HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Thought I'd give you all a little something for Valentine's day.



Or better yet!

PUG meeting

Last night I attended my first PUG meeting - Pictage Users Group. I've meant to stop by for their monthly meetings for awhile now but something always came up last minute.

Last night we met at a church in Excelsior to discuss lighting techniques for the processional, recessional and alter shots. Unfortunately we only got about 45 minutes of shooting in, but I did get a chance to work on a few things. Take a look at a few images.

The first two shots were just standard shots for processional. I personally stand midway up the aisle just inside the pews. I usually keep one pew between the last row of guests and myself. Last thing I want to do is knock someone in the head while switching cameras. I typically have an on camera flash with Gary Fong's Lightsphere II diffuser. This gives me good light on the subjects but tends to give a harsh shadow in some cases. Example below.

Jason from StaJa Studios

So as a result, here's a typical shot from a one light setup. Nothing wrong with the lighting of the subjects (although they look dark on the blog), but I'm still not a fan of the shadow on the back wall.
Stacy and Jason from StaJa Studios

Next up is an experiment. I've always wondered what a second light would do for the processional but didn't want to experiment with an actual event. I guess that's why we met at a church.

I set up a second light on a stand across the aisle from my position, one aisle up. I think I had it set a bit strong as the result was a bit harsh (plus I didn't have my other Gary Fong Lightsphere with me) but I definitely like the idea. You can see the shadows on the floor from the second flash but it does put some great shadows on the couple's faces plus fills the background more eliminating the harsh shadow from the on camera flash.


One thing I did notice that I didn't like was when Stacy and Jason got closer to the light, the light got way too intense leaving harsh shadows on the faces. This may be just a matter of positioning the light better or adjusting the power, but it'll take more experimenting to resolve. I'll let you know after more testing.


Also, here are a couple fun shots of those who were there.
Tasha and her bad self

Sue, Jason, Stacy and Tasha

Special shout out to everyone in attendance last night. Thanks for letting me join your group and bounce ideas around with. I know it'll make my business stronger.

Would love to hear any feedback you may have.

Thanks,
Jason

Family update

Here are a few shots I took the other night. I've decided to make my kids my guinea pigs, so to speak, to test out some lighting techniques. So stay tuned, you'll see more of "those eyes".


And Regis and Kelly never called for the cutest baby contest. What are they thinking?





All boy!


Boy is her daddy in trouble!!

Sarah and Alex

Sarah and Alex were married on Dec. 29th at the Basilica in Minneapolis. Obviously this is a beautiful church and I knew we were in for a treat. The reception was at the Golden Valley Country Club and they lived up to their name by putting on another great event.

And that desert bar...? Wow did that look fantastic.

Special thanks to Lisa at Camelot for second shooting with me.

Sarah and Ryan

I first met Sarah and Ryan when we did an engagement session DT Minneapolis. I knew from the start this was going to be a fun wedding. The ceremony was at the Woodale Church in Eden Prairie. This is big church and the part that I love is the huge balcony that I can sneak around to get some great shots.

We stopped off at Lord Fletcher's bar on the way to the reception. It may have took the limo driver some time to find his way, but everyone seemed to have a good time regardless.

The reception was at the Lafayette Club in Minnetonka. Wow. This place is just as stunning as ever, especially with the Christmas theme going on. The hall was gorgeous and the party went off without a hitch thanks to the planning of Valerie from Event du Jour.

Thanks again, Sarah and Ryan, for letting me be part of your day!

Hello Ladies!

One of my favorite "window shots" ever!!

I love this shot.

Sharp shooter!



He's a Rocker!!

Merry Christmas!!

New Christmas photos of our kids!!

What a doll!





Big belly laugh!!

Amanda and Joe

I shot Amanda and Joe's engagement photos downtown this past summer. To put it nicely, Joe was not fond of the camera. We got some good shots but Joe was about as comfortable as a duck on the opener.

They didn't want to see each other before the ceremony so most of the group shots were done afterward. But we had to be out of the church by 4:45 for mass. That left us with about 30 minutes for all of the wedding party and family photos. Boy did we fly. I hope everyone understood that speed was the key word here and didn't get offended by me herding them in and out of the photos. ;)

Overall it was a great day and we got some great shots. And hopefully Mick won't get in trouble from the big guy upstairs for his portrayal of a minister!

Special thanks to Wade from Camelot for second shooting with me.

Congratulations Amanda and Joe.

My Family

So, everyone is on me to get photos of my kids online. My wife, my mother, my in-laws, my friends, my wife's friends, even my day care lady. Problem is, I'm working on everyone else's photos and don't have time to put my own family's photos up.

Well, enoughs enough. Here's a few shots we got with the kids in their Thanksgiving best. And as you can see, Gavin isn't much of a fan of photos (he's tired of having the camera in his face), but he especially doesn't like to sit next to his sister.

It has begun...

More to follow, but probably not too soon! ; )

Kelsey and Luke

I first met Kelsey two years ago when shooting Jamie and Aaron's wedding up at Edinburgh USA. Kelsey was one of Jamie's personal attendants. I was glad to hear that she liked their photos and wanted me to shoot her wedding as well. After all, referrals are a huge part of my business' success.

Kelsey and Luke were fantastic to work with. They didn't want to see each other prior to the wedding, which is totally fine, so we shot a bunch of photos separate before and shot the big group photos and family stuff after at a nearby park.

We had a nice day, but it was bit on the cold side for the girls. I still have the image in my mind of Jamie jogging in place out on that dock while I switched lenses.I was just waiting for her to stick a heel through the cracks and tumble to the ground. Thankfully disaster was averted.

Kelsey was a beautiful bride and the photos turned out stunning. She and Luke make a great couple and you better believe they'll make the cut to go in my portfolio.

Congratulations again, Kelsey and Luke, and I hope there's more in your group of friends that need a photographer. You guys rock and I want to keep shooting y'all!

Catherine and John

I'm not sure John ever really got used to me pointing a camera at him, but to his credit, he never complained. Catherine, on the other hand, seemed to shine in the spotlight. Her smile just radiated.

Both the wedding and the reception were at the Wilds golf course in Prior Lake. We fought the wind the entire day but we got some good shots inside until it died down a bit. And despite a few minor audio technical problems, it was a very nice day.

Congratulations again, Catherine and John, and thanks for choosing me to be part of your day.