Lighting Sunset Portraits

Happy Halloween everyone.. I printed six 40x60 inch canvases today to bring to my lecture this weekend at the Javitz Center. Hope to see you there... LexJet came out with a new Sunset Matte Canvas that is stunning. If you print with Matte Black on your Epson, this is the most impressive canvas I have see for black and white images.

I closed the day with an engagement session on the beach at 4:30 pm with a really sweet couple. The sunset as you can see was stunning. I used a Canon 1Ds Mark II to capture the image to the left. My associate Derrick held a three foot gold reflector and I bounced my on camera flash off of it to light the couple. This creates a huge warm toned light source which is perfect for sunset images. Using the method creates the perfect amount of directional warm light that gives the images a color punch without looking like a flash was used.

Filming for Website

Today was cool. We did some filming for our website in the New York office. We are working on capturing clips of our crazy lifestyle to create a new section on meet the artists. Our goal is to give a glimpse of the excitement, fun, and drama of what it takes to run a successful studio between Manhattan and Connecticut. We thought this would be a fun way to show what we are all about.

I have always prayed and asked for excitement in our lives. As crazy as it can be at times, we are thankful how great it can be, and also how hard it can be. You learn from both the trials and tribulations and the truth is, it takes both to experience the ups and downs at peak.

I am hoping to get this launched in the next few weeks.

Central Park Engagement Shoot

A lot going on the past two days in the NYC office. Wedding consultations, engagement sessions, and we have been filming Together In Style segments and a commercial as well. It looks like TIS will pre-launch earlier than expected as everything is wrapping up so quickly. Sometime in December or early January the site will go live with the official launch this spring.

Today, we started out at the old Plaza Hotel and walked through the park taking some fantastic engagement portraits for a couple that came into the city just for portraits. It was a crisp cool day, and the portraits are gorgeous.

Why we want you to be rich!

Trump / Kiyosaki Book Review...
So, I was in the airport the other day flying out on assignment, and I couldn’t find any magazines I wanted to read. But I noticed a book on the way out of the store called “Why We Want You To Be Rich”. Seeing that it was co-created by Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump, I thought it might be interesting. I have read several books by each author and enjoyed them all, so I figured it was a good bet.

While somewhat repetitive, the book is a good read. It is vague, but motivating at the same time. I actually prefer books that don’t tell you how to do something, but rather motivate you to think for yourself. It was also fun to read Robert Kiyosaki’s story of meeting Donald Trump in the board room. Having photographed Donald and Melania’s recent wedding, that feeling of, “what am I doing here in the Trump Boardroom” hit close to home.

The book covers some hard hitting topics that are both financial and political. As a business owner, it really makes you think about your investments. I loved it because it coincides with my vision to create opportunities. It also made me think about long term goals.

If the vision of these two entrepreneurs is correct. The book foreshadows some major problems with finances in America. We know we can’t count on Social Security, but can you count on a 401K, medicare, or even a pension? According to these two, none of these will be available by the time I reach retirement. A scary thought as there really is no backup plan for today’s young business people. Bottom line, you have to make it happen for yourself because chances are we won’t be able to count on the government like our parents and grandparents did.

I have always believed in a balance of saving, investing, and creating. The book makes me consider being more on the creative side rather than the saving side. If you are a small business owner with big plans ahead, you might consider reading this book regarding your financial future.. It will probably be an eye opener.

Hiking in the fall with Jellybean

Meet the beast... Jellybean, our huge english mastiff puppy is the such a great dog. Everybody wondered if we were out of our minds to get such a big dog. While big, she is such a low key dog that you hardly know she is around most of the time. She is a joy to have. Today, we went hiking in Connecticut to take in some of the foliage, spend some time with Jellybean and just relax a little. We have fantastic trails for mountain biking and hiking just our our front door. When we have free time, getting outside in the fresh air sure is a great way to rejuvenate.

Flying With Data.. Back it up...

We have all heard about the airline restrictions with liquids, etc.. And, for a while, laptops were on the list and in the news of things you couldn’t carry on a plane. The reality is, you never know what will change on a moments notice in regards to carry on luggage.

I travel a lot for events and weddings. Today, I hopped on a plane for Washington D.C. to capture the lifestyle and details of a wedding for an upcoming book we are working on with celebrity party planner David Tutera. You know, we see a lot of over the top weddings, but each and every time we walk into a room that is designed to the hilt, it the WOW factor hits you. David really outdid himself again.

I wanted to get back home to my family, because I am taking Sunday off to spend with them and just lay low. But, I also wanted to make sure my data was backed up before going through the airport scanners. How do I do it?

Simple.. The Epson P-2000. A 40 gig hard drive, that accepts compact flash cards and SD cards. I keep it on my belt and when a card is full, I simply pop the card into the unit and it backs up the data. Best of all, I can view the images and even share them with the client with complete detail. You can even run a slide show set to music and it will even play video.

REVIEW FOR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS...
The Epson P-2000 is an incredible backup system. It is simple to use, and lightweight. It can view and backup raw files, jpgs, and other formats as well. The battery lasts long enough that I can charge before an event and I yesterday I downloaded 25 gigs of RAW data from my Canon 1Ds Mark II with plenty of battery left to view the images on the plane.

It is pretty fast to download as well. Not as fast as a firewire data transfer, but plenty fast to backup on the go. Epson really thought this product out and it is definitely on my must have list for equipment. A USB input allows you to transfer the data to your computer when you get back home.

Carrying a laptop is certainly a fine idea, but the clarity on the screen of this unit is beyond compare. It is smart to have a backup of all of your data before flying and this makes backup a breeze. This is why digital is such the smart choice for assignments that require travel. The ability to have multiple copies of this important data is incredible.

I highly recommend it.

Vineyard Wedding in the Fall

I just wrapped up a wedding at a Vineyard in Stonington, Connecticut. It rained all day, but we caught a break while the front past through and the bride was so cool. She was ready and psyched to take photographs outside in the vines even thought the grass was wet, the wind was blowing, and yes, there was mud.

The reality is that the smart thing to do rain, shine, or snow, is trust us. And, the goal of the wedding day is to have fun, get great images of that fun, and enjoy every moment, so you have to go with the flow. The bride decided to have fun, with it, and that is exactly what happened. They had the time of their lives because of it.

It also didn’t hurt that Jennifer shared some advice before the wedding day to prepare for the rain since we all knew the forecast. And that is what we are here for. We have see it all.

The foliage is perfect here in Connecticut right now as well. The wedding was small and intimate with just 40 people which added to the charm of the event. I have tons a amazing images and will post some when I get a chance. Right now I am about to catch a plane to Washington D.C. for another assignment.

Maring Featured in a New Book

Bill Hurter is known for writing fantastic books on professional photography. And, we just got a copy of his newest book titled “The Wedding Photographers Handbook”. The book is a guide to creating breathtaking images, and we are honored to be a part it. Maring’s images are featured on several pages throughout the book.

Maring has been in several of Bill’s books including “The Best of Wedding Photography”, “The Best of Wedding Photojournalism, and “The Best of Portrait Photography.” Strong quotes about Maring’s eye are written including “Maring is a Master of Capturing the Defining Moment”. Wow... I am not sure what to say about that, but thank you for the kind words. We simply love what we do and appreciate that media outlets have taken notice to the passion behind our work.

If you are a wedding photographer, or an aspiring photographer, pick up some books by Bill Hurter. The great thing about his writing is that he shares not only great information on lighting and technique, he includes important information on ethical business practices as well.

Runway NYC

Yesterday, myself and another great photographer from Los Angeles, Mike Colon, were asked by Grace Ormonde Wedding Style to photograph the runway for Bridal Fashion Week in Manhattan. I would like to thank Grace, Tracy, and Jessica for a great day as I had a lot of fun. We shot the runway for Reem Acra, Monique Lhullier, Justina McCaffrey, Amsale, Kenneth Pool, and many others.

What amazes me is the most brides to be have no idea what is available to them in terms of fashion. There were so many hot looks this year it was awe inspiring. Seeing and photographing couture fashions is and eye opening experience.

Now I work all day to download, backup, and get the data to the magazine. I also have a vision of some amazing creative ideas I can do for these images, I’ll share that in a future blog post when I am done.

Today's Wedding

I had the honor of photographing a fantastic wedding today in Guilford, Connecticut at a Yacht Club before heading back to Manhattan to shoot fashion tomorrow for Wedding Style Magazine all day.

Fall has arrived and the leaves are starting to turn in New England. It was a perfect day, and I would like to thank the families for their kind words, and simply for having me as part of such a special day.

Here are a couple of images taken late in the day after the cocktail hour. Sunsets in the fall in New England lend themselves well to capturing dramatic colors. The couple wanted a few images at sunset together, so we went out and braved the wind and chill in the air. I just let the couple be themselves and captured their moments with a 200mm lens from a distance rendering a more natural photograph than if I had interacted with them. I find that is usually the case and the best way to capture great images is to just let them be and enjoy their time together in such a beautiful location.

I had a big smile on my face the whole time watching their moments together. Sometimes I can’t believe how lucky I am to have the honor of photographing such momentous occasions for people, and it gives me a great sense of pride knowing that these images will be around for generations to enjoy.

I want to thank their families for letting me be a part of their special day. And, what a great day it was! Congrats!!!

Ultimate Service for Clients

Aperture has become one of the most fascinating programs that we use to provide client interaction for viewing photos.

For 6 months or so, we have been working using the Apple based software to provide the ultimate service and image viewing opportunity for portrait and wedding clients.

We view portrait images immediately after the session in many cases and it not only saves the client time, but offers them an experience and service that is a cut above.

For the first time, we are able to work with the client to see the images in detail that has never before been available. Proofs just don’t showcase the details the way that a 30 inch monitor does, and the speed of Aperture is stunning.

Due to the success and client reaction to our portrait viewings, we recently added an album consultation option utilizing the software. Couples visit with us 2-3 weeks after they pickup their original previews and we choose the best images together with full clarity of knowing that the right selections were made.

New Manhattan Office

Well, we have been over the top busy the past few months. In between the 7 days per week work ethic, we managed to move into the new Manhattan office! Yeah... The space is stunning! The new office is in Midtown on 7th Avenue between 35th and 36th on the 11th floor. It has a high fashion euro-industrial elegance, and we are excited to offer this incredible experience along with a new way of looking at our photography in general.

As most of you know, we don't lecture or speak very often as we prefer to consentrate on making great images and giving great service to our clients. However, we are taking the time to speak at the Photo-East conference at the Javitz Center coming up in early November. We are giving a two hour platform program that will cover a lot of topics from capture to print and marketing information as well. If you are a photographer you don't want to miss this as it will be the last time we speak for quite a while.

Hope to see you at the new office..
Best... Charlie