Wall Bounce

Just a quickie....all I want to say is that I was a ceiling bouncer (bounced my external flash off of the ceiling) before in indoor low light situations, but now, I'm trying to be more of a wall bouncer. Way less raccoon eye. If you don't have a big white wall to bounce off of, you can use a reflector or even someone wearing a white shirt:)

This was my first try...too much flash but you get the idea. Just dial it down a bit. Please excuse my model. He wanted to yawn for the picture. Very attractive, Kai. I had also tried doing one with Gary but yawning Kai is more attractive than sick Gary:)

Light Reading

Currently reading `Captured By the Light' by David A. Ziser (check out his blog, updated daily). So far, so good! Always a ton more to learn and if we could improve in one area, this is it for sure.

I'm Sure Your DSLR Is Nifty But...

Okay, I hope this doesn't sound mean but I just need to let the general public know about a few things. Generally, everyone is very courteous and follows the unspoken `rules'. There are some great photographers attending weddings who are guests and are super respectful and aware of our roles. I would say that 99% of people are really wonderful at being aware of our time, where we are, and what we do.

I know everyone has a snazzy (or nifty!) DSLR now and there are SO many cameras at weddings. I know you want to practice and capture the moment and see what your camera can do, but, there are a few things to keep in mind. As I have photographed a wedding or two (18 this year) there are a few things that drive me bonkers.

1. Yes, you have a nifty DSLR that I'm sure takes great pictures BUT you shouldn't be standing up in the middle of the aisle taking pictures during the ceremony. Especially not standing up, or putting your camera in front of mine, during the kiss or vows etc. Unless you're a grandpa, then you can do it (I'm only saying that because a cute grandpa did that last weekend:)

2. Yes, I'm sure you have a nifty DSLR but you probably don't need to have your camera on continuous rapid shutter, especially during the vows or a prayer or something. Kind of distracting to the guests, don't you think? And really, are you going to post 50 pictures of the exact same thing to facebook?

3. Yes, I'm sure you have a nifty DSLR but do you really need to take 100 pictures, with direct flash, during the first dance or cake cutting?! Kind of blows out some of our photos, in case you were wondering! One or two pictures are fine.

4. Yes, I'm sure you have a nifty DSLR but family photo time is family photo time. It's not `Hey, everyone in the family, grab a camera and let's take pictures of all the family combos!!!'. You can get a photo later from the bride and groom. Or, you can hide off to the side and quietly take one. Thanks!

5. Yes, I'm sure you have a nifty DSLR with lots of ideas for photos but unless you are my husband, the mother of the bride, the bride and groom, or in the wedding party, I don't need your advice on where to stand or what YOU think would be a great picture. I'm not trying to sound conceited, I just get a lot of unsolicited advice.

6. And, my number one pet peeve: Yes, I'm sure you have a nifty DSLR but unless you have asked the bride and groom as well as the photographers if you can follow along and shoot...do not follow the wedding party for their portrait session getting all of `your' shots. We usually have limited time and don't need distractions (random flashes, someone in the way, people looking at the wrong camera).

Seriously, I don't mean this in a mean way. Informative. We photographed 3 weddings this week alone so it just starts to bug you after a while, ya know? I don't do well with criticism and don't mean to hurt anyone so please be nice:)