As a photographer, I've had the privilege of being the silent observer, capturing ephemeral moments into timeless memories. As I reflect upon the past year behind the lens, it's a journey of weddings, graduations, family bonds, professional milestones, and the rhythm of music echoing in vibrant events.
My camera has been a silent companion, preserving the chapters of diverse lives. This blog post is more than a portfolio showcase; it's a narrative of the human experience, told through the visual language of photography. So, let's step into the frame together and embark on a visual journey that encapsulates the essence of the moments that mattered in the year gone by.
Over the course of 2023 I captured graduation ceremonies - ranging from kindergarten to college, weddings, corporate events, portraits, and music. I must start off by saying that each type of photography is a niche into itself - just because one finds themself comfortable and producing good shots at one type, does not mean they will flourish in the other without some practice.
I learned that being a good wedding photographer is more than being a good photographer. It’s being a good communicator, a good coordinator, a good mediator, and most importantly a good listener. It’s being adaptable, being professional, and being open to new ideas whenever the opportunity arises. It’s about knowing your craft so well that taking a good photo is the last thing on your mind - you know confidently you will produce a high quality product - so you can focus your energy on helping your client with navigating the emotions of the day.
On the other side of the lens, portrait photography unveils an environment of tranquility and relaxed energy. Without the time constraints and the bustling energy of a wedding day, a portrait session provides an opportunity for both the photographer and the client to breathe and delve into the artistry of the craft. What sets portrait photography apart is the chance to forge a deeper connection with the client. Without the distractions of a bustling wedding day, the photographer and the subject can engage in a more personal dialogue. In the realm of portraits, the client is not merely a part of the frame but an active collaborator in the creative process. This collaborative spirit allows for a more intimate exploration of their story. The result is a collection of images that are not only visually striking but also reflective of the subject's unique personality and style.
A wedding day is a symphony of nerves, excitement, and joy. However, this emotional intensity can also be a double-edged sword. Brides and grooms, overwhelmed by the gravity of the day, often carry the weight of stress on their shoulders. Navigating through these heightened emotions requires not just photographic expertise but also an empathetic touch to ease the tension and capture genuine moments of joy.
Ever been to a wedding where everything goes according to plan? Yeah, me neither. Weddings are like a live concert – you plan out your setlist, but sometimes the crowd wants an encore. They’re like a sitcom too, complete with comedy, drama and unexpected plot twists. To capture the perfect family moment often means diving into a pool of stress and high expectations. It becomes a tightrope walk – directing poses, adjusting lighting, and playing the zen master to soothe parental nerves. Brides and grooms are juggling emotions, excitement, and a pinch of anxiety.
Yet there's an inexplicable thrill in stepping into uncharted territory. New venues and people mean exploring hidden corners, finding unique perspectives, and turning ordinary spaces into extraordinary backdrops. Each location brings with it a unique atmosphere, a different flavor, and a canvas waiting to be painted. Every nook and cranny holds the potential for a breathtaking shot, and the joy lies in discovering those pockets of magic that become timeless frames. Being a good photographer is not just about capturing the obvious; it's about navigating the unseen.
I've also come to learn that while mastery of the craft is essential, the true key to flourishing as a photographer lies in cultivating strong business connections. I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of networking with wedding vendors and other business entities. Building meaningful relationships within the industry not only opens doors to collaborative opportunities but also enhances the overall client experience. The synergy created by connecting with wedding planners, venues, and other professionals has allowed me to offer a more comprehensive and seamless service to my clients. In the world of photography, it's not just about capturing moments but also about the connections we make that contribute to a flourishing and thriving business.
Below I will highlight a few of my portrait and wedding shots from the past year. The creative process varies for each. Navigating between these realms has not only expanded my technical skills but has also deepened my appreciation for the unique artistry that unfolds within each frame.
Here I will begin with some portrait shots:
This shot was taken in a local state park and I believe really defines the essence of the subject. He is a local musician and actor, pursuing a career behind the screen. Here the water was casting a cool mist over the surface, and the timing of golden hour, with the subject facing towards the setting sun adds a subtle key light while giving the background a beautiful illumination. This portrait not only captures a moment in time but encapsulates the very essence of a local artist navigating the harmonious interplay between nature and his pursuit of a career behind the screen.
Here is another shot from the same session with our subject. This time utilizing the setting sun to add a stunning backlight bursting through the trees. The slight Dutch Angle adds some depth and character to the final product.
For some reason I'm really appreciating these music portraits shots. Here we have a local musician expressing himself, perhaps for a cover album or promotional work. The waterfall, trees, brown jacket, and natural woodwork of the guitar all scream nature and rustic. The beautiful blue of the guitar body blends beautiful contrast with the mossy green on the rock. The headstock of the guitar adds a unique frame to his face. Leaves crunching beneath his feet portray that he's not afraid to stray off the beaten path and get his shoes dirty.
Here is another shot with the same subject. This session was for a professional headshot. I gravitate towards this photo, because with the above session in the foreground you can grasp the energy of our subject, comparatively he seems relaxed, grounded, and open to the energy of music. The unkempt hair and casually unbuttoned shirt are not a disregard for presentation but a deliberate choice to stay true to himself. In a world that often demands conformity, he stands confidently, embracing the authenticity of his self. This professional headshot isn't about concealing imperfections; it's about revealing character. Just as the previous photo captured him serenading a melody by a waterfall, this image captures the harmony between his music and his unpretentious, relaxed spirit.
Here is a favorite family portrait photo of my mine from this past holiday season. Snow-capped Christmas trees glistening with lights. The parents, radiating joy and love, cradle their precious infant daughter. As picturesque as the scene was, the challenge lay in orchestrating the perfect pose for a little one brimming with curiosity and boundless energy. To help, I resorted to a playful tactic, pulling up a video of her favorite TV show on my phone. The enchantment in her eyes and genuine reaction of her parents as she gazed at the screen added an extra layer of authenticity to the photograph, turning what could have been a posed shot into a genuine reflection of family joy during the holidays. This portrait not only freezes a moment in time but encapsulates the magical and sometimes amusing efforts that go into capturing the spirit of a family.
This shot transports us into the heart of a musical haven housed within a rustic barn, where the raw energy of the performance converges with the charm of a bygone era. The interplay of overhead lighting and the warm glow of ambient string lightbulbs casts an enchanting aura, infusing the scene with a rustic vibe. In this intimate intersection of music and rustic aesthetics, the photograph encapsulates not just a moment of sound but a visual melody that lingers in the soul.
In this electrifying shot, the essence of the musician is distilled into a visual tapestry. Equipped in a distinctive leather vest, patterned button shirt, and adorned with a Native American bone choker, the artist weaves a tale of eclectic passion. The acoustic guitar, cradled in skilled hands, becomes an extension of his soul. Bathed in a radiant backlight from the venue, the silhouette emerges as a testament to the energy emanating from each chord. The interplay of shadows and highlights casts a dynamic spell, encapsulating not just a musical performance but a captivating moment frozen in time.
Shifting perspective I will now highlight a few of my favorite wedding shots. And I say a few because I could write a whole book on wedding photography. I will pick a few shots that have unique technical and compositional elements. Each photograph carries the weight of countless stories and memories, making it a challenging yet rewarding task to choose which tales to unveil.
In this mesmerizing photograph, a bride and groom share an intimate moment on a deck overlooking the ocean during golden hour. The setting sun, casting a warm and gentle glow, beautifully illuminates the couple, creating a timeless and romantic ambiance. The bride's veil dances in the breeze, flowing around them. As they touch foreheads, their connection is clear, capturing the essence of love and commitment. The sun's glimmer highlights the bride's ring, symbolizing the profound significance of the moment. I would say this photograph is a harmonious blend of natural elements, lighting, and a tender pose, culminating in a captivating visual narrative that celebrates the magic of love against the backdrop of nature's grandeur.
Next we have one of my favorite shots of the season. In this photograph a bride, flanked by her parents, portrays a commanding presence in the opulent living room of a Victorian-era mansion. The rich history of the setting is accentuated by an old portrait gracing the wall behind them, adding an extra layer of timeless elegance to the composition. What sets this image apart is the palpable sense of authority and seriousness, reminiscent of a classic mafia portrait, capturing a GQ-worthy intensity. The strategic use of camera flash becomes apparent as it casts just the right amount of light to highlight the details and expressions, ensuring the trio commands attention in this powerful shot. The choice to revisit this spot for various shots of the bridal party adds consistency and allows the grandeur of the Victorian setting to play a recurring role in telling the visual story of the wedding day. This photograph is a masterful blend of compelling composition, dramatic lighting, and a touch of nostalgia, creating an unforgettable and cinematic moment in time.
In this dynamic photograph, the grandeur of a vast bridal party takes center stage as ten groomsmen, along with the groom, stride confidently towards the camera against the backdrop of a sun-kissed ocean horizon. The setting sun casts long, exaggerated shadows behind the groomsmen, adding a cinematic quality reminiscent of a compelling movie poster. The on-camera flash artfully balances this effect by illuminating their faces, creating a captivating interplay between shadows and a warm, radiant glow. As the groom leads the procession, laughter and camaraderie are palpable, capturing a genuine sense of joy and friendship. The shot perfectly encapsulates the energy and enthusiasm of this lively group, freezing a moment of shared happiness in a visually stunning composition. This photograph not only immortalizes the exuberance of the groomsmen but also showcases skillful use of light to craft a memorable and cinematic scene.
In this enchanting photograph, a bride and groom take a leisurely stroll down a garden path, their hands entwined in embrace. The scene unfolds like a fairy tale, with the couple framed by the lush greenery of nature on either side. The sheer joy radiating from their faces adds a magical quality to the image, capturing a moment of pure happiness and serenity. The strategic use of both natural light and on-camera flash results in a perfect composition, highlighting the details of the surroundings while ensuring the couple remains the focal point, bathed in a soft and flattering glow. This photograph not only encapsulates the romance of the moment but also exudes a timeless and dreamlike quality, making it a visual narrative that resonates with the whimsy of a fairy tale romance.
In this vibrant and energetic photograph, the groom takes center stage on the dance floor. This candid moment captures the fun and carefree side of weddings, where people let loose and revel in the joyous occasion. The photo not only showcases the lively atmosphere but also highlights the skillful art of dance floor photography. The challenges of capturing dynamic moments in low-light conditions with varying RGB lighting from DJs has to be carefully navigated. The strategic use of flash is essential, creating a balanced and well-exposed composition that preserves the energy of the dance floor while allowing the personalities of the wedding party to shine through.
