Tuesday, August 31, 2010

JVS Speedlites Workshop

Flash.  Off-camera lighting.  I love learning about these aspects of photography.  I feel like anyone can pick up a camera and learn the mechanics of ISO, shutter speed and aperture in relation to ambient light.  But introduce off camera flash and modifiers and I turn into a head-spinning cartoon character.  Zack Arias' OneLight workshop gave me the foundation of lighting knowledge (can you say "Inverse-square law?"), but the JVS Speedlites Workshop slowed the head-spinning and allowed me to work on fine-tuning my skills and knowledge.

Joseph showing us how to use the Bruce Dorn Strip Bank...


...the beauty dish...


It's incredibly liberating to create your own light, rather than having to find it. All of these images were SOOC.  Camera settings:  200iso, 200 shutter, 4.0 to 5.0 aperture.

Jen Lowe was my fabulous lighting partner and subject.  Practicing using an umbrella as a reflector...


Jill Myers, working it for the camera!  Beauty dish...


Shoot-through umbrella...


Holy.  Smokes.  The first time I've seen a parabolic umbrella in real life!  (As opposed to head-spinning cartoon life, naturally.)


Speedlite with grid (I love this dramatic lighting!)...

A huge thanks to Love Life Images for hosting the workshop in their amazing Savage, MD studio! Pin It

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Ceresville Mansion Wedding: Pam & Justin

Pam had a stalker on her wedding day.  And this person was paid to do it.  It might have been creepy, except it's one of the perks of getting married at Ceresville Mansion.  I loved it, and thought it was a fantastic idea.  I mean, who doesn't want to be pampered on their big day?  The bride's stalker made sure Pam had an array of food (cheese platter, fruit platter, and hot appetizers!) to nibble on as she got ready, as well as water, drinks and ice to keep her refreshed before the ceremony.  I could have spent the entire evening upstairs in the mansion and been perfectly content!  Oh, but, it wasn't about me!

The wedding was intimate - filled with their closest family and friends.  Pam opted to walk down the aisle unaccompanied, and drank in the sight of all the guests who watched her radiant approach.  She then locked eyes with her future husband, and her gaze was inseparable from his for the rest of the evening.  And if the love and affection they displayed for each other throughout the evening is any indication, they will be joyously stalking one another for the rest of their lives together.

I loved all the purple hues in Pam's bouquet.


Carla Ligon-Miller did a beautiful job on Pam's hair and make-up.





Wooooork iiiiiit...


Pam and Justin opted for a first look.  I *love* when couples choose to do this!  Many think that a first look takes away from the moment of first seeing your future wife or husband during the ceremony, but those who do a first look are able to experience the same joy and excitement, and even enjoy the ceremony that much more.  It also gives a couple more time to get the photos they want on their special day.





The glowing bride.




I absolutely loved this lily pond...





Pam and Justin, thank you for allowing me to share in your special day with you. I wish you much love and laughter as you begin your lives together!

Also, a huge thanks to my west coast friend Ashleigh, of Ashleigh Taylor Photography, for allowing me to shoot along side you for the day. I loved seeing you and spending time with you again! Pin It