R&R Monday {San Antonio Photographer}

On Wednesday Kimin commented on how all of the vitamin B-12 we've been taking must have been working because we have almost escaped the winter season without getting sick.
He spoke too soon.
On Thursday everyone came down with the flu, common cold, whatever (everyone except my superhero husband). Anyways, we are all on the mend but geeze, with all the technology in the world today isn't there a cure for whatever it is that we all had?

Which brings me to:



Rants:
The common cold/flu/whatever (you don't have to be clairvoyant to guess that one)

Fluorescent lightbulbs- I know I am going to get some flack for this one. I'm all about saving the planet and conserving our resources, however, in terms of photography... I really, really, really do not like when you go into a chapel or reception hall and they have not only fluorescent lights but then they mix in tungsten bulbs, candlelight, and natural light pouring in through stained glass windows, talk about a photographer's lighting nightmare!
Brides, when thinking about the lighting for your ceremony and reception, please, Please, PLEASE, think in terms of temperature.
To give you a quick rundown:
Fluorescent bulbs (ANY kind)= Cool lighting
Stage lighting= usually Warm lighting
Candlelight= Warm lighting
Morning light= Cool lighting
Cloudy, overcast days= Cool lighting
Afternoons & Sunset= Warm lighting
Flash= usually Cool lighting

The proper way to light something (for optimal photography in general) is to avoid mixing temperatures, it's that simple.

No offense Belenn and Criss, I know this wasn't your fault (see below) but here is a bad lighting scenario.


When we walked into the chapel we knew it was a bad lighting combination. It was a pretty easy fix, turn off the fluorescent lights! Awww.. perfect, even a little bit more moody and romantic! I then left to find the bride who was finishing getting ready. When I walked back in the chapel at the the start of the ceremony (to my great disappointment) those ugly lights were turned back on. I tried to be incognito and switched them off. When nobody said anything I thought "disaster avoided" (yes, I can be a bit dramatic). The bride walked down the aisle and all was good... until the priest called me out on it. He asked for those lights to be turned back on and then sat and waited until they did (because the fluorescents had to warm up). Anyways, as much as I wanted to loudly announce "sorry, um, they're broken and should never be fixed" I went with the flow and paid for it by lots of extra work in photoshop.



Is it perfect after being edited in photoshop? It's definitely better.... but I'd rather the problem not be there to start with.

I'm just going to put it out there- ALL BRIDES, please, if you have questions about your lighting or just want some help with it- I'M HERE FOR YOU! Please, email, call, harass me! I am here to help you figure things out so you day is "lit" perfectly.

One last rant, Medium- did they really have to end the series like that?? **Spoiler Alert** I mean really, killing her husband... ugh... that's so.... Titanic.

Okay onto:
Raves!

My hubby, (a shout out to you) for taking out the trash bags full of tissues and for always being there to hold down a kicking, screaming child who'd rather not take their children's tylenol.

Photoshop, for enabling me to do amazing things with my photography

Hulu, for being a constant source of entertainment for me while I edit and edit and edit

Geez, I feel like a either the biggest complainer (rants) or like I'm accepting an award or something (raves).

Until next time...

Mary & Robert {San Antonio Engagement Photography}

We took these photos only two days before Christmas. Mary and Robert had just gotten engaged and they wanted to showcase the gorgeous holiday lights that were strung all over downtown. So after taking a few at the Embassy Miniature Golf Course and then heading to the Blue Star Brewery, we went to the Riverwalk! I think it turned out gorgeously!















Another BIG thank you to the Blue Star Brewery and the Embassy Miniature Golf Course for being so accommodating!

Analia & Luis {San Antonio Engagement Photography}

Analia and Luis were high school sweethearts, now, separated by distance the two are planning a July wedding in the small town of Kingsville, Texas. They wanted to take photos downtown to show off San Antonio. Other than a few curious bystanders and one grandpa-type that kept on insisting that Luis place his hand higher on Analia's thigh (lol), we are able to take some great photos and have some fun!

R&R Monday {San Antonio Photographer}

It has been a crazy busy couple of weeks filled with Weddings, Infants, Engagements, Families, and... the Imaging USA convention, sponsored by the Professional Photographers Association. The convention was packed with information and insight. I walked away feeling a little overwhelmed but full. I just booked my hotel and flight for the WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) coming up in Las Vegas. My husband is lucky enough to tag along and it will be our first child-free vacation since before we had children!

Okay, on to the main purpose of writing today:



Rants:
Girl Scout cookie time. Okay... I do like the cookies but common, it was bad enough last year when the goal was set at 1,000 boxes but now 3,000? I'm beginning to feel like my daughter is pushing drugs (haha some people may equate girl scout cookies to them). Last year she wanted the sleepover at Sea World and this year a laptop but I am putting my foot down!

but really... anyone want to buy any cookies??

Starbucks price increases... ugh my expensive habit is even more budget breaking than ever!

Raves:
Clients that send my photos of their walls.
Okay, sounds weird but it makes it soooo much easier to visualize what your art will look like on your wall. Here is an example from the fabulous Pauline:

Before:


After:


It doesn't have to be a super fancy photo or anything, heck even a cell phone (gasp!) photo will do! Now mind you, it isn't super duper precise or anything, but definitely helps!
BTW this is two 16x24's and two 16x16's

Just Around The Corner {San Antonio Children's Photographer}

That time of year again!
Thought I'd design some cards for the kids to take to school since candy isn't allowed (I know I was shocked too).
One card is for Kylee (my niece) and Brooke (my oldest). Kylee chose a bookmark and Brooke did a heart shaped card.
Oh and BTW, these photos were taken on the fly, in the garage, with a white sheet hanging in the background and a white blanket over a rubbermaid container using all natural lighting (that's how I roll).

Why I am a Photographer {San Antonio Wedding Photographer}

I am in the midst of attending several photography classes (as I do every year) when I was asked what made me different as a photographer. My knee jerk reaction is "Well I take some great photos, make my couple feel good about themselves, have fantastic customer service, know my equipment inside and out. I love what I do..." basically something almost anyone in the class could say. What then, made me different from the people sitting next to me? Assuming our pricing was the same, why would anyone CHOOSE me over them? What made my images different? Again, knee jerk reaction, "They are more candid, natural photos. I see things differently and portray them in a different light. I don't use flash...." and as before, any other photographer in the room could have the same answer.
I was a little frustrated with myself at that moment. What did make me different? Why would somebody choose me over the next person? As the instructor continued on I began to think about my own wedding, 10 years ago, before digital was really around. I thought about my personal wedding photography and contemplated which of my images were most meaningful to me.

I got married on a shoe-string budget (think under $2,000 for the entire event). My Uncle Scott took all of my photos with his Nikon film camera. I have some great photos, especially for the *free* price-tag. Out of the many images which were captured, there are two that I can say, without a thought, are the most powerful to me.



I know, they are pixelated and the white bal... I am going to stop myself there. The important parts of these two images is not the technical aspects of the actual image, but the story behind them.

Kimin and I were taking a break after being photographed for an hour or so... I think my uncle was focused on extended family photos or something. Anyhow, we stepped out of the way. At that moment, there was
no chaos
no family
no photos
just us.
We hugged and Kimin pulled back and said "Janet, we did it. We're married!" It wasn't until after this tender moment, shared only between us, that we realized he was even taking any photos. They are not the most technically correct or even "attractive" photos but to me they are the most honest and true photos of the day.

While photographing wedding after wedding and time after time sorting through the hundreds of images captured I am drawn towards these photos most.
These are the moments I look for while photographing a wedding
These are the photos that I cherish the most
These are the images that take my breath away

This is why I became a photographer.

Raise Your Glass {San Antonio Wedding Photography}

Thank you Robert and Jenny for inspiring the following post.

A good toast should...
Evoke Tears


Provoke laughter


Elicit fantastic memories.


So, to all of the superb toasts I've observed while photographing weddings
I say "Cheers" to you.

R&R Monday {San Antonio Wedding Photographer}

We are not talking about rest and relaxation, this is all about:



So I have decided to start a new weekly post, maybe it's because I LOVE Monday mornings ("Are you suicidal? Only in the mornings." -George Clooney to Brad Pitt in Ocean's 11- yum) or maybe it's because I don't complain enough (Kimin, control your rolling eyes), anyways, here I am and here you are.

I must add the following disclaimer before I go on my rant:
I absolutely adore my brides and grooms, unless a vendor or wedding is specifically mentioned, please do not take this personally! Okay, here we go.

RANT:
Paparazzi
There are those guests at weddings that have their own cameras and want to get their own photos of the bride and groom, no problem- I know that you want to get the shot. Here is are a couple of clues that it is becoming a problem.
1. When you as a guest are more concerned with taking that photo than watching the couple get married.
2. You are practically doing photographer gymnastics to get that shot, I'm talking laying on the floor, standing on chairs, tables, or (here's the really tacky one) calling a bride or groom's name while they are saying their vows to get their attention so you can take their photo (gasp!, this really happened!!)
3. If you are standing behind the couple and over the officiants shoulder taking photos during the ceremony.

Honestly, it doesn't bother me when people bring cameras to weddings- this is the wedding YOUR dear friends and family- who wouldn't want to take some photos?
Here is the REAL issue:
It is distracting- not just to me, the officiant, or even the bride and groom, but to everyone who is attending the ceremony. Several my clients have professional photographers in their family and despite the price tag have decided to hire us to photograph their event- not necessarily because we are better, but because they want their friends and family to enjoy themselves and relax.
The greatest compliment a bride can give me (about my photography etiquette during the ceremony) is "I didn't even notice you were there."


Okay! Now on to my RAVE!!

The awards goes to: Veronyka's Color Salon & Spa- the Stone Oak location


I have worked with this salon on a few occasions and each time I have been blown away with their superb customer service. One occasion stands out in particular: Claudia was married in November and had some definite anxiety- so much that she experienced every brides' nightmare:

Hives.

Ximena to the rescue!

This amazing woman (and no I cannot pronounce her name) appeared out of nowhere and produced some magical (i.e.; herbal) remedy that instantly calmed the bride- oh, and those hives? They retreated faster than the French army (honestly, I have no idea what that means, my hubby always says it and since I used his photo for the comic...).

Anywho, not only can you go to the salon but the fantastic artists (because what those stylists do is nothing short of a work of art) can come to you and your bridal party (hollah!).

So to Veronyka's (in the words of Wayne & Garth) *sha-wing*.

A Stolen Moment {San Antonio Wedding Photography}

Right after their wedding and reception, moments before leaving as husband and wife, a little moment, a stolen kiss... what better end to a day than this?
Maggie and Bobby, thanks for sharing your day with us.