It's All About the Lighting!

As in any profession, to stay on top of their game, pro photograghers participate in seminars and workshops to enhance their skills and learn from their peers. Today, I had a wonderful opportunity to learn from renowned wedding photographer Denis Reggie, known for his work with the Kennedy family. You may not recognize his name, but there is no doubt you have seen his work, unless you have been truly living under a rock for the last 20 years. Remember that wonderful photo of JFK, Jr. and his bride Carolyn Bissette as they left the chapel right after tying the knot? The photographer was Denis Reggie just doing his job.

Denis is in a class by himself, and his fees are beyond the reach of most. But, since he so willingly shares his technique with other photographers, we can replicate his lighting style for our own clients. The bottom line, as any half way decent photographer knows, is that a great photo needs to be properly lit, and properly focused. The trick that separates the pros from the wannabes is getting consistent results with available light and flash photography.

The techniques Denis shared showed me that I really only need to tweak my workflow a bit to get the consistently well lit results that Denis has become famous for. So, armed with this knowledge, Vivid Visions will be creating images lit in the Denis Reggie style, but offering it at down-to-earth prices so you don't have to be a Kennedy to have beautiful wedding photos.

Getting Ready for the Season

The weather here on Long Island has been a roller coaster ride these past couple of weeks, but the calendar tells me that it's time to get ready for the nice weather and party season that will be upon us very soon!

As much as I love the stark beauty of the snowy winterscapes--they make it easier to see the wild birds--the budding crocuses and warm afternoons are a siren song luring me and my camera into the great outdoors without worry of dead batteries and fogged up lenses that the winter weather guarantees. I love the available light of a late afternoon or early morning on shorebird paddling in the Mattituck Inlet, and I marvel at how unafraid most of them are as I aim my lens at them.

This is also the time of year that I start contacting the couples I will work with this summer to remind them to consider their photos as the finalize their plans. Light is the most important consideration in any photo session, and the time of day will make a dramatic difference in the quality of light in your wedding photos. So, as you plan the timing for your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, remember to allow for travel time AND arriving when the light is right.

Of course, any pro photographer worth their salt will be ready to manage whatever lighting scenario is presented, but if given a choice, the lush, warm light of a late spring or summer afternoon will turn a nice photo into a work of art.