Vivid Visions has jumped into the social media fray with both feet (and a long lens), and we are very excited about the new friends we are making on Twitter in particular. This new element in our online presence necessitated some adjustments to our blog, which is increasingly active. So come on and stop by for a visit:
www.vividvisionspix.com
And if you're ready to join our conversation on Twitter, you can find us @vividvisionspix.
Stop by and say hi!
Friday, May 08, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Professional Wedding Photography: Measuring the Value of a Priceless Service Part I
He popped the question, she said yes, the diamond is gorgeous and the wedding will be spectacular! The caterer is top-notch, the gown is divine, the music is perfect and the photographer wants HOW MUCH?
But Uncle Joe has a nice camera and he is always showing off his photos at every holiday. Maybe he can do the photography, and then there will be enough money to add the Viennese Table to the reception.
STOP RIGHT THERE (please).
Think about the last wedding you attended. Remember the mountains of food? You were stuffed before the cocktail hour ended, and the band was good, but do you remember their name? They certainly weren't U2, or even Glenn Miller for that matter.
Now think about the photography. Did you receive a photo with the thank you notes? Maybe you visited the couple's wedding blog and saw a beautiful sunset image with them walking through the park or down the beach. And maybe one image of the bride and her father just before they walked down the aisle brought a tear to your own eye as you dreamed of your own wedding day. Oh and the flower girl and ring bearer were just precious!
Long after the food is nothing but a stain on your favorite dress, and you have found a new favorite band, the only record of your wedding day-that most special day of days-will be your photographs. Do you think Uncle Joe is up to the task to capturing the memories you hope to treasure forever?
When you hire a professional photographer, you are paying for professional quality images, captured in a professional manner-respecting the sanctity of the ceremony, the comfort of your guests, and the contract for services you both signed.
When you hire a professional photographer, you are buying more than a person to take pictures during your wedding, or any other event for that matter. You are investing in a priceless record of a once in a lifetime occasion. There are no retakes in wedding photography. Your photographer only gets one shot to get it right.
If ever there were a time to hire a professional, wedding photography is that time.
Part II in next week's post-Find out exactly what your investment in a pro photo package pays for.
Comments welcome!
Tell us what you think about the value of professional wedding photography. Did you learn the hard way by having Uncle Joe take the pictures? Did you have an unpleasant experience with a pro? Post your comments here.
But Uncle Joe has a nice camera and he is always showing off his photos at every holiday. Maybe he can do the photography, and then there will be enough money to add the Viennese Table to the reception.
STOP RIGHT THERE (please).
Think about the last wedding you attended. Remember the mountains of food? You were stuffed before the cocktail hour ended, and the band was good, but do you remember their name? They certainly weren't U2, or even Glenn Miller for that matter.
Now think about the photography. Did you receive a photo with the thank you notes? Maybe you visited the couple's wedding blog and saw a beautiful sunset image with them walking through the park or down the beach. And maybe one image of the bride and her father just before they walked down the aisle brought a tear to your own eye as you dreamed of your own wedding day. Oh and the flower girl and ring bearer were just precious!
Long after the food is nothing but a stain on your favorite dress, and you have found a new favorite band, the only record of your wedding day-that most special day of days-will be your photographs. Do you think Uncle Joe is up to the task to capturing the memories you hope to treasure forever?
When you hire a professional photographer, you are paying for professional quality images, captured in a professional manner-respecting the sanctity of the ceremony, the comfort of your guests, and the contract for services you both signed.
When you hire a professional photographer, you are buying more than a person to take pictures during your wedding, or any other event for that matter. You are investing in a priceless record of a once in a lifetime occasion. There are no retakes in wedding photography. Your photographer only gets one shot to get it right.
If ever there were a time to hire a professional, wedding photography is that time.
Part II in next week's post-Find out exactly what your investment in a pro photo package pays for.
Comments welcome!
Tell us what you think about the value of professional wedding photography. Did you learn the hard way by having Uncle Joe take the pictures? Did you have an unpleasant experience with a pro? Post your comments here.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
It's All About the Lighting!
As in any profession, to stay on top of their game, pro photograghers participate in seminars and workshops to enhance their skills and learn from their peers. Today, I had a wonderful opportunity to learn from renowned wedding photographer Denis Reggie, known for his work with the Kennedy family. You may not recognize his name, but there is no doubt you have seen his work, unless you have been truly living under a rock for the last 20 years. Remember that wonderful photo of JFK, Jr. and his bride Carolyn Bissette as they left the chapel right after tying the knot? The photographer was Denis Reggie just doing his job.
Denis is in a class by himself, and his fees are beyond the reach of most. But, since he so willingly shares his technique with other photographers, we can replicate his lighting style for our own clients. The bottom line, as any half way decent photographer knows, is that a great photo needs to be properly lit, and properly focused. The trick that separates the pros from the wannabes is getting consistent results with available light and flash photography.
The techniques Denis shared showed me that I really only need to tweak my workflow a bit to get the consistently well lit results that Denis has become famous for. So, armed with this knowledge, Vivid Visions will be creating images lit in the Denis Reggie style, but offering it at down-to-earth prices so you don't have to be a Kennedy to have beautiful wedding photos.
Denis is in a class by himself, and his fees are beyond the reach of most. But, since he so willingly shares his technique with other photographers, we can replicate his lighting style for our own clients. The bottom line, as any half way decent photographer knows, is that a great photo needs to be properly lit, and properly focused. The trick that separates the pros from the wannabes is getting consistent results with available light and flash photography.
The techniques Denis shared showed me that I really only need to tweak my workflow a bit to get the consistently well lit results that Denis has become famous for. So, armed with this knowledge, Vivid Visions will be creating images lit in the Denis Reggie style, but offering it at down-to-earth prices so you don't have to be a Kennedy to have beautiful wedding photos.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Getting Ready for the Season
The weather here on Long Island has been a roller coaster ride these past couple of weeks, but the calendar tells me that it's time to get ready for the nice weather and party season that will be upon us very soon!
As much as I love the stark beauty of the snowy winterscapes--they make it easier to see the wild birds--the budding crocuses and warm afternoons are a siren song luring me and my camera into the great outdoors without worry of dead batteries and fogged up lenses that the winter weather guarantees. I love the available light of a late afternoon or early morning on shorebird paddling in the Mattituck Inlet, and I marvel at how unafraid most of them are as I aim my lens at them.
This is also the time of year that I start contacting the couples I will work with this summer to remind them to consider their photos as the finalize their plans. Light is the most important consideration in any photo session, and the time of day will make a dramatic difference in the quality of light in your wedding photos. So, as you plan the timing for your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, remember to allow for travel time AND arriving when the light is right.
Of course, any pro photographer worth their salt will be ready to manage whatever lighting scenario is presented, but if given a choice, the lush, warm light of a late spring or summer afternoon will turn a nice photo into a work of art.
As much as I love the stark beauty of the snowy winterscapes--they make it easier to see the wild birds--the budding crocuses and warm afternoons are a siren song luring me and my camera into the great outdoors without worry of dead batteries and fogged up lenses that the winter weather guarantees. I love the available light of a late afternoon or early morning on shorebird paddling in the Mattituck Inlet, and I marvel at how unafraid most of them are as I aim my lens at them.
This is also the time of year that I start contacting the couples I will work with this summer to remind them to consider their photos as the finalize their plans. Light is the most important consideration in any photo session, and the time of day will make a dramatic difference in the quality of light in your wedding photos. So, as you plan the timing for your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, remember to allow for travel time AND arriving when the light is right.
Of course, any pro photographer worth their salt will be ready to manage whatever lighting scenario is presented, but if given a choice, the lush, warm light of a late spring or summer afternoon will turn a nice photo into a work of art.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words
Very often a photograph speak more eloquently than words alone ever could. I love words, the spoken ones (just ask my husband!), and the written one. But the words I love best are those that paint a vivid picture.
This page will supplement Vivid Visions' main blog page by providing links and information specific to photography and my photography work.
It is in this space that I hope visitors will be most inclined to share their thoughts and viewpoints about my work, their own work, or that of another photographer. I will start by suggesting to anyone interested in digital photography visit one of my favorite blogs by Ben Wilmore, a Photoshop expert with a real knack for teaching the non-techie comman man (or woman) how to use Photoshop like a pro.
Ben Willmore's Photography Blog
This page will supplement Vivid Visions' main blog page by providing links and information specific to photography and my photography work.
It is in this space that I hope visitors will be most inclined to share their thoughts and viewpoints about my work, their own work, or that of another photographer. I will start by suggesting to anyone interested in digital photography visit one of my favorite blogs by Ben Wilmore, a Photoshop expert with a real knack for teaching the non-techie comman man (or woman) how to use Photoshop like a pro.
Ben Willmore's Photography Blog
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
