Introspective Views of a Professional Photographer

Last evening we finally stopped punishing our Netflix subscription and watched the highly anticipated (in the McClain household) Annie Leibovitz Life Through A Lens DVD. It was an extremely interesting perspective into the makings of a professional and very well known photojournalist (photographed the Rolling Stones in their prime while on tour, very last images captures of John Lennon 5 hours before he was shot, and photographed next to all the A-listers in Hollywood) who helped to bring her style into mainstream photography of today. It took the viewer from beginning roots at Rolling Stone Magazine to Vanity Fair, including perspectives from clients in regards to their shoots.

For those who know me well, I'm a huge fan of her work and style and have been for some time. I find inspiration in her vivid way of capturing life in it's raw state and love the creativity she brings to personalize each shoot.

One thing that stuck with me from the DVD was when she was talking about her own life. She mentioned that as a photographer it is very easy to get caught up in your subjects, capturing them and seeing pieces of their lives and personalities, so much that you forget sometimes to live your own life. How crazy is that?! And in some cases can be held true. Which is why finding balance in your life is an absolute must that I'm sure many photographers struggle with, me included! It's definitely something that I plan to keep in the front of my mind as we expand on our careers in this crazy and exciting world of photography!

For anyone who is unfamiliar with Annie's work I highly recommend at very minimum a Google search and definitely recommend reading into any of her books.

Heather and Bill August 21, 2010

So many plans, so many details go into making a wedding day spectacular. The venue, the cake, the DJ, the dress all have to be perfect in the eyes of the couple. For Heather and Bill everything was perfect, including the love they have for each other which was captured in their amazing images. Heather and Bill's wedding was also unique in that they were the first winning couple of 2010 for a free studio photobooth! Congratulations to the fantastic couple!

Laura and Brett August 14, 2010

The bigger the bridal party the better in my opinion. Laura and Brett had 18 members in their bridal party, and where some may think chaos, it was anything but that! Spending time with the girls prior to the ceremony, while performing their getting ready shots, sheds light on the dynamics of the group. Are they friends, do they know each other, should we expect cat fights at the reception? Thankfully that has never happened at one of the weddings we've attended:) This is also a minor glimpse into how creative we can be with the bridal party during their creative shots. Laura and Brett's group were awesome to work with. Everyone was very laid back and excited to be working with us on creating unique images for the newlyweds. Hands down I must give props to that group for being one of the best large wedding parties we've every worked with! Congrats Laura and Brett, one of our favorite weddings of the year and another very compatible couple!

Portrait Models

A photographer friend had recently told me a great piece of advice, "To keep your wedding eye fresh, you should shoot other medias". With that said we are a constant learning house that works with local models or friends for practicing poses and studio portraiture. Friends of ours, Steph and Cindy were able to join us in Hershey for a fun sunset shoot while we worked with some new lighting techniques. The outcome was spectacular and the ladies have some great images to take from our learning lesson:)

Hunter's Senior Shoot

I love weddings. They are amazing, tons of fun, and definitely my passion, however there is something special that can be created for portait sessions. With portaits you're working one-on-one and there is ample time to try new things including creative lighting techniques.

One of my favorite portrait sessions are Seniors. They're always willing to do anything for a good shot, hence Hunter. Hey Hunter.. can you climb up in this huge truck.. how about the silo.. can you climb that.. see that old milk truck.. let's get you up there too. I think all those climbing for creativity skills paid off! You be the judge;-)

Jennifer and Stephen July 24, 2010

Gorgeous day, beautiful couple, and very special words were just a few fabulous notations of Jennifer and Stephen's special day. Despite being a short photographic venture, we were able to capture some breathtaking images at the Hotel Hershey. My favorite part of the day had to be when we were "mock" cutting the cake and Jas said `Okay. I want you to go psycho for this next picture.' Which was indicated in reference to going psycho on the cake, turned into this fun image which is sure to be a crowd pleasing sample image for our albums! Congratulations Stephen and Jennifer!

Tiffiny and Josh July 10, 2010

Pretty in Pink.. not only a movie but our fantastic bride and her gorgeous princesses! Tiffiny had one of the most unique and personalized gowns we've seen thus far. Tiffiny had a very nice ball gown and had her unique hot pink toule as an underlay. Set at a family estate this was a truly personalized wedding. Congratulations Tiffiny and Josh! Thanks so much for allowing us to be a part of your day and making us feel a part of your family!