THE BRIDE & GROOMS WEDDING DAY PREP

We usually start the wedding day photographing the bride, sometimes the groom, getting ready for their big day. This is a fun part of the day for us and usually hectic for everyone else involved. Those involved will be the bride & groom but also could be the parents of the bride, bridesmaids, grooms men, flower girls and friends.
The images usually include the bride having her makeup applied, the groom dressing ( and maybe having a drink lol) the brides mom and bridesmaids helping the bride get dressed  especially the actual putting the dress on ( always a nervous moments for every bride) and a proud moment for her parents.  The nervous father of the bride looking equal parts nervous and proud is also a moment we try and capture

We also  take images of the small details, the ring, the dress, the shoes and jewelry. Anything we feel will help tell the story of the day.  

These are images that represent this part of the day, they were taken at a few of our weddings over the past year. 

Stephanie & Daniel's Wedding Day Video !!

Photographing the Wedding Day & Night !

For every wedding we scout the venue beforehand. We are looking for areas we think will  help us make great images. One type of image we try at each wedding is taken at night usually outside, in the dark.  We could easily use flash straight on, which would be very easy with today's cameras and flash systems, but we don't. We instead light them one of two ways, either with Phyllis kneeling down behind the bride & groom , getting as  small as she can, so not to be seen.( which is what you see in the second and third  images) with the flash pointed at their shoulders. This gives us a nice rim light around the couple. In some cases the light actually reflects off of the wedding gown and the grooms white shirt and provides  a nice subtle light to the front of the couple.

Another way  we light them is with a flashlight, as in the first image, this allows us to keep the natural nocturnal look. If we used the flash it would light up the area and loose the ambiance that we are trying for. We are asked about these type images every time we meet with a couple to discuss us photographing their wedding day ( and night ) and are requested to take the same type image at their wedding.

Below are examples of both styles. 

Gorilla of My Dreams

Ok I know pretty lame title. This gorilla was at Disney's in Florida. These are such interesting animals to observe, I always feel a little sad seeing them in captivity. They have such a regal quality and for such large animals they are very gentle creatures. If you did not know it, they are vegetarians.
I took this with the Nikon 300s camera and the 70 - 200 VR Nikon Lens.

Sun Coming Up Behind Bell Rock, Sedona Arizona

Anyone who knows me, understands that Sedona , Arizona is one of my favorite spots to visit and to photograph. Bell Rock is just one of the many great red rock formations  you will find in the area. Phyllis and I were hiking the trail to Bell Rock in early one morning when the sun started cresting over a section of Bell Rock. I have photographed  this formation many time over the last 40 years and I am always looking for a new way of seeing it.

This first image is of the trail up to Bell Rock to give you an idea of what it looks like.
The second picture is of the sun coming over it.

Images From Stephanie & Daniel's Wedding Day in Portsmouth NH

We had a great time at this wedding. We want to really thank Stephanie & Daniel for allowing us to photograph their very special day!