In The Desert | Our First WPPI Experience | Las Vegas, Nevada

The time was 4:30 am. My alarm was going off after an hour and a half of sleep following the annual "Airplanes and Blazers" party at the Rio hotel; a traditional part of the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International experience. We had many opportunities at our first WPPI including a variety of extremely informative master classes taught by industry leading professionals and an overwhelming trade show that made us feel like kids in the world's largest Toys 'R Us. In the time that we have been home since our week long adventure in Sin City, we have been able to gather our thoughts and have so much to be thankful for as the experience has not only made us better business owners, but better photographers.

So, back to the early bird photographer. Of the 16,000 people who attended WPPI this year, only a handful seemed to be willing to meet at 5a.m. and drive 45 minutes into the desert for a lesson in lighting while their wives slept comfortably in their very nice Vegas hotel room. Well, not only do I feel that a good photographer never stops learning, but I wasn't about to turn down and opportunity to learn hands on from Zach and Jody Gray of Gray Photography, industry leaders and super cool people. The images below reflect my sunrise lesson in perfect lighting.

As soon as we arrived, I jumped out and grabbed the models that had been asked to join us. The scenery was irresistible and I shot as much as possible.




Our first lesson was a technique that helps to get perfect exposure for both your foreground and background- a feat not easily accomplished when the morning sun is beating down on both your subject from one very specific direction and on the mountains in the distance.



Next, we worked with diffusing the harsh light with no added artificial light. I was so thrilled with these shots that we ordered this very same diffuser (seen in use below) within days after getting home.






Our last set up was a little more commercial than we're used to, but one of my favorite things to do is learn techniques from another genre and find a way to bring them into the wedding industry.





The shoot ended with a long trip back to Vegas, crossing my legs the whole time. Apparently no one thought to install restrooms in the middle of the desert. A very special thank you to Zach and Jody who have not only changed the way I see light but have effectively helped us to provide a higher quality product to our clients.

The last time I blogged on here, we had just returned from Mud Wars. This time is was the desert. I'm thinking my next post has to be really out there; anybody want to get their bridals done in the Everglades?

-Evan

Event Photography Lighting- Taking it up a notch

By Evan

As promised, I am writing today to comment on some of the more technical features of what we do. We have always prided ourselves in our reception photography, making an effort to not just document the event but have exciting, fun, colorful "portraits" of our clients and their guests partying through the night. Achieving truly high end reception photography is about much more than knowing how to take a good picture. Rather, it becomes a challenge of not only having the proper equipment, but knowing how to use it. We recently upgraded our lighting arsenal and decided the break the new members of the family in at a sweet 16 party this past weekend. We were so pleased with the results, there was no way we couldn't blog about it. See some of our favorites below with some notes on just what it was about the lighting and photography that made the shot special.









The use of multiple lights changes everything. More fill, better color and perhaps most importantly, the addition of more lights than just the one mounted on the camera adds the perception of studio lighting- something you don't expect at a party. In addition, the use of our low aperture lens collection allows us to capture a lot of movement while allowing as much light in as possible. Here, we are using a combination of our Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 and my personal favorite; our Nikon 50mm 1.8.



In the photo above, my second light has been strategically placed next to the DJ booth, where a cloud of mist fills the air courtesy Cory of Grant Hammond and Associates.





A strong back light can have magical effects, in this first photo the light invades the frame and helps to translate an exciting moment. In the second image, the harsh light actually softens the image taken during an emotional moment as the birthday girl dances with her father. We use this technique often during the first dances at weddings.



Being true to our roots, these lighting techniques even offer the chance to throw a hint of the high fashion edge that we usually use for portraits into the impromptu party environment. After all, every birthday girl should be treated like a celebrity.

That's all for now. I'll be sure check in again soon, I've got all sorts of new toys I'm shooting with now that I can't wait to brag about.