Portraits of a Trendsetting Duo in Downtown Manhattan

written by: Christian Oth

Ever since I first laid my eyes on this engagement shoot that Shawn Connell shot last fall, I've been waiting for the right opportunity to feature it. What better occasion than the recent passage of the same sex marriage bill in New York. Mark and Morgan are about the most stylish and sophisticated couple you can imagine with that downtown, urban chic lifestyle. I truly love these images!

We reached out to Mark and Morgan to get their thoughts on this week's historic event and Morgan shared the following, "We're obviously thrilled that it passed and think it's a great reflection of how much progress has been made in the fight for marriage equality ever since we got engaged back in 2009. Even though we had our "legal" wedding ceremony in Boston last September, we consider our October wedding in NY our actual wedding date--we were just a few months ahead of our time! Trendsetters as usual! ;)"

june 25 2011

Congratulations NY!!! Same Sex New York Marriage Bill passes

written by: Christian Oth

What an incredible time for gay New Yorkers! Today I am proud to be calling this state my home! We are all incredibly moved by the same sex marriage bill that passed in the senate last night. Thank you governor Cuomo for delivering on a campaign promise! And, the four republican senators that made it possible for the bill to pass.

What a remarkable victory for the gay community that started their gay rights movement right here in the city at Stonewall.

Photographer Shawn Connell took the above image at a recent gay wedding in NY.

june 22 2011

The new light field camera

written by: Christian Oth

The news of this new camera technology reached me over and over again today. Seems like every photographer seems incredibly excited by this new technology: A camera that lets you select focus after the fact.

This is nothing short of remarkable! If you know any photographer, especially those who shoot photojournalism you'll know that a camera's focus is probably one of the most challenging issues. This is quite a deep subject, that we all discuss a lot.

The Wall Street Journal says that "(it) will bring the biggest change to photography since the transition from film to digital". They might be right.

This really changes things.

Lytro, the company behind this new technology say that they will deliver a consumer camera later this year. Go to their website and reserve your spot now.

Introducing Glen Allsop

written by: Christian Oth

It's my pleasure to introduce Glen Allsop. He is our newest photographer at the studio.

I met Glen last year and was so impressed with his work that I asked him to come shoot for us. A few of our clients already had the pleasure to meet him and see his work in action. He has photographed over 100 weddings in Australia and shot several in the USA. In fact, many of his clients loved his work so much that they flew him from Australia to the US. Not bad, if you think about the photography talent that we have here in the first place.

So, I am very fortunate to announce Glen as the newest member of our team.

His work has been seen in Bride to Be Magazine, Real Weddings Magazine, Woman's Day among others as well as on many blogs.

Also ProPhoto Magazine (Australia) recently did a cover feature on Glen.

Click on his headshot to see Glen's full portfolio and bio.

“The relationship between photographer and client is crucial in creating beautiful, honest photographs. It’s my passion to catch you at your very best, which may be when you least expect it.” - Glen

june 14 2011

The Subject's Comfort

written by: Christian Oth

I have been on many photography sets, be it fashion shoots, portraits or entire weddings. An important aspect of any type of people photography is ensuring that your subject is comfortable.

So the obvious question is how does one create that comfort? It starts with having the right energy at the shoot. This applies to not only the interaction between the subject and the photographer, but also to the surrounding elements and, in many cases, the team that is involved in the shoot.

Another helpful tip is that a photographer should put him/herself into the subject’s shoes. Most subjects get a bit nervous and self-conscious in front of a camera. Put your subject at ease in every possible way - crack jokes, talk to them about their family, anything that you think will put them in a positive, fun space.

It goes without saying that having great people skills goes along way when there is a direct interaction with a subject, such as during a portrait shoot or photographing a wedding couple, but it’s equally important is that the setting has the right ambiance. Music is one of the greatest tools for a fashion or portrait shoot. There is nothing like it, especially when in the studio.

Above all, I’d have to say that the #1 element for a shoot that is that everyone involved has a real positive attitude, is inspired and just really like-able.

I would love to hear from you, fellow photographers, how you take the “edge” off during a shoot?

The above image is of Gary Shteyngart, who I photographed for the New York Times Magazine (who incidentally brought a lot of good energy himself to the shoot)

june 13 2011

Job description: Photographer

written by: Christian Oth

MARKETING

I’ve often put forth my thoughts on the different components necessary to be successful photographer. (By success, I’m primarily focusing on a photographer who makes a living with their work.) Well, let’s talk about this for a second. If I had to dissect and discern the elements that comprise success in a photographer, I would have to focus on the following four:

A photographer needs to be:

1.    talented
2.    technologically savvy
3.    very organized
4.    a great marketer

Of these four, the most common trait in successful photographers is that, right after having incredible talent, that they’re very good at marketing themselves. But not everyone has that latter skill.

There are those who are simply talented. These folks can be more introverted in personality but are also just really amazing at what they do. Raw talent. What about those individuals?

In an ideal world marketing shouldn't be part of an artist's job description. These artists are so good that the world around them just flocks to them in appreciation of their talent. Well, not so. The reality is that a photographer's work needs to be championed to the masses or at least brought before the right decision-makers. It's this kind of left brain work that is the job territory of artist's reps or agencies.

But, ultimately the success of a photographer is determined by his/her ability to balance the four elements whether he/she seeks assistance with the marketing bit or not.

Tomorrow I'll discuss something related to the Photographer's Job Description: “The Subject’s Comfort”. Stay tuned...