There's a lot of pros and cons to destination weddings. While ideal for some couples, they can be a nightmare for others. They are not for everyone. I, however, love photographing them! It is both challenging and inspiring shooting in exotic locations... I love taking advantage of different architecture and landscapes, incorporating the foreign flavor.
It's been a long time coming... I needed a new website. Mostly, I needed to separate my art and travel from wedding and lifestyle photography. Ultimately, I wanted the intention of my work to be more clear for my clients and viewers. I was a bit hesitant to have a wedding website because I don't see myself as just a wedding photographer... however, the work wasn't being showcased properly, and I feel this site is a better reflection of my style.
In the works... my travel and art website. This is challenging because I have to go through literally tens of thousands of photos to gather new content. It's pretty wonderful to reminisce over the amazing places I've been able to experience over the years. Stay tuned!
In the meantime... voila! Click on the image to visit the new site.
Sweet and stunning Suzanna...
I was looking through one of my favorite photography books the other day, Steve McCurry South Southeast. He is one of my favorite photojournalists. In his career, he has survived a plane crash at sea, a beating and near drowning in India by zealous crowds at a religious festival, and was nearly killed by a rival Mujahadeen faction. He was reported killed twice. All his photographs have 3 very important qualities to them: composition, subject and light. His subject matter ranges widely but they all work powerfully to evoke something within. To me though, it is his use of light that elevates his work. A stream of light coming through a window, dramatic side lighting on a herd of camels, women in a desert windstorm in an orange dusk light, front lighting that ignites emerald in the green of an eye. Every photo is made extraordinary as a result of his use of light. In the field there is no-one around to hold a bounce reflector to fill in the shadows... you have no choice but to study it and master it... and make it your own.
These winter months have left me longing for natural light. Although studio lighting will always have it's place, natural light is king. It is magic. Bring on spring!
The photo below is from a photoshoot with Primary NY last year. We had been using studio lighting, but switched to natural light to soften the looks. Note how the hair is slightly back lit, the skin illuminated, the folds of the fabric highlighted. A perfect example of taking advantage of directional lighting (and working with a great model, thanks Lauren!).
I simply adore this quote I saw the other day...
"Once you get over the fear, then it's a cinch," she said. And then she leaped into a mountainous and unexplored region of her heart.
Here is the second half of Tyson and Lena's incredible day...
Gown and shoes: Allure Bridals, Gucci
Custom Jewelry: Elsa Corsi
Hotel: Hotel Vancouver
Reveal venue: Orpheum
Ceremony venue: Holy Rosary Church
Reception Venue: Vancouver Art Gallery
Caterer: Opus
Reception Decorations: Promosa
Flowers: Granville Island Florist
Photo Booth : Dennis Gocer
Wedding Cake: Ganache Patisserie
Hair: Amanda MacDonald
Make-up: Jasmine Hoffman-Folster
Videographer: Blue Pencil Productions
Wedding Planner: Tara Thorp of Forever True Wedding Design
Second Photographer: Chelsea Roisum