Jul 13 2010

Wilmington, NC Engagement Session | Elizabeth & Jeremy

Over the July 4th holiday, I had the chance to work in an area that Wilmington wedding photographers get to play in every weekend. Elizabeth & Jeremy had wanted their engagement session in Coastal NC and, despite our best efforts, we couldn’t connect when they were in the Outer Banks for their engagement session. So, being the total troopers they are, they drove back to Wilmington to meet me after only being home for a few days from Duck, NC. It’s been a while since I had done any photography work in Wilmington so our plan, if you want to call it a plan, was to meet in Historic Downtown Wilmington, grab some coffee, then promptly get lost. While this sounds a bit haphazard, I find it always makes for the best photography as you run across truly unique places that you would, ordinarily, never find.

This trip was no different. Since we shot in the morning & early afternoon, the heat wasn’t too bad (from the weather – my clients, however, are smokin hot) so we were able to walk all over the area and work with some lovely gritty backdrops that are perfect for this type of photography. Wilmington wedding photographers have a lovely diversity of scenery at their fingertips and, during my short duration here, I took advantage of it all. As we were finishing up the session, I think we all realized that no food had been consumed so we stopped by the “Slice of Life” for a few slices of really good pizza. Another reason to walk around and see what you can find – great pizza!

I want to thank Elizabeth & Jeremy for making the trip, being so awesome to work with and generally having a great time with my in Wilmington, NC. It was a blast working with you both and I cannot wait for your wedding!

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July 19, 2010 - 1:57 pm

CL Steele Studio | Portland Wedding Photographer - LOVE the image of them in the shop and the bottom “kiss by the wall”. Very nice! Keep up the great work.

Jul 08 2010

WPS Convention 2010 Recap & Photos

Posted in Photographers Workshops

I had an amazing experience speaking and leading two photography classes at the Wedding Photographic Society 2010 Convention held at the RTP Hilton. As one of 5 speakers, I spoke on sales as it specifically pertains to wedding photographers. You may have noticed, there is a shortage of large scale North Carolina Photography Workshops and, especially for wedding photographers, it’s a difficult business to start off in. The goal of our convention was to share, educate, inspire and bring together the wedding photography community in North Carolina.

We had over 60 people in attendance plus WRAL (Raleigh TV Station) also paid us a visit. It just happened to be when I was speaking which, admittedly, made me a tad bit nervous. The presentation I gave was really an incredible experience for me and, hopefully, everyone in attendance. Speaking at a wedding photography convention is incredibly challenging and rewarding at the same time. The room was filled with people who inspire me and, hopefully, I inspire in return.

The 2nd day of the convention involved mentoring sessions for wedding & portrait photographers and two “lens lessons” which involved all 5 speakers leading their own hands on photography demonstration. My photography class was on “Guerrilla Lighting” techniques and how to use often overlooked lighting and techniques to get a stronger photo. Wedding photographers rarely have the luxury of time or controlled areas to work in and I pride myself on taking these “disadvantages” and using them to get truly unique photographs.

Overall, it was the most rewarding experience I have had the pleasure of being a part of in my photography career. We have already begun planning the 2011 Wedding Photographic Society convention and, if early thoughts are any indications, it is going to be fabulous!!! I have posted a few shots below that I took during my lens lessons. I will be posting a few photos of me speaking in the near future.

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Jul 08 2010

Raleigh NC Photographer – Look No Further

Posted in Weekly News

Raleigh NC Photographer

What photography style is your style? Has that ever crossed your mind? The majority of us go about our lives without thinking so much about whether we have a traditional taste versus modern or contemporary. It’s not something we consciously ponder throughout our life, until our wedding, family reunion or promotion comes up that it can make all the difference.

A photographer’s style can be as diverse as a style of home. When you are looking to buy a house, you have specific requirements atoned to your personal taste, and finding the right photographer isn’t much different.

You want a photographer that will bring out the essence of you, whether it is the highlights in your hair or holding your newborn in the right light. You want your pose to be just right for that picture that’s going on your new business cards or brochure and captured in the right way. Are you traditional? Are you modern? Do you like candid shots that offer a creative edge?

Look no further than your neighborhood photographer who will offer you creativity, originality, professionalism and experience. Look to your Raleigh NC photographer that offers all of this and more.

Have you always wanted a professional portrait done of you or your family but never found the time to actually do it? Raleigh NC photographers offer depth to their pictures, creativity unlike any other and proven testimonials from past clients so you know what you’re getting before you commit. Mostly, they listen to your needs.

Have you ever hired a photographer with your hard earned money, told them your specifications for the job but instead they just listened to their own? Chances are you didn’t hire a Raleigh NC photographer. Raleigh NC is filled with award-winning photographers and from a wide range of specialties: wedding, new baby, commercial, senior portraits and more. They offer you what you want, specify and desire and without overcharging.

Raleigh NC photographers work with their home turf, which is nothing short of a beautiful and natural landscape. Raleigh photographers know the area and are full of portrait suggestions should you want them. Do you want to be photographed with the state park as your background, or the plentiful oak trees that make Raleigh so popular?

What about the beaches, cityscape view or the golf courses? No matter what your taste is, your Raleigh NC photographer can offer you a beautiful package of everything you dream of for your portrait and more. You know what you’re paying for before you commit and in turn are handed error- proof portraits to last you a lifetime. Guaranteed.

Who wants to buy a house and later realize it doesn’t reflect them? Choosing a photographer is an individualistic choice as well, but when you look to Raleigh NC for your photography needs, you’re getting the best because simply you deserve the best. And your Raleigh NC photographer knows that.

Back to the top Raleigh NC Photographer

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Jun 24 2010

Wake Chapel Wedding | Carly & James

Posted in Wedding Photography

I, like many Raleigh Wedding Photographers, are hoping for indoor weddings now that it’s 250+ degrees outside, in the shade. This past weekend I had just that, an indoor wedding and reception. To make it even better, the wedding and reception were both at the Wake Chapel in Fuquay-Varina, about 20 minutes outside of Raleigh. This means no getting into a 300+ degree car to make the mad dash to the reception hall. So, all in all, I was looking forward to a relatively nice day inside the building with the AC set to “penguin”.

The day started off with Carly getting ready in the reception hall just behind the church. I had never been inside this building before so it was nice to get a first hand look at the hall before the festivities started. As Carly was getting her hair & makeup done, after a few photos of course, I headed up to the sanctuary where James and his brothers/best men were getting dressed. The sanctuary was built in 1856 and added onto over the years. This makes the interior a pretty cool place with lots of neat features that are very historic in creation literally beside cutting edge technology. My one favorite was the old art deco door with a round glass cutout (never did walk thru that door though). In my opinion, Raleigh Wedding Photographers really have the best of both worlds with both urban and rural churches within an easy commute.

The bride came up shortly after and, well, we had a wedding! This church just recently allowed wedding photographers back into the sanctuary after, well, let’s just call it an incident with a not-so-professional wedding photographer. This was exciting news for me as the interior is gorgeous and I couldn’t wait to photograph the ceremony. After the ceremony and formals, we opted to go straight into the reception as the thermometer was still showing “broil” outside. We had 3 great dances and a few tears, of course, to start off the reception. Food was in plentiful supply and the cake cutting started off a “smashing” affair.

Carly and James chose a bubble wedding exit and with no wind, it made it perfect to photograph them coming out of the reception hall. We met in downtown Fuquay-Varina to catch up on the portraits we missed due to the heat. It was still hot outside but with the sun going down, it was bearable and made for some lovely light to work in.

I’d like to thank Carly, James & their parents for their hospitality and graciousness! Congratulations to you all and I hope you enjoy the photos!