There are times when you view a wedding as one of those opportunities to see everything in a new light. This was a BIG wedding with lots of people and lots of stuff going on. The young people stayed on the dance floor, and the non-dancers caught up with family and friends. It was just such a good time!
They say that a wedding can be planned overnight, with the right people and the right circumstances. While I’ve yet to see that happen, at least with any detail and glitz, this one came pretty close. With only about 30 days of planning, this wedding went off with nary a hitch (well, except the happy couple GETTING hitched). We enjoyed every minute.
Never let it be said that we can’t take the heat. This beautiful wedding at the lovely Purple Iris in Martinsburg, West Virgina is living testament to how far we’ll go to make great images for you. The forecast temperature was for 101 degrees (Fahrenheit), but there was also no breeze and plenty of sun through the early part of the wedding. And still, it was a perfect day!
I first learned about the term Visual Cues as it applied to photography, when I started teach studio lighting to college students in 2001. The concept of defining elements of a picture, which aided in not only attracting the viewer but also in creating a higher sense of artistic appreciation for the image, is not necessarily something that is defined by the term “Visual Cue,” since it is something I use as a reference to those very things. However, it is those elements of an image which draws the viewer in that make up the collection of things that I call “Visual Cues.”
Where is there less light?
Let’s take a look at one, just so you have an idea of what I’m referring to. “Illumination” is the first of the visual cues that I’ve identified as a primary attraction element. At first, you may say “well, of course
illumination is necessary,” and you’re right. But without illumination (lighting, light, lightness, etc.), you would flounder in identifying the rest of these visual elements (cues). The mind works in its own way to help tell you what is and is not basically attractive – not just in terms of “hey, that’s pretty,” but in terms of having artistic flair or increased drama. Illumination isn’t just being able to see the subject in the picture, but to clearly identify not just the subject, but all the subject’s supporting elements. Without illumination, you cannot see those important elements. Without distinctive illumination for certain items within an image, the drama may be lost, the emphasis taken for granted, or the entire purpose of the image diluted by lazy photography… which includes improper illumination.
There are many more elements that not only help you identify the important visual cues, but which are easy to add to your images to make them more visually attractive.
Look at where the light comes from
If you ever hope to become a professional photographer, or you want to increase how much artistic imagery you add to your own pictures through visual cues, you need to learn these things. Now.
I teach some of them this Tuesday, October 30, at 6pm. The class runs for three hours and has examples, explanations and an exchange of ideas (hey, the three E’s!!)… you can sign up for the class by going to www.tlcphotography.com/seminars. Class size is limited to 15, and it’s already 1/3rd full.
The old saying “the wedding doesn’t start without the bride” certainly held true for this wedding. A combination of makeup, hair, and getting dressed made the ceremony late… but the rest of it was so glorious, I’m not sure anyone really cared.
They’ve been together since, well… a long time. But from the wedding, you wouldn’t know it. A small gathering of family and close friends made for a lot of opportunities.
Erica and Frank are one of those amazing couples whose relationship seems more like a great partnership than merely a marriage. We enjoyed there wedding, starting at Asbury United Methodist Church in Charles Town, WV. From there, we moved to Morgan’s Grove Park in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, then finally the reception at Clarion Inn and Conference Center in Shepherdstown.
Almost two years ago, at a senior consultation held at the studio, a young lady from Jefferson High (and her mother) and a young man from Martinsburg High (and his mother) sat through my 30-minute presentation and tour. All the while, Matt (Martinsburg) and I were hitting it off, planning an epic soccer-based photo. Ashlyn (Jefferson) listened with great intent, and laughed along with Matt and I was we plotted how we would create his hero picture.
To make a long story shorter, you can read the recount of the original meeting here.
Well, on Saturday, Matt and Ashlyn came back to the studio with Matt’s family. We did some photos of his family, and then afterward did some portraits with just Matt and Ashlyn. While they were changing outfits at one point, I spoke with Matt’s mom and dad about their nearly two-year relationship. It was only then that I learned that Matt’s parents and Ashlyn’s parents have also become close, taking a couple of vacations and trips together. It’s been quite a two-year adventure.
In honor of their upcoming two-year anniversary together, here’s one of the shots from the session on Saturday.
Emily and Brian were married at Leiter’s Downtown in the heart of Hagerstown, Maryland. Everything was very beautiful with stunning colors and a simplicity that really made the flow of the wedding fun and enjoyable for all. We wish the happy couple in their lives together!
I love new (to me) venues, because there are lots of challenges and opportunities to discover things from a different perspective.
Jodi and Randy had what I want to call a very modern wedding in a very traditional venue. Held at Ceresville Mansion near Frederick, MD, the late afternoon service gave us lots of really nice lighting opportunities.
