Thursday, June 16, 2011

An unplugged wedding? Something to think about!

In the era of digital cameras in every phone, I see two things happening at the same time – our lives are becoming over documented and under experienced.   On a related note, people are taking more pictures than ever, but doing little with them.  A quantity over quality issue.  I have a hunch that many kids will have to check their parent’s Facebook page in order to view pictures from their childhood!

I know from experience that when I have a camera with me (and am not officially working), I am worried about capturing everything and not soaking up the moment.  This may sound strange coming from a photographer, but I intentionally leave my camera at home many times.  Especially when I’m a guest at a wedding.  I know the couple will have a professional photographer taking all the pictures they need.  I want to fully experience and enjoy the day and being camera-less gives me the freedom to do that.

The Offbeat Bride blog had two great posts for couples who want their guests to be fully present at their wedding.  It’s something that you don’t usually think about ahead of time, but as a wedding photographer I certainly notice – especially when I can hardly see the bride coming down the isle with guests hanging out in the isle to take her picture.  So many of my wedding pictures have guest’s hands in the air with a phone or camera, and rather than experiencing the moment, they are staring at the little screen.   The wider images I take that include guests, such as during the ceremony or first dance, should show the intimate moment when everyone is focused on the bride and groom.  But often instead show the disconnect of many guests not participating in what is happening, but focused on their cameras. I think they’d have so much more fun if they didn’t worry about taking their own pictures and just enjoyed the ceremony and celebration with their newly married friends.

While eliminating all cameras from your wedding day, except the professional photographer of course, may not be practical, it’s certainly something to think about!

WHY to have an unplugged wedding: Offbeat Bride blog

HOW to have an unplugged wedding: Offbeat Bride blog


e-mail Jan now ~ view website

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Wedding Ring Pictures – Washington DC Wedding Photography

Wedding rings are one of my favorite wedding day details!  I have a 100mm macro lens that I use just for the rings – and let me tell you, focusing on the surface of a diamond is one of the most tedious things I do all day.  But the results are amazing!  It’s especially fun when there is some unique part of the wedding day decor that I can use to stage the rings and pull them into the wedding day theme.  Flowers, butterflies, apples, star fish, candy, fall leaves and fortune cookies are a few of the things I have incorporated.  I pulled together some of my favorite ring shots, many not published before, from the last couple of years to show you today.  More are on my photography website under portfolio, The Rings.


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Thursday, June 9, 2011

Family Portrait – Alexandria Virginia Family Photographer

My experience as a photographer has been that parents realize the importance of family photos when their kids are under the age of 2, but often having pictures taken as the family grows doesn’t seem to make the list of priorities.  I think it’s so valuable to continue to document a family over time on a regular basis, as these pictures will be treasured now and for generations to come.  While we don’t want to admit it, we all change over time!

I was thrilled to work with the three generations of this family to give them a beautiful group portrait.  I appreciate the effort they made to coordinate their schedules and their outfits. They were a pleasure to work with, and I sure these five sisters got along just as well when they were growing up!


e-mail Jan now ~ view website

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Jacksonville Florida Beach Photographer – Patriotic Family

My friend Sara has lived in Jacksonville with her family for 3 years and it’s been so fun to have her to visit when I go down to see my family.  We’ve been talking about a beach family photo shoot for years, but it worked out well to wait, as now their family is complete with the recent arrival of sweet little Jessalyn.

To add to the challenge of the shoot, it was a super windy evening, even for the beach.  Mason and Grant are wonderful boys, but like most active boys, staying out of the sand and keeping their feet on the ground at the same time was difficult!  And Grant also picked up a funny smile that I’ve seen on my nephew’s face – must be a 4 to 5 year old boy thing!

I loved their patriotic attire and Jessalyn’s matching bow.  Sara makes the cutest bows, here’s the link to her bow business called Pickles and Piggies.  Check out how creative she is and the pretty things she makes.

And below are pictures of  her beautiful family, taken at the beach so they’ll remember their years in Florida.

See, no feet on the sand…


e-mail Jan now ~ view website

Thursday, June 2, 2011

River Farm Wedding Pictures – The Album

Loved seeing this wedding story unfold as I created Kelly and Andy’s album.  Kelly is so full of life and it’s obvious Andy adores her!  River Farm is a stunning backdrop for any wedding, but was especially appropriate as this sporty couple enjoys the outdoors together.  (Their honeymoon involved hiking (the Grand Canyon) and biking.)  Lot’s of fun colors, and lots of fun in general, was had at this wedding celebration!


e-mail Jan now ~ view website