Vianca & Claude's Engagement Session

One of the most challenging moments I have as a professional photographer is when I come under the scrutiny of another photographer as a client. Unlike the average client who contracts me to cover their wedding, working with someone else in the profession requires that I walk a tightrope that has to be a perfect balance between two individuals artistic demands. On several occasions when I've had this type scenario, I've done everything I could NOT to be contracted as the photographer because I knew what the outcome was going to be. One big "opinion fight", and who has time for that?

Well, that wasn't the case when Vianca Monroe and Claude White came to the studio to check us out as their wedding photographer. Upfront Claude mentioned to me that he was an avid photographer and that he admired my work. He also made it clear that he expected quality work because he knew what to look for, but he also wouldn't tie the hands of the photographer he hired. During the course of the consultation I will admit that Claude and I clouded Vianca's inquires about my services when we'd go off on tangents about photo equipment and techniques. To make a long story short, the three of us clicked beautifully after fielding Claude's questions and I was looking forward to really showing him what a talented photographer he'd hired.

The final thing I want to share about Vianca and Claude is this. Vianca is quiet as a church mouse and Claude is, well...plain hilarious. This guy absolutely cracks me up with his sense of humor and he's the perfect match to bring out Vianca's quietness. Claude, thanks for putting your trust in me. Here's the first installment on some great images of you and your "special lady".

Enjoy!
Willie

[Double-click images to enlarge viewing pleasure]

Locations: Fort Lauderdale Airport parking lot
Performing Arts Center

Equipment: Canon 30D w/17-55mm IS lens
Doug Box Location Softbox with Canon 550EX flash
Pocketwizards

Jessica Morris - Protege

Meet Jessica Morris, my new protege. Over the years I have had numerous photographers come into my life and we became friends and fellow photographers who have spent a lot of time learning our craft and sharing our knowledge. Jessica was introduced to me by her husband (Paul) who informed me during a brief conversation that his wife was into photography. In parting I gave him my business card and told him to tell Jessica to check out my work on my website and give me a call if she wanted to discuss photography.

The following day I got an email from Jessica saying that she loved my work and would love to learn from me, so I agreed to take her on. We scheduled our first photo shoot together with a new model, (who didn't show up), so we spent an hour taking still-life images at the Riverwalk in downtown Augusta. All-in-all it wasn't a busted trip because we got to scout out some great locations for future senior and portrait photography sessions. And, Jessica got her first new lessons under her belt.

So, meet Jessica and check out a few of the images I took at Riverwalk so that I hadn't wasted my time. Welcome aboard, Jessica, I've got plenty to teach you if you willing to learn. I think we're going to make a great new team.

Enjoy!
Willie

[Double click images to enlarge viewing]

Start with something simple...

...and add in a little technique such as a panorama.

I'm learning that "spaces" are a huge part of composition.

Location: Riverwalk, [downtown Augusta]
Camera: Canon 30D w/17-55mm IS lens
Post-production: Adobe Lightroom 2.5 & Adobe CS3

Passion Realized

Thirteen years ago (when life wasn't so busy) I had a passion to learn how to paint in watercolor. In fact, I promised myself that if I ever retired I wanted to learn how to proficiently paint in watercolor as my next venture. I've always been intrigued by the pencil marks on the paper, how different layers of paint could be seen on top of each other, and how unique each brush stroke represented something not entirely recognizable. To me watercolor painting is just as meticulous as photography. Both require precision, you have to watch small details, and you need to master your craft. Watercolor VS photography = a draw.

Thirteen years ago when I took my first watercolor class at an Adult Education school, the teacher was so terrible at instructing I was left with total frustration and disappointment. So, I packed up my supplies and stored them away until now when the passion once again reignited in my mind. Since the move to Georgia and the subsequent closing of the studio, I've had lots of time on my hand. Well, two weeks ago I enrolled in a watercolor class and this time I'm not giving up mastering this medium. No, I'm not giving up photography...I'm just seeing it through different eyes now. Painting has actually heightened my sense of how to create some awesome images.

I want to share some of my latest works so you can see that I will not quit my day job, but I am having fun; that's what painting is all about. Hopefully, as I get better at this you will have seen where I started and how far I have advanced. The whole point of this posting is: "Don't give up on your passions. They can become realized at the right time".

Enjoy!
Willie

[Double click images to enlarge viewing]

"Camilla Blooms"

"Barn Owl"

"Backyard Tree"

"Flowers In Vase"

"Cattle Drive"

"Sand Dunes"

"Basket of Fruits"

"Mushrooms"

Tools: Watercolor paints, watercolor pencils, & Crayon markers.

Work

I love work. It fascinates me. I could sit and watch it all day.

~Annoymous

Glidecam 2000 Pro

As our video services grow for the studio and more and more clients are coming to us for premier video coverage of their wedding and events, we are constantly adding new cinematic equipment to make our work stand out from our competitors. One piece of accessories that I'm truly excited about is our purchase of the Glidecam 2000 Pro camera stabilization systems used by both film and video makers (glidecam.com).

So what does a stabilizing system offer a videoartist? As explained by Glidecam Industries: "These hand-held and body-mounted camera stabilizers create super smooth shots, and allow the operator to walk, run, go up and down stairs, shoot from moving vehicles, and travel over uneven terrain without any camera instability or shake". I'm certain that you've seen these stabilizers in use during major sporting events as the cameraman floats in and out of the action while capturing some breathtaking footage. Well, we want to offer our clients the same experience in our video service. I've already test driven the system and it's proving to be the type improvement that is going to enhance our video products.

[Click on this link: Glidecam Test to see a brief video of the test]

Look for more postings and video sessions showing the Glidecam in action. Contact 706-650-8676 if you have an event you want covered with professional video.

Enjoy!
Willie