Tracy and Josh engagement and bridals

I'll admit that these are a bit late in making it to the blog. I am finishing up editing the wedding photos, and thought it would be good to share a few photos from the engagement session and the bridal session (since I am so far behind, I am doing a two for). Wedding photography is still fairly new to me, but so far I am enjoying it. Tracy and Josh were so much fun!

I have to give a nod of respect to Tracy and Josh. It was cold during the bridal shoot. They handled the cold extremely well.

The engagement session was done near Saltair. If you are wondering, this photo was their idea, they brought the ball and chain, good fun and laughs!

Wedding with Threewinks studio

Early this month, I had the opportunity to shoot as a second shooter for Stacy Young aka Three Winks Studio. A while back I was able to second shoot for Scott Jarvie, so this was my second chance to see real wedding photographers in action. In Utah we have sooo many wonderful photographers who are willing to outreach and share. Thanks Scott and Stacy!

Here is one of my favorites from the wedding:



One thing I have learned is that everyone brings a camera, so you need to be assertive or you will miss those shots. At the same time there is a juggling act of making every one happy, on the happiest of days. It is the brides day. Stacy was the hired photographer so I tried to stay out of the way and get some behind the scenes/candid photos while watching and absorbing.



I talked about this when I shared my experience shooting with Scott Jarvie, the relationship with the client is sooo important. Just as important as any photography skill. Here is M (the groom) teasing Stacy as she was shooting his bride with that big Nikon lens.



One more I really liked!



I love candid photography work:





Some of those little details:





I particularly loved the interaction between C (the bride) and her grandfather.



A few more, enjoy...

Second shooter for Scott Jarvie

Last weekend I was able to be a second shooter with Scott Jarvie. Jarvie was gracious enough to let me follow him on a wedding shoot.

My intention was to sponge all the info I could out of Scott about wedding photography. Actually there wasn't much sponging as Jarvie was giving me tips at a near constant barrage. First off I want to thank Scott for being Scott. You really need to get to know the man to understand why I say that. There are a few people in this world that you want to be around because the exude fun and Scott is one of them. You can't help smile if you are around the guy for very long.

First thing I learned from Scott. Be the wedding couples friend. Sounds simple but I could see the respect and love that Adam and Jessica had for Jarvie. They thought they had the best wedding photographer in the continental US and probably the world (I think they were close to right on this one).

Scott with the soon to be wed couple

Another thing Scott explained to me was how important it is to be in control. You want people to think (even in moments where you yourself are confused) that you know what you are doing, that you will take care of them. You can't be timid, tell people what they should do and why.

In the words of Scott, "Talk the the bride before hand tell her where we should do the group photo (the location you found that has best light and is best for a group). Don't tell her there are other options, just tell her it is the place that will work for the large group photo. Once you are done talking to the bride, tell the group that the bride wants the group photo (everyone) done at the location you picked." Because the bride wants the photo done at the location there is less grumbling and things move more quickly.

One of the million little golden tid-bits that Scott shared!



Another lesson learned: You're going to need that wide lens. Wide lenses tend to make people look well wide, but sometimes it is all you can do. Also if you try to go long instead of wide, you may end up with photos of the back of the groups head as everyone crowds around the bride and groom with their own cameras.

This one was big for me, I love to shoot long and shallow. Had to go wide...



Get to know (quickly) key players. If mom makes a lot of the decisions make sure that you get on her good side to help you with crowd control. If the bride is the decision maker then learn to work with her so you can make her day her's.



So you might ask why no actual how to take picture tips?

Well here is the tip: Don't try to learn photography at a wedding. I now this seems obvious but Scott pointed out that some people ask to shoot with him at a wedding because they want to learn to shoot better. There are so many places where it is easier to learn. Shoot at birthday parties, family events, your own home. Experiment and learn every nook and cranie of your camera and how it works. I wanted to learn business aspects of photography from Scott. A wedding is not the place to learn new techniques, but is the place to put into practice all the techniques you have learned!

OK now for a few pics from the wedding:





I guess I was feeling like a black and white day...



I loved the expression on this bored little kid ;)



OK a few color images: