want to shoot only that lens and the 85mm at our next wedding and let JB go nuts with the zooms. After this week using only prime lenses, I am convinced that once I fully master them.
Well, today was the last day of the workshop where we shoot. We spent time working the flash and at times it was a challenge. Here is what I came up with.
Wow… WOW! There are so many awesome things happening at the workshop, it is hard to put it all into words. I looked at yesterday’s selects from everyone and was more blown away today then yesterday. So, on with today’s stuff… We were tasked with going into a chaotic situation and witness unique moments. We were tossed into a room of preschoolers, and man was it fun!
In the afternoon we went to Salt Creek and stayed until the sun was gone. We had some models and Jordan came along too. Here are some shots that HE took! He is getting to know the camera more and more each time he grabs it from me. He was shooting with the 85mm on a Canon 5D body. He shoots portraits, he does landscapes… he even does a self-portrait of his feet!
Here are the ones I took of him:
I am home now after a full day and dinner. Today we were challenged to use only one lens and take portraits of people we just met. I had fun, as did many. We spent the first assignment outside at about 11:30, and given that today was unusually warm we had some pretty hard direct light. Not to worry though, we are all professionals…. what am I say, it was a challenge. In the afternoon, we worked on using back lit, side lit and front lit light. Here is what I selected for my critique:
In addition, I felt like documenting the training, here are some random images from the day:
Well, that’s what is about to happen starting tonight. Paul Gero is an established amazing photographer… he is a Canon Explorer of Light, WPJA member, 17 year vet of true photojournalism, a great guy and I am happy to say… a mentor and coach to us. This week I am attending his workshop here in Ladera Ranch. There will be no more than 12 of us so things can go one of many ways:
- 24 feet getting all tangled up trying to get ‘the shot’
- “Is THIS camera mine?”
- Other people’s flashes making it into your shots - which could turn out REALLY cool !
- Lenses, lenses everywhere!
- Paparazzi !!!
There are just a few thoughts… I am actually certain that there will be a lot of creativity being shared along with new relationships springing up. I will be blogging my experience this week. I am ready to be re-energized, and that is precisely what happens whenever I spend time around Paul.
We have been so busy in other areas that we have inadvertently let our images get a little old. We have had weddings that showcase both Eastern and Western traditions, large weddings and small intimate back yard weddings. Aside from that we have been busy with families. There have been many births that we have documented. We have also been happy to get Christmas photo cards where we have been the ones responsible for the photos.
In addition, we will be publishing some articles… some will be of benefit to couples looking for photographers and some will be aimed at other photographers, just to start
So what I am trying to say is that there is a ton of our work that you have not seen yet, but stay tuned!
I have been meaning to shoot and post these for a while now… When we were last in South Carolina visiting my mom, she let me have a couple flight logs that my grandfather kept while in the Navy. Here they are.
Welcome home Luke! In these photos, Luke is only 4 days old. He is getting plenty of rest and meals in bed. He was doing exactly what a boy his age should be doing, SLEEPING! He looked very content, until he got hungry. Joey even tried to help Luke out, if you call poking him in the mouth help!We are glad that you are finally home Luke.
Congrats again Svoboda Family!