Dream Tomorrow, Live Today, Cherish Yesterday

Topaz Tuesday - The Kiss

Canon 6D, 24-70mm F/2.8, f/4.5, 1/60, iso 200

As I mentioned, I shot a wedding recently. This was one of the shots the bride had in mind. Was fun doing it with all the rose petals. Tricky shot though, keeping my feet out. Actually just had to hold the camera out at arms length and fire blindly.

It's great in color, no doubt. But as I was looking at it, I thought "hmmm, possibly B&W, let's try Topaz BWE." I tried a few presets and settled on Warm Tone II. Added a bit of protect highlights.

Really happy with this treatment. What say you? Original is on the Continue link.

Fun Friday - Street Wedding - Puna Shoutout

 

Leica M9, 50mm F/2, f/6.7, 1/125, iso 400

Last weekend I had a one day conference in Seattle. I brought my new M9 along of course. When the conference was over, I made my way back to the ferry by way of Pike's Place, was hoping for maybe some interesting street shooting.

Got more than I bargained for, a wedding shoot! As this is Fun Friday, it isn't fine art, but it is fun. And in a shout out to my friend Puna, I'm doing a "slice o life" montage, like she often does on her great blog. So click on the continue link for more!

Lucky Young Man

Canon 20D, 60mm F2.8, f6.3, 1/80, iso 200

This morning I took a quick peek at the last week of blog posts, and quickly decided I needed a people picture today!  Since yesterday I was talking with someone about wedding photography, I decided to go back to this wedding I shot in 2006 (I was the PJ or Photo Journalist shooter).

While waiting for the bride and groom to arrive, I spied these beautiful kids that were to be part of the ceremony.  I asked the parents if I could get them together, then got them away from the crowd over by this tree. I took a few pictures of them smiling, and looking at me, but those weren't really doing it for me.

That's when I got the idea to have one of them kiss the boy.  Well, for a little guy, he was pretty into it and he turned and they kissed right on the lips! Which is kind of a cute shot in itself but...

So that's when I said "both of you give him a kiss!" and you can believe I just held the shutter down at that point.  Now I definitely "set this up" but you can't stage that real expression.  This turned out to be one of my favorites of the day.  When shooting weddings, my thing is to capture these special moments between the guests and the bridal party.  How do you like my little darlings?

Mmmmm. Crab Cakes!

Canon 1D Mark III, 85mm F1.2, f1.8, 1/250, iso 100

This shot was made at a wedding I did last year.  The ceremony was over, the couple had entered the room where the reception was going to be held.  But we were waiting for the light to be just right.  When it was, we slipped back outside for some more portrait shots of the couple.

The caterer's saw what we were doing and brought some treats.  Despite how great they looked, and how hungry all of us were, I said "WAIT!" I grabbed the plate and put it down amongst the flower petals that were all over the area, part of the ceremony.  So I got to combine my food photography with the wedding bit.  Not bad!

Click the continue link for another shot involving these crab cakes that I have always liked.

Wedding Cuties

I like to shoot weddings, as what is known as a "second shooter."  I don't want to be responsible for all of the traditional posed shots, making sure every grandma gets in there, in the right place and all of that.

I like what is known as "photojournalism" or "documentary" style.  Catching the people in all of their moments.  It's really so much fun, and I have a bit of a knack for it.

Boy's Nightmare

Canon 20D, 60mm f2.8, f6.3, 1/80, iso 200

And capturing the kids moments is a highlight for me.  This was a wedding I shot with wedding shooter Leslie B, of NorCal Candids.   Now my style is to lurk in the background, and catch people unawares. But I do admit to staging shots from time to time!  I spotted these kids talking and playing before the wedding party arrived, and moved them over to this tree.  I had them all smile and say "cheese," when I got the idea of a flower girl sandwich!  Luckily the girls complied and the boy had the expected reaction.  (I daresay he looks like he is enjoying it however!)

The other thing I like about this shot is his vest.  You can imagine the family running around, trying to get everyone ready, rushing to the church and so on, right?  And don't you just know that at some point Mom will look at junior here, and have a coronary when she realizes she didn't button him up?