Spring is Here in the States

So that means the majority of weddings are here also. Here are some things to think about when hiring a photographer. Remember a photographers website will only show the best, so if it doesn't look good, walk away! If you go for the $500 wedding photographer, that's exactly what you're going to get. GET AN ALBUM! You'll look at that a lot more than the video. Do you really need video? Most photographers can do video clips for you. Whomever you're hiring for video is not Steven Spielberg. Don't expect a Hollywood production for $3000. Not gonna happen. Remember that when the expensive meal, flowers, chair covers, DJ, and cake are gone all you have left are the images. If your photographer does not initiate a meeting or lunch or portrait session with you prior to your wedding, do not use that photographer. The first words out of a good photographers mouth will be to ask what you expect as a final product. When you hire a photographer you will probably not have a detailed schedule so you can't be very specific about time. Remember his time is money. The average time of a wedding from start to finish can be up to 8 hours so don't book the photographer for 4 hours.  A good photographer will attend the rehearsal to meet the important people. The  Best Man and Maid of Honor should actually help in keeping the Bride stress free. Let them know that they may be asked to be a trouble-shooter. Don't pick a drunk. Make sure the DJ knows to announce important points in the event and does not let those happen without the photographer present. Have the wedding planner organize as much as possible. That is why they get paid. And last but not least remember that if everyone at the ceremony jumps in front of the photographer with their iPhone when you are walking down the aisle, you images will not look good!

Spring is Here in the States

So that means the majority of weddings are here also. Here are some things to think about when hiring a photographer. Remember a photographers website will only show the best, so if it doesn't look good, walk away! If you go for the $500 wedding photographer, that's exactly what you're going to get. GET AN ALBUM! You'll look at that a lot more than the video. Do you really need video? Most photographers can do video clips for you. Whomever you're hiring for video is not Steven Spielberg. Don't expect a Hollywood production for $3000. Not gonna happen. Remember that when the expensive meal, flowers, chair covers, DJ, and cake are gone all you have left are the images. If your photographer does not initiate a meeting or lunch or portrait session with you prior to your wedding, do not use that photographer. The first words out of a good photographers mouth will be to ask what you expect as a final product. When you hire a photographer you will probably not have a detailed schedule so you can't be very specific about time. Remember his time is money. The average time of a wedding from start to finish can be up to 8 hours so don't book the photographer for 4 hours.  A good photographer will attend the rehearsal to meet the important people. The  Best Man and Maid of Honor should actually help in keeping the Bride stress free. Let them know that they may be asked to be a trouble-shooter. Don't pick a drunk. Make sure the DJ knows to announce important points in the event and does not let those happen without the photographer present. Have the wedding planner organize as much as possible. That is why they get paid. And last but not least remember that if everyone at the ceremony jumps in front of the photographer with their iPhone when you are walking down the aisle, you images will not look good!

Natalia's Photo Shoot in SOBE

I had the pleasure of having Natalia model for me again, this time in South Beach. I wanted to make portraits using only existing light as much as possible. With the exception of a very few images toward the end at the Jackie Gleason Theater, all were in fact existing light images. All were made with my Canon 50mm f 1.2L lens. I really appreciate this lens as it allows me to be rather invisible to those that might care about doing photo shoots in SOBE. So as long as you fly under the radar, no one is likely to ask for your permit. I would also suggest changing locations as that will help with not drawing attention. Anyway, we were able to get in several locations and different looks. I hope you enjoy the images.

Carolina's Portrait Session

Recently I sent out a call for complimentary portrait sessions for women that are not professional models. The idea was to make an effort to offer the opportunity to women of all ages and types a Glamorous Modeling session. I know a few photographers who have offered this service in other areas of the country with great success. After your teens or a wedding, how many times do you have the chance for a portrait session of your own. The answer is universally simple, not at all unless you're in the entertainment industry. I'm not talking about a Boudoir session, just a regular portrait session of yourself with a couple of outfit changes. Carolina was my first model. She initially needed some head-shots, but was intrigued with the portrait idea also. My object was not only great images, but to also have her feel the pampered modeling experience for a couple of hours. I decided to do the session outdoors to see how that worked. This time of year is beautiful and comfortable. The images were mainly made with natural light, with the assistance of a reflector to fill in some, but not all of the shadows. Shadows tend to show depth and make an image more interesting. At the end of the session I was pleased to find out that Carolina really enjoyed the session and did in fact get the "model experience" while we were shooting. I plan on doing several of these sessions. The session is complimentary, and the images may be purchased at a considerably reduced rate. Facebook images are always free. If you are a woman over thirty-five (or close) and are interested please contact me. The reason I am offering a limited amount of complimentary sessions is that I plan on making this genre a part of my core photography business. Everyone should be able to feel like a model for a day!