Becoming One with My Camera - New York City - Lifestyle Photography

Blogging has been a bit slow for me these past few days, but I'm working hard at playing catch-up! 

This week I decided I should try something different in terms of my relationship with my camera. I really feel that I need to bond more closely with my beloved Nikon. In order to do that I've decided to REMOVE the camera strap from the camera body!! *GASP*

I've done this for two reasons ...

1. As much as I love the Nikon Brand - I totally hate the huge, bright yellow logo plastered across the strap. Fashion Faux Pas! Yuck!

and

 

2. I believe that in order for me to be the best photographer I can possibly be, the camera must become an extension of my arm -- I must be one with my equipment!

When I think about my favorite wedding photographer, and the several amazing commercial lifestyle & fashion photographers I've worked with in the past, the one thing that is absolutely consistent across the board is they used their cameras without a strap around their neck. As they worked, the camera stayed up to their eye 90% of the time. Even when giving direction, they did so from behind the camera. They didn't dare drop the lens from the eye, which I assume, is so a  fleeting expression or emotion is not missed. I hate to admit it, but I've totally missed a "look" from someone because I chose to let the camera hang from my neck while I asked her to move her hip this way, or turn her chin that way. Quite frankly, this camera body attached to my favorite 105 2.8 lens easily weighs about 5LBs, and because I don't enjoy stiff-achy-neck-syndrome, I have absolutely no business letting it hang there.

My hope is this exercise will allow me to be able to think with my camera first. I wont drop the body to change the ISO, I won't feel nervous about changing my battery, lens or memory card "without security", and it won't hang from my neck or be deep in my hand bag with the lens cap on. I will be one with my Nikon. What it will be is in my hands and ready to go - Lens cap off and power ON! I won't have to think so hard about whether something is picture worthy .....  then dig out the camera .... then take off the lens ... Awww,  I missed it! Nope - from now on, I will be prepared to react!

So, I did it. I removed the camera strap ... Actually it was really difficult to take those suckers off, so Aloysius did it for me. I swear ...  most days, he really is my back bone. I love the way she looks already!

Photo taken with the Nikon D200

Music to My Ears - New York, NY - Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Hello All!

This week has been a bit heavy and intense, so I figured I'd give myself a mental break and post something on the lighter side.

Here' a cute little Indie song I really love. It's called "Little Bit" by Lykke Li. The first time I heard it was as the backround music to a slideshow on my favorite wedding photographer's website (Jasmine Star).  This song was fitting for that particular wedding.  The musical sounds are dreamy, the lyrics are romantic and her voice is oh so angelic. The way J* poses her bride and groom to tell the story of their wedding day along with the song makes their slideshow a bit steamy if you ask me. I wish I could find the link to the slide show to share it with you, but it was an older wedding from sometime last year and J* updates the work on her website frequently. The music video itself is quirky, off-beat, hypnotic and interesting to watch. The washed out color and soft lighting really add to the whole mood and feel of the song.  Overall GOOD STUFF!

I REALLLY want to shoot a wedding and create a slidshow I can loop to this soundtrack. *exhale*

Frost Bite & Inspiration in Central Park - New York, NY Wedding & Engagement Photographer

Just this Sunday, I had the opportunity to work as an assistant for Ceci B, Long Island wedding photographer who specializes in Bridal Boudoir.   I will be shooting with Ceci this Spring as the second photographer for a wedding taking place at the historic Oheka Castle! I'm insanely excited about the opportunity.  I'm shooting a Wedding in a CASTLE!!!! Its going to be an amazing day --  I. Can. Not. Wait.

I had a great time getting to know Ceci - talking life, business and photography. It really is refreshing to be able to learn from and teach another photographer -  Share ideas over lunch, bounce inspiration off one another and basically create a support group. We both walked away that day having learned new things, eager for Spring's arrival to be able to fully execute our visions and passions. 

This time around, I got to help with an engagement session,  maternity session and basic headshot session in Central Park.  I don't have to tell you how cold it was on Sunday. It was quite the disappointment after having such gorgeous weather on Friday.  Mother Nature is such a tease!! The clients were troopers about it, though. I have to admit, I'm quite the sissy when it comes to working in harsh weather conditions.  I must have had 12 layers on, shivering, teeth chattering, frostbit fingers and all. I even had wind burned cheeks at the end of the day. The oh-so-brave clients however, were pulling off their coats to get the best shot possible. I was VERY impressed. 

Between lugging equipment, holding coats, and aiming reflectors, I got to take a few frames during the engagement session.  I'm excited to be able to share a favorite of the cute fun couple. Although its not their wedding I'll be shooting this Spring, I'm very happy I got to meet them and wish these two all the best! Can you tell its 19 degrees out?? 

Photography is Boring - Queens, NY Photographer

Wait!!

Before you think I’ve lost a couple marbles, this post is not what you think it is. I LOVE photography!! I don’t think its boring at all. I do know though that what inspires me to follow my passion as a photographer is very specific. Let me do a little explaining …

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been trying very hard to start a 365 project – long story short, this project requires the photographer to take a photo of something every day for 365 days in pursuit of developing and expanding ones creative eye as well as improve photography skill by “practicing” daily. Now that sounds really great and all but this is a huge commitment.  I’m always really hard on myself, so rather than set myself up to let myself down I thought I’d start with something a little more realistic for my schedule (and attention span) - a 30 day project.

Well, let me tell you …  I carried my camera and 50mm lens around all week long, and was not inspired by ONE single thing!! Its not that I took bad photos. I didn't take any. Arrrgh! I know that's pretty terrible, especially since I’m a firm believer that there is beauty surrounding us everywhere. Life is beautiful! But I made no photos to prove it. Some photographers can sit on a park bench for hours waiting for the exact moment to capture the most beautiful sunset. Others can go hiking in the woods or in the mountains and take breathtaking images of the landscape.  I just can’t find something to shoot! I'm trying. I’m doomed! My eyes are wide shut …

Then I got to thinking. What I really enjoy most about photography is capturing energy, emotion, and beauty. I don’t want to take pictures of landscapes, sunsets or things … BOOORRRINGGG!!!

While images of inanimate objects by photography legends do move and inspire me to grow and improve as a photographer. I’d totally rather take pictures of PEOPLE!!  I love taking portraits and capturing subjects personalities, their style and I LOVE more than anything bringing out ones natural beauty (even the guys). The personal interaction at a photoshoot is so much fun. Doing your makeup, dressing you up, and bringing out your best – I take great pride in making everyone I shoot feel and look their best whether they're a model, actor or not. Make you laugh, make you sultry, make you, YOU. 

WEDDINGS!! I also find weddings to be one of the best places to do exactly just that. Everyone is full of love and happiness, dressed to the nines in personal style, emotion and energy are flowing everywhere and there are tons of beautiful things to photograph throughout the entire day from the bridal gown, to the wedding cake, right down to the tiniest detail like the gorgeous guestbook the bride spent so much time having designed. There’s a whole story unfolding before your eyes! Things are HAPPENING and MEANINGFUL. Yeah, that’s way more exciting than shooting a tree or a parked car.

So, with winter looming, and my desire to open my creative eyes a little wider, I know I’m going to have to rethink my approach to this 365 (more like 30 day) project … 

And because blogs are much more interesting with a photo, here is one I took not too long ago. You might remember Ashley from one of my previous post. Just as the shoot had wrapped, I had this genius idea to take a few frames with my strobe. It was my first time giving it a go with indoor lighting. My apartment wall, my alienbee, an octobox, and a reflector. What do you think?