Great Wedding Music

Check out Ohio Wedding Bells for some great wedding music in the Dayton, Ohio area.

What Can Go Wrong with Photography?

Laura,

I gave you an unfair answer to your "what can go wrong with photography?" question.  I've been thinking about it while I drove back to the studio.  Here are the ones I came up with:

• Couples who insist that they have all the photos taken somewhere that is too dark or is just ugly
• Couples who leave only 15 or 20 minutes for all the formals
• Couples who say they want "intimate portraits" but won't cuddle for the camera
• Couples who don't give me any idea of the style they like, provide no shot list and sample clippings
• Couples who don't tell me what is going to happen at the reception -- or say they want cake cutting shots but don't tell me when or where the cake cutting is going to occur and I end up behind all the guests

I think we'll do just fine.  You and Justin have done a good job organizing and planning the event.

Digital Photograph Workflow Discussion

As a digital wedding photographer I saw this article on the maltaStar.com new site. Honestly, I think the author is underestimating the need for a serious multi-disk backup system and vastly underestimating the storage requirements of a serious professional photographer. Instead of 500-1000 images a day I actually end up shooting between 2,000 and 3,000 images.

Digital dangers
maltaStar.com - Malta
Just to demonstrate my point with an example, wedding photographers today are shooting anything between 500 to sometimes over 1000 images during a single ...
See all stories on this topic

He talks about how a CD and an external hard drive are enough backups. I disagree. I suggest two external hard drives, two sets of DVDs and an online-upload backup for total off-site / off-organization, in case of a fire, major hack, or something else disastrous to other forms of storage.

Also, he fails to talk about using RAID10 or RAID5 on the main working disks, forgets to automate his backups, ect.

Good start though!

Seeking Associate and Affiliate Photographers in Northern California

I am looking to speak with professional photographers interested in shooting as associate (second) or affiliate (primary) wedding photographers, with my Northern California-based Cory Trese Photography studio.

If you are an interested:

• Working Associate Wedding Photographer in Sacramento California, Contact Me
• Working Associate Wedding Photographer in San Fransisco California, Contact Me
• Working Associate Wedding Photographer in Northern California, Contact Me

Nikon D3 -- Incredible!

I just need to say it: The Nikon D3 Rules.

Seriously, it shocks me every time I take it out. With the 85mm f/1.4 the camera is simply unstoppable. Even without AF-S, the auto-focus nearly perfect and at f/1.4 the camera's ability to focus in near darkness is incredible.

Even the D2Xs, another stellar auto-focus performer can't keep up. Both camera's low-light auto-focus is greatly improved with the addition of an SB-800 providing auto-focus assistance beams. However, the D3's 51-point 3D tracking mode makes easy work of difficult auto-focus situations ... for example, dancers on a dark dance floor. Not easy to get sharp focus in those situations, but the D3 comes through like a champ!

My Wedding Photography Work-flow

60 Days Before Wedding

1. Register event on http://www.SmugMug.com/ and alert client
2. Talk to the Bride about lighting the reception and how critical it is to her photographs
3. Get Names, Phone Numbers for
1. DJ
2. Coordinator [if contracted]
   
3. Bride
4. Groom
5. Mother of Bride [if possible]
4. Talk to the Bride about the rehearsal dinner ... stress how critical it is
   

30 Days Before Wedding

1. Light Readings & Visit to Venues (Ceremony & Reception)
2. Get shot list from bride
3. Meet DJ and get copy of "Schedule of Events"
   

Two Days Before Wedding

1. Clear & Format Compact Flash and Secure Digital Cards
1. Largest Cards into Bodies
   
2. Charge all Camera Batteries
3. Charge all AA Batteries, leave newest batteries on chargers
4. Verify and Reset all Camera Settings
1. ISO: 100
2. Mode: A
3. Flash: I-TTL
4. WB: Auto
   
5. Quality: RAW [Lossless Compressed]
   
6. Colorspace: sRBG
5. Synchronize all Camera Body Clocks
6. Print & Store Two Copies Maps, Instructions, Venue Details
7. Program Route into GPS and BlackBerry
8. Store all Phone Numbers into BlackBerry
   

One Day Before Wedding

1. Prepare Vehicle Load
1. Check all bags
2. Double-Check Lens, Bodies, Flashes, batteries, chargers
3. Double-Check Tripods, Portable Storage, Lights, Backdrops, Umbrellas
4. Fill Gas Tank
   
2. Create Complete Index Card Set for Couple and Family Shot lists
1. Names, Places and Priority for Wedding Party
   
3. Review and Transcribe Client Worksheet to Wedding Sheet
4. Look at bride's binder of sample shots
1. Lacking list of sample shots, review 100 best favorites from previous year of work (inspirational)
5. Prepare Wedding Day Attire
1. Double-Check all Dark Colors, Belt, Shootin' Shoes
   
2. Prepare & Double-Check Emergency Photographer Kit
1. Safety pins
2. Sterile contact lens drops
3. Needle and thread (white-ish)
   
4. spot cleaning cloths
   
5. hair ties for the windy days
   
6. short step ladder/seat
   
7. Advil, Asprin, Tylenol
8. fold up scissors
9. clear tape
10. floral wire
    
11. small Swiss army knife
12. Super Glue
13. Breath Mints
14. Bottled Water
15. Toothpaste
    
16. New toothbrushes
17. Hairspray
18. Hair Gel
19. First Aid Kit
20. Hairpins
21. Non Grease Sun tan lotion (clinique spf 30)
    
22. lip protector
    
23. Tissues
    
24. stain remover
    
25. Hydrogen peroxide
26. Umbrella
27. disposable rain coats
28. Duct Tape
29. Masking/Medical Tape
    
30. Handcuff Key
    
31. Lighter
32. halls cough drops
33. shine removal sheets for the face
34. nail polish remover
35. Comb/brush
36. Tweezers
37. Drinking Straws
38. Small Mirror
39. $200 in USD
40. Tums or Rolaids
41. Pepto Bismo
    
42. Anti-Static Fabric
43. Small towel
44. Pen and small pad
45. Shoe polish
46. Black socks
47. Hand lotion
48. Insect repellent
49. Baby powder

Morning Of

1. Remove all Spare Batteries From Chargers
2. Package Chargers into Battery Bag
   
3. Load Vehicle
1. Check all bags
2. Double-Check Lens, Bodies, Flashes, batteries, chargers
3. Double-Check Tripods, Portable Storage, Lights, Backdrops, Umbrellas
4. Put One Copy of Maps, Instructions, Venue Details in Vehicle
5. Put Second Copy of Maps, Instructions, Venue Details in Battery Bag
   
4. Get Dressed in Wedding Clothing
5. Stretch, Focus on Shoulders, Wrists and Hands
6. Prayer for the Bride and Groom
   

At The Wedding

1. Shoot Everything in RAW / NEF
   
2. Use Two Card Cases -- One for Full/Used and another One for To-Use
   
3. Backup Each Card to Laptop AND External Drive After it is filled
1. This is Done by a Program Called "Cory's Reliable Card Copier"
   
4. After card is backed to two locations, format card with card reader and place in "to-use card case"
5. Each card put into camera is checked to be empty (just to make sure) and then formatted with the camera
   

After The Wedding

1. Compare File Lists from LapTop and External Drive
1. Run "Cory's Reliable Card Copier" in "Validation" mode to ensure that all image files (by sequence number) are accounted for and stored
   
2. Make Multi-DVD Backup Copy, by Camera Body, and Label "Originals" Store Off-Site
3. { Proprietary Processing Operations }
   
4. Burn DVD Backup of Original JPegs, Store On-Site Label "Original JPGS"
   

Nikon D3 Wedding

I shot a complete wedding the past weekend using the Nikon D3, and it was wonderful.

I used the Nikon D3, two SanDisk Extreme III 12GB Compact Flash Cards (in overflow mode,) and Nikon SB-800 Speedlight and the Nikor 85mm f/1.4 FX format lens.

I have posted about the Nikon D3 and FX format before as well as about the Nikor 85mm f/1.4 and I have been very pleased with both

The 85mm FX format lens really has a chance to shine on the D3. The DX format cameras delivered exceptional performance with the lens, but the 1.5X crop factor sometimes made the 85mm (equivalent to 127mm) awkward for wedding work.

The the full frame FX sensor, the 85mm and the D3 can produce amazing results in any type of lighting. The 85mm's f/1.4 and the D3's high quality 2500 ISO make producing high quality in low light portraits exceptionally easy.

Rural Photography Story (Funny)

This story on Mother Earth News about Becoming a Rural Photographer is a riot!

The author actually believes (or writes) you can start a photography business with a $400 initial investment.

... but it doesn't have to be a wallet buster. You can find a good, used 35mm snapper—with lens—for between $75 and $300 (new ones start around $150 and go on up — way up—from there). Larger-format, 2-1/4 cameras usually cost somewhere between $100 and $300 used (while new ones start at $300).

I sure would like to know where you can get a good 35mm camera for $300!  I spent over $15,000 this year on 35mm cameras and I only got two of them!

Nikon D3 Reviews (Wow D3 Rules!)

From Photo.Net A Nikon D3 Review

I am personally in love with the D3.  I cannot get enough of the 4000-5000 ISO with the wonderful frame rate and ergonimics of the Nikon D2Xs.

...the D3 is highly responsive. Powering it up takes a mere 120 milliseconds and its shutter lag is a short 37ms. The D3 can capture 9 frames per second with a RAW buffer around 17 frames, depending on the exact setting. Similar to the D2X/D2Xs, the D3 has a high-speed crop mode...

That high speed crop mode  turns the D3 in a DX format  camera, storing around 8MP from the middle of the sensor.  The D3 automatically enters this mode when you attach a DX lens.

The D3 is Nikon's first installment to full-35mm-frame FX-sensor DSLRs, and they chose to introduce a sports and news DSLR that has excellent low-light performance. Those were precisely the major weaknesses previously in Nikon's DSLR line up. For those who would like a DSLR optimized for sports, news, and wedding photography, the D3 is probably the top choice. Since the D3 can handle ISO 3200 easily and provides very acceptable 6400 results, it changes the approach to indoor and low-light photography. 

• 12.1MP
  
• CMOS sensor, Nikon FX format
  
• DX (24x16mm) and 5:4 (30x24mm) crops.
• 14-bit capture options
• Multi-CAM 3500 FX AF with 15 cross type
• 9 fps capture
• 11 fps DX mode
• 200 to 25600 ISO (Very Usable up to about 12000)
  
• Dual Compact Flash (CF) memory card storage
• AF fine tune Per Lens!!
  
• Virtual horizon (built in electronic "bubble level")

 
It has live vew too but that would only be useful for me if I was shooting architecture or something.

Cory Trese
ph#: 937-609-9644
e-m: cory.trese@gmail.com
www: http://www.corytrese.com/

Black and White Wedding Photography

As a professional wedding photographer in Dayton I am always interested in discussions of wedding photography techniques new and old.

Capturing your wedding in a truly unique way

New York Daily News - New York,NY,USA

"Black and white is also more forgiving of everyday details," adds Christian Oth, the Chelsea wedding photographer who shot Amanda Peet's wedding. ...

Naples News Story about wedding package Naples beach wedding Prize

Couples to compete for a chance to win a Naples beach wedding

Bonitanews (subscription) - Naples,FL,USA

... with flowers and music, limousine service by Naples Transportation and Tours, wedding cake, a horse-drawn carriage, photography and video of the event. ...

I spend a lot of time searching for stuff on Digital Wedding Photography and I saw this story about a wedding package give-away on Naples News site.

Destination wedding scam in the Dominican Republic

As a professional wedding photographer, I am often concern about wedding-related scams. If you are planning a wedding -- Be Careful!

From The Travel Plan Idea Blog

We talked about destination weddings not too long ago and how they are supposed to reduce stress. That isn't happening for British and Canadian couples who had destination weddings in the Dominican Republic but haven't gotten their marriage certificates.

For other information you could see the FAQ (Frequently Asked Wedding Photography Questions) on my web site for California Wedding Photography.

Amherst Media Presents New Book by Bill Hurter: 'Master Lighting Guide for Wedding Photographers'

As a California Wedding Photographer I am always interested in new trends and techniques in digital wedding photographer and I am a big fan of Bill Hunter, a master wedding photographer.

Amherst Media Presents New Book by Bill Hurter: 'Master Lighting ...
PR Web (press release) - Ferndale,WA,USA

On the wedding day, photographers have just a few minutes to perfectly capture critical moments--from the walk down the aisle, to the exchange of rings, ...

LumaPix Releases FotoFusion 4.2

LumaPix® Releases Version 4.2 of FotoFusion Photo Editing Software

Emediawire (press release) - Ferndale,WA,USA

LumaPix::FotoFusion is a stand-alone PC-based professional photography studio software package used to create wedding albums, class composites, ...

20 Expert Wedding Planning Tips

20 Expert Wedding Planning Tips

7Online.com - New York,NY,USA

Get a grip on the approximate number of guests you'll invite before settling on a venue. This will ensure there's ample space for your crew. As a rule of thumb ...

Beware Wedding Vendor Rip-Offs

Good rip-off warning story here on 14 WFIE, a news paper in the "Tri-State"

Planning a wedding is a very exciting, but stressful time. And no bride or groom wants their big day marred by the unwanted gift of a wedding rip off.

The Power of Elegant Albums

The Philadelphia Inquirer had an interesting story about the value, and timeless power, of a well made album.

A Quote:

20 years from now, do you really see yourself cuddling up with the kids on the couch to page through your wedding album - on your laptop? Technology is nice and all, but it doesn't look particularly lovely sitting on the bookshelf.

Now Shooting : Nikon D3

I have started using the Nikon D3 in earnest now and I posted on my other blog about it.

The D3 is a dream camera for wedding photographers. My only wedding-related gripe is the lack of a self-cleaning sensor. I am waiting to hear more about the Nikon D3X!

New 2008 Pricing On Wedding Packages

I have updated my wedding packages page on www.corytrese.com to reflect my new wedding photography package prices for 2008.

Notably I have dropped the prices on both Engagement Sessions and Platinum Packages.

Trying to respond to comments by my current and potential customers. I hope these prices work for more people!

Getting to Know Your Photographer with an Engagement Session

I saw this article, Get to know photographer before big day by By Siobhan Adcock of The Knot.

Good thoughts, I feel, about the process of learning to work with a professional photographer by doing a practice session as a couple.

I often comment on this durning sales meetings to help clients see the value of an engagement session aside from getting photographs to use in the newspaper, as the signing photograph at the ceremony and on save the date cards.