Tuesday, November 9, 2010

60 Looks in 60 Minutes: Kurt Gerber's PartnerCon Workshop

We were so happy with the turnout today at the workshop in New Orleans.  Kurt would like to extend a big thank you to everyone that participated.  As promised, we are now going to post some key points covering what we demonstrated on the streets of the French Quarter.

Framing
Don't be afraid to take the time to change your position, your point of view, or your lens.  Take a look at your subject from different angles, below, above, and to the sides.  Allow yourself to think about the image you want to create and from which angle it will be the most powerful. 

Background
Before the shoot, scout some natural backgrounds in the area.  Pay attention to what time of day you will be shooting and how that will affect your lighting.  Utilize textures like brick, stucco, peeling paint, wood, flora, and public art to make your photos more dynamic.

Details
Details are what your clients have chosen to make their weddings unique.  Use your own perspective to zoom in and capture the details dramatically and artistically. 

Emotion
Clients are filled with many emotions on their wedding day.  Use your eye and your instincts to capture the emotions as they're happening. Sometimes the moments between moments yield the best photographs so always be present in your view finder. Real emotion is gold.

Focus
Current trends in wedding photography use a shallow depth of field.  We use focal length and aperture to isolate the couple.   

Framing
Natural and man made objects can be used in unique ways to frame the couple.

Light

Light is essential in turning a good photograph into a great one.  We look for situations in which we can make silhouettes, find shadows, bounce light, backlight, and utilize lens flare. Good light can even be found at mid day if you keep your eyes open.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Meghan & Tom

What a classic event!  Meghan and Tom had a chic black and white affair.  Meghan wore a Vera Wang dress with Manolo Blahnik heels.  She had a white sash around her waist for the day and a black one for the reception.  It's great how little changes like that have such a cool effect on the entire look!  They got ready at Hotel Blake, had their ceremony at Old St. Patrick's, and held their reception at the Harold Washington Library.  Their theme was black and white, which went great in HWL's Winter Garden.  After Tom's family sang the newlyweds a traditional song, the party started and everyone had a great time!  Thanks guys!