The Lasting Influence of the Bridge

It really started during a class trip to Old Sacramento. The fact that I don’t remember the name of the class or the professor is in no way a reflection on how much I liked the course, which was a lot, but more an example of how bad my memory is. Anyways, it was on this night that I started something personal that is still going on to this day. I was interested in really getting a unique perspective for my my assignment and I knew it wouldn’t be easy with a whole class full of eager students running around the same block. I wanted to shoot something common in a way that was really unique and broke down the subject into basic elements of color and shape. I was in a hurry since my friends were moving on, but I had one slight spark of inspiration. I had one idea that I ran with almost on a whim. I wasn’t sure what would come of it but I’m so very glad I listened to myself. That night, I came up with this:

Do you recognize it? No? It’s the Tower Bridge in Sacramento. For those of you who might read this and aren’t from Sacramento do a quick Google search and you’ll see what I was working with.

I never realized when I shot this image that it would become a series for me. So you can imagine my surprise when I was thinking of what images to throw on here today and I started to notice a connection between some of my wedding work and this series. I could easily picture a lot of my favorite shots from friend’s weddings and it dawned on me that I had been adapting my art ideas and doing wedding work with the same eye. Change the angle, control the focus, concentrate primarily on the colors above all else, all of these things are ideas that I started using years ago with the bridge. Interestingly enough, I hate driving on that damn bridge. I always seem to get all turned around and annoyed when I’m in the area, so I avoid it like the plague. Anyways, don’t take my word for it, take a look at these!

 

 

 

Shout out!

I’ve had the technical school training. I’ve shot on my own. I’ve read books on photography. I’ve read blogs/websites/magazines about photography. With all this under my belt I’ve come to one conclusion: that the best way to learn is to study actual photographers. There is just something about seeing the work of others, reading their thoughts, and just trying my hardest to squeeze any information out of a wedding photographer’s website that makes my mind work in a very productive way. So in this post I want to share some of the best wedding photographers I’ve found out there. Check them out, and be amazed!

Jasmine Star
I’m sorry everyone else, but she’s easily my favorite. From how open and honest her blog is about her work and life to the amazing photographs, Jasmine does it all. She’s a constant source of inspiration.

Mike Colon
Finally, someone who isn’t afraid of grain! His style just caught my eye so fast I knew I wanted to follow his work and pick up a few things. So many of his images just have this classic quality that makes me feel like the wedding somehow fell through a time warp and really took place decades ago. I half expect to see Frank Sinatra in the background. But of course, it doesn’t happen, all I get is beautiful shot after beautiful shot. (oh no!)

Dane Sanders
Let me get this out of the way: his photographs are just beautiful. There, it’s said, it’s the truth, and it’s done. What Dane does better then anyone (for me anyways) is display an ability to anticipate, adapt, and fully explore new ways to do business as a photographer. His book, Fast Track Photographer, was one of the most eye opening books I’ve ever read. If anyone reading this wants to start any kind of photography business I highly recommend it. If you’re looking to start a wedding photography business it’s 100% essential!

The Becker
The Becker has an eye that can’t be denied. The vast majority of his images look like they belong in a magazine, like they were carefully crafted in the perfect studio setting. But they weren’t, this is just how good he is.

Ed Pingol
What can I say about Ed Pingol? Personally, he’s the model for what modern wedding photography can be. He is a master of creative angles and has had more “how the hell did he do that?!” shots then anyone else I have ever seen. Check him out!