Photographic Artistry » Weddings

A video of coolness!

edvydas — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:46:32 +0000

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We’ve been working at incorporating a small bit of video in our wedding day coverage, more as a kind of extra than anything else. But this time we let our beautiful Montana-based couple Laura and Terry give us a few words about their special day.

Let me tell you a little about this awesome couple. First off, they chose us to cover their fantastic day — an honor and a privilege! They only recently moved to Montana — you could say it was their permanent honeymoon away from their old home base of Chicago, Illinois. They both have fantastic — and loving! — families who helped create this very special event. They are both ardent environmentalists — I have to say their was the first wedding I have ever attended where pretty much all the guests received canvas bags for their groceries along with a set of seeds to plant. Very cool. And very non-traditional!

We love non-traditional.

They took over pretty much entirely Robert Allerton Park near Monticello for their celebration.

The really cool thing — most of their comments had to do with how special the day was due to friends and family. Even though the day was all about them, it wasn’t.

That’s just plain cool!@

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Bridal pricing?!

Krystal — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 03:20:41 +0000

One of our beautiful brides, Julie, poses near her church in Normal, Illinois shortly after her wedding ceremony this July.

Ed and I have gone through many web pages that brides are on, and the most recent that I’ve read and really caught my attention was a woman complaining about photographers’ websites.

She had some legitimate complaints, one was some photographers just plain have bad websites. Very true. I know I’ve seen some. And I’ve shown Ed what I like and don’t like about fellow photographers sites, and I think we have made a good-looking web site.

The other gripe was, photographers not placing pricing on the web site. Well, I can see both sides of the argument, so here it goes.

I don’t want a bride, or a family, or a corporation to not call me just because the price point I have is $100 dollars higher or lower than my competition. I want them to call, or email me, because they have seen my work and would like to know more about what we do.

Every photographer is different, photography is an art and the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I’ve seen some amazing photographs, and I’ve seen a lot of OK shots that had a great subject, which made the photograph seem so much better than what it is. I’ve also seen a lot of very bad photography.

I worry that a bride is going to choose a photographer just because they were a few hundred dollars less expensive than we are. Then the day she sees her photographs from her professional photographer, she is disappointed in the results. Sorry, price does matter!

I don’t want to be the lowest bidder, I want to be the one that is within the price range they have allotted, and they love my husband’s artistic ability. I love that my brides consistently tell me how much they loved how we captured their day, and thank us for all of the effort we put into making their day go as smoothly as it did.

I do understand that having a price range is important, because if you are planning on an allotment of $800 for a full day of photographs, in our area, you are either going to get a shoot and burn photographer, or someone that is still training to become a professional photographer.

Ed and I are professional photographers, we are affiliated with major photography associations, have taken hundreds and hundreds of hours of course work and seminars to be a better photographers. Spending at least 100 hours a year in training, as well as thousands of dollars on equipment, dues, and insurance (yes, we are a business, and we are required to have insurance).

Ed and I both enjoy continuing education, Ed has spent the past four years teaching seminars and college courses to help photographers improve themselves and at the same time we are keeping up with the technology around us. I believe that real professional photographers do continuing education, with emphasis behind both the camera and the computer.

Ed has been behind a camera for more than 29 years, and I have been shooting since 1996 as a semi-pro, and moved into the professional range in the past two years.

By the way, our most popular package is includes nine hours of coverage, and it is $2500. It includes a number of things that would actually cost a lot more if they were all done a la carte.

Our prints are $22 for a standard 8×10, with canvas available starting at $145, and we do have on line viewing, and do allow our images to be placed on Facebook, we even put a few on ourselves! Our after the wedding prices are sometimes far cheaper, sometimes far more expensive, sometimes the same as our competition. But how can a bride learn that looking at just the package prices? She can’t.

I do wish brides had more time to contact more than 3 photographers, and choose the one that best suits their needs, not the lowest bidder for the day. Some brides will spends many, many hours choosing their dress. It makes a splash for just a few hours. The photography of you in your dress, timeless.

Krystal

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Terry and Laura – touring their Windy City

edvydas — Fri, 07 May 2010 02:50:13 +0000

We headed back to the friendly confines of Chicago with another fantastic couple — Terry and Laura who are getting married in just a couple of months in our neck of the woods. They live in Chicago but plan to marry in Central Illinois.

This pair of doctors are getting ready to move to Montana shortly after getting married, but wanted to be sure to tie the knot before heading west. Both of their families live in Illinois and the surrounding states and it would have been bad to go out there and then get married.

This couple is made for each other — and lots and lots of fun to work with!

They put up with me (as many of our couples do) with my suddenly stopping where we were going for a quick shot as I was (as usual) in visual overload in the city.

We did most of the shots at Jackson Park where the Osaka Japanese gardens are located and then headed for Promontory Point. Both places are special for these two — with the Point being where Terry slowed down during a walk and proposed.

I love those romantic spots!

We will be seeing them at Illinois University’s Allerton Park later this year and very much look forward to working with them again!

Pair of lovebirds captured in on the bridge and in the water while at the Japanese gardens.

Special moments near the lake

Laura pulls Terry along as they walk the paths at the beautiful Japanese gardens in central Chicago.

Laura flashes her smile as Terry has some fun

We stopped midway a tunnel to grab a quick -- and very unplanned -- shot near the Museum of Science and Industry.

Laura takes a bite out of Terry's ear while having fun at Promonotory Point at Lake Michigan

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Engaged at Starved Rock

edvydas — Wed, 05 May 2010 10:20:32 +0000

Jennifer and Chris took a trip back to one of their favorite places at Starved Rock near Oglesby, Illinois, while seeking the photos that would say it all about their engagement.

The Chicago-couple (okay — actually Frankfurt couple but Chicago sounds much nicer to me!) found themselves all over the place in a short period of time as we attempted to capture their essence as a couple.

You could say they’re a bit in love. Well, maybe a lot in love! And the day proved to be perfect for capturing that intensity. It was a bit wet (muddy) for our trip but this did not do anything to lessen the fun.

This is the place where Chris proposed to Jennifer — and where they said they make a yearly pilgrimage. Who can resist? It is a gorgeous, gorgeous place to visit. Water, trees and lots of beauty. And they had no problems fitting in.

She teaches photography at a high school while he is a pipe fitter. I have to admit, this combination seemed a bit unusual to me. Silly me. It’s pretty obvious they were meant for each other.

They are getting married just a bit later this summer — so watch out for more photos coming in the not too distant future of this beautiful couple.

Jennifer and Chris share a moment under beautiful skies while visiting Starved Rock for their engagement session with us.

Chris can't resist just a little nibble on his bride!

Okay -- just a simple shot of this cool couple.

Who can resist a bit of time playing in the park.

A spot near Lover's Leap at Starved Rock in Illinois is a perfect destination for romance.

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Oh, my! Where did our standards go. . .

edvydas — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:58:02 +0000

Believe it or not, this has nothing to do with morals or values or anything like that.

It has to do with what people perceive as “good photography.” I’m constantly amazed at what people can accept as good images.

I recently was sent a video that was both funny and sad at the same time. Funny, because it a good representation of what comes from choosing a “cheap” photographer and sad because these “pro” photographers actually thought it was a good image to give something that was out of focus. Wow! Even sadder, if their claim is that they have shot hundreds of weddings with this standard, why weren’t they getting more complaints? Just watch and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Now — whether or not you agree with the verdict and such, this is a fascinating lesson in photography. And there are points I agree with and points that I very much disagree with in terms of what the judge said! But, the judge is still attempting to apply a standard to the photography.

In my photography classes at Richland Community College I define good photography. And I have to — otherwise it is a bit tough to judge images for grading. Here’s a simple way — does the image succeed in communicating? Does it tell you something? And how well does it do the job? A sharp, technically correct image will easily tell a story. A blurry, out-of-focus image may give you an idea but it rarely tells a story.

At one point in time, before the digital age, it was common to shoot fewer images. After all, who had the money to spend thousands of dollars on using lots of film. I’m not advocating that we head back in time whatsoever. What I am advocating is that we start learning how to edit and throw away bad images. I’m sorry to be so blunt, but the out-of-focus and badly posed image of your daughter’s most precious wedding is just not a good way to remember the event. Cheapness has a cost.

Another, Wow! How can anyone actually call themselves a professional and not even know what equipment or lenses they are shooting with? Or what effect cheap equipment has on the final images? If you spend any time on sites such as Flickr you will see some absolutely wonderful images. And even more not so wonderful images.

I’m constantly amazed at what some people will accept — and that I can’t even get to the point of being able to show! I had a bride and groom several weeks back absolutely gushing over an engagement photos a friend shot. It was blurry (motion blur) and it had things growing out of their heads. I’ve always thought that flag poles should stay in the ground and not grow out of a person’s head. Ouch! And, to top it all off, it was greenish! And this is where it gets difficult, how do you tell someone that a shot is bad when they think it is wonderful?

If you want to learn more, you are also very welcome to come to one of our seminars on basic photography.

Give a call to Richland Community College (217) 875-7211, ext. 265 -or to the Decatur Arts Council (217-423-3194) to see what I’m up to in teaching!

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Kayla and Eric — Waiting for their Special Day

edvydas — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:04:28 +0000

It takes a special couple to brave the cold . . . and not look like they are freezing! Kayla and Eric are just that couple and the came out despite a layer of snow on the ground to visit the beautiful Lake of the Woods near Champaign, Illinois.

There were more than a few people who came by, wondering why someone would be taking pictures of a very-much-in-love couple but you know how that goes.

Kayla and Eric will be exchanging vows on July 24th of this year.

Checking him out!

Beautiful couple

Visiting a covered bridge

Beautiful skies

Beautiful colors

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Special New Year for Bloomington couple

edvydas — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:55:27 +0000

The day started as beautiful but cold — and stayed that way the whole way.

But you never would have guessed that if you were with us at the gorgeous Chateau Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington. We found ourselves spending a warm and cosy day working ourselves into our usual shooting frenzy on a wedding day.

Shooting our second wedding of the new year, we chronicled the day of Adrienne and Nicholas — a fabulous and fun couple. And met lots and lots of really cool people who were both family and friends of the newlyweds.

The day was the culmination of lots and lots of planning by Adrienne who found herself working without her groom — as he was away at US Army training! So, this date became even more special as he made it go right to get leave at the right time, not an easy task when part of the Armed Forces.

We are tossing up a few of the images from that day, please enjoy! We will have the full set of photos in about three weeks up and running.

Adrienne and Nicholas twirled their way through their first dance as a married couple at the Chateau Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington, Illinois.

Nicholas gets a joyful and tearful hug from his new mom, Adrienne's mother, during the wedding ceremony.

Nicholas gives his bride a kiss and a dip at the Chateau.

Nick and his crew of wild and crazy groomsmen and ushers.

Adrienne and her gals made the beautiful halls of the Chateau pale in comparison.

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Ringing in the New Year with a special wedding

edvydas — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:22:26 +0000

Cold, oh yeah!

But, who cares when you have a couple getting married?

We ventured out for a New Year’s day wedding with a fantastic couple — Brooke and Matt — to the little villa of Farmer City, Illinois.

The couple, who leave near Weldon, hosted about 100 guests between their service at First Baptist Church of Farmer city and the Woodlawn Country Club. Even though temperatures were hovering in the teens (maybe colder) you could feel the warmth of their relationship. What we also very much appreciate it meeting lots of really nice people, family and friends, who attended the day’s celebration.

We will take a few weeks to get all the photos up and running, but I thought you might enjoy a bit of a preview.

Brooke's sons could not resist the urge to spend a few minutes playing hide and seek while waiting for the ceremony to begin at First Baptist Church in Farmer City, IllinoisBrooke and Matt had a few minutes free this fall during a wild harvest season (can anyone say lots and lots of rain) to get "framed" for their engagement photos.

Okay, that was a bad title -- but what can you say, finding love in a cornfield!

Brooke and Matt found a beautiful season to celebrate their wedding day.

Matt and Brooke pose outside (we were very quick!) at the Woodlawn Country Club in Farmer City, Illinois. They don't look too cold. . .

Okay, let's make this clear. No one can see what shoe's the bride is wearing. So, let's go for a bit of color and sparkly sneakers!

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Training a whole new group of photographers. . .

edvydas — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:34:15 +0000

Wow!!!!

I looked out onto a classroom that was completely full today! It seemed like every seat was filled and that is absolutely thrilling to be an instructor when that happens.

If you are wondering what I am babbling about – along with our business I also teach at Richland Community College in Decatur, Illinois. This is my fourth year as an adjunct (that means part-time in college-speak) faculty member.

I am so excited about this semester coming up that I can barely hold myself together. The world of digital photography continues to change so fast and so wildly that it is hard to keep up – and I have to say, when you teach photography it forces you to keep up!

When I started four years ago Photoshop CS2 was the modern program – and now we are on Photoshop CS4. No one had even heard of what has become an industry standard, Photoshop Lightroom. Cameras were topping out at 6 mB. And who would have even begun to think that digital SLRs would be producing videos that rival cameras that costs thousands more? And that just scratches the surface.

But – one of the coolest things about all this technology and all these advances, all they do is allow a photographer to do a better job faster. I don’t think there will ever come a time when photographers are not part our lives. No matter the advances of camera, it still takes a human to create an image.

I have yet to see a camera that captures the quality of the light (as I heard my friend Bob Davis say more than a few times this summer) without a photographer first seeing or creating it. Nor have I ever seen a camera pose a person so they look thin or eliminate that horrible double-chin. And lots of other things.

I have the perfect image that I’ve posted with this blog to talk about the quality of light as this gorgeous couple I shot in Bel Air, Maryland illustrates. Cool – and they were fun to work with to boot!

If I ever get a camera that can do this without my input, well, I can hang up my Nikons and fade into the sunset.

And I look forward to working with this newest crop of budding photographers on just this kind of an adventure.

Now – if only I had actually taken a photo of that classroom today! Maybe for the next post…

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Premier showing

Krystal — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:10:26 +0000

We had a great time south of Champaign with one of our wedding couples and their families, with their help we turned their two car garage into a 14 seat viewing area to see their photographs projected on the wall. It was a great time, and seeing the kids see themselves on the ‘big’ screen was great!