A couple of my favorite speakers in the industry and, honestly, the world, will be presenting at the Convention as well – Neil van Niekerk, David Williams, Missy McLamb, Amber Holritz, and so many other, seriously talented photographers.  I’ll be holding two different classes on Sunday – Lighting 101 and lighting 201. My first class talks about basic lighting tools, concepts and will be a partially hands on class.  The 201 class goes into advanced concepts such as balancing, color, direction, quality and will tie in nicely with Neil Van Niekerks lighting presentation on Monday evening.

It is such an honor to be coming back for the 2nd year of the convention.  Compared to last year, there are 3 times as many speakers, it’s 50% longer and, with the success of last years convention, we’ve attracted some incredible sponsors (who give you free stuff) just for attending.  In other words, it will be an absolutely incredible experience.   To learn more about it, visit the WPS convention page.  I’ve also linked a video from last years convention – made by the incredible folks at Heart Stone Films (formally Barton Creek Weddings):
 

WPS :: 1st Annual Convention :: Highlight from Heart Stone Films on Vimeo.

Here are a couple of the shots I did last year during my shooting session (taking place on Monday afternoon at this  years convention).

We started off the day in the Crabtree Marriott bridal suite, where Erin & all the girls were getting ready.  The short time I was with Erin in her room we wonderful as an almost constant stream of friends and family were coming and going from the room – all wishing her well and expressing their overwhelming joy for her upcoming wedding ceremony.

Erin wanted very little “posed” photography and, when we did stage something, she wanted it to be unique, different and to, well, pretty much do what I wanted to do.  As a wedding photographer, this is absolute music to my ears.  We had time for a few quick shots while in her bridal suite (that rocked) then we moved down to the ceremony area in the Crabtree Marriott’s Junior Ballroom.  The ceremony room and reception hall (main ballroom) were beautifully decorated by one of my favorite florists, Lyn Graves from Fresh Affairs in Raleigh, NC.  Ken Holmes from Joe Bunn DJ Company got the reception going and, well, pretty much destroyed the dance floor as soon as he started spinning the tunes (Great job Ken!).

I managed to sneak away with the Bride & Groom for a few minutes to “play” with some ideas I got while walking thru the hotel earlier.  I revisited one of my favorite spots then hit a few new ones that I had been wanting to try since my last visit.  As the evening wore down, we held a “mock” sparkler exit and, as the sparklers were extra long, we ended up running thru it 3 times.    We all went back into the reception hall and as the evening wore down, I took a quick stock of the entire evening.  First word that came to mind after doing this was “wow”.  It was an incredible evening and all the emotions, beautiful settings and unadulterated joy experienced by everyone makes this one of my favorite weddings of the year!

I hope you enjoy a few photos from Erin & Dean’s Crabtree Marriott wedding!

Related posts:

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.

Related posts:

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!

Related posts:

So, as you can imagine, it was the day of the wedding when I finally met Nick. We got to know each other a bit while I was busy with the wedding photography and, while talking, I tried to hide my amazement that somehow, almost every groomsman he had was taller then I was (and I’m 6’5″).

The wedding took place in downtown Raleigh NC at the 1st Presbyterian church and the reception was held at the Crabtree Marriott in Raleigh. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and Amber made for a breathtaking bride! I really enjoyed working with the both of them and their families through the day (and night) and I look forward to their return from the honeymoon to show off some of the amazing wedding photos we were able to capture on their joyous occasion.

Related posts:

Before I start getting into everything, I will say it was 95 degrees outside and both the ceremony and reception were, you guessed it, outside.  Despite the heat, both the bride & the groom looked awesome and we were lucky enough to be in a chauffeured golf cart to do couples shots around the museum of life & science complex.  I think we probably covered two miles in the cart so I would like to send a special thanks out to Rachel, our driver and venue coordinator for helping us!  In the end, we drove thru every part of the museum and got some absolutely wonderful photographs from around the complex including the lake, dinosaurs, rock climbing and we tried for the wolves but they stayed inside where it was cool!

As the ceremony started, the sun gave us a break and went behind the clouds to give beautiful lighting and a beautiful blue sky.  There ceremony was mostly traditional with a few Jewish elements thrown in.  The mothers planted a flower as part of the ceremony and Erika & Corey watered it as a symbol of the marriage.  I haven’t seen this done before so I definitely thought it was pretty cool.  After the ceremony, and a few high fives, we all hopped on a train and took a few turns around the track.  I was lucky enough to be able to ride on the locomotive and get some great, great shots while dodging the occasional tree branch.

Back at the reception, after some really heartfelt toasts, dances and, of course, an awesome dinner, the party got started with some champagne and great music!  Before we knew it the night had slipped by and it was time to leave for the evening.  Even after going all day, the party was still hopping and I heard alot of plans to continue it in downtown Durham somewhere.

Congratulations to you both Corey & Erika!  Thank you so much for having me capture your day!  It was a lovely wedding and I hope you love your photos!

Related posts:

Nick & Elizabeth, first of all, have been such a joy to work with throughout the planning stages of their wedding photography.The  last consult before their wedding involved some rather exotic beverages and a wonderful dinner down the street from my photography office. With a lead up like that, you know this was going to be an awesome wedding! I can honestly say, wow! When I first arrived and met Elizabeth in her room at the Washington Duke Inn, I was floored at what a lovely bride she was! I don’t think I was in the room for more then 5 seconds before I immediately began shooting. As I moved around the room, I noticed that everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, was embroidered, stitched, labeled or otherwise notated with Elizabeth & Nick’s names, initial or monograms. Wedding cookies, water bottle, tote bags.. you name it, there was their names on it! I was waiting to see their name on the Duke Chapel but, apparently, they didn’t get that far.  I headed from the brides room into the grooms suite and caught the guys getting ready. Nick presented me with a wonderful present from both him and his lovely bride – a bottle of imported Rum (which I am waiting for your guys return to crack it open – so hurry up! ) – thank you so much!!!

We headed over to the Duke Chapel wedding ceremony where Elizabeth put on her dress and got ready to walk down the aisle. I want to give a special thank you to the officiant who had Nick & Elizabeth turn around during the ceremony to look at everyone in attendance – allowing me to capture some wonderful photographs during their ceremony! Just before they walked down the aisle as man and wife, the train on the dress was adjusted, as well as the groom’s tux getting brushed off (which had me laughing), we ran off for family formals and a little alone time with the newly married couple before we went back to the Washington Duke Inn.

At the hotel, I was, well, floored when I saw the room setup. Absolutely gorgeous!!!! We had discussed this photo idea beforehand so we got into the room before anyone else, and my happy couple shared a dance, alone, in the middle of the dance floor. I love this photograph and I am so glad we made all the arrangements to make it happen! After the reception was over and the happy couple exited the hotel in a shower of rose petals, a horse & carriage awaited them. As they rode off, I ran after them, hopped in, and we took a quick stroll around campus while I was photographing their ride. Of course, I hopped out after a bit and got a few great shots of them on the Duke Campus, at night, in a horse & carriage.

So, to Elizabeth & Nick – congratulations to you both! Thank you so much for having me capture your wedding and I cannot wait for you to see all the photos!!! Now, on to a few of them!

Cake: Sweet Memories – Apex, NC
Flowers: Watered Garden Florist – Raleigh, NC
Videographer: Barton Creek Weddings – Raleigh, NC
Carriage: Triangle Carriage Company – 919-542-7810
Band: TBA

Back to the top of Duke Chapel Wedding

Related posts:

When I arrived on Bald Head Island, NC it struck me both how quiet and surreal the island is. No cars, no bridges, just an island. What a perfect setting for a wedding! I met up with the happy couple on Friday evening at the Shoals Club to photograph their rehearsal dinner, meet their family, friends and just to hang out a bit. After loosing my golf cart (they all look alike you know) I finally made it back to my house and got prepared for the big wedding day.

The wedding day started by the bride getting ready at the Island Retreat Spa on Bald Head Island. Jenn and her Mom got their hair & makeup done by two fabulous ladies at the Spa while some more of the bridal party swung by to get their makeup taken care of. Back to their beach house where Jen and the ladies got dressed. Normally I dont talk much about the wedding dress but, wow, what a perfect choice! I headed over to the Captain Charlie Houses (Oldest houses on Bald Head Island) to get the guys getting ready. The houses are right on the beach and beach access 36 literally is just outside the front door of Captain Charlie #1.  We couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather for a beach wedding. Blue skies and a wonderful breeze really set the tone for Jen & Matt’s wedding day and made for beautiful photographs. After the ceremony, we headed over to the BHI Club for the reception. I couldn’t resist leaning out of the side of the golf cart and photographing the newlyweds in their “just married” golf cart. Everyone danced, partied and even sang along thru the rest of the evening.

I cannot extend my gratitude enough to Stephen, Karen, Michael, Diane, Matt & Jen for their unbelievable hospitality. It was an honor for me to be there and I hope I can repay your hospitality one day.

Rehearsal Dinner: Shoals Club – Bald Head Island, NC
Hair & Makeup: Island Retreat Spa & Salon Bald Head Island, NC
Wedding: Beach Access 36 – Bald Head Island, NC
Reception: Bald Head Island Club – Bald Head Island, NC
Officiant: Susan Darnell – Wilmington, NC
Flowers: Kim Fisher Designs – Wilmington, NC
Band: The Remedy Band – Raleigh, NC
Cake: Flower & Flour – Wilmington, NC

Now, on to the photos!!!

Related posts:

After getting all of my photography gear together, I went up to Erin’s room where Ginger was already underway with the hair & makeup for our lovely bride (She rode with me up to Asheville, NC). Preparation photography is really a favorite of mine. I can be as artistic and candid as needed and really try to capture the nervous emotion and activity in the room. The room itself was breath taking with a stained glass window at the top of the 20′ ceilings. Unfortunately the rain decided to follow me up to the Grove Park inn but, on the bright side, it makes for the most amazing photography lighting you could ask for. I left the ladies alone and went down into the Grooms room which was adorned with everything 50′s including a couch the was designed after a classic car and 50′s movie posters on the walls. As always, the groom’s room is a much different feel on the wedding day but, in both rooms, you can see the nervous excitement.

Leaving the Grove Park Inn, we rode the shuttle down to the wedding ceremony site which was indoors due to the weather. Upon walking into the waiting room, I saw a spectacular place to get a bridal portrait photograph. Again, without rain you can’t have rainbows (or, in this case, perfect photography lighting). Before you know it, Kiersa Holy (Ashville, NC Wedding Planner who totally rocks) came in with the “It’s time” statement.

This was my first Indian Ceremony and I had been doing quite a bit of studying on the Hindu traditions and beliefs so I was really looking forward to the wedding ceremony. With the “fire” being a candle, very colorful flowers that I want to call Lei’s but that is not the name (Thij & Erin, help?), two chairs and rose petals on the ground, the wedding ceremony was as beautiful and meaningful as I had read about which made the photography even more spectacular.  I should mention the Grove Park Inn was having a Jazz celebration this weekend so the entire hotel was packed – I think everyone from Asheville, NC came in as well. With the outside being rained out but still wanting to get a feel for the location, we caught the shuttle back up to the Grove Park Inn main building and did the formal photographs on an outside patio. Erin, Thij & myself then ran around the Inn to do our bride & groom session for photos just of the happily married couple.

After arriving back at the reception hall we went right into Dinner with was a traditional Indian fare served family style in the Fox & Hound club, one of the outbuildings from the main Grove Park Inn complex. Toasts, speeches and kisses ensued then off to the dancing, (dare I say it) drinking and downright delightful party. David Pandoria got everyone right onto the dance floor and, I can honestly say, the dance floor was full the entire night! Someone, somehow, got ahold of “props” that included hats, gloves, and yes, a ball & chain and distributed them out to everyone on the dance floor making the photography aspect, well, easy. Ladies take note, there was a “Kool-Aid” hand in use and apparently came in quite handy during the bouquet toss.

I can honestly say that this was one of the liveliest wedding receptions I have been to this year. Between laughing and showing hilarious photos to everyone, the night was over before I knew it. After everything was said & done, I met the wedding party, sans camera, back at the Grove Park Inn to give them my congratulations and help celebrate their wedding.  So, Erin & Thij, thank you again for everything! I was truly honored to get to know both you and your families while up in Asheville, NC! For everyone else, stay tuned – I will have another blog post featuring this gorgeous couple soon!

Now on to some photography..  Thank you both so much for having me as your wedding photographer!

Hair & Makeup: Ginger Mullins Raleigh, NC
Wedding Planner: Events By Kiersa – Kiersa Holy – Asheville, NC
Officiant: Reverand Susie Wright – Asheville, NC
Flowers: The Grove Park Inn – Julie Melville – Asheville, NC
DJ: David Pandoria – Charlotte, NC
Caterer: The Grove Park Inn – Asheville, NC

Related posts:

The wedding day started out beautifully with both my wonderful clients getting ready at the Umstead  Hotel.  Ginger Mullins was working on the bridal hair & makeup for Christy in the Governors suite while the guys were out golfing.  After getting some awesome preparation photography, I turned my attention to photographing both of Christy’s beautiful wedding dresses.  As the Umstead Hotel rooms are gorgeous, I had no shortage of places to hang the dresses to get some great shots.  As the guys returned and got ready, I headed up to their room just as they were were getting ready to pay tribute to Charles father by cracking a few cans of his dad’s favorite bear, Pearl.  I know not everyone may get that, but it was a very touching moment and I was certainly touched to be part of it.

As we get ready to head out to the Umstead Hotel Lawn for the wedding, the skies were, well, not wanting to cooperate.  A light mist was coming down and while the guests were seated outside, we looked at the weather forecast and it was, well, not good.  Christy really wanted to married outside so Charles, being the awesome guy he is, made the call and said “Let’s do it”!  I think someone cashed in some Karma points as the very light rain stopped as soon as the ceremony began.  Even though the radar showed we should of been getting poured on, the skies remained sealed for the duration of the ceremony.

After the ceremony and couples portraits, we headed into the Umstead Hotel for the reception.  The Stone Age Romeo’s were brought in to get the reception jumping and right after the parent dances, they did just that!  This was the first time I had heard them play and I will definitely make time to go see them again!  As the reception wore on, Christy changed into her 2nd wedding dress and, well, let’s just say Charles was impressed.  As the wedding reception wore down, many of their close friends and family headed over to the Umstead bar to finish off the evening.  I am happy I was able to join them, sans camera, to help send them off in style!

Congratulations to you both!  Thank you so much for having me as your wedding photographer and I hope you enjoy this small sampling of photos from your wedding!

Related posts:

I’ve been working with Sarah & Troy for a quite a few months doing their engagement session and Sarah’s bridal portrait so it was lovely to see everyone all excited for the wedding day.  Fearrington Village weddings are, how can I say, just beautiful.  Their grounds are immaculate and the entire complex just oozes class and elegance.  The wysteria was in full bloom which added a sweet smell to the air which just added another dimension of beauty to this already classy wedding.

At the start of the wedding, the sun was just over the horizon giving off a beautiful golden light onto the wedding ceremony held on the grass just outside the Fearrington Gardens.  A beautiful ceremony soon commenced and I would like to thank the wedding officiant for turning around Sarah & Troy to see the congregation whicht allowed me a few wonderful photos on their faces bathed in golden light..  yum!  After the ceremony and formals, Sarah, Troy and I headed out to the pasture to play in the setting sun.  I’m doing things a little differently this year to make my wedding photography even cleaner and, I think you’ll see the difference.  I am thrilled.. no, THRILLED with the photos from all day but especially this wedding portrait session just after the ceremony.

We headed into the wedding reception at the Fearrington Barn where the band was heating things up and the bartenders were cooling everyone down.  Now Sarah & Troy are total clowns so I was laughing quite a few times during their first dance as they would stop and pose for me.  The reception stayed jumping the rest of the evening and Sarah & Troy left to a sparkler send-off.  I thought about following them but, to be honest, they must of RUN wherever they were going because they were gone by the time I got around the corner.

I want to thank you both and your families for your graciousness and hospitality.  It has been a true pleasure getting to know all of you and I cannot wait for you to see the photos!