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Reveling in Morning Light
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T his morning I made a conscious effort to stay away. For a bit. Yesterday I realized I made a mistake and it impacted the rest of my day. I woke up--as usual singing a random song that popped into my head, It Wasn't Me by Shaggy--kissed my boys, completed my morning routine, and cuddled with my laptop by 6:15am. And that's when my day fell into a funk.
Or, rather, I fell into a funk.
I let a few emails derail my morning. And it lingered for the rest of the day.
This morning I made a conscious effort to stay away. I woke up and stayed in bed for a bit longer. Reached over the side of my bed and rubbed Polo's belly for a few more minutes. Listened to the morning chirps more acutely. I realized that the minute my day officially started, I was letting go of the perfection a new day brings. Today I reveled in the pre-morning light. And I'm thankful. |
| And, really, how bad can a day really be when your dog thinks you're funny?! |
    
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FAQ : Churches + Dark Ceremony Photos
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Y esterday on the j* Facebook page, I was asked by Amy McFarland how I dealt with dark ceremonies and/or churches. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I don't face that particular issue as--perhaps--other photographers around the United States. I'm lucky enough to live in a state where outdoor weddings are preferred, and I believe it plays to my strengths. Thankfully. Like most photographers, I prefer outdoor weddings, but I embrace the fact that it isn't always the case. Happily.
I get asked a variation of Amy's question quite often, so I decided to blog a few ceremony photos in dark locations and post my settings for today's FAQ Post. Yes, I had to dig a little through the archives, but I hope they'll show what I do...and please note...I do NOT think I'm doing things the right way. Quite the contrary. I'm merely showing my way. There are a few of you who might think I'm crazy and I'm okay with that. In fact, I'd be the first to welcome you to the club!
Most churches don't allow flash during the ceremony, so this is where prime lenses come in extra handy. Using a wide aperture offers a unparalleled luxury and I'm hooked...
f/1.2 1/25 85mm, 1.2 1600iso |
| f/1.4 1/125 50mm,1.4 1000iso |
| f/3.5 1/50, 1.4 50mm 1600iso |
Most churches won't allow photographers past a certain point during the ceremony, so here's where the 70-200, 2.8 comes in to save the day and capture candid moments from a distance...
f/2.8 1/50 70-200mm, 2.8 1600iso |
Now here's a random bit of info: The first three pictures were shot in the same church as the following two pictures. The difference? I used the Canon 5DMII in the following shots and lah-lah-lahved the higher iso capabilities. So amazing!
f/2.8 1/40 70-200, 2.8 2500iso |
| f/2.8 1/40 70-200, 2.8 1600iso |
| f/2.8 1/40 70-200, 2.8 1250iso |
| f/2.8 1/40 70-200, 2.8 1250iso |
As I've stated before, I'm not the biggest fan of flash. Don't get me wrong...I use it...I embrace it...it's a great additive to low-light situations. But in the same vein, I also think it takes away the natural setting of the photograph. When possible, I try to shoot both with flash, and without. In the following photo, I was able to get a few photos of the bride and her dad walking down the aisle illuminated with flash. Once I knew I had the safe shot, I turned off my flash, and changed my settings. I prefer this photo to any of the flash photos...hands down.
f/1.2 1/100 50mm, 1.2 1600iso |
I love using candle light for illumination when possible. This church was dark. So, so dark. There's no way I could've shot this photo at f/2.8 (I wanted both subjects in focus as much as possible) had it not been for the candle compensation...
f/2.8 1/40 85mm, 1.2 1600iso |
| f/2.8 1/80 85mm, 1.2 1600iso |
Hope this helps and, if not, I'll try again soon! :)
Happy Tuesday! |
W e have a routine. We're a well-oiled beach machine. JD packs the car, we stop at Trader Joe's for snacks, I spray on coconut scented oil. You know, so my freckles can become a darker shade of brown. We head to our favorite beach and enjoy the sun along the Newport coast.
Last Saturday--on a rare weekend off--we fell into our beach routine. Upon waking from a nap, JD anxiously looked at me and asked if I was ready to go into the ocean. I reached for a chilled Perrier and said, Nah. Just like that. Total brat mode. I was still trying to recover from the Breathing Between the Waves incident of last year. I tuck my nose in a book, and he drinks the remainder of my Perrier. JD suggests buying a ball for next time. Or maybe a frisbee? Or how about paddle ball? I scrunch my nose at the thought of running in nylon beachware. In public. There are too many moving parts as far as I'm concerned.
Well, what? What do want to do at the beach, JD asks. I lift my head from the book and reply, Read, of course. He smiles a crooked smile. He knew the answer. It's been the same as long as we've been together. And here's an iPhone picture to prove it: |
Here's a list of recent reads you might enjoy as much as I did:
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
A totally enjoyable read. It was recommended by a few blog readers, so I heeded their advice and was pleasantly surprised. It was--at times--a little cliche, but I'd still read it again even given this fact. I have my money that it'll be made into a movie sometime soon. Starring Dakota Fanning and Oprah.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
I wouldn't have picked this book up at the bookstore. Don't ask me why. It was mailed to me by the ever lovely Anda Marie and it came with a library card bookmark. And I was in love from the start. It's peculiar and in the voice of a special-needs protagonist. The voice is raw and palpable...and disturbing at the same time. And it was an incredibly cool read.
The E Myth by Michael Gerber
Wow. I know. This business book has been suggested from it's first edition, but I just got around to reading it. And. Wow. Seriously, as a entrepreneur and small business owner, it's so flipping incredible. It's an easily digestible read and makes so much sense. Go get it. Now.
Some Girls - My Life in a Harem by Jillian Lauren
Warning: This book is trashy. I read it on the beach while in the Caymans, so cut me some slack. It's an autobiography of a girl who leaves NYC to live as part of a harem for a prince. It's definitely not Disneyfied or Pretty Womaned, so consider yourself warned. I just happen to love autobiographies and Lauren's voice is like ready a juicy blog. There I said it. ... And riiight about NOW I'll be getting a call from my mother asking me to remove this link. Because I used the word 'harem' on my blog. I'm getting a time-out...I just know it.
Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
This was another fantastic blog reader recommendation! I read Walls' first novel--The Glass Castle--and was incredibly moved...it's such an amazing book! Naturally, I wanted to read her novel and I enjoyed it...but not as much as the first. I know some of you might hate me for saying it, but it lacks the electricity of the first novel in so many ways. However, I'd still totally recommend this book because it's a fabulous read nevertheless.
Happy Monday! |
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The Other Half of My Brain
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A few weeks ago, we sat next to a friend and she was all, I don't want to offend you, but...it's like you share a brain or something! And then I laughed. She couldn't have been more spot on. And, really, I wasn't offended at the thought of sharing a brain with JD. I can use all the help I can get.
People often ask what, exactly, JD does for the business, so I'm going to put it as simply as possible: HE KEEPS ME FROM GOING CRAZY. And if you've met in real life, you'll know it's a full time job.
JD has been full time with the business for about a year and I don't think a single day has looked the same for him. He's a visionary, risk-taker, and executes ideas. And Oh! The! Ideas! We! Have! Part of why the business has grown the way that it has is because he takes the responsibility for actually doing things. You see, I say I'll do something, but then life, email, and pedicures get in the way of actually doing it. That's where JD comes in.
And, of course, he shoots weddings with me. And he looks handsome while doing so. And this makes me happy. And I like using And to start sentences. Somebody call the Grammar Police!
Just yesterday JD planned my next trip to speak in Las Vegas for Skip's Summer School (which is in just three weeks!) and organized our travel schedule for the next four months. He got so busy planning things, he suggested I make lunch on my own. Lunch? ON MY OWN?!? Did he know who he was talking to? My lunches consist of Triscuits, cotswold cheese, and an apple. And THAT is why I need him in my life. Without him, I wouldn't adhere to the FDA's suggested Food Pyramid, be imprisoned by the Grammar Police, and only ever say I wanted to dream big. Together, he helps me actually do. |
Thanks to videographer extraordinaire, Russel Fowler for snapping this photo of us at last week's wedding...we're looking a little tore up, but the memory is special...
Happy Sunday! |
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Michelle and Brady : Anytime
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O ne of the highlights of what I do is the ability to meet many people and document their lives. How we find each other always amazes me and I have the web to thank for much of it. Such was the case with Michelle and Brady. Sorta.
The Glass Slipper Guild, an amazing organization hoping to raise $5 million dollars for Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), hosted a Gala and auction a couple months ago. I was contacted by a fellow Whittier College alum (Hi Jessica...and Go Poets!) who asked if I'd be willing to donate an Anytime session as part of the auction. I was honored and immediately agreed.
Sometime before the Gala, I spoke at the Smarty OC Event. And then other stuff happened in the weeks that followed. Oh, like, I dyed my hair a festive summer color.
Then I got an email from Michelle. She said she's a part of the Glass Slipper Guild (which means she's awesome by default) and heard me speak at the Smarty OC Event (which means she's awesome by association) and has since followed my blog. And, surprise! Michelle bid on my Anytime session and won. She and her husband Brady hoped to have their session before their third baby arrived and I was more than happy to oblige.
Last week we hung out in Newport and had a chance to have some fun... |
| Immediately upon meeting Michelle and Brady (it was the first time we met, outside of email), I knew they were the kind of people who made Orange County a great place to live. They're a great family, they give of their time to charitable organizations, and they're truly in love with each other... |
| I'm particularly fond of Michelle's freckles. But I might be biased. ;) |
| Brady and Michelle are expecting their third child this fall and I have no doubt their family will be extra blessed with a new bundle of joy... |
| One thing I loved about Brady was his familiarity with my camera gear. He loves photography so we talked shop for a bit (and I'm quite certain he dropped not-so-subtle hints for Michelle to add to his wish list) and when we passed by this random spot, I tossed the idea out to see if they'd be willing to hang out for a bit. Michelle laughed because when they walked in earlier, Brady mentioned that place would make a great spot for photos. Great minds think alike! :) |
| I'll end with this photo because Michelle looks incredibly happy...and a kind, beautiful, and giving woman like herself deserves every bit of it! |
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