Wedding Photography

Our First Wedding Shoot

On June 23rd of this year we had our first wedding gig! It was a lot of fun, a lot of work and honestly one of the best learning experiences we've had in a long time. We have been quite active in photography for the past year or so, more so than normal. Luckily all the experimentation in styles (landscape, portrait, action shots, and a bit of dabbling in the street photography) has been enough to prepare us for it... weddings are a fun mixture of all of the above.

I did the ceremony and the reception (although I must admit, the reception shots are limited due to the bride and groom giving us a few seats for a delicious dinner) and my wife Melissa did a lot of the "people watching" shots, which came out great.

Luckily, as most first gigs go, we knew Doug and Katelin for many years and Doug had approached me to do the wedding photos. That allowed us to go into the day with a positive mind and really allowed us to focus on the job at hand. 

The wedding took place at Sweet Arrow Lake in Pine Grove, PA. A beautiful place for a wedding: it has a little amphitheater setup right on the edge of the lake and you couldn't have asked for a nicer day. It was around 80 degrees and sunny.

The biggest challenge was the fact that during the ceremony, the large, white, fluffy photogenic clouds were constantly passing in front of the sun. Tough lighting conditions for myself... I chose to do it on a manual camera setting. The photos came out great, although I needed to wrestle the light out of the shadows in some of them; the sun allowed for vibrant and crisp shots and the cloud covered sun shots gave a nice relief from the vibrancy. Exactly what our Hatha photo-philosophy calls for... a little bit of everything, balanced in the end.

We were very happy with our initial purchase of the Canon T3i. We use a 18-55mm lens for wide angle shots and a 55-250mm lens for portraits and close-ups. The camera produces professional quality images and we would highly recommend it to anyone looking to take a step up from the lower quality camera phones and point and shoot cameras. The ability to shoot in RAW format (which is a digital negative and gives you the flexibility to develop photos with Darkroom precision) is indispensable and to anyone who still debates over JPEG vs RAW, I say "Give it up!". RAW is King of photo quality and developing, hands down.

Our favorite part of the ceremony was when the bride and groom exchanged the "You may now kiss the bride" kisses and afterwards they brought their daughter on stage to read vows to her. The lines were heartfelt, genuine and hilarious (Star Wars, string theory and embarrassing her were included). I personally have never heard of that sort of thing happening during a wedding ceremony and I thought that it was a One-of-a-Kind original idea... We're glad they did it and we're honored to be a part of it.

In the end...

What we learned from this experience was invaluable. Having the opportunity to put all of our years of practice into a day's worth of photos was something that you can only understand if you actually do it. I liken it to people with children and people without children. You have no idea what it means to raise a child until you actually do it. No amount of training/reading/research/second hand opinion/advice will help you until you actually do it and experience it. It certainly helps to prepare for the event but until you actually do it, you have no idea.

With this experience we will definitely continue our search for the next wedding. Being new to the business, we are very flexible in pricing. One thing that all potential clients need to understand is that we take our work very seriously. We're not going to put out a handful of photos and tell you to pick from a few (I'm looking at YOU, photographer that took our wedding photos). We're going to capture as many potential moments in time as possible, get the cream of the crop and develop them. Ultimately you have the final say in how we did. Your wedding portfolio is posted to our website and stays there indefinitely. If you see a picture that's in black and white and you would like it in color, let us know. If it's vice versa, let us know. In the end, we are only artists with one goal in mind:

Complete Satisfaction from our Clients.

The only difference between photographers and most other mediums of art is that we have the digital negatives and we can change the final product to something more suitable to your own personal wants and needs.

Take a look at our first Wedding Portfolio and let us know what you think! We love hearing from everyone...

http://goo.gl/6KLxV

White House Photowalk, Part IV

Gah! Three weeks have past since my last post. Life's been busy, the kids are getting out of school soon, I had a nasty cold a few weeks back, Memorial Day weekend, yada yada yada... basically my mind has been elsewhere but as Homer Simpson once said:

"Relax. What is mind? No matter. What is matter? Never mind!"


Pete Souza, White House Photographer, All-Round Nice Guy

We were all herded into a conference room to meet Pete Souza, the guy who took the famous "Bin Laden Raid Meeting Room" photo with President Obama and various other high-level officials. He took the picture of the little boy who met the President one day at the Oval Office and asked Mr. Obama if he could touch the President's hair. Basically, Mr. Souza has nearly 24/7/365 access to the President and consistently turns out great shots, photojournalism-style.

A link to his website is listed at the bottom of this post, before you check it out, let me tell you what I learned from Mr Souza.

He worked for the Reagan Administration for 5 years or so and was the official photographer for President Reagan's funeral. He has many accomplishments under his belt and you can read the impressive list on his website. He's a fairly soft spoken fellow who, on his afternoon off while the President and Vice President played golf, generously gave an hour and a half to speak with a group of photographers.

The one thing, possibly the most important bit of information I got out of this conversation was the importance of trust.


How can he get such access? Doesn't he annoy the president? Is he always working? Why does it seem that he is in the right place, at the right time, all the time? How can one person churn out so many "Decisive Moments" in one lifetime, let alone three quarters of one Presidential Term? Well, when it comes to President Obama (and President Reagan as well), it all comes down to trust. The President knows that Mr Souza is there most of the time and he knows that he is striving to create great work.

Officials that visit the President are sometimes irked or confused when Pete is in the room because of the sensitive nature of the discussion but it doesn't matter. The trust is there. If there's a problem with a photographer being in the room, it's their problem. They have to get over it and continue.

The whole notion of trust is an important one to any photographer. Many fly-by-night photography businesses have sprung up and gone to pasture simply because they aren't really in it for the art. It's a quick buck, take some pictures, hand the client a flash drive filled with unreadable RAW files and disappear back behind the website homepage. This is a problem.

It's great that technology has become more accessible to more people. Digital camera technology is becoming quite close to the old analog filmstrip negatives. It's easy to be "arty" and slap on a bunch of filters but what is truly difficult is taking a digital negative, adjusting only the "Lights/Darks/Highlights/Shadows" and calling it a day.

Photography is like music. I have played the guitar for almost as long as I've used a camera. There are hundreds of effects pedals one can plug into an electric guitar but unless you understand how the fret board is organized, which notes go where, and the difficult job of learning the theory behind music you're just in it for yourself. You can make noise. You can't make music.

The same can be said about photography. Although it's getting more and more difficult to tell the difference, I feel the most people can still separate "professional photographers" from the "Photographers with a capital P". It's really all about consistency, trust and selflessness.

Although Mr. Souza himself said that he captures roughly 1000+ photos a day, the ones that make it to the front page of newspapers, websites and magazines around the world are edited only slightly, to make sure the light is properly balanced.

Another topic that helped me out was in regards to composition. Mr Souza uses a prime lens in most of his work and sometimes there is a photo that is great but maybe he would've liked to re-compose the shot to add something or subtract somone or otherwise make it more visually appealing. I am a perfectionist when it comes to certain things (photography, music). When I was able to pour through all of the images I took from the photowalk, some of them were good, some of them benefited from slight cropping or a change in aspect ration. A few were off by just a few inches and if I could, I would have loved to re-take them... but that wasn't going to happen. Before I heard Pete talk about this, I wouldn't have shared them. However, because I knew that the guy with one of the coolest jobs in the world occasionally has to pinch his nose and share it anyway, I did. If I hadn't heard him speak, I wouldn't have shared this:

Do you see how the very center point is slightly off and located around the bottom part of the inner circle instead of smack-dab in the cetner? That drove me crazy. It still does. Everything else works but the imperfection is there and it pokes me in the eye, every time I see it. I shared it anyway, considering what Mr Souza had suggested and it quickly became a "Featured Photo" on Picasa.

Also, this one:

It's quite an enchanting photo, I've been told it's "Escher-Like" (I'll take it!). So what's my problem? The top level tiles on the left are "not-quite perfect". The angle of the photograph isn't parallel with each set of floors. I wasn't going to share it because of that. There was nothing that I could do to it that wouldn't have taken away from the overall composition. It was either "don't share" or "forget about that and share it anyway". So I shared it and it was very well received (and a photo I submitted to the Plus One Collection's first issue on Architecture).

So basically it comes down to execution on the spot. Compose the shot before you take it and you're life will be easier. Sometimes, however, the shot that works the best is one that perhaps you didn't think would work. For me, no matter how many photos I take of one particular subject, the best shots are usually the first or second one taken. I suppose it mostly due to "seeing the photo" before I take it and shots 2 through whatever are just alternates. It's a challenge not to take 20 shots of one subject, especially since digital cameras allow that to happen but I try to limit myself to 2 or 3 shots per "picture". Anything more than that is a waste of camera life and will make oneself less focused on the composition. Experimentation is fine in the beginning of one's photography travels but once you understand the camera, it's much more satisfying to "catch the moment and move on".

Looking back, I think that the meeting with Pete Souza was my favorite part of the whole photowalk. Sure it was cool walking around the White House grounds, the EEOC and taking an closer look at the Vegetable Garden but from a photographer's standpoint, the information I gathered from Mr Souza highlighted the "once-in-a-lifetime" aspect of the experience and will stay with me for the rest of my days.

Pete's website can be found at http://www.petesouza.com/.

White House Photowalk, Part III

The Eisenhower Executive Office Building

After the garden tour, we had the opportunity to meet with White House Photographer, Sonya Herbert. She gave us a quick overview of her life, how she made it to arguably one of the coolest jobs in the world, and she took questions from everyone. 

After that, we all went our seperate ways for about an hour. I used this time to retread the White House grounds and wade through the masses of people that had accumulated for the "official" Garden Tour. I listened to the band play a bit, went through the Kitchen Garden one more time (which was now completely blocked off, except for a small pathway to the front, for pictures) and made my way out to the street, to the corner of West Executive Avenue and State Plaza. 

I wandered around a bit, taking random pictures of flowers, monuments and buildings, pondered getting a bite to eat, walked back towards the White House. I figured I might as well not miss anything G+ related, so I made my way to the assigned security gate and waited. A few others had already gathered, we spoke about random things: Photography, life working at Google, photowalks around the world, etc. They wanted us to wait a few more minutes-- apperantly the gate that we were waiting at was where the presidential motorcade departed from and they were, in fact, preparing to leave. The President and Vice President had a game of golf to attend and were about to depart. 

This picture may or may not contain someone important:

I actually think there's a good chance someone important is in there. This was one of the last vehicles to exit and the first few vehicles had the front windows down and nice guys with assualt rifles occupying the shotgun seat. 

Anyway, after the Presidential Golf Outing Motorcade complete with Assult Rifles made it's way out, we were let in. After the usual security measures: X-Ray the bags, metal detectors, and an ID check, we were in. After a quick stop by the motorcade loading area, where the VPOTUS and POTUS just were and made our way into the EEOC.

The Eisenhower Executive Office Building


This place was over-the-top. I mean, completely and utterly dripping with POMP. Capital letters, italicized POMP. It was a wonderful building, long hallways, spiraling staircases, giant skylights, shadows, lights, old building-smell and plenty of ground to cover. A nearly-perfect display of style and architecture.

The Indian Treaty Room was the multi-textured, outrageous, probably-should-have-been-more-modest-but-we're-Americans-so-screw-it cherry on top.

We spent a bit of time in there and speaking for myself, it wasn't enough. I had no idea where to start as the place is covered-- floor to ceiling and wall to wall. Why it's called the Indian Treaty Room is a bit of a mystery, although it was used to store documents in the 1930's... by the War Department.

Walking around and touring the building was great. Every corner we turned presented another architectural masterpiece and another not-enough-time to shoot shot. I lucked out on a few:

This one turned out nicely, although the perfectionist in me noticed the center point is a bit off. Also, most of the credit should go to the designer of the skylight... I'm just a guy with a camera (although it is nicely framed).

The stairs in this place were fantastic. Here's one looking up from the bottom level:

And one looking down from the top:

This one was literally "a bit of a stretch" but it worked. One of my favorite pictures I've ever taken (thank goodness for the rotating screen on my Canon).

Towards the end of the tour, we took a break and had some water. We then entered one of the meeting rooms and sat around a large table-- we were lucky enough to have Pete Souza, Head of White House Photography talk with us for over an hour about his job: Photographing the president.

Sooner than later: Part IV: Rappin' with Pete....

White House Photowalk, Part II

Bo, the First Dog

"The country at large takes a natural interest in the President's dogs and judges him by the taste and discrimination he show in his selection. Any man who does not like dogs and want them about does not deserve to be in the White House."  

                                       -- American Kennel Club Gazette, circa 1924

I was minding my own business, admiring the spot where the famous (or infamous) "Beer Summit" chairs in the Rose Garden stood, when a bit of a commotion occurred in the distance. Someone ran by me. A celebrity had been spotted. 

Unsure of what was happening, my eyes followed a line of people in the distance. On the other side of the South Lawn, a dog was walking around followed in tow by The Press. It was Bo, the famous White House Dog.

I knew someone from the Administration might make an appearance and I knew the President or his family wouldn't show up. In my perfect world, Joe Biden would make a surprise appearance-- He'd saunter down the stairs flashing his massive, perpetual campaign grin, say something hilarious, shake our hands and smack us on the backs. He'd schmooze for a minute or two, pepper the conversation with an F or a few A's then check his watch. He'd leave us with some sort of salt of the Earth quotable. He's from Scranton, PA and many of my fellow Pennsylvanians consider him the "3rd Senator from PA". Him and I would get along quite well.

So, it was a bit of a wild card, seeing the First Dog walking around. His trainer was with him and he was very well behaved and went between "Super Confident Dog Model" to "Where'd that guy go that's always with me, I don't like all these weird creatures making clicking sounds at me." 


To be perfectly descript, Bo is a good dog that lives in a super nice house. 

I waited patiently, took a "just in case I don't get a great photo"-photo (picture above) and made my way in front of the pooch, sat down, aimed my camera and started adjusting the exposure.

"Well, that's all, we're going in now," the trainer told the White House staffer.

And just like that, I had missed my chance by a few seconds. It wasn't a big deal, I had enough visual evidence to impress my 8-year old daughter, but I was hoping for a better shot. 


There are a number of nice Bo portraits from the Photowalk if you'd like to see more, check out the #whphotowalk or #Bothefirstdog streams on G+.




up next, part III: The Eisenhower Executive Office Building Tour...

White House Photowalk, Part I

The Setup

On April 21st, 2012, I had the pleasure of attending the first Google+/White House Garden Photowalk. I was selected by the White House, along with 27 other photographers from around the region and the country by submitting an original nature photograph and writing a few lines about why I'd like to go. There wasn't any doubt in my mind that I would love to go but the chances of it actually happening seemed slim. Google+ is populated by thousands of talented photographers and this would no doubt be a popular contest. I wasn't sure how many were to be selected but I knew it was worth a shot.

I submitted a macro shot of some moss with strange red and green seta stalks rising up, a sign of Spring and  regeneration. I wrote something to the effect of "I enjoy finding subjects that may not be noticed at first and I'd love to see the how the Obama's have set up their gardens." 

If they were going to select you, you would be notified by April 18th at 5pm.

On April 18th at 4:58pm, the White House added me to their circles. A few minutes later I received a note from "The Office of Digital Strategy" notifying me that I was selected and I needed to email someone to give my  info and, upon security clearance, I was ready to go.

The 5:20am Wake-Up Call

I didn't get into my hotel until 9pm, the night before the photowalk. I had everything unpacked. I cleaned off my lenses and watched the Los Angeles Lakers get completely torn apart by the San Antonio Spurs. By midnight, I was asleep. I woke up to a combination of the phone ringing, my alarm clock going off and my cell phone blaring "Kinesta" by Bela Fleck. I needed all the help I could get. After a few minutes, and realizing what was about to take place, I was up, moving and in my car by 6am. 

The 40 minute drive into Washington DC was easy. I hit some construction and the detour was 4th Street NE- the exact road I had planned on taking anyway. I parked my car at Union Station and hightailed it to the taxis waiting out front. I chose Union Station because it had ample parking, plenty of public transportation and was only a few miles from the White House. I was hoping to get some pictures of it after the walk, however most of the interior was under construction. My taxi driver was a quiet, older gentleman, as I got into the cab I noticed he was listening to talk radio. 

"Wow, there's a lot of construction going on here", I small-talked.

"Some folks call it con-struction, I call it de-struction", he replied.

James Brown came on the radio. 

It was glorious.

We made our way to the Northwest Visitor gate and my guy dropped me off. I paid the fare, tipped him, he thanked me and I was minutes away from something... but I wasn't quite sure what.

The Garden Tour

As people gathered at the gate, small talk was predominant. I met a few fellow Googleplussers and introductions went around. I met a few people that I had noticed before on G+ but as anyone can tell you, there are many different folks with varied interests from all over the world on the site. It's quite different than any website I've used and eventually, as Brian Rose has mentioned to me, all of Google's services are going to be merged into one. 

As a side note, Brian Rose has one of THE greatest jobs in the world. If you don't know of him, Google him.

Anyway, we were given passes, let in through the security gate, thoroughly x-rayed and scanned. I'm proud to say that everyone made it through. A White House staffer met us and walked us around the West side of the building and... there we were. It didn't take long for folks to start taking pictures. We listened politely and were led through a side hallway, just inside the White House... a shortcut through to the First Lady's Vegetable garden. It was smaller than I had imagined, almost humble, but the plants were growing and the smell of green vegetation permeated through the crisp morning air.

"Now, people actually do eat these vegetables... the Presidents Family, Guests.... so don't do anything to them." our guide told us. 

We were then let into-- and were freely walking around-- the raised gardens. I really couldn't believe it. There we were, a fairly random cross-section of citizens, hunkering over onions, getting close-ups of bees on lettuce patches, rows of cilantro and spinach. I took a second to breathe it all in, got a shot from above my head of all the photographers and before I knew it, it was on to the next sight. 

The tour took to foot and we walked around the smaller road inside the South Lawn. A presidential putting green? A makeshift orchestra pit set up for the Garden Tour event later in the day. A beautiful fountain with the Washington Monument in the background. A long-shot of the White House and then back around, past a display of winter birds, then the Rose Garden. Now, there wasn't very much going on in the Rose Garden, but we did see the chairs where the famous (or infamous, depending on who you ask) "Beer Summit" happened.

And then, on the far side of the road, where we just were 15 minutes prior, our first celebrity sighting:

Bo, the First Dog.


(to be continued)

White House Garden Photowalk Slideshow