My Not So Typical Vacation Photos

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I recently went to Europe. Exciting enough as it is, I took up a challenge from an Italian friend of mine. His challenge...to come back with the "not so typical" tourist photos. Well that proved more difficult than I could have imagined. Everything in Europe seems to be just about post card perfect so I found myself looking beyond the obvious. Most of these photos are mere pieces of a whole and may be completely unrecognizable to any one but me...some are picture post cards after all I was a tourist.

The Question of Sparklers

For many couples, the departure from the ceremony or from the reception presents an opportunity for some very memorable shots. The use of sparklers can help to create dynamic photos and incredibly interesting images that will add to the visual interest of a finished product such as the album. Through the years, I have been asked repeatedly about the safety of sparklers and to what if any damage may be caused to the bride's dress or veil. Several years ago, I did a test of typical fabrics that may be effected to determine if any damage would result from an ember that may fall from a sparkler. I tested silks, satins, rayon blends, charmeuse, organza, shantung, chiffon, tulle and lace. Held at a reasonable distance to the materials, the falling embers had little or no effect on any of the materials. As a result, I have felt comfortable with actually recommending the use of sparklers to my clients. That was until this happened!!



If you look closely, you can see the glow from the ember that is burning a hole in Randi's dress! The ember is stuck in a fold as she runs under the arch of sparklers. Having decided it would be easier to go barefoot through the gauntlet of friends and family, she is also oblivious to the burning ember on the ground before her. Two strides later, she steps on the burning piece of metal.

As always, the purpose of this post is to not sway opinion but to merely educate. Will I continue to recommend the use of sparklers? Absolutely....I adore the fun and animated images that the use of sparklers help create. I would have it though that couples have all the information available so they can make an informed decision about the potential hazards. If you do intend on using sparklers, I would recommend the 3 foot sparklers and not the small ones. I would also recommend a comfortable distance between you and your guests. Finally, I think this photo is self actuating....shoes definitely and to be extra cautious around gowns that have folds in the fabric or the bustle because the burning embers can get caught in them. Left to fall away, the small embers cause relatively little damage... if any.

Dedication To Our Fallen Officers

I want to take a moment to pay my own special tribute to our two local police officers slain in the line of duty here in Charlotte last week. I spent many years as a public servant and some of those years as a Police Officer in South Carolina. Those years remain the most fulfilling years of my life and my heart will forever remain aligned with the men and women in blue and black, grey and tan. ( God Bless them every one) For many years I led our department in “Project Blue Lights.” This program honors fallen officers at Christmas with blue Christmas lights to remind us that our local law enforcement officers are our quiet heroes. It seems even now, not enough. Never enough to say “Thank you for your service to us.”


"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God, which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No Lord. I guess I ain't. Because those who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough... and sometimes I've been violent because the streets are awful tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep... though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me... I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their earthly fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord.... it need not be too grand. I never expected or had too much. But if you don't... I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne where the saints had often trod as the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets. You've done your time in hell."
–Author unknown

Does Traditional Photography Still Have Its Place

It can be overwhelming for couples as they try to determine what style or type of photography they want to use to capture their wedding day. Traditional photography started getting a bad rap a few years back when suddenly the catch phrase of the day was "photojournalism".... I still meet with clients who are confused about the differences and who are being sold a "product" that they don't fully understand. I suggest anyone considering styles of photography to take some time to investigate their differences. In some cases I look at a photographer's portfolio and find that although they call themselves a photojournalist, the style is more reflective of candids.

No wonder it can be so confusing for clients who are looking to capture not only the subtle nuisances of their day but to also have wonderful portraits of their families and bridal party. This is my personal take on the question of photography style when it comes to shooting a wedding. First of all, it takes a special type of photographer to cover a wedding thoroughly and to be personable and responsive to family and guests. Many photographers radiate to a certain style like a physician to a specialty. If a die cast photojournalist was asked to create a studio portrait, they may not have the skills necessary. I believe a wedding can be captured in a variety of styles that meet the needs of not only the bride and groom but their families as well. Couples gravitate to the documentary and candid and grandparents often want to see smiling faces. My philosophy incorporates a mix of styles that can document objectively and narratively but also use basic elements of light, symmetry and composition.

I get many clients who after reading all the latest magazine articles and looking at photographer portfolios stills say..... "I just want beautiful pictures." There are many traditionalists and many contemporary non-conformists. Its the photographer's job to listen to what types of photographs spur feelings and elicit emotions in the hearts of their clients. I shot this couple's wedding a while back and what I found not only from listening to them, but also deemed from their personalities was the need for simplicity and fun. Shelley and Hank's photographs reflect a classic traditional style yet they have many photographs that reflect a more candid, photojournalist approach. Shelley epitomizes grace and elegance. Throughout their day, I was able to get many candid, unsolicited shots as well as more formal posed shots. I had opportunity to be creative and to be inventive while being unobtrusive.

Beach Weddings

As most wedding photographers, I am busy booking my weddings for 2007 and 2008. I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work throughout North and South Carolina and that means..."beach weddings"....I have several beach weddings in the coming year and I am guessing that it can be hard to plan and coordinate such an event. I have gotten several requests from brides to show them samples of other beach weddings because it can be difficult to determine what flowers work best, what type of gown looks nice, how to arrange seating, what time of day is ideal, etc....

It impresses me how creative families can be and I get excited to see the new and innovative ideas that they come up with whether its a beach wedding or a chapel. I encourage taking chances and drawing on your own personal ideas and tastes.

During the summer, I shot this wedding at De Bordieu in South Carolina. Amy and Dave had so many wonderful ideas that they incorporated into their wedding that were unique and personal to them. I chose some of their images because I loved their choice of flowers and how elegantly her gown worked with a beach wedding. Wonderfully sweet couple so I hope you enjoy these.

What to wear for your photo shoot?

I get asked this question all the time and was asked today by a couple to email them my thoughts about their attire for their engagement session this weekend. My response came from an article that I wrote many years ago but still rings true today. I thought it would be great to include it here. I hope that this information helps anyone who is considering their clothing for their next photo session. Everyone wants to look their best for their portraits but remember its really a matter of personal style and should be in keeping with the look you hope to achieve. There are a few factors that I think are important to consider regardless if your session is a studio or on location shoot. To begin, color is a very important consideration. Not only is black classic and slimming it also photographs well on dark backgrounds. I also like burgundy, grey and deep red. On the other hand, denim, pastels, and whites work better with light backgrounds and with most outdoor settings.

Keep in mind however your "good" colors. For example, golden skin tones do not wear shades of blue well, nor do blue skin tones wear oranges or yellows well. I have also found that brunettes photograph beautifully in white and blondes, in black. The contrast can be striking. Hands down white or off-white looks best on a beach location. Breezy, summer dresses are lovely unless the wind catches the dress and billows you like you have gained 40 pounds. I have always found linens to photograph extremely well on the beach. The difficulty is trying to pair an ensemble for a couple. Its never the best idea to be identical... although I have seen it done and it can produce good shots. Clothing with texture is always beautiful in black and white. My best suggestion is to avoid stripes, polka dots, distracting patterns, t-shirts, and t-shirts with decals unless you are both sports fans and support the same team....if not that may be tricky....

As for the style of clothing, its best to not be too trendy unless you are doing portfolio work. Long sleeves are best because bare arms usually distract from the beauty of the face and on a male can change a portrait to a snapshot in one swift move. You might consider bringing a change of wardrobe for different poses as well. However, the key here is to wear something that's comfortable. If you are not at ease with what you are wearing, this will show on your face and will completely take your attention away from the shoot.

Keep jewelry to a minimum. Metals and watches tend to create unwanted reflections. If you wear earrings, keep them dignified. If you have more than one ear piercing, then for a formal portrait, wear only one set in the main opening. If you are going for an edgy look, by all means keep all your piercing. Same for tattoos....cover up for a formal session or if your session is an editorial of you and the work you have had done on your body....then show them off!!!

Makeup and hair is another important consideration. Some young women nowadays do not wear much makeup and that is a good thing. Although a bit of foundation, powder and blush can do much to soften your look in your portraits. Too much applied over acne or redness can accentuate dryness and make the area look much worse.

Dressing children tends to break most of these rules. They can get by with stripes and polka dots when we can not. Contrasting patterns can be adorable on a group of siblings. My favorite shots however have the children of a family...all in the same mid-tones or white.. only dressed differently. For example, a little sister in a quaint antique white dress, her brother in linen slacks and shirt in the same shade and the oldest sister in matching skirt and blouse. Let the clothing demonstrate their personalities.

Most important to remember however, is to be comfortable, relax and have fun, smile and laugh!!!! If that shows through in your portraits it may not even matter what you are wearing....

Little Ones...

I love my work.....how many people can truly say that? The best part of my job is taking priceless pictures of little ones because they don't stay little long. This is a recent shoot that is just too sweet for words. Of course you almost always get more than what you bargained for with a tiny one without a diaper.......