 |
| This post has been a long time coming. The main reason I waited in reviewing the Canon 5DMIII was because I wanted to use it...like, really, really use it. I wanted to use it in low-light situations, gauge the LCD screen in full sun, travel with it, and shoot a handful of engagements and weddings before I gave my opinions. However, if you'd like the abbreviated version, here ya go: I wanna make out with this camera and wear his varsity jacket. |
85mm f/1.2 1/1000 200 ISO
If you've been following this blog for a while, you'll know I started my photography business photographing my first wedding with the Canon 20D in 2006. I upgraded to the Canon 5D in 2008 and later upgraded to the Canon 5DMII in 2010. Part of the reason I jumped at the 5DMII was because of the higher ISO capabilities, the video capabilities, the larger LCD screen, and what I hoped would be a better focusing system. Because I frequently shoot wide open (me and f/1.2 are long-lost camp buddies who sewed our initials onto each others' pillow cases in the summer of '94), I craved a focusing system that allowed me to maximize what I could do with great glass. The MII's focusing system wasn't an upgrade from the 5D and I actually preferred the color profiles from the 5D as opposed to the MII.
Either way, I used the 5DMII and enjoyed the video capabilities as an addition to the brand with the installments of Shooting Star. |
85mm f/1.8 1/160 250 ISO
When the 5DMIII was announced, I immediately placed my order at Adorama and it arrived on my doorstep a couple days later. To be honest, I was a little intimidated by the new Menu layout and the focussing system. Yes, the FOCUSSING SYSTEM. I had to use cap locks because if you were sitting in my office, I'd be shouting in your face with a Puerto Rican accent that sometimes appears when I'm excited. The focussing system is beautiful, glorious, and makes me think Paula Dean is sitting on my sensor because when it locks in, it's like BUTTER.
Both the 5D and the 5DMII have a nine-point focus system, but the 5DMIII has a 61-point focus system. What this basically means is the focus points are magical now. No, really...have a looksie... |
In all seriousness, because I was limited to the nine focus points on the MII, I was constantly focusing and recomposing my shot. Now that I have 61 options, it has radically changed my approach and yielded many more tact sharp photos. It took me a bit to learn how to quickly change my focal point while shooting on the fly, but it's slowly becoming second nature and totally worth the results.
The color profile for the MIII is vastly improved from the MII and most of the time I love the color straight out of camera (using the Standard Picture Style) when properly exposed, so these two things alone made my investment worthwhile. The added bonus was the gnarly 16000 ISO (although I have yet to have used it over 2000 ISO because when shooting wide open, even minimal light is just enough to capture the mood and moment) and though I hope I don't have to use it, it's nice to know I have it in a tough situation. At a recent wedding in Cancun, I shot without flash just past sunset using the just videographer's light to illuminate my subjects... |
50mm f/1.2 1/100 1000 ISO
Even in strongly backlit situations, the focus is vastly superior to the 5D and 5DMII and I don't have to work as hard to get the shot I want. This was the only photo I took in this position because it locked in immediately and was completely in focus... |
35mm f/1.4 1/2000 160 ISO
I'll end this review here because if I go on, I'll start talking about how I might tan my camera and enter it into a pageant because it's so worth of a Ultimate Grand Supreme crown and sash. Of course, it's always important to remember the camera doesn't make the photographer...the photographer makes the photographer. You don't need fancy gear to start a business or pursue your dreams and don't listen to anyone who tells you otherwise. This post was written merely to express my opinions, albeit silly and light-hearted. If you're looking for a legit techy review, simply Google what you're looking for and it'll pop up. For those who appreciate butter, unicorns, and tanning, this one's for you.
Stay Fabulous,
j* |
    
L ately I've been doing a lot of doing. Yeah, you know that thing that people do when they're unsure of the next move? Doing. That's me. I put my head down and charge toward the next thing on my To Do list because scratching things off makes me feel productive.
But sometimes productivity is morphine for creativity. It makes you feel like everything is okay, but deep down you know morphine doesn't fix insecurities...it hides them.
Sometimes I do because I'm afraid to create. And I couldn't bring myself to admit this until JD called me out a few days ago. I sat slack-jawed in the car as he delivered his admonition and then I got out and shut the door a little too loudly. I stomped into our home and straight upstairs and sat at the edge of the bed weighing his words. I almost couldn't bear the kilos of truth.
At times I'm afraid to create, but I know I need to because creating changes me. It forces me to rethink and morph. And, above all, creating scares me. If I've learned anything at all in starting a business, it's that if you're not a little bit scared a lot of the time, you're not pushing yourself enough.
So, here's to pushing...and dreaming...and creating. Because you can. |
|
San Juan Capistrano Engagement : Breanne+Dan
|
T hey agreed. In a school with over 10,000 students, there wasn't a single cute guy anywhere. Breanne and her roommate walked the University of Michigan campus their freshman year together and quickly agreed the odds of finding a suitable date was near to impossible. A few months into her studies and Breanne gave up entirely until one afternoon in the dining commons when she noticed the cutest boy she'd laid her eyes on in months. Breanne quickly reported her good fortune to her roommate and hope to see him again soon.
When school began the following semester, Breanne walked into an auditorium filled with hundreds of students. A self-proclaimed over-acheiver, she sat in the front of class and casually turned to look at her peers. And there he was. Ten rows back sat Dan surrounded by a group of friends.
Breanne curled her hair, wore makeup, and sat further back in class with each passing week. She finally developed the nerve to sit directly in front of Dan and when she heard him ask a question to a friend, she turned around, flashed a dazzling smile, and responded as if he was talking to her. The following week Breanne and Dan sat next to each other and have remained by each others' sides years later.
I'm incredibly honored and excited to document their wedding in Michigan this summer and throughly enjoyed our time together in Orange County last week for their engagement session... |
| Shortly after graduating the University of Michigan, Dan took a job in Southern California while Breanne remained on the east coast...she traveled back and forth to visit him and much of their love story is buried in the west coast sand... |
After the wedding, Breanne will be joining Dan in Indiana (where he moved for work) and enjoy waking up every day to her best friend...
...and many thanks to the ever fabulous Melina of Reign of Beauty for an amazing job with hair and makeup...LOVE HER! |
| Dan and Breanne booked me online and their engagement session was a perfect way to get to know them better before the wedding...one thing is for certain: Dan is one of the nicest guys I've met with a great sense of humor...and he's soft on the eyes, too! ;) |
| Breanne and Dan chose to have their engagement photos taken in San Juan Capistrano because fields, open space, and greenery feel like home, but they also made time for a stop at the beach later... |
| I absolutely adore how much fun these two have with each other... |
| I'll end this post with one of my favorite photos from the engagement shoot...Breanne looks happy and content and I couldn't dream of more for such a wonderful person. When she contacted me to shoot her wedding in Michigan, she confessed to reading my blog for a few years and gave me an awesome idea of who she was and how much she loved Dan (she also added a Golden Girls reference for good measure so I liked her even more). Being a part of their day is a huge honor and I'm thrilled to document their love. |
|
Friday Randomness : Two Things At Once
|
F or the past few weeks JD's been dropping hints like a path of bread crumbs leading me to one of his crazy ideas. I say one because he has many ideas, but we can save talk of buying a food truck for a different blog post, umkay? JD mentioned getting another dog, a playmate for Polo. I can't even get into that conversation because the fact that I've managed to keep a dog alive for six years surprised us both.
And don't forget your hydrangea, he scolded. Ahh, yes. My hydrangea. I was given a hydrangea plant for my birthday and I haven't killed it. Six weeks later and it's still alive and kickin' so, naturally, JD believes I'm competent and responsible. Because I can water a plant. So, heck, let's get another dog while we're at it!
I don't think I can manage another dog right now, but I told JD if I can keep two plants alive simultaneously, I might consider getting a second dog. He then suggested buying me a cactus.
In more randomness of life... |
| When I came across this, I honestly believed JD drew this! ;) |
| If I ever found this in my kitchen, I might die from cuteness overload... |
|
Cancun Wedding : Adam + Laura
|
© Jasmine Star. This post cannot be republished without permission. Stealing makes me sad. |
|
I t's usually him who carries the weight of emotional sentiments and deep moments that keep them tethered to each others' sides. Well, at least on the outside. Adam wears his heart on his sleeve whereas Laura is his calm and collected counterpart. They're a perfect balance and nobody protects Adam's sleeve like Laura.
Last Saturday in Cancun, however, Laura's heart was everywhere, on everything she touched. At times overcome with the gravity of her emotions, she perched herself at the edge of the bathroom sink and took deep breaths. I think I just need a minute, she whispered to her bridesmaids. Laura moved through the motions of getting into her wedding dress, but she longed only to be with Adam. To be in his protective arms so she could see straight again.
As Laura walked along a small path at Ocean Coral and Turquesa Resort to see her future husband, she reached out to touch him. In that moment, Laura regained the strength Adam so freely pours in her and their wedding day became complete.
Laura and Adam...gracias por todo!!! Being in Cancun to document your wedding was spectacular and we were honored to be welcomed by your friends and family (big ups to our new Greek friends!!). The day was perfect and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you both! Much Love and Appreciation... j* |
| One of my favorite things about Laura was her ability to mix different parts of her personality into wedding...like a little bit of twine, and a little bit of glam... |
| I love destination weddings because the mood of the day is so much more relaxed. The night before the wedding, Laura told me she's be at the pool in the morning and throw on some makeup before her wedding ceremony...talk about drama-free! |
| And THIS? This right here is why I love when a bride and groom see each other before the wedding ceremony. It's a private moment just for the couple and an opportunity to embrace the memory for what it is...I loved Adam's reaction to seeing his bride! |
| The weather and light in Cancun was absolutely spectacular...I couldn't have dreamt of a better backdrop, but I knew I'd be well taken care of because Adam and Laura are photographers are well, so they know what's up! ;) |
| During wedding photos, we had to sneak inside Ocean Coral and Turquesa for a break from the heat, but they continued to push through like pros... |
| Shortly after the balcony wedding ceremony, we ventured to the beach...this was a moment during the day when I felt incredibly honored to be their destination wedding photographer...and couldn't thank them enough for the privilege... |
| Laura and Adam worked incredibly hard in shipping all the wedding details to Cancun in advance to ensure the reception was everything they wanted and felt like home... |
| The wedding reception was hosted on the balcony of Ocean Coral and Turquesa and offered amazing views of the sunset and ocean... |
| I want to post so many more wedding photos, but I'll end on this note because it captures their love and perfectness together... |
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
