Those other Wedding Images

As photographers, we often get excited about those images that are a bit different. Since we are photographing all the time, a picture of a couple looking into the camera is, well, kinda boring. In the photojournailistic style of documentary wedding photography, I am always looking for unique images. This one is a favorite of this past year. It's during the cocktail at Linden Place in Bristol, RI. They have these Greek statues around, and I saw these two guys talking over drinks. Almost as if the statue is either ignoring them or maybe, pretending to ignore, but really listening in on their conversation.

Return to Honduras

On August 8, I am heading back down to Honduras for a one week stay in Yuscaran. I just got off the phone with the coordinator (wow, connections are bad calling there - sounded like a cell phone connection from 1987) We are on track to start helping with construction of the foundation of the church. There will be 23 of us going down. We stay in rustic cabins in the mountains, enjoy meals with the Hondurans and then work along side them in the building of this small Episcopal Church. Each time I go, my Spanish improves. Well, it's easy to improve when you don't speak it at all. The best teachers are the children. They correct you, and then keep yammering away until you get it. All with a smile. I'm thinking of going to language school in January, cause I really love these people, and so want to get to know them more.

Children of the World Project

I am currentlyly editing a project that is years in the making. It's called Children of the World, tentative title. The project includes photographs from Africa, Honduras, Germany. It should be up in part this weekend. Check the personal projects section of my web site.

Portraits don't have to be Posed

I've been continuing my education in photography just about every year with a seminar here and a workshop there. The trends come and go. The newest trend is a bit of a revolt against the Photojournalistic style, and a push back toward posed portraits.. The reason that's given is "People want good portraits." While I agree, we all want to capture good portraits, my question is why does a good portrait have to be posed?

This image of Marilyn is not posed. I did not say, turn your head, look down, smile, but naturally. NOOOOO! I was at her apartment, she was getting ready, found myself a good spot near a window with nice light, and I watched her as she prepared with her friends and family. I watched through a medium telephoto lens, patient, looking for those moments when... and there it was, I don't recall the incident, something funny, something sweet, something someone said or did. But, it was a natural moment, and it's my job to be there and be ready.

Is this a portrait? You bet, and an awesome one at that. She's selected it for all the parent albums, and her album. And, I've selected it as one of those iamges that's just so wonderful...well, it's gotta go on the Blog

He's Back!

Our son returned from his 2 month journey through Europe. The pics are from Monday night, when we picked him up at the Airport - not award winning photos, but fun to capture the reunion.

Greece, italy, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Germany, France & Holland. What an Experience! It's been fun to hear his stories - Stories of overnight train rides, Florence at 4 a.m. in McDonalds, Homeless Italians, Amazing Food, Museums, World Cup Soccer, Hikes in the Alps.

Sandhya & Cliff

Sandhya & Cliff are getting married, she's Indian, so this will be a traditional Hindu wedding. I've done Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Islamic weddings before - so this one will complete the five major religions of the world. Hey, I should put together a slide show of all 5 religions wedding. that will be cool.

Sandhya & Cliff (he's from Canada) and I spent some time doing engagement photography on the beach recently. They were kinda shy, which is cool, cause I'd be the same way if I had that big camera pointed at me. But, I got this one which I just think is a great natural moment.

Engagement Photography

Seems like more and more couples want to do Engagement Photography, which is great, because it gives us a chance to meet and get a feel for one another. I'm about to go out the door and do an engage session right now, so i was looking over recent sessions for inspiration and thought I'd post these from earlier this summer.