artisan wedding videos by studio msv

Take-a-Look Tuesday: Tinywater Photography

I can't remember the first time I heard of Caroline Winata of Tinywater Photography, but somehow she and her company slowly snuck into my consciousness. Then, eventually, by a stroke of luck, I worked with Caroline and Daniel at a high-end Indian Wedding here in San Ramon. Carol and Dan were great to work with and we became fast friends. The rest is history.

But until recently, I didn't know that much about Tinywater so I felt that a Take-a-Look Tuesday article was in order. Since the time I sent questions to them I've gotten to know them better and they even dogsat my puppy for two weeks while I was on vacation! (This BLOG was a result of that dog-sitting!)

These days you can't look left without seeing Tinywater somewhere online or as a topic of conversation. In my opinion, their unique work really speaks for itself. So let's take a look at Tinywater Photography!

Take-a-Look Tuesday #12 Janae Shields Photography

I first met Janae at a birthday party event for one of my favorite event planners in San Francisco, Michelle of MB Wedding Designs. The room was noisy, crowded and - if I recall correctly - a little stuffy to breathe in.

I remember sitting and chatting with Janae and I felt like I was talking to much because she was such a good listener. And that the sort of person Janae proved herself to be; more concerned about others than herself and I think that perspective goes a long way in wedding photography.

Let's take a look at Janae Shields Photography!

1) Describe your style in four words or less.

Fun, fresh, intimate and artistic.  To me having fun is one of the most important elements I bring to my relationship with my clients.  Long gone are the days of stuffy, boring wedding photography.  I want couples to enjoy their day and the photography portion of it.  Keeping my images fresh and new is something I’m working on constantly.  I’m continually trying new things with lighting, posing or compositions so as to always keep it fresh.  The intimacy and relationship between the couple can be the most rewarding part of a wedding day to photograph.  Their love for one another is why everyone is gathered that day and to capture that for them is one of my main goals.  Capturing images through my own artistic eye is one way I set myself apart from others in my industry.

2) Looking back at the 2008 season, what would you say was different or unique about '08 when compared to the previous years?

The 2008 season was my favorite one so far!  Having only been full time in this business for 3 years I finally felt I came into my own this year.  It was the first year I felt comfortable in all elements of my business from the photography portion to the administration side of things.  It was an extremely rewarding year!

 

3) How would you describe the difference between your work and the work of other photographers in your area?

My photography combines elements of playfulness along with a softer side to allow all elements to be captured.  My passion and energetic personality don’t allow me to stop until I have the perfect shot!

Take-a-Look Tuesday #11: Ben Chrisman

I came across Ben Chrisman's old blog in December of 2007. I've been following his travels and commentaries with great anticipation since then. The first thing that caught my attention was the name of his blog: "Night Notes and Wine Spills." That title evoked such dramatic vignettes in my imagination - a dimly lit beach-side cabana with a couple sharing their first quiet moments together the evening after a wedding celebration; a hand-built stone mission in a South American city, hosting an intimate group of wedding guests by candlelight; so on and so forth.

Once I started browsing the beautiful pictures with which Ben carefully documents his clients, I saw that there was no discrepancy between the emotions that the title of his blog evokes and the emotional content of the blog itself. He has a new blog now, but his work remains as breathtaking as ever.

To me, the most distinct thing about Ben's work is his use of negative space and his ability to shoot in darkness. Photos look great in bright, well-lighted areas (even my iPhone pictures look great in the daylight!) but shooting in candle light or at midnight poses a whole new set of problems that only the best and most experienced photographers can overcome. But beyond that, Ben uses the darkness to his creative advantage.

Ben has been shooting full-time as a professional for 10 years, three of those most recently in the Bay Area. His work has garnered him recognition from his peers (Wedding Photojournalist Association Photographer of the Year, 2007) and he is considered one of the best in the world (Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World, American Photo Magazine, 2008.)

Let's take a look at Ben Chrisman Photography!

1) Recall one of your most satisfying moments as a professional wedding photographer and share it with us. Why did that incident/moment leave such an impression on you?

One of my best moments as a wedding photographer was when a family invited me to spend Thanksgiving dinner with them right before the wedding (it was a destination wedding for me and I had to fly in early for travel reasons). They had never met me before, but their generosity allowed me to really get to know everyone that would be an important part of the wedding day, and it gave me some of my best wedding images. And I was right back with them at Thanksgiving the next year as well, but just as a friend and not as their photographer.

Take-a-Look Tuesday #10: Geoff White Photographers

Four years ago, in September of 2004, I filmed a big wedding that was held at the gorgeous San Francisco City Hall Rotunda. I shot it with Geoff White of Geoff White Photographers but for whatever reason, circumstances that day prevented us from really getting a good chance to talk and get to know each other.

Fast forward to a Martini Madness event at Hotel Valencia last April.

There's Geoff White who I felt a kinship with but thought for sure wouldn't remember me.

"Andrew Hsu! Morning Star Videography!", he hollers out as I walk past. (Morning Star Videography was my old company name.) To my surprise, he most certainly did remember me and he even remembered our mutual wedding clients. "Wayne and Cynthia! Remember?" I think he might have had a couple of martinis at that point. ;-)

It was at that point that I realized that Geoff, in all of his success, has remained approachable and real. Let's take a look at Geoff White Photographers...

Q: What fast food joint has the best french fries? I vote Carl's Jr. What do you think?
A: Friends don’t let friends eat carcinogens.

Q: I heard from a mutual friend that you're a bit of a fellow speed demon. What do you drive and can you tell a good race story for us gear heads?
A: I drive a blue M3 convertible with a bunch of Dinan upgrades. I take my driving very seriously, it’s one of life’s pleasures. My best speed stories are not fit for print, but I’d be happy to share in person. Is it still called “racing” if no one else is always in the rearview mirror? 

(this photo of Geoff's car was taken by an amateur. It's not Geoff's work!)

Q: Where are you from, originally and what would you like readers to know about your past?
A: I’m originally from Toronto, and I have 3 sisters. I can drive a tractor. Well, I can drive anything actually.
I once helped launch my best friend out of a flaming 10’ diameter paper maché earth into a lake. That was fun.
My parents' van was wanted by my university campus police for a time. That mystery was never solved, luckily.
I helped friends rearrange a favorite teacher’s entire classroom in a pool. We placed every desk in the exact position it had been in the classroom, except underwater.  After high school and college shenanigans like this I moved to Silicon Valley with that same friend and we started an engineering design services company, specializing in various areas of hardware and software design. The company grew to 35 people and two offices in a few years, sold it to some Swedes, and then bought a motorhome and drove around the country for a couple of months.
15,000 miles in 8 weeks. Like I said, driving is fun, even in a 25,000 lb 7mpg house on wheels, well assuming it’s decked out with a killer sound system.
That’s when I got back in touch with my photography, which had been a hobby since I was 9.  And that was the beginning of Geoff White Photographers...

Take-A-Look Tuesday #9: Cooper Carras Photography

Some might say that the holy grail of wedding photography is the destination shoot. Being booked for a destination wedding means that the client trusts your work so much that she won't consider any of the photographers local to the location at which she is getting married. And on top of that, she's willing to pay to fly you to her wedding site, pay for your lodging, AND pay for all your meals.

Then, as if that wasn't enough of a compliment, she and her fiancé will likely spend the better part of each day before and after the wedding hanging around you, laughing at your jokes, and gushing over your snapshots.

It's a miracle that Oakland-based destination wedding photographer, Cooper Carras can stay as humble and as grounded as he is.

About a year and a half ago, I shot a wedding with Coop at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco and he struck me as very down-to-earth. It wasn't until I browsed his work later on that I realized he was a rare dichotomy of "down-to-earthness" AND mad photo skills. Let's take-a-look at Cooper Carras Photography...

Q: What were you probably doing ten years ago today? And at that time, what did you think you would be doing now?

A: Ten years ago today I was on a two-month trip though Europe. It was the summer before my senior year in high school and I spent part of that time traveling solo, which was quite an adventure for a 17-year-old and probably a sign of things to come. My camera was a hand-me-down Pentax point-and-shoot with a half-broken zoom and Kodak Gold film.

I didn’t have a crystal clear vision for my future at that age, but I was interested in the visual/creative side of the advertising industry and automotive design.

Take-a-Look Tuesday #8: Jennifer Skog Photography

Whether your're a casual reader or a subscriber to this blog, you will inevitabley have read about Jennifer Skog. According to her account, we first met when I started "stalking" her on the phone and leaving creepy voicemail messages on her ansewring machine. (OK, she didn't say, "creepy", but that makes for a funnier story.)

By my account, I was interested in collaborating with Jen because her style reverberated with me. A lot of the colors and tones in her photography are similar to what I try to achieve in my video work. Jen's work is best described as, what I call, "ultra-glam-sexy-fab". She has the unique talent of turning any bride into an object of desire and she can get them to look the way they've always dreamed of looking.

Jen and I worked together on her promo video and the rest is history. For today's Take-a-Look Tuesday, let's take a look at Jennifer Skog Photography:

Take-a-Look Tuesday #7: Augie Chang Photography

I first heard Augie's name in 2005 when a friend of mine was looking for wedding photographers and asking me for my opinion. I liked what I saw on Augie's site and loosely followed his work thereafter. It wasn't until February of this year that I actually got to meet Augie and since then, we've become fast friends.

Besides being an overall cool guy, one of Augie's magical powers is turning ordinary babies into superhuman balls of cuteness. His kids photography is well known and people all around the community flock to Augie to participate in his photo workshops or to have him photograph their children.

For the first time anywhere, here is Augie's kid's photography promo video:

Let's Take-a-Look at Augie Chang Photography...

1) What was your favorite childhood cartoon?

My favorite childhood cartoon was Tom and Jerry.  I just love the interaction between the two characters.  Now thinking about it, they remind me of my two crazy boys!

2) Complete this sentence: "If I could, I would invent a machine that...!"? "...can drive me everywhere in the Bay Area with a touch of a button. This would come very handy during wedding shoots so that waiting in traffic and finding a parking spot are no longer a worry!"

3) As an artist, competition often serves as a great motivator. What other factors drive you and motivate you?

The positive feedback and emotional reactions I get back as a result of my pictures from parents and newly married  ouples. Also, my interest in fashion, the uniqueness that every wedding day brings, and getting a child to smile are also great motivators.

4) Wedding coverage is extremely challenging because of the once-in-a-lifetime nature of the event. You can't really recapture the first kiss or a first glance and you have to get it the first time when it happens for REAL. What are some of the biggest challenges in wedding photography and how do you cope with them?
 
Well, let me answer that question first by sharing what my least worry is. I worry least about whether I will get all the "once-in-a lifetime" shots, but worry more about what I'm going to wear the day of a wedding... NOT!  But seriously, I feel one of the most challenging aspects of being a wedding photographer is having to deal with very tight time lines and still have the time to be creative. I try to cope by reviewing the couple's schedule ahead of time and then planning out the day in my mind. If I find that the wedding day schedule is too aggressive, then I make sure to discuss this with my couples well in advance so we can make necessary adjustments BEFORE the wedding day.

5) In your opinion, how important is it - if at all - to be located in a metro hub like San Francisco, versus a suburb like San Ramon - where I also live/work? In your experience, what are some of the "pros" of living in San Ramon as they pertain to your business?

I feel that it is very important to be visible and recognized in metropolitan areas like San Francisco.  However, I don't think you need to be physically located in a metro hub in order to attract potential clients.  One of the biggest pros of living in San Ramon is that I have plenty of space to showcase my work as compared to San Francisco. In my years in the business, my clients have not found it a big issue to come to my studio.  If anything, my clients who I shoot family portraits for love the fact that I have a roomy backyard to hold an outdoor photo shoot and they never have trouble parking their huge SUV's on my street!!

6) Your personalized workshops have been pretty popular for beginner photographers and hobbyists alike. Even though you are poised to share your knowledge and experience with them, when you work with these enthusiastic students, what do you end up learning?

I've learned the importance of having a solid basic photography foundation.  Especially with today's new digital technology, there is always a tool, shortcut, or new gear that can improve your images. All of these things can only get you to a certain point. In the long run, I've learned that the key to taking great photos is to concentrate on the fundamentals of photography which are: composition, creative use of light, and communicating with your subject.

7) With the onset of DSLRs, many amateurs have turned to wedding photography, making the market very competitive. How do you manage to stay above the fray and maintain desirability among brides?

Since I started out as a film photographer, I, again, support my previous comment regarding the importance of having a solid understanding of the fundamentals of photography. I may use digital tools to aid in enhancing some of my images, but I never depend on shortcuts or post processing tools to get the best images.

Also, many of my brides, especially those who are out-of-town clients, tell me that they really appreciate my quick responsiveness.  In general, I manage to stay competitive by always being prompt no matter if it's a simple inquiry about my services or delivery of my products.

8) Complete this thought: "If I could go back in time to talk to myself when I was first starting out, I would warn myself about,..."

"...never leaving the house on your way to a wedding without a pack of gum and an energy bar!"

Take-a-Look Tuesday #6: Jasmine Star Photography

Jasmine Star was selected as Blu Domain's photographer of the year ('07-'08) but has been in the business for less than five years. Her rocket-fast trip to the photographic stratosphere can be attributed to her talent, her hard work, a very likable personality (and - as she would gladly admit - a dash of providence.)

Take-a-Look at Jasmine Star (jasmine headshot by jessica claire):

1. Which do you prefer: Sleeping in or staying up late?
I think I’m a middle-of-the-road kind of girl.  Not too early, but not too late.  I’m usually in bed by 12:30am and awake no later than 7am.  Even when I try to sleep in, my eyes are wide-open by 7:15…it drives my husband nuts!

2. You recently visited beautiful San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and posted some great pictures on your blog. What are three places you haven't been but would love to visit?

Australia!!  I had a pen-pal from the Land Down Under when I was 10 years old and ever since I’ve always wanted to spend time appreciating all of that country’s gorgeousness.  And koala bears.  I LOVE koala bears!
Japan.  I think Japanese culture is such a beautiful thing and I’ve wanted to experience it first-hand.  And, really, can anyone EVER get enough ramen and gyozas?!  Don’t think so.
Thailand.  Warm beaches, boat rides, mopeds…pad thai.  Life couldn’t get any sweeter.

3. When you see photography from other genres (nature, still-life, architectural, journalism, etc.), are there aspects of those genres that you think can be applied to wedding photography?
Absolutely!  Getting inspired by different types of photography is the key of setting oneself apart from others.  I love browsing through architecture, fashion, and photo magazines because I want people to feel the same emotions I feel when I look at those types of images.

4. What do you think you offer your clients that makes you different from others that they might be considering and why do your clients are drawn to you?
To be honest, by the time I actually meet with a prospective client, she knows quite a bit about me.  Brides are very educated and do a lot of homework before taking time to interview a vendor.  Because I’m an avid blogger—blogging about the mundane, as well as the important—most clients feel like they know me.  It’s like they’ve had conversations with me for many days leading to our meeting, so we have a blast!  I’ve discovered that this has been the single most defining marketing tool and point of differentiation. [Andrew here. You can see Jasmine's blog at www.jasminestarblog.com]

5. When I got married (almost 10 years ago!) the wedding landscape was really different - from the quality of vendors, to resources available to brides and grooms. In what ways do you think the wedding industry has changed in just the short couple of years since your own wedding?
The learning curve for photography has softened greatly.  There are so many wonderful tools and seminars available for new photographers it’s insane!  Photography forums like OSP ( www.opensourcephoto.net/forum ) is an awesome resource for newbies, photo blogs are the next wave of education, and online tutorials are readily available at any hour of the day in the comfort of one’s home.  It’s raising the bar for the industry and that’s a great thing!

6. Those are a lot of 'serious' questions... let's do a couple of light-hearted ones: What are your top three favorite movies of all time?
Just three?!  Are you kidding me?  That’s impossible!  However, I will say that Gladiator, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and Stranger Than Fiction immediately come to mind…but as soon as I submit these questions, I’m sure I will have changed my mind 100 times!

7. And lastly, your blog readers are loyal and know almost everything about you. What is one thing that you haven't revealed on your blog that you can surprise everyone with here?
I sleep on my belly. 

Take-a-Look Tuesday #5: Ed Pingol Photography

I met Ed and Monica for the first time at my relaunch party in February. They were really nice and easy to talk with. A good mixture of talent, humility, and humor, this is Ed Pingol Photography... Let's Take-A-Look...

1) Which is better: A photo that you love but everyone else hates or a photo that you hate but everyone else loves?

It depends on who you're asking.  Art is so subjective so whoever the viewer is can only decide for him/herself. Lucky for us, we're the bloggers so we get to decide to publish the photos we love. Fortunately, it seems like many would agree with us. Unfortunately, Ed is notorious for taking
horrendous photos of family members which he loves and sometimes posts on the blog. Don't worry, he doesn't do this to our clients. He says he takes bad photos so he knows what NOT to do. Sure...

2) Complete this sentence: "Besides other photographers, I look up to _______ as a major source of artistic inspiration."

Besides other photographers, I look up to "Super Heroes" as a major source of artistic inspiration. Seriously. They have cool poses! Since they're not "real," I guess it would actually be the comic book illustrators.

3) You have gained a certain amount of press for your technological innovations in the industry. Can you share a little about what you've done and why it makes your work different than others?

OCF with the help of my VAMLS. That's Off-Camera Flash with the help of my Voice-Activated Mobile Light Stand. (Thanks Dave for coining that term for us! VAMLS = Monica.) When we first began shooting, a friend of our's who was also into photography, brought along a monopod, which we realized could be
mounted with a flash for some cool effects. Turns out this is definitely not a new thing and with further research, I learned a ton about OCF and other techniques through the following sites:

Strobist - lighting 101 (a must read, but don't take it all in one day cause it's a lot)
Flash Flavor - Get Ideas, Get Inspired
Ken Rockwell - how to get great colors
Neil Cowley - making light real
Michael Quack - DIY master
PlanetNeil - techniques for on camera flash
Dave Black - awesome awesome lighting techniques explained
DG28 - learn plenty of techniques

4) Besides making sure each other are safe, what item or items would you risk your life to save if your home caught fire?

Photos, for sure! Well, not exactly, since our digital images are triple-backed up, which we recommend EVERYONE does!!! Hmmm... That's a tough one. Probably, our Honda Civic Hybrid, since it's got the HOV carpool lane sticker. Ain't no more left of those and we know how useful they are in the Bay Area!!! Plus, have you seen how expensive gas prices are lately?!?

5) A friend of mine once described your work as "edgy" and "gangsta fresh". Do you think that's accurate and what other words would you use to describe your style?

"Gangsta Fresh!?!" Ha, that's hilarious! It's funny you say that since shortly after we began photographing weddings, a rap artist asked us to photograph images for his CD cover. We asked him, "Seriously, you want a wedding photographer to shoot your rap album photos?!" He was confident we'd provide him with something different than he'd seen among his peers' images. Thankfully, he loved them.

I suppose you could call us "edgy" since we're definitely different from traditional wedding photography. We've also heard the terms "modern," "vibrant," "contemporary," "personalized," "creative," and "fashion-y." For us, it's hard to really describe our style since we feel like we're still learning the vast array of photography skills and don't try to pin ourselves down to one type of style. We do try to include a lot of architecture and scenery by shooting "wide" and using OCF.

6) You guys work pretty well as a team - how does being married help you in your craft and during a shoot?

Couples really trust us knowing that we're a husband-and-wife photography team, which makes our job easier. Also, a wedding is a very intimate event, especially during the bridal preparation time, when the bride, her bridesmaids, and family members are getting dressed. Having a woman be able to check first that everyone is "decent" for photographs and the fact that the wife of the male photographer is present in the room allows everyone to feel more comfortable. Ed has the guys' perspective, while Monica has the
woman's perspective and since we're married, we can be bluntly honest with one another, when necessary, about what will and will not work during photo sessions and events. Plus, there's been a couple of occasions where Monica has literally spoon-fed Ed during a reception, in order to avoid missing out on a very fast-paced reception. Hard to ask just any ol' assistant to do that!

7) If a bride and groom invests in Ed Pingol Photography to document their wedding day, what kind of experience can they expect?

We love to have fun during our photo sessions. Ed will pose flamboyantly for you and may not be "locatable" during your ceremony and reception, since he'll stealthily be everywhere. (He swears he's a photo ninja!) Monica will get her upperbody workout as the VAMLS and will probably "blind" you
temporarily with flash. We will more than likely ask you to climb, run, jump, hike, hang, lay, lift, twirl, swing, or a combination of movements, to get the shot!

8) On a more personal note, my cousin-in-law was a college roommate of yours. Do you have any funny/embarrassing stories to share?

Well there was this one time...... Wouldn't you like to know, Andrew! Let's just say Monica and her roommates were big fans of some show that your cousin-in-law might be a little hesitant to admit to. We do remember her yummy Bak Choy &  Chinese Sausage Fried Rice dish. Mmmmm....

Take-a-Look Tuesday #4: Claudia Akers

I first met Claudia at my relaunch party in February. Shortly thereafter, I spent some time chatting with her over bluberry coffeecake at her local Hobees and we became fast friends. Claudia is a kind soul with meek and gentle spirit. Her photography speaks for her spirit as our voices speak for us. Her images are pure, clean, and authentic.

Claudia is on my list of people for which I will be creating promotional videos, but until then, here's a different peek into her heart and mind.

Take-a-Look at Claudia Akers:

Q: Name two of your favorite shoot locations and tell us why you like them.
A: It’s hard to name specific locations.  I would have to say the box/wood piles behind the winery at the Guglielmo Winery (and shed walls).  We once had a kick-ass shoot there with the bride and groom. I also love any off-the-beaten-path, grungy, colorful location around San Francisco or San Jose.  That’s when you can really have fun and create some amazing images.

Q; What are some "odd" jobs that you did before you started shooting full time and what were some interesting stories you recall?
A: Before I went full time with weddings, I used to work part time for a missionary organization back on the east coast.  It was a great experience.  Got to travel extensively throughout South America, and visit some pretty amazing places – places out in the middle of nowhere that being a tourist you would never see. 

On September 12, 2001, I was scheduled to fly home from a mission trip in Lima.  Needless to say, all flights into the US were cancelled, the Lima airport was a mob scene full of stranded Americans, and I had no way of getting home for who knew how long.  I will never forget the morning of 9/11.  I was in the hotel lobby in Ayacucho (a tiny town in the middle of nowhere, Peru), having breakfast, and watching the news.  Then, footage of a plane exploding into the world trade center flashed across the screen.  It was so surreal.  I honestly thought it was a movie, until I realized we were watching CNN, and then another plane crashed into the other tower.  It was horrifying.

The rest of the day was such a blur. We were hearing all sorts of crazy rumors – such as planes crashing into the Capitol and the White House.

Well, to make a long story short, I finally ended up flying to Mexico City, where I camped out with relatives until flights resumed into the states. It was the strangest feeling being stranded in a foreign country, and not being able to go home.

Q: Which would you rather: shoot a wedding with only one lens or shoot a wedding painfully underdressed?
A: Shoot a wedding with only one lens – as long as it’s my 50 f/1.2! 

Q: Name a guilty pleasure.
A: Bittersweet chocolate paired with a good port.

Q: Complete this sentence: "When I'm on a shoot, the experience always reveals…"
A: "…why I love photography so much. Being behind the camera is such a high."

Q: What was the funniest thing that ever happened during a shoot?
A: It’s so hard to choose just one!  I think it would have to be the e-session I shot about a year and a half ago at Baker Beach.  The couple didn’t realize (ahem!) that it was a nude beach.  And I didn’t realize there was a naked person standing exactly at eye level of exactly where I told the couple to look!  It was hilarious!  We all had a good laugh. 

Q: If you could photograph one person - alive, dead, fictional, or real - who would it be?
A: Frida Kahlo

Q: What should brides know about Claudia Akers Photography and why should they consider you for their wedding photographer?
A: I’ve been at this for seven wedding seasons now, and am just as passionate (if not more so!) about it as the first wedding I ever shot.  If brides are looking for a photographer who will be incredibly excited about their wedding, take the time to develop a relationship with them, and create creative, artistic images for them, then let’s talk!