Cape Henlopen Bridal Shoot

Well, it's been a few months since our memorable trip to Arizona for the Imaging USA convention, and I'm happy to say that my inspiration hasn't run out yet! Moreover, it's been growing like crazy! Will and I have been trying to implement a lot of cool ideas we've learned at the convention, as well as trying to organize different creative photo shoots to master our craft and just have some fun!
A couple of weeks ago, for example, we had a great time doing a bridal shoot with Julia, Robert and little Drake at the Cape Henlopen State Park. The weather was awesome and love was in the air:)
Earlier that day Julia got her hair done at “Sherif Zaki Salon and Spa by the Sea” in Rehoboth by Julie Norwood, Master Colorist and Stylist. She is definitely the one to go to when getting your hair done for a special occasion. Julia's hairdo turned out flawless! If you plan on getting married in Rehoboth Beach area, I would recommend giving her a call at 302-227-8640 or 302-670-6757.
The gorgeous wedding gown was provided by Cathleen from “Weddings by Cathleen”:
http://www.cathleensweddinggowns.bridalsnet.com/
Our friend Leo from “Bridal Beginnings” was also there shooting with us, as well as Paul J, the videographer, who captured the whole event on camera.
I got a chance to play with wireless flash in the outdoors and I'm very happy with the way the pictures have turned out!
Julia and Rob were blown away by the photos, which is what we strive for. As I'm planning on updating and revamping my website in the nearest future, I'm sure these pictures are going to be in my new portfolio!
So, without further delay, I give you Julia and Robert - check them out:

Imaging USA 2009

“Oh, my God – is it cold out here! Just look at all that snow…” I thought to myself steeping off the plane in BWI.  Having spent over 5 hours on the flight from Phoenix to Baltimore my husband Will and I were not looking forward to the 2,5 hour drive home to Rehoboth. January is not the most exciting month at the beach and catching a break from the cold in a desert climate sure felt nice. Unfortunately, we couldn’t bring the warm weather of Arizona back home with us, but we got to bring something much more valuable – business-changing ideas, education on some of the latest trends in the world of photography, as well as new friends, new connections, and newfound inspiration to continue doing what we love!

Imaging USA is one of the world’s largest annual photo imaging conventions. In 2009 it gathered over 8,600 of talented, successful professional photographers from all over the world to learn, share, and party. It was our first time attending, and we didn’t really know what to expect, but I can describe this event simply as a photographer’s dream!

The convention consisted of 3 days of intense seminars taught by the top players in the industry, and an evening reception at the end of each night. On top of Imaging USA's education, there was an Imaging EXPO trade show going on during the time of the convention. It was a well-organized 223,000 square feet showroom floor featuring the hottest products, most efficient services, and latest technology. I must say, the trade show turned out to be a lot more fun than I thought. I expected to be attacked by a bunch of over enthusiastic vendors trying to sell me something I don’t need. And boy, was I wrong! They weren’t pushy and aggressive, but more educating than anything. We got a chance to touch and learn the best ways to use a product, and see it demonstrated before our eyes. Some of the larger vendors like Canon, Millers and Nikon took up huge amounts of space with couches and presentation areas where they brought in speakers for 1/2 hour lectures. There were also 2 mini -"theaters" (projection screens with rows of chairs) where speakers were brought in to present as well. We enjoyed those lectures just as much as the convention’s seminars themselves!

One of the main highlights of the convention for us was getting to meet and hear Anne Geddes, who is well known for her stylized depictions of babies and motherhood. Anne was just radiant! You could feel the beautiful energy around her. She talked about how she started out and showed several slideshows with her work. She also shared some behind the scenes videos of her studio. As I have been getting into baby and maternity photography myself recently, I found this to be extremely interesting and informative. She got emotional a few times during her presentation, which made it that much more personable. It’s funny, after I came back one of my friends asked if Anne Geddes was unfashionable. And I suppose you could say that…she certainly wasn’t wearing leggings or hoop earrings, but I find her style to be timeless and elegant, just like the art she creates with her photography.

Another exciting aspect at the convention for us was meeting different wedding photographers from all around the globe. Wedding photography has been one of our main focuses, and learning something new about it, getting a different perspective was really great! It turns out, the newest hottest thing in weddings these days is turning a wedding into a full wedding day – meaning after the ceremony instead of rushing straight to the reception, the bridal party goes on a little trip around the town with the photographer in tow! They might hit the local landmarks, a bar or a coffee shop, or simply walk down the streets and have fun getting noticed…it gives the bride and groom a chance to really enjoy the day in a relaxing way, as well as makes for some awesome candid photographs. This has become a tradition in Europe and Australia, and now it’s taking the west coast of the U.S. by storm!  We are very excited about bringing it to Rehoboth and East Coast in general. So far a few couples that we are providing wedding photography for in 2009 have decided to adopt it – one is even renting a Trolley to visit downtown Rehoboth after the ceremony! To all you future brides – it’s something to consider!

I also learned about a great opportunity for college students who are interested in photography but can’t quite afford the convention price – volunteering can get you in the door! This year the first 70 students who volunteered received free lodging at one of the host hotels for the time of the convention. From what I understand, volunteers were asked to help out a half day each day of the convention and then were free to attend programs or relax the rest of the time. Great way to make some connections and learn from the best!

And finally, I’d like to mention that ALL of the photographers who taught the classes emphasized the importance of educating clients on copyright laws. The thing is, a lot of people aren’t familiar with those laws, and thus we often run into somebody trying to go to a local Wal-Mart to reprint the professional photos they bought from a studio. People also tend to expect to get all the negatives of their photos (from a wedding, for example) without having to pay extra. Meanwhile, it becomes impossible for a photographer to make a living. Consider this: when you go to a restaurant and have a lovely meal, do you expect the chef to come out and give you the recipe so you can cook that same meal at home next time? That chef would hardly have the incentive to continue producing such outstanding food, just as photographer would hardly have that same incentive to continue producing such fine art, and brides, grooms, and photography lovers around the world would be the poorer.

Olga Vickers with Hitched Photography

www.hitchedphotography.com

Cutting the Wedding Cake - Do's and Don''ts

I found an article today that I thought was very informative and well written in regards to the traditional cutting of your wedding cake. The article was found on WeddingCakeCreations.com

Weddings are heavy with tradition and symbolism and cutting the wedding cake is certainly among the most significant acts that the married couple will do at the reception hall. It is a moment that symbolizes so many things including the couple’s fertility, the first act performed together and the beginning of their new life. It is a sentimental moment that is also very festive and merry. In order to make sure that the cutting of the wedding cake goes off without a hitch, here are a few tips for you to follow:
Dos:
1. Make sure that the timing is appropriate. If you are hosting a brunch or tea, cut the cake just after the guests have gone through the receiving line. If you are throwing a lunch or supper reception then cut the cake after supper and just before the desserts are served.
2. Make sure to get everyone’s attention by either having your MC announce the event or by replaying the first dance song. Then have someone from the bridal party – typically the best man make a toast to the couple.
3. Cut the cake with the groom’s right hand gently holding the bride’s right hand – and make sure to slice through the bottom layer!
4. Feed one another from the slice you cut. Typically the groom will first feed the bride and then the bride will feed the groom.
5. Make sure that the bride serves the groom’s parents a piece of cake and that the groom serves the bride’s parents a piece of cake.
6. Designate a friend or someone from the catering staff to cut and serve the rest of the cake to your guests.
7. Make sure that the photographer and videographer are aware of the event before cutting the wedding cake.
8. Try to use a special silver cake knife – either an heirloom or one that you purchase especially for the occasion.

Don’ts:
* Although some people like to smash cake into each other’s faces, it is not a very elegant or dignified thing to do. Not only will it ruin the bride’s makeup (which in many cases was applied professionally) but as this is the first act that the couple performs as husband and wife, it does not bode well for a future of wedded bliss – besides, everything you do will be captured on film and video for generations to come.If there is a sweet table being served at a wedding, it is generally opened with the cutting of the cake. After this tasty ceremony it is time to hit the dance floor and truly enjoy this day on which you begin your new lives together.

Making your day Favorably special!

SkyDive