Wedding # 2

in , , , ,

Late last year I was given the opportunity to record a wedding for a young couple looking forward to start their new life together.  They decided to have another ceremony this summer for all of their family and friends to attend. The weather was perfect for the celebration and allowed me to create some different types of images. Shooting outdoors can present some challenges, though. As photogrophers, one of our duties is to be able to control the lighting for our subjects. Unfortunately there isn't an easy way to make the sun move where you want.  At least not with current technology :-). Placing subjects in and around the Sun's path is vital to interesting and dynamic images.  Using the available shadows and reflective surfaces give your subjects dimension and allows the photographer to control the scene.  Challenges like these help sharpen our creative pencil so we can continue to give our clients what they deserve. I wish the Womers the very best in there future and look forward to working with them again. 

11062105_462460907260235_3595232427630262813_o.jpg

Manistee River Melting

in

I really love being able to capture images from heights and angles that are almost impossible by conventional means (plane,helicopter, etc). Recently I was able to get some great video of the Manistee River watershed near Mesick MI.  This particular area has been home to several generations of swans over the years.  Looking at this area from above really solidifies how fragile and (in some cases) rare places like this are today. Hopefully this area will be around for many more generations (of humans and swans ;-)  Check out my video here .  You can also view it over on my Aerial Photography page. For those able to view 2k or even 4k videos, make sure to select that resolution in the bottom right hand corner of the video window (click on the gear icon). The high resolution really helps bring out all the small details.

image.jpg

Church Wedding

in , , ,

The day after Christmas I had the opportunity to capture memories for a couples wedding.  There were some challenges due to the lighting and space available, but the end result turned out great. One of the questions that I always get asked is: "How do you create photographs like this without bringing tons of studio lights to the location?"The answer is to use what is available.  I love to use natural light.  There is nothing better than shooting on a cloudy day especially when you have access to a large window to to pose your subject in front of. Another technique that I use on a regular basis is bounce flash.  Bounce flash is using an external flash head (on camera) and directing the head to "bounce" off of the ceiling and or walls close by.  You will be surprised by how powerful these flash heads actually are.  In the church I was shooting in we had sloped ceilings with one end approx. 20 ft high.  Using my flash I was able to turn the (somewhat) small flash strobe into a giant soft box by bouncing it off of the ceiling. You can use this technique almost 90-95% of the time.  The only caveat here is if the ceilings or walls are colored (non-white).  If that is the case and you are in a tight spot, have a helper hold up a piece of white foam core board (from a hobby shop) or even a bed sheet will work in a pinch. This way you can bounce your flash off of the white material and get some soft light that produces great three-dimensional images. Whatever you decide to do, do not shoot with your flash directed strait at your subject.  This (in 99% of cases) will not give you the results you are looking for.  95% of the wedding shots taken here were with using one flash head and the bounce method. If you don't have an external flash, practice taking your camera (built in flash) and use a small piece of paper to direct the flash away from your subject. Direct it at a wall adjacent to them or to the ceiling. Try it out, I know you will be much happier with the results. In closing, I am very humbled and greatful that I was given the opportunity to capture the happiness and joy on this day.  The full gallery can be viewed at: Womer Wedding 1. 

Family Photo Shoot

in , , ,

As a photographer, I really enjoy taking portraits of families.  The special bond and candid moments are so easy to reproduce.  In most cases, I just tell families to do what they do best.... Be themselves! During my latest session I was able to record some great moments of my sister and her beautiful family.  My niece loves getting her photos taken.  She's a natural! Its great to record these moments in our life and slow down a bit.  Life, in its hectic ways, passes by so fast.  By capturing these moments in time we can reflect on these memories for many years to come.

 

Dollaway Wedding

in , , , , ,

I was given the opportunity to record a very special day for newlyweds Travis and Juj Dollaway.  The day and location was absolutely gorgeous and I hope to work with these two again very soon.  Weddings are always a challenge (as one shooter) since you have to anticipate and locate yourself in the situations you believe to be the "most important".  I love "posed" portrait shoots but there is definitely something more organic with capturing special, candid moments.  The photos end up becoming a story you can follow from start to finish.  You can see this story over on my Facebook page.  The direct link to the post can be found here.  I wish the Dollaway's the best of luck with their new adventure.

10710763_345490138957313_3259161165007387200_n.jpg

Real Estate Photo Shoot

Recently I was given the opportunity to take some pictures of a gorgeous house and property in Mesick, MI.  Dodging rain drops I was able to get some great aerial shots with my drone as well as some detailed shots of items on the property.  I have photographed houses before but having the aerial perspective really allows me to get shots that are virtually impossible with any other conventional means.  All of the images as are all available to view on my Facebook page. The direct link is here.  I really enjoyed doing this and look forward to doing more real-estate related photo-sessions in the future - Kirk

10700262_345496068956720_4558077024385213705_o.jpg

New Arial Photographs/Video Capability

Recently I obtained a drone/quadcopter that allows me to create stunning arial videos/photographs.  This unit will fly in wind gusts up to 20mph without causing any instability with the camera footage.  The options with this unit are endless.  Here are just a few new services that I will be able to provide to my customers:

  1. Arial photographs/360 degree views of houses/property for real estate. Normally views or video like this would require the rental of a helicopter which normally run $200 per hour...
  2. Large group photographs that would normally be virtually impossible in curtain situations
  3. Panning videos of scenery and guests for events (weddings, concerts, festivals) that look very cinematic. Views of this nature would usually require expensive boom equipment and would normally include very high production cost
  4. Video of sporting events from a birds-eye view. 
  5. Photographs/video of water events or even portraits on a boat!

These are just a few services that I will now be able to offer to my customers.  The best part is that I am able to fly this device without any real training or certification.  Below is a link to a video of my 2nd successful run with the drone. The wind gusts during the day were between 15-18mph.  By watching the video footage, you would have never been able to tell that it was as windy except for the leaves moving around on the trees.  The video and photographs this unit produces are extraordinary.  

Video Link (can also be viewed under "Arial Photography" section): Arial Photography