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april 27 2011

All over NYC

written by: Christian Oth

Our featured couple Beckie and Jung embarked on a city wide engagement shoot adventure with photographer Shawn Connell. And they made a rainy day on the Brooklyn Bridge look like fun. The couple has an amazing story on how they got engaged and we are sharing it with you below:

Click on the photos below to see the entire engagement shoot.

Beckie & Jung:

"During our trip to Korea, Jung formally asked my dad for my hand in marriage. Although I wasn't there when he asked the question, I knew that was the sole purpose for the trip. After that, Jung was on a mission to surprise me with a proposal.

Jung had the founder of his company send an email saying that this years company trip was to Punta Cana and that the invitation is extended to family and significant others. At first, I was hesitant to go on a company trip, but I couldn't pass over an "all-expensed" trip to the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Jung was working diligently behind the scenes and making sure all the details at the resort were going smoothly. It never crossed my mind that this was all a hoax!

I was basically fooled until our first night there, when it came time to attend the company gala. I was led to the spot where the party was supposed to take place, and then realized something was off--the beach was completely void of people! Instead there was a pathway of lamps in the sand that led to a single candlelit table by the water. Jung then told me how much he loved me and got on his knee to pop the question. It was the most romantic and intricately planned proposal. And as he had hoped, Jung did end up surprising me after all!"

april 24 2011

First Impressions are Precious

written by: Christian Oth

Traveling to new places is always exciting. From the moment the plane touches down, the local sights, sound and smells penetrate the senses and offer instant inspiration. Make most of the inspiration and have the camera out. iPhones are easier to pack but try to bring a real camera. Yes, Facebook is full of Instagrams and Hipstamatics, photographs in single image galleries with public icons and cool sights, mostly about what’s different. But have you tried roaming the streets and capturing those impressions with a real camera?

As a street photographer you naturally have the aura of the newcomer - the tourist. You can be voyeuristic and have the heightened sensitivity to return with certain images that you might not were you to live there. The camera not only captures the physicality of your environment but something that can't be reproduced - your first impression of that environment.

Go out there in that new place, hang that camera around your neck and roam the streets. Photograph the locals, the sights, patterns and what’s different. It’s amazing how the vision changes within a couple of days and you accept that new place as the new normal.

First Impressions are precious.

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"Outside the Grand Bazaar" This image was taken during a recent trip to Istanbul - photographed hours after landing.

april 20 2011

Gorgeous Napa Valley Wedding at Calistoga Ranch

photography by: Meredith Davenport

written by: Christian Oth

Jenn and Maciej were married last fall at Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley. The self-proclaimed "foodies" incorporated their love of wine and cheese into the details of their wedding. What a lovely California wedding - a perfect balance of rusticity and elegance! To check out more images from this amazing wedding photographed by Meredith Davenport click on the images below.

Wedding Venue: Calistoga Ranch

Floral Design: Blooms by Martha Andrews

Wedding Invites & Paper Goods: Chewing the Cud

Wedding Coordinator: Clever Girl Consulting

Hair & Makeup: Julie Morgan

Wedding Cake: Sweet on Cake

Wedding Dress: Amsale

Bride's Shoes: Christian Louboutin

To get more tidbits about Jenn and Macie's wedding, check out the feature posted yesterday on Style Me Pretty.

april 12 2011

Portfolio Series XX

written by: Christian Oth

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This is one of many great images that we were able to come back with during an amazing bride & groom shoot on 5th Ave. We simply embraced the teeming busyness of Midtown Manhattan. This is definitely one of my all-time favorites! I hope you love it just as much as I do!

april 07 2011

Pro?

written by: Christian Oth

What defines a professional photographer?

Education is usually the first thing that comes to mind whenever one gets considered a professional. Industry acceptance is another. Lawyers must pass the bar exam before being able to practice. Social workers need to be licensed. What then is the equivalent in the photography industry?

Not an easy answer. I have seen many pros that never had a photography education, yet are widely successful. Then, there are many “graduates” that could never make it. The photography field is very competitive after all.

In my experience, the common denominator among professional photographers is commitment. Yes, it’s a fun job but a pro approaches it seriously, with thought, dedication and passion. The product is a balance between reliable results for the client and the artistic edge that inspires. Pros can be called upon to deliver and they will.

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Pros go the extra mile to get that one amazing shot. It's not coincidence, it's instinct laced with experience. It's thinking ahead, being prepared and knowing your subject matter really well.