Austin Americana Wedding Photography

Our 200th Austin Wedding Photo Blog! Yippee!

2011-06-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

Austin Americana Photography would like to announce and celebrate our 200th blog post since our "new" wedding photography website premiered in 2010! Our blog features subjects related to wedding photography, general photography, Austin wedding venues and more with weekly (sometimes daily) new posts. See more here: http://austinamericanastudio.com/

Thank you for your continued support of our wedding photography endeavors! Other helpful links related to Austin Americana Photography Studio:

Twitter: Twitter.com/americanaphoto
Facebook: facebook.com/austin.texas.weddings

Austin Wedding Photographer Slide Show: Beautiful Austin Weddings

2011-04-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

New Austin Wedding Photographer slide show. Check it out! Our favorite weddings...

Austin Wedding Photographer: 15 Popular Venues in Austin, Texas

2010-09-13T13:33:00.000-07:00

15 photographs of 15 places that I’ve photographed weddings in and around Austin, Texas. These are some of the more well known wedding spots in Austin. I frequently get asked by brides where I’ve photographed weddings around Austin. Of course there are many more places that I’ve photographed over the years, but here are some of the more popular and well known locations for weddings in and around Austin, Texas…

1. Star Hill Ranch – Near Hamilton Pool in west Austin, it’s a remake of an old west town, complete with a main street lined with old churches, bars and other antiques – amazing!

Star Hill Ranch - It's Like Being On An Old West Movie Set!

2. Driskill Hotel – Austin’s most famous historic hotel, since the 1800s on the famous 6th Street in Downtown Austin.

Street View Of The Driskill Hotel In Austin

3. Villa Antonia – Italian villa-style in the Texas Hill Country – a superbly popular wedding venue.

Bride Descends The Winding Staircase at Villa Antonia

4.Avery Ranch - North Austin hot spot that’s affordable and on a golf course!

Avery Ranch - North Austin's premier place to live, work and have a wedding on a golf course!

5. Austin Woman’s Club (Chateau Bellevue) – Historic event location located in the heart of Austin – filled with antique furniture and design from the early 1900s.

Austin Woman's Club

6. Canyon Of The Eagles – Best kept secret in Burnet, Texas, just north of Austin – featuring unrivaled privacy and sweeping lake views of Lake Buchanan.

Bride & Groom at Canyon Of The Eagles

7. Renaissance Hotel – The most fantastic hotel in the Arboretum in North Austin.

Reception Setup at Renaissance Hotel Austin

8. Vintage Villas – A beautiful venue in the Hill Country overlooking Lake Travis.

Villa Antonia Wedding

9. Casa Blanca – Southern plantation-style mansion on the banks of the San Gabriel River, just north of Austin.

After Dark Shot of The Back Patio of Casa Blanca in Round Rock

10. Zilker Clubhouse & Zilker Park - Zilker Park, located in Central Austin near Lady Bird Lake & Barton Springs, is a historic, natural treasure to Austin.

Zilker Park Wedding - A Rose

Zilker Club House Reception - Austin, TX

11. Chapel Dulcinea - Austin’s famous “free” wedding chapel, located in South Austin.

Bridesmaids Approach Chapel Dulcinea

12. Angel Springs – New premier, secluded wedding location in Leander/Cedar Park area.

Angel Springs Wedding

13. Green Pastures – Austin’s oldest and most famous “world class” restaurant – a classic venue that includes peacocks and acres lush, green vegetation.

Green Pastures Wedding

14. Kindred Oaks – Another hidden treasure in Williamson County (north of Austin), featuring solace in a rural setting that makes you feel at home.

View Of The Lake From Kindred Oaks Outdoor Chapel

15. Mercury Hall – South/Central Austin’s original restored early 20th century church, placed among oaks – quiet in an urban area that is close to downtown.

Mercury Hall Wedding Reception

$99 Engagement & Bridal Photo Sale

2010-08-21T16:15:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to officially share about being featured on Localiter.com! Check it out: http://www.localiter.com/
Only $99 bucks for engagement/bridal session! It’s such a great deal that I can only afford to offer for a limited time.

This is an amazing deal that you won’t likely see again soon, so take advantage of it if you need engagement/bridal photos. I’m also being flexible with what “kind” of photos you may purchase. So if you want head shots or a family portrait or baby pics we’ll do that too for the same price.

Deals on until Sunday and we only need one more person for it to go through…

Engagement Session "Star Kiss" - Austin, Texas

Bridal Photo Snapped at Villa Antonia, near Austin

Engagement Photo Session at Texas Capitol

August 21, 2010 | Categories: localiter deal | Tags: Engagement

New Beginnings

2010-07-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've decided that I can't give up my blogspot account. I love blogspot and I keep stumbling on to fun and interesting posts by other blogspotters, so I'm staying. I just won't be posting every single week like I used to do. Feel free to check out my new blog at www.austinamericanastudio.com, where I discuss everything from photography to my latest blog on whether tap water is safe to drink!

This Is The End

2010-06-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

This is the end...well, not really. But we're moving....

Where? Well, I'm glad you've inquired. We're moving to our new Wordpress home.

Our new wedding blog can be found at: http://austinamericana.wordpress.com

Why? Well, it's complicated. Wordpress has sold us on having the control to make our site prettier, share our work with more people and to take things to the next level. Martin Whitton Photography has been a success at doing what we set out to do: consistently capture beautiful wedding moments and wow our clients with outstanding photography in a photojournalistic style. But every good thing comes to an end and we'll soon be making more announcements on the new website and the new drive to be the best wedding photographers in Austin.

Stay tuned....

Bridal Photography Session at Zilker Botanical Garden

2010-05-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

Recently I photographed another beautiful bride at Zilker Botanical Garden in Austin, Texas. Zilker has to be one of the most popular places for photography of any kind in Austin. Not only is it a huge repository for plant life centered in Travis County (which is why people are drawn to it) but it's also one of Austin's little jewels that's been around for many years. I'm pretty sure that the creators of Zilker never intended it to be one of the foremost popular venues for photography around Austin, but that's what it's become.

ZBG features many different plant species and specific garden areas that are dedicated to a particular theme or cultural plant cultivation, if you will. For example, one of the popular areas of Zilker is the Japanese Garden, which features Koi-filled fish ponds, stone trails leading around bamboo gardens and a structure made of stone and bamboo that only could fit into a Japanese garden . The entire area is shaded by trees and feels like being in another world.

Zilker also features a beautiful rose garden where weddings frequently occur. Colorful roses line the concrete paths that wind down the hill from the main entrance of the park. The Rose Garden area is very open, located at the edge of the tree line bordering the Japanese Garden. It also features a red and white gazebo next to fish ponds and a historic brick structure in the shape of a keyhole that has been apparently transplanted from historic downtown Austin.

Other areas featured at ZBG are the Prehistoric Gardens further down the hill from the main office, which feature "old world" plants, pools and even a beautiful, natural-looking water fall. Toward the front of the park is an area that contains historic Central Texas pioneer homes and work areas made of wood.

Ultimately there are many, many different areas of the Garden that offer photography opportunities for brides or couples. After visiting and photographing friends and family there for years I've grown to love and appreciate Zilker for the beautiful part of Austin that it has always been and hopefully will always be!

Things you'll need to bring if you photograph a bride or couple at Zilker:

- Payment for photographing someone at ZBG

- Water

- Bug/Mosquito repellant

- Sun block

-Comfortable walking shoes (ZBG has lots of trails)

- Patience. If the park is busy, you may have to wait for that perfect shot! :)

Hints/Tips: Arrive early and check park closure times (which change with daylight savings time). Park staff require visitors to leave 30 minutes prior to gate closure.

....................

Martin Whitton is a passionate wedding photojournalist who lives and works in Austin, Texas. Email your questions to him at martin@mwwphoto.com.

Engagement Photos at Mount Bonnell

2010-05-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

In May I ventured out with a recently engaged couple (Christi & Nick) to the highest natural point near Austin: Mount Bonnell. If you've never heard of Mount Bonnell then you're missing out one of the historic wonders of Austin, right up there with legendary places like Zilker Botanical Garden and Barton Springs.

Mt. Bonnell is located west of Austin, in the Hill Country, west of Mopac (1) near Camp Mabry (Austin's own small military installation). Mount Bonnell is known for its scenic views overlooking the Colorado River. From Mount Bonnell one can look west and see all the way to the famous 360 Bridge, which crosses the Colorado River upstream and then as the river flows downstream all the way into downtown Austin.
Like many other Austin landmarks, people have been coming to Mt Bonnell for a long time to enjoy the outdoors for picnics and leisure time. In fact, once you reach the summit after climbing the stairs on the east side of the facing you'll find a large stone marker that commemorates the Austin landmark's history (the corner of which is curiously missing). At this point you can go left or right. To the left is a short trail which follows the apex of the hill. To the right opens a wider, flatter trail along the same apex, offering lots of viewing spots of the spectacular hill country/river view.

The area is lined with Juniper (Cedar) Trees and scrub brush. Below the tree line on just about all sides are large lots lined with expensive, luxury homes along the Colorado River and along both sides of Mount Bonnell. Enjoy the "free" view of things; Many other home owners in the area pay millions of dollars for theirs!

Things you'll need to bring if you photograph a bride or couple at Mount Bonnell:

- Water
- Bug/Mosquito repellant
- Sun block
-Comfortable walking shoes (there are lots of stairs to climb to get to the top)
- Patience. If the park is busy, you may have to wait for that perfect shot! :)

Hints/Tips: Mt. Bonnell is somewhat busy on weekends and some week days during the summer. Pick a time when people are less likely to interfere with your photographs, like a weekday morning.
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Martin Whitton is a passionate wedding photojournalist who lives and works in Austin, Texas. Email your questions to him at martin@mwwphoto.com.

Zen and Meditation

2010-05-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

I recently started meditating again. And a funny thing popped into my head when I was meditating this morning: that I should blog about the topic.

I’m a big fan of meditation, or at least eastern Zen Buddhist meditation. Of course there are lots of different styles and philosophies of meditation. But the eastern philosophy seems to be the most meaningful and fulfilling for me.

I became interested in meditation around 8 years ago. I started reading lots of philosophy books which eventually lead to some considerable self reflection on who I was and the meaning of my life. Now, I should say that I’m not going to get all religious and gooey here or try to convert anyone to anything. I’ll simply try to share my experience.

If we fast forward through time from when I started thinking about who I was up to around 2004 when I found a Zen meditation book called Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki (the link above is a FREE pdf! Hooray!). I wanted to learn what meditation really was and how to do it, yet I couldn’t find a single person who could tell me or guide me on this journey. Later I discovered that meditation can really be whatever you want it to be. But my meditation needed to be something Zen.

Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind is a surprisingly simple, unassuming little book (I believe the pdf is around 70 pages). Yet the text is full of fantastic little insights and instruction on exactly what to do – something I was hungry for and needed. There aren’t necessarily any wise sayings in the book. It’s definitely not the I Ching or Confucius. It’s simply a how-to-meditate book written by a Buddhist Monk who was trained by other monks.

The story goes that the Zen Master and Teacher Shunryu Suzuki came to the west coast of the United States around 50 year ago. At some point he began teaching the Zen Philosophy to willing students in the San Francisco area. Eventually some of his students got together and decided to record his teachings, compiling them into a small book of discussions on Zen Meditiation.

What I like about the book is how you are encouraged to savor every word in the book, instead of scanning through quickly for content like one reads a 800 paperback spy novel. Each word has meaning and is a well thought out idea or concept. For example, there is discussion in the beginning chapters of the book about breathing and concentration, two important elements of Zen Meditation. What is discussed is simple, almost overly simple, yet it is the basis for your meditation and although it is simple, it is also important. In general, I think we westerners tend to over complicate tasks frequently and this is a nice departure from our daily complicated lives.

Another thing I like is that you can read the book over again and get new information that you might have missed before, or see something on a different level. Honestly, I have been reading the book for years (mostly the 1^st few chapters over and over) and I’ve yet to finish it, which I find funny since it is such a short book.

At any rate, it is a valuable book and I highly recommend it to anyone considering meditation – even meditation in another philosophy or culture.

We Have Baby Finches! (I think...)

2010-04-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm no birder, but I think I've correctly identified the birds that have made our back porch home as House Finches. There is an adult male and female, and 4 baby birds that are growing up super fast. It seems like just a few weeks ago that a nest was being built and now the babies seem almost as big as mom and dad. If I'm correct, the male has the red coloring on it's chest and head and the female has light browns/tans. They are both beautiful birds and I feel like I'm interrupting them when I go out on our back porch now.

What really gets attention is when the babies go from being extremely quiet and still to loud screeching when mom and dad come around with food for them. Even though the nest is nestled high up on the interior of our back porch outside of our home (near Austin, Texas) we can still hear the little birds chirping and squealing for food. It's really exciting seeing the new life that spring brings!

Ever Considered Becoming an Entrepreneur?

2010-04-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

If you've ever considered becoming an entrepreneur (or had looming doubts about the subject) I suggest that you read a book I'm reading now. It's called "It Sure Beats Working: 29 Quirky Stories and Practical Business Lessons for The First-Time, Mid-Life, Solo Professional." by Michael Katz.

Why do I recommend this book? As an entrepreneur myself I can tell you that it's not easy making a living doing what you love. And there are always obstacles that make you second guess what you are doing. I mean, isn't easier just to take a job working 8-5 every day, where you sit in your cube or talk to people over the phone, all the while touting the company mission statement?! While this is ok for some, it's not the answer that those who possess the entrepreneurial spirit pine for. We want freedom to create and autonomy to roam.

Another thing that I like about this book (aside from it being short) is that it's free and it's funny. You can't beat free in the recession we find ourselves in these days and we all need a laugh. So how do you get this book?

You can get a hard copy of this book on Amazon (not free): http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=OR2Ll&m=9Wc_MteNu0Lsn&b=nAgR8HoWSsHdV_u3exkWBQ

Or, you can download his astonishingly well-written, 119-page book, for FREE: "It Sure Beats Working: 29 Quirky Stories and Practical Business Lessons for the First-Time, Mid-Life, Solo Professional"

http://www.itsurebeatsworking.com/download.html

Don't forget to check out his website: http://itsurebeatsworking.typepad.com/ also.

We Tied the Knot in Costa Rica

2010-04-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

My wife and I finally tied the knot in the most beautiful, eco-friendly place we could think of: Costa Rica. In fact, we married deep in the jungle in the northwestern portion of

Costa Rica

at a place appropriately called Tierras Enamoradas (Lands In Love). Sounds romantic, right? Well, it was to some degree. The tough part for a Virgo like me was letting the whole thing unfold with almost no planning. Let me explain. My wife had been dreaming for sometime of getting married in a beautiful place far away from our home in Texas. She initially wanted to do a destination beach wedding, but she eventually decided that beach weddings are too common and not exciting enough.

So we purchased our tickets to Costa Rica not knowing the location of where the wedding would be held, without contacting a particular Officiant to conduct the ceremony, without securing a photographer to document the ceremony or really any of the elements needed for a wedding. We just showed up in a foreign country with an idea, some wedding rings and a wedding dress. That’s what drove me crazy! I tend to be a little more of a planner. I like to know what is going to happen in the future, preferably with details to avoid any missteps. And I would recommend that to any person who plans to marry in a foreign country. But, as luck would have it, everything worked out. Let me tell you how…

My wife and I had begun an erratic, desperate search for the perfect wedding site (with a large, beautiful waterfall) almost as soon as we landed in Costa Rica. Ultimately we landed in La Fortuna feeling hopeless about our search. We took a cab to the well known Catarata La Fortuna but my wife was not satisfied with the lack of information available at the front office or the steep hike to the waterfall so a cab driver we found told us that he knew of a waterfall outside of town toward San Ramon at a place called Tierras Enamoradas. Forty minutes later with our patience running razor thin, we arrived. Although the hike down to the Tierras Enamoradas waterfall was probably just as difficult as the other waterfall, we liked the quiet, remote feeling we found at Tierras Enamoradas.

On our ride to Tierras Enamoradas my wife asked the cab driver if he knew any photographers. He said he did and after a quick phone call he said he had secured a photographer for us at a reasonable price. I must admit that I was reluctant (ok, I was mortified) to believe that our photographer would be of a high caliber. Being a professional wedding photographer myself, I was conjuring ideas in my mind of a local villager arriving with a disposable camera to take photos and then either never receiving the images or the images coming out looking terrible. However, fate smiled upon us and our photographer was great! And two hours after our arrival at Tierras Enamoradas we were married!

The ceremony was quiet and emotional. We were in the middle of the jungle, next to a waterfall, far away from civilization so there was definitely a spiritual element to the event that one might not find in many other places. My brother, my sister, my wife’s best friend, my wife, me and the photographer were the only people present for the ceremony. After some photos by the waterfall, my wife and I moved into the pool underneath the water fall and said our handwritten vows to each other amid the sounds of crashing water and the subtle jungle silence. Time stood still - almost.

Martin Whitton is a professional wedding photojournalist who lives and works in Austin, Texas. He photographs dozens of weddings each year and is a member of Wedding & Portrait Photographers International. Email him your questions at martin@mwwphoto.com. See additional photos from his destination wedding here: http://www.mwwphoto.com/family

Last Minute Tax Tips - April 15th (Tax Day) Is Tomorrow!

2010-04-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some last minute tax tips for all you procrastinators out there who have waited until the last minute to file your taxes. It's definitely worth filing with the IRS on time; you'll save money by avoiding penalties and interest and you'll have one less thing to worry about! How does the old saying go?...Only 2 things are certain in life: death and taxes.

With the tax filing deadline close at hand, the IRS offers 10 tips for those still working on their tax returns:

File Electronically Consider filing electronically instead of using paper tax forms. If you file electronically and choose to have your tax refund deposited directly into your bank account, you will have your money in as few as 10 days. Virtually everyone can prepare a return and electronically file it for free. For the second year, the IRS and its partners are offering the option of Free File Fillable Forms. Another option is Traditional Free File. About 98 million taxpayers – 70 percent of all taxpayers – are eligible for the IRS Traditional Free File.
Check the Identification Numbers When filing a paper return carefully check the identification numbers — usually Social Security numbers — for each person listed. This includes you, your spouse, dependents and persons listed in relation to claims for the Child and Dependent Care Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit. Missing, incorrect or illegible Social Security numbers can delay or reduce a tax refund.
Double-Check Your Figures If you are filing a paper return, you should double-check that you have correctly figured the refund or balance due.
Check the Tax Tables If you are filing using the Free File Fillable Forms or a paper return you should double-check that you have used the right figure from the tax table.
Sign your form You must sign and date your return. Both spouses must sign a joint return, even if only one had income. Anyone paid to prepare a return must also sign it.
Mailing Your Return Use the coded envelope included with your tax package to mail your return. If you did not receive an envelope, check the section called "Where Do You File?" in the tax instruction booklet.
Mailing a Payment People sending a payment should make the check out to “United States Treasury” and should enclose it with, but not attach it to the tax return or the Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher, if used. The check should include the Social Security number of the person listed first on the return, daytime phone number, the tax year and the type of form filed.
Electronic Payments Electronic payment options are convenient, safe and secure methods for paying taxes. You can authorize an electronic funds withdrawal, or use a credit or a debit card. For more information on electronic payment options, visit IRS.gov.
Extension to File By the April due date, you should either file a return or request an extension of time to file. Remember, the extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay.
IRS.gov Forms and publications and helpful information on a variety of tax subjects are available around the clock at IRS.gov. You can also check the status of your refund after you file your return by clicking on Where’s My Refund?.

Links:

Form 4868, Application for Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (PDF 76K)
Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request (PDF 100K)

For more tax tips for the year 2010, visit the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/content/0,,id=104608,00.html

Common Cup - Monteverde, Costa Rica

2010-04-06T13:43:00.000-07:00

Recently my wife and I visited Costa Rica as a partial honeymoon/vow renewal ceremony effort. We visited lots of great places and met lots of warm, friendly Ticos. But I just have to share one of our favorite places that we just stumbled upon in Monteverde, also known as The Cloud Forest, located in Santa Elena, Costa Rica. While staying in the tiny village of Santa Elena we discovered a place called Common Cup (next to the serpentarium, near town). Common Cup is a non-profit organization run by an American named Ken Lander that makes free cups of coffee for anyone who visits. The organization sells home-grown beans by the pound that are roasted on-site by Ken and his family. In fact, Ken and his family grow the beans on their farm locally and manage the whole coffee process, start-to-finish, even brewing and making the cup of coffee right before your eyes. Now, I may be a little bias, but I think that the fresh coffee I drank at Common Cup might have been the best coffee I’ve ever had.

Now here’s the best part (aside from the delicious coffee): Approximately $3.50 of every $8.00 pound of coffee that is sold goes back into the local community of Santa Elena to promote youth programs and other community programs. How fantastic is that?!

I mentioned earlier that I may be a little biased, and here’s why. First, after meeting Ken, his wife Yami and his family I felt right at home. Ken is like that friendly, loveable uncle who makes everything seem magical and fun. My wife and I found ourselves returning every day to go visit with Ken at Common Cup not only to drink coffee but also because we enjoyed the company. We stayed in a place just a few blocks from Common Cup so we could literally smell the coffee brewing at 1pm every afternoon, and we let our noses just lead us there. And second, what’s not to love about sitting in the world famous Cloud Forest of Costa Rica drinking fresh brewed coffee with a master coffee grower/roaster?!

When you visit Monteverde don’t forget to call on Common Cup! You’ll be glad you did. And also check CC out on Facebook: http://www.hs.facebook.com/pages/Monteverde-Costa-Rica/The-Common-Cup-Community-Coffee-House-and-Roastery/400967337008?v=photos

Martin Whitton is a wedding photojournalist who makes his home in Austin, Texas. If you would like to view more photos from Costa Rica, visit: http://www.mwwphoto.com/Family/Costa-Rica-2010/

Are You Prepared To Dance On Wedding Day?

2010-03-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

This may not be a topic you've given a lot of thought to, but are you ready to dance? For some people this can be a nerve racking moment where you are forced to perform in front of dozens, if not hundreds, of family and friends. As a photographer and a person who recently went through this experience I can tell you that you will definitely feel more comfortable in front of all those people at the reception if you've had a few dance lessons. My wife and I got dance lessons here in Austin at a place called Uptown Dance. I get their weekly newsletter and now they are promoting an event designed especially for couples where you learn all the important dance steps to all the important wedding dances. Their couples class offers just that.

In addition, Uptown Dance frequently offers free classes and has great packages for just about every situation. My wife and I were very happy with the help we got and felt welcomed by their friendly staff. In fact, like most of my blogs, I'm writing about this experience in a purely genuine, altruistic way. I have nothing to gain or lose from sharing about Uptown (other than flexing my wedding knowledge ;~)).

So don't be shy! Go check them out. They are located of US 183 near Burnet Road, just a few blocks east of Sherlock's Pub on the eastbound access road of 183!

Bad Weather But Good Times At Kindred Oaks

2010-03-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

This past week I was invited to attend Kindred Oaks Estates monthly open house. If you are unfamiliar with Kindred Oaks Estates then let me tell you about it. Kindred Oaks is an event venue neatly nested in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, north of Austin, east of Leander and west of Georgetown - off of Highway 1431. The venue can accommodate medium sized parties for weddings or other events and has the ability to host both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. Kindred Oaks is known for it’s friendly staff and it’s beautiful view overlooking a small lake.

Once per month (each 2^nd Monday) Kindred Oaks sponsors a “meet & greet” between brides and preferred vendors like photographers, florists, officiants, etc. It gives brides the opportunity to meet face to face with vendors, most of which have worked at Kindred Oaks. It’s also an opportunity to see Kindred Oaks and meet the staff at ZuZu’s Petals, the sister floral provider to Kindred Oaks.

Although the weather went from bad to worse on the night that I visited, we all made the best of things and a number of brides still turned out for the monthly meet and greet. Not only did I meet some nice brides-to-be, but I also got to meet Travis, from “Say Cheese” Photobooth Rental, Wedding Officiant Connie Holmes Larson and Andy Peterson from Studio 563 - all of whom I enjoyed talking with and would book in a heartbeat if I were having a wedding. They’re contact information is below.

At any rate, if you missed all that the Kindred Oaks Open House night has to offer, the next one is scheduled for April 12^th (double check the website). Don’t miss it!

If you’d like more information on Kindred Oaks, contact Elaine at (512) 260-9690 or visit their website, www.kindredoaks.com

“Say Cheese” Photobooth Rental – www.saycheeseforfun.com

Connie Holmes Larson – Wedding Officiant – www.theweddingofficiant.com

Studio 563 - Andy Peterson – www.studio563.com

Engagement Photography Tips: What Do I Do?

2010-03-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

I want to share some great suggestions for portrait and engagement sessions that Philadelphia Photographer Lorraine Daley wrote about in her blog (combined with some of my experiences). If you have an engagement session coming up (or a portrait session) these are some guidelines you’ll want to consider.

R&R. Make sure you get plenty of rest the night before (i.e., no late night partying!). If you are hung-over and tired the day of your shoot then it will show in the photos and you won’t smile and look happy as much.

Patterns & Logos. Clothing patterns usually are not advised, especially loud ones or those that clash with your partners. Also, get rid of the clothing that has big logos. The shirt that has the “Tommy” logo on it may look trendy now, but just wait 5 years and you’ll wish you never wore it.

Colors. Try not to wear identical colors with your partner. If you do, you may be at risk of being mistaken for a Sears Christmas Card.

Casual or Dressy? Casual clothing looks great and is popular, such as jeans. But you can’t go wrong with dressing up either. Just keep in mind that you may be doing a little hiking for the photo session, so avoid heels and uncomfortable/restrictive clothing.

Styles. Make sure your style matches that of your partners. If one person is dressed up then make sure the other person follows suit and doesn’t dress casually.

Makeup & Hair. Try to stick to the normal hair and makeup routine. You definitely don’t want to come off like you’re doing a Glamour Shots commercial with over done hair and makeup. Also, bring lipstick and lip balm for you and your sweetie.

Accessories. Minimize the accessories and the bag or purse you bring. Remember, you’ll be doing some walking so you don’t want to be dragging around a sack with the kitchen sink in it.

Scheduling. Be sure to schedule your engagement session at least 2-3 weeks prior to wedding day in order to allow editing/processing time on the part of your photographer. You’ll also need time to get the prints completed and find a frame for your beautiful photo.

Locations. Don’t be afraid of trying a new location. I have a list of about 15 popular outdoor locations here in the Austin area that I share with my clients. If you need some ideas just ask! J

Fun. Have fun on during your engagement session! It’s your time to spend with your partner – so just sit back, relax and let the romantic juices flow as I work extra hard behind the camera to make you and your sweetie look great!

I would like to say a special thanks to Lorraine for providing such great inspiration in her blog on the subject. Don’t forget to visit Lorraine’s blog: http://sweetenlo.blogspot.com and if you are in the Philadelphia area and you’re searching for a photographer be sure to contact her!

Martin Whitton is a wedding photojournalist who makes Austin, Texas his home.

If you’d like to see some of Martin’s engagement session work, visit his website at www.mwwphoto.com. Just click on “Weddings”.

Kindred Oaks Wedding

2010-03-07T19:48:00.000-08:00

I recently photographed this wedding at Kindred Oaks, which is located in the edge of Round Rock. It's a beautiful place out in the countryside, with country charm and an air of sophistication.

My Wedding Workbook - Check it out!

2010-02-24T20:05:00.000-08:00

Our friend Jeff Kear over at My Wedding Workbook sent us some helpful info to pass on to our brides. While I haven't had a chance to check out their software, I can say that they are serious about what they do and the software is designed by people who went through the wedding experience first hand and wanted to do it easier and better. Check it out!

Here's the latest press release for My Wedding Workbook:

Brides seek value, personal chemistry from wedding planners

Today's brides are more inclined to hire wedding planners who are value-driven, more willing to collaborate and who provide day-of-wedding packages, according to a survey conducted by My Wedding Workbook Pro - http://www.myweddingworkbookpro.com/ - the wedding planning software for bridal consultants.
When brides were asked about the top factors they would consider when hiring a wedding planner, 71.9% named cost as the leading factor. In addition, of the respondents who did not hire a consultant, 74.7% stated that they decided against hiring a planner because it was simply "too expensive."
"Most newly engaged brides assume that hiring a wedding planner will dramatically drive up the price of their wedding," said Jeff Kear, co-owner of My Wedding Workbook Pro and My Wedding Workbook - http://www.myweddingworkbook.com/ - the online wedding planner software for brides. "But consultants can actually reduce vendor costs in lots of ways and make sure couples get what they pay for. So consultants who can demonstrate the value they deliver - especially during a recession - can really put themselves at an advantage."
The current recession also has influenced what types of services brides want from consultants, with more than 90% of brides responding that they would only consider hiring a planner for day-of-wedding services. Another big expectation that brides have of planners is the ability to negotiate very favorable rates with vendors, with 55.6% of respondents listing this as a critical attribute.
Once you get beyond concerns of cost, what brides really want from their wedding planner is great personal chemistry and a collaborative relationship. Indeed, 56.9% of brides listed this as a top factor in choosing a consultant, and another 32.3% want a partner who can help relieve the stress of managing every detail.
"What we discovered is that a bride doesn't necessarily want someone who just comes in and takes over," said Kear. "She wants a partner who will listen to her, work with her and share her vision. She wants someone who will give her great advice and who will assume the responsibilities that she doesn't have the time or desire to shoulder. Any consultant who brings this kind of flexibility and sensitivity to the table is positioned for success."
However, there are still many brides who, regardless of the cost of hiring a planner, would prefer planning their wedding themselves. Of the brides surveyed, 44% listed themselves as being a "do-it-yourself type person," 33.1% did not anticipate needing much help and 25.2% said they were not comfortable handing over wedding planning responsibilities.
"When you get right down to it, hiring a wedding consultant is a very personal decision. Some brides have looked forward to planning their wedding for so long that for them it would be unconscionable to ask someone else to do it," said Kear. "Others place their main priority on getting married but would rather leave all the details up to someone else. And then there's a ton of brides who are somewhere in between. The wedding consultants who can serve all those in-betweeners are the ones who will have very busy practices."
For additional interesting data on brides’ attitudes and opinions, visit our blog at http://www.myweddingworkbookpro.com/blog/index.cfm.

About My Wedding Workbook
http://www.myweddingworkbook.com/
My Wedding Workbook is comprehensive wedding software for do-it-yourself brides who want to stay organized throughout the entire wedding planning process. My Wedding Workbook’s user-friendly design is straightforward, simple to navigate and allows you to easily print information from any page. Its plethora of integrated tools allows for easy planning of every event from the engagement party to they honeymoon. A great alternative to the messy paper planner, My Wedding Workbook is web-based, secure and accessible from anywhere there’s an Internet connection.
About My Wedding Workbook Pro
http://www.myweddingworkbookpro.com/
My Wedding Workbook Pro is the premier professional wedding planner software for consultants. It’s the “smart” way to manage your business with integrated tools to organize each client’s event details and the ability to collaborate with clients by providing them with access to designated areas of the software. My Wedding Workbook Pro is built to expand and change with your business and, best of all, its comprehensive Web-based software enables professionals to easily manage your business from anywhere you can access the Internet.

Twin Liquors: Inexpensive, Local, Friendly!

2010-02-22T21:01:00.000-08:00

So my favorite thing to look for when I enter a Twin Liquors is "Twin Deals" (http://www.twinliquors.com/specials). Basically, when you buy one kind of liquor, then you get a discounted 2nd bottle of the same liquor.

For example, this week at Twin Liquor's you can get a great deal on Dripping Springs Vodka - just $25/bottle when you purchase two. That may not seem like a huge savings, but when you're purchasing spirits for a big event like a wedding, the savings can really add up. Plus you are supporting a local Austin business!

Did you know.... that the Jabour Family started a mercantile store in Austin in the 1800s, which later gave birth to the now famous Twin Liquor chain?! The Jabour Family credits their stores with promoting some of the 1st live music in Downtown Austin (one of the locations of the original stores), which is pretty neat when you think how important live music has become to Austin.

Source: http://www.twinliquors.com/about

Visit a Twin Liquor today and experience the difference that local expertise makes! They can help you plan just about any event. If you visit the Twin Liquor store at 500 Canyon Ridge (HEB shopping center) near Parmer/IH-35, ask for Theron - he is more than helpful and very knowledgeable.

Tan It All!

2010-02-22T18:44:00.000-08:00

Something many people don't consider prior to their wedding is tanning. If you would like to be a little darker for your wedding then it's the way to go, especially if it's February in most parts of North America and tanning outdoors is not an option. Recently, my wife and I decided to give the tanning option a try and we're really happy with the pricing and results. Tan It All currently has specials running on their website (http://www.tanitall.com/specialoffer.html) 1 month FREE or $50 in your account. After pricing the competitors we found this to be the best deal. Staff are friendly and we're already much darker after just a few days. We'll be ready for the trip to Costa Rica in no time with no concern of getting burned - either physically or fiscally!

Things you may need:
-Tanning Lotion (for indoor tanning)
-Sun Block (for tattoos)
-Goggles (to block UV)
-Towel

Villa Antonia Wedding

2010-02-19T21:44:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take a moment to share some wonderful photos from a recent Villa Antonia wedding we photographed. Villa Antonia is a beautiful, Italian-style villa which is a great venue for weddings. It's located in north west Austin (Jonestown), in the Texas Hill Country. I'm told that it is named for one of it's owners, Antonia. There are many wonderful photo opportunities at a place like this. Just make sure you drive up to visit first; the google map I printed got me lost. Enjoy!

What Does A Wedding Photographer Do To Prepare For A Wedding?

2010-02-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

Answer: Honestly, we all do it differently, but I'll share what I do and what I think works.

Years ago I had the opportunity to work with and study a local Austin photographer who was well established and successful in the wedding photography business. One of the things that sticks in my mind that he told me was this directive: an hour or two prior to your event go out and buy a greasy hamburger meal from your local burger chain, eat it and wash it all down with a big, sugary, caffeinated cola. The logic: we work better when our stomachs are full and caffeine is running through our veins.

While I don't follow this suggestion (for heath reasons), I've developed my own routine that I think meets the guidelines set forth by my wiser and more experienced teacher. Here's how my schedule starts out, right up until I drive to the wedding:

Days Prior to Wedding - Send final invoice, confirm wedding day photo schedule, answer any last minute questions from bride/groom/family, visit wedding location if necessary.
Day Before Wedding - Gas up car, start charging batteries, clear memory cards, print wedding photo schedule, review special requests of bride/groom, send reminder emails to necessary participants/assistants/2nd shooters.
Morning of Wedding - Charge batteries, pack all equipment, pack extra clothing, food & water. Eat a meal, brew some fresh green tea for the drive to the wedding, shave, shower, etc.

I have a wedding checklist posted next to my office door which I double check before I depart for the wedding. My friends have made fun of me for this, but I'd feel much more embarrassed if I forgot something vital for the wedding.

My favorite part of all the getting ready on wedding day is enjoying my warm cup of green tea on the way to the wedding while listening to my favorite CD. I find it helpful to listen to calming music beforehand as well. The odd thing that people expect from a wedding photographer is calm (and I should mention control) - 2 things that when balanced work great together. Your wedding photo subjects at a wedding expect you to be the "eye of the storm", so to speak - calm, in control and working smoothly toward your goal: getting great photos quickly and in an organized fashion. My experience has been that when people know you are doing a great job they feel more at ease and calm.

Who Pays For What At Our Wedding?

2010-02-14T20:51:00.000-08:00

In the American or western tradition of marriage there are some assumptions about who pays for what that you can keep in mind. Obviously these are not firm rules but simply a guideline based on social convention of the past. As you can imagine, how things at a wedding get paid for can vary from wedding to wedding and from culture to culture. Here's some basics I discovered from perusing the PASH Free Wedding Planner (something I started blogging about recently).

Bride:
Groom's wedding ring/gift
Gift for bridal attendants
Bridal attire/accessories
Wedding Consultant
Bridal Luncheon

Groom:
Bride's ring(s)
Bride's wedding gift
Groomsmen's gifts
Marriage License
Officiant's Fee
Grooms Attire
Boutonnieres for Groom's Attendants
Honeymoon Expenses

Bride's Family:
Wedding Invitations/Announcements
Transportation
Wedding Reception
Most Florals
Photography/Videography
Musical Entertainment/DJ

Groom's Family:
Rehearsal Dinner
Boutonnieres and corsages for immediate family members

Attendants:
Rental/purchase of wedding attire
Travel expense to/from wedding city
Wedding Gift for Couple
Bridal Shower
Bachelor/ette Party

As I said before, this list is based on tradition of some families and should be considered only a guide, not the "gospel". Many couples these days struggle to pay for the entire wedding themselves because times have changed and families don't feel as obligated as they once did to provide financial support.

10 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

2010-02-12T08:16:00.000-08:00

10 Gift ideas that will keep you out of trouble.

Every year I don’t take Valentine’s Day very seriously. And every year I manage to get myself into hot water with my wife. I usually tell myself, hey, it’s just a holiday created by corporations to make money – which, of course it is! It’s not fair, with the constant bombardment of TV, radio and other ads telling us all to go out and buy, buy, buy! But that most definitely doesn’t preclude me from participating, especially if I know what’s good for me! J

Don’t know what to get your significant other? Here are some ideas…

Dinner Out. Take your significant other out for a romantic dinner at a nice restaurant.
Flowers/Gift Basket. Have a special bouquet or gift personally delivered to his/her work or at home.
Perfume/Cologne. Pick out his/her favorite scent and wrap it up as a special present you’ll both enjoy.
Night On The Town. Take your significant other out for a night on the town with some drinking, dancing and fun.
A Homemade Card. Spend some time creating a very special card that is just from you and the kids to your spouse.
Jewelry. Surprise your significant other with a hand-picked bracelet, ring or necklace.
Dinner In. Make him or her a special candle-lit, romantic dinner or make it a surprise with breakfast in bed!
Spa Treatment. Give the gift of therapeutic massage, facials, manicure, pedicure, etc.
Romantic Getaway. Book a mini vacation for 2 somewhere special or just hit the road for a weekend getaway at your favorite bed & breakfast.
Personalized Gift. Get even more creative by making something for your significant other like “TLC coupons” or sultry photographs.

I always remind myself on V-day that there’s no better time to cultivate the friendship and love that you have for your partner, so why not give them something special. You’ll feel good about it and they will be thrilled that you thought of them…

Martin Whitton is a professional wedding photojournalist who lives and works in Austin, Texas. Email: martin@mwwphoto.com

Hot Wedding Ideas For 2010

2010-02-12T07:12:00.000-08:00

Looking for what's hot and trendy in weddings for 2010? Look no further....
In my latest research for cutting edge information for brides I discovered a website called Your Wedding Company (http://www.yourweddingcompany.com). That's where you'll find some great guidelines for what's trendy for your wedding in 2010.

Your Wedding Company has some great tips and guides, like the color wheel above which shows you just how to safely coordinate colors - something that may or may not come natural for most folks. You can also find out about what's in style for 2010 for dresses, accessories, hair and more. One little feature that I thought was great on the website was the Fall/Spring wedding color trends guide which shows what's in for 2010.

There's additional information on topics like attire for wedding party, venues, wedding favors and much more. One other cool item worth mentioning is the link on Your Wedding Company's website to a color palette generating tool. What's different about this little gadget is that you can upload a photo and the software automatically creates a palette customized for your wedding! How fantastic is that?!

Obviously there are a million resources out there in cyber space that relate to weddings, but I thought this one was definitely worth sharing. Enjoy!

Master Cleanse Day 6 & 7

2010-02-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

I had already decided that I wouldn't go the entire 10 days of the MC like I did the 1st time. These days my life
is much more hectic - filled with wedding photography, photo editing, business promotion and communicating with clients - and that's not when I'm not working and spending time with my family.

I knew that I could go longer. After you reach day 4 or 5 of the cleanse for the first time you realize that you've conquered the food demon inside of you. Not to say that food is the enemy, but we all eat too much anyway and it becomes a crutch to depend on food. If you have a bad day you go home and pig out on dinner and eat dessert afterward. Or perhaps you drink. We all do it from time to time, which is why we need the master cleanse to restart and reset our habits and usage of food. And when you realize that the desire for all the food is simply a habit that you can control, you feel as if you've accomplished something.

Oddly enough, on day 6 I started having minor headaches again, which Burroughs attributes to more toxins being mobilized in the body and which need to be removed with the salt water flush. Ultimately I decided to call it quits and start drinking fresh squeezed OJ on day 7, and did that all day. I felt good, my head was still very clear and I'm glad that I completed the MC again!

Just as a side note: When I finished the cleanse I weighed 180 lbs, which means I lost 6-7 lbs. Some people might say that this was water weight, but I beg to differ completely. Tonight (day 9 from start) I ate a full meal and weighed in at 181. I've been drinking water all day and I had a healthy lunch and breakfast. In order to get to the eating point I took these steps:

Drink fresh OJ (either squeezed by me or purchased freshly made at "Froots" or "Jamba Juice" for 36 hours straight.
Have homemade vegetable soup broth with just a few vegetables for lunch after 36 hours. Have more of the same soup for dinner. The next day (beginning day 3 after cleanse) I ate a small breakfast of fruit with a little organic whole grain cereal, then proceeded to a regular healthy diet. This may not work for everyone, but it worked for me!

Wedding At St. Ignatius Martyr Church - Austin, Texas

2010-02-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I photographed my second wedding at Saint Ignatius Martyr Church in Austin. The church has a great vibe, with so many friendly people and because of it's location, nestled into the SoCo area of Austin. I even recently discovered that one of my wife's good friends attends church there.

I was lucky enough to be able to photograph the wedding of my good friends Albert and Marisa. They both have huge families and it was amazing to see such a large family come together so closely. They are a wonderful couple and I feel blessed to have been involved in such a meaningful milestone in their lives.

Their wedding contained some of the elements traditional Mexican and Catholic weddings. For example, their families brought traditional gifts as they proceeded up the aisle, their Godparents (Padrinos) placed the laso around their necks and they were presented with coins - all traditional elements. Another beautiful touch to the wedding was having mariachis perform during the ceremony. This kind of traditional catholic ceremony is longer than the average wedding ceremony, but has more dimensions and depth.

And with more depth to a ceremony comes more meaning and emotion. Photographing weddings like this one make me love wedding photojournalism and the work that I do in the wedding business!

Master Cleanse Day 5

2010-02-08T20:54:00.000-08:00

Master Cleanse Day 5 was a little different. I was able to sleep in and relax a little more when doing the salt water flush in the morning, which is important. I stayed around the house most of the day just getting some small stuff done and watching my son. Something that happened this time around during the MC is my interface with food (which was non-existant) the 1st time. Several times I have found myself sitting at the kitchen table with my wife watching her eat while I sip on lemonade or water. I don't recommend this before day 3 or 4, or really at all. But I think if you set your mind to do something you can definitely do it. I just tell myself that although the food smells delicious, it's not for me. Besides, I think after the 1st few days of the cleanse there's no turning back. I mean, if I just grabbed up and ate some of the food my wife was enjoying I would immediately become sick.

I'm reminded of one of the scenes in Band Of Brothers, the HBO series about the US Army's Easy Company and their service during WWII. There's a scene toward the end of the series where Easy Co. encounters an Nazi concentration camp. The soldiers are mortified at what they see; starving, sick people wandering around inside a barbed wire enclosure. So the soldiers begin giving the starving prisoners food, only to see them all become sick immediately. It's a really sad scene that I don't take it lightly. But somehow I feel a small kinship to those prisoners by giving up food temporarily. Giving up food for 10-12 days seems like such a small sacrifice compared to the struggle of the persecuted. I can only imagine what they went through.

Master Cleanse: Day 4

2010-02-08T20:40:00.000-08:00

On Friday, Day 4 of the MC I was feeling very normal for someone who hadn't eaten any food in 4 days. I had alot of energy and my presence of mind was great. My head was clear and I got lots of things done during the day. I guess day 4 was all about energy. I checked my weight on day 2 just to see if I was losing weight.

Another reason that I started the cleanse (aside from the benefits of detoxing the body and "restarting" how I look at healthy meals) was to initiate some weight loss. Our son was born about 10 months ago and we had both put on some weight - mine being "sympathy" weight I suppose. I recently saw a photo of myself from several months prior and I was a little shocked. Just before the holidays I was right at 200lbs, which is about 30 lbs above where I should be in tip-top shape. My wife and initiated some healthy eating habits just prior to the holidays and with a minor amount of exercise we were both on our way. When I weighed in on day 2 I was about 187lbs.

It's not all about the weight loss of course. I think as long as you pay attention to how your body feels then you know what's right for you. The hard part as we all know is avoiding all the good tasting bad stuff!

Master Cleanse: Day 3

2010-02-07T19:28:00.000-08:00

Day 3 of the MC was sort of non-eventful. I began to feel that I was kicking my caffeine habit (unfortunately only until I start again). One thing that I can't stress enough is to stick to the directions in Peter Glickman's book, "Lose Weight, Have More Energy & Be Happier in 10 days" if you can. Use spring water for every emulsion that goes into your body, use the cayenne pepper (even if only in small amounts), use organic lemons (this may be my rule) and drink the quart of salt water as directed every morning - which may be THE most important part of the master cleanse. Why? Because if you think about all the things you take into your body as a part of the MC (lemons, cayenne, water, senna tea)as agents that break down or mobilize the toxins in your body, then how do you get the toxins out of your body in large quantities? They must be "rinsed" or washed out with the salt water flush. Honestly, it's the part of the MC I hate most - other than missing some good meals. But it's necessary.

Oddly enough, it was around day 3 that I also started having some weird pains in my thigh, kind of like a tightening muscle. Ultimately the pain when away after a few days and wasn't terrible. But weird things like this happen on the MC.

Master Cleanse: Day 2

2010-02-07T19:14:00.000-08:00

Day 2 of the MC was a little tougher (Wednesday). As my friends know, I'm a caffeine addict (strong coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon). As a result I started some serious detox symptoms on Wednesday. I had a low grade headache in the morning which was worse by afternoon, combined with irritability and being tired. As soon as I came home from work I took a 2 hr nap and didn't really feel better. Now here's where I'd like to make an encouraging side note. Don't be afraid of the master cleanse. The hunger you feel is no worse than what you've felt before - you just have to keep drinking your lemonade when you feel that way. And the headaches I had could've probably been avoided if I'd reduced all the caffeine I was taking into my body prior to Day 1 of the Master Cleanse. At any rate, I couldn't wait for day 2 to be over with and for Day 3 to start!

Master Cleanse: Day 1

2010-02-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

Day 1 of the Master Cleanse (Tuesday) was not too bad. I think since this is my third time completing the cleanse that I'm used to the feeling of emptiness in my stomach. It takes time to break away from the habit and ritual of eating 2-4 times per day, plus all the snacking that we westerners love to do, but it can be done. All in all the day was fine, although I felt really groggy during the day and was a little tired by end of day.

The Master Cleanse And Why I Like It

2010-02-06T09:13:00.000-08:00

I don't usually make posts about non-wedding subjects, but this one is taking up my entire week so I feel the need to share. I'm currently completing the "Master Cleanse" (aka, lemonade diet) right now for the 3rd time in my life, and I feel pretty good. The Master Cleanse is a body and mind cleansing ritual developed by Stanley Borroughs. Essentially the program is 10 days of fasting whereby you drink lemonade only to cleanse your body of toxins. I don't think this kind of thing is for everyone, mostly because it's difficult to go without food and most people don't miss more than a meal a day - much less going 10 days with no food. But I personally think it's a great program and I always feel better towards the end and afterward. Why? Because I have the physical desire to eat more healthy, my mind is clearer and I feel that I have more energy.

Anyway, in the next few days I'll probably be blogging more about my experience. Enjoy your weekend!

Oh and if you decide to take the plunge I recommend both of the above books (which are short, but packed with great information).

IMAGES COURTESY OF:

psychofweightloss.com

therawfoodsite.com

Free Wedding Planner (downloadable)

2010-02-05T19:06:00.000-08:00

So you're going the "do-it-yourself" route and planning your wedding! Well check out the Pash FREE wedding planner guide:

http://www.pashweddings.com/library/free-wedding-planner.php

I personally went through this entire guide and found it to be very helpful. There are some sections that aren't really necessary, but there are some great core parts of the planner that I found very helpful and perhaps you will too! I'll be blogging in the future about a few parts of it I really liked. If you find something you think is better for wedding planning, feel free to email me at martin@mwwphoto.com. I'm always looking for something fresh to pass on to my brides.

Poladroid - How to make your digital images like Polaroids

2010-02-04T19:07:00.000-08:00

So I just discovered this great site, http://www.poladroid.net/, which converts your regular old digital images to polaroid looking pictures. It's really easy to download and is fun to use. Not only does the finished photo look like a polaroid image, but it even sounds like a Polaroid camera when the image is being processed (which occurrs in a matter of seconds, but you have to wait - just like a Polaroid).

The program downloads in a matter of minutes and is available for Mac and PC. If you are feeling like a good samaritan you can also donate to their fund to keep the site up and running, which is FREE! Go check it out and "shake it like a polaroid"!

Engagement Session in Round Rock, Texas

2010-02-02T19:30:00.000-08:00

There's an old hidden gem in Round Rock that I just discovered. It's a park, not far from Interstate 35, near downtown, that has some wonderful scenery for engagement photos. I can't believe I didn't find this place sooner.

How did I find it? This weekend I was scheduled to photograph a couple for their engagement session in Western Round Rock and arrived to find the gates of the venue locked, and no one to let us in. So we did what any couple and their photographer would do in a pinch - we improvised. I remembered that I had photographed a couple at a small park in Round Rock last year, and I hoped that I could remember the directions in order to get there.

Did I mention that our enagement portrait shoot was scheduled on a day where the outside temperature never went above 36 degrees F? I asked my bride and groom if they wanted to cancel and they insisted that they get the photos done and that they love the "cool" weather (I found out later that they are both from northern states, which explains the tolerance of the cold weather).

We later completed our photo session successfully and with everyone in good spirits. We captured some great photos too!

San Marcos Bridal Show This Weekend! - Jan 31st (Sunday)

2010-01-29T16:42:00.000-08:00

This weekend i the Destination Bridal Show, "Bridal Events" of Distinction in San Marcos, Texas (between Austin and San Antonio). It will be held at the brand new City of San Marcos Conference Center, near the San Marcos Outlet Mall. There are lots of great things to register for, including a $45, 000 Ultimate Wedding Giveaway.

The most amusing thing I read about the event is that apparently some lucky brides will be chosen to dig through a wedding cake to find some hidden diamonds. Sounds fun!

View Article Here: http://austinweddingday.com/spotlights/BridalEventsOfDistinction.asp

Tickets are $10 online, $15 at the door. Visit www.AustinWeddingDay.com for more details.

This information is not an endorsement; it is simply provided to potential brides for informational purposes only. Martin Whitton Photography has no official affiliation with aforementioned bridal show or Austin Wedding Day.

Why Dressing Professionally Matters

2010-01-28T21:32:00.000-08:00

Today I was a patron at one of my favorite local restaurants here in beautiful Austin, Texas. As soon as I walked in I was greeted with the warmest of greetings, from the hostess, the busser and my server. Now, it might be because the restaurant is full of friendly attentive workers or because everyone's having a wonderful Thursday afternoon - or it might just be because I'm dressed very nicely (slacks, button-down shirt, tie, etc.) and they think I'm a good tipper. I like to assume the latter.

The point is that people notice the way that you dress, whether it is acknowledged or not. As a wedding photojournalist I take my job very seriously, and I want people to know this, so I dress appropriately when I photograph weddings or other events.

I recently met with a bride and her maid-of-honor who pointedly asked me how I dress at weddings. They both agreed that it was important how the photographer dressed at the wedding because they had bad experiences in the past with a photographer who presented themselves in attire that was disheveled, unprofessional and distracting. I promised them that I always dress professionally for my events.

As a wedding photojournalist it's important that you become the "fly on the wall" so to speak, which helps you capture all those candid, unrehearsed shots of wedding participants doing what they do in order to tell the wedding story through photography. I find that dressing well helps me to blend into the wedding and be the invisible photographer when wearing jeans and sneakers might stick out like a sore thumb. Dressing professionally lets people know you take your job as a photographer seriously and in my experience inspires confidence in what you do.

Martin Whitton is a professional wedding photojournalist who lives and works in Austin, Texas. Email: martin@mwwphoto.com

A Great Book For Entrepreneurs and Photographers

2010-01-27T20:21:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share a book that I recently read that I really enjoyed that's a quick read and I highly recommend:

It's called "the accidental millionaire" by Gary Fong. The reason I read it is because it was a gift from a family member and I was naturally interested because Gary Fong is a famous wedding photographer, inventor and entrepreneur. I realize that everyone might not connect with the book in the same way I did, but this one is a really fun read because it is so conversational and such an honest, intimate look at one man's life and struggles. There's really not much in the book about making millions (which is probably a good thing) - only the philosophy of thinking about things in a different way and having fun while doing it. I like to think of it as the modern, simpler version of "Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance".

One of my favorite little nuggets of information comes at the very end of the book (page 260 of 264):

Gary says, "When you're passionately preparing for one thing, the universe may be preparing you for something else. As long as you're actively and creatively preparing for something, you're usually on the right track."

I got the photo of the book above from Amazon.com, where Gary's book is currently listed less than $11! Go grab it today!

Bridal Session Photographed At AMA Laguna Gloria

2010-01-26T21:23:00.000-08:00

These photos were captured in January at the beautiful Laguna Gloria, a part of the Austin Museum of Art educational center, located near Mount Bonnell in West Austin off of Mopac and 35th Street. The AMA Laguna Gloria web page states that the grounds include a 1920s style flat located on 12 acres of park land with approximately 1 mile of water frontage on the Colorado River. It's a beautiful place, inside and out including statues, lots of plant life and a feeling of calm just around the corner from the bustling downtown Austin.

Martin Whitton Photography Selected For WeddingWire 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ For Wedding Photojournalism

2010-01-19T21:16:00.000-08:00

Austin, Texas – January 19, 2010 - WeddingWire just announced Martin Whitton Photography has been selected to receive the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for Wedding Photojournalism!

The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.

Martin Whitton Photography is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.

“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”

We are happy to announce that Martin Whitton Photography is among the very best Wedding Photojournalism within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. We would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™.

For more information, please visit our home at http://www.mwwphoto.com or our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/martin-whitton-photography-austin/c8d28d772f4cdf36.html

About Us: Martin Whitton Photography is the Featured Exclusive Photographer for David's Bridal at the Gateway shopping center in North Austin and was recently selected to receive the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for Wedding Photojournalism! Senior photographer and studio owner Martin Whitton travels with his team of talented wedding photojournalists worldwide to photograph weddings, including more than 75 weddings and related events in 2009 alone. Martin Whitton Photography began in 2006 and is based in Austin, Texas. Email martin@mwwphoto.com for more information.

Gift Suggestions For Bridesmaids & Groomsmen

2010-01-08T07:20:00.000-08:00

I stumbled onto this article today with a number of suggestions for gifts to get for your bridesmaids, groomsmen, best man and maid-of-honor. Interesting suggestions....

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://content.contentthatworks.com/images_articles/2008/bridal/bridal_20080410_gifts_banner.jpg&imgrefurl=http://themonitor.ctwfeatures.com/bridal/bridal_20080410_gifts.html&usg=__KVUtWEe___v0Kz3g9jxLxPAvRT4=&h=200&w=300&sz=77&hl=en&start=233&um=1&tbnid=kCVo8rCpRy0OUM:&tbnh=77&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbest%2Bbridal%2Bposes%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D220%26um%3D1

A Bridal Session at Hotel Valencia - San Antonio

2010-01-04T21:01:00.000-08:00

Some photos from the luxurious and modern Hotel Valencia in San Antonio, Texas. The bride and groom will be marrying there very soon as well. It is a beautiful location for photos of any occasion...

Austin Wedding Extravaganza - January 9 - 10, 2010 - Palmer Event Center

2009-12-28T07:35:00.000-08:00

Brides-to-be,

Don’t forget about the Austin Bridal Extravaganza that’s coming up after the new year (Jan 9-10^th)! I’m sure there will be lots of vendors on hand to tell you about their services. If for no other reason you might attend the extravaganza as a part of becoming an educated bride on how wedding preparation and planning works. Think of it as a fun research project with free goodies and giveaways!

Austin Bridal Extravaganza

January 9-10, 2010

Palmer Event Center

Austin, Texas

Hours: 12-5 Admission: $14

There’s also apparently a $50k bridal giveaway. You can read about that HERE.

Official Website: http://www.austinweddings.com/

Note: Martin Whitton Photography will not be represented at this event and has no affiliation with it or it’s sponsors. We simply offer this information as a helpful guide for our readership.

Wedding Horror Stories (How To Avoid Them)!

2009-12-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

Some hints on what to look for (and what to avoid) when searching for a wedding photographer.

The Amateur. When I first came to Austin, Texas about 10 years ago my family (my brother, my sister, my mother and I) were all together for a limited time and it was decided that we should hire a photographer to take photographs of us as a family. We all knew that we would be moving in different directions for years to come and who knows when the opportunity might present itself again. So my mother got in contact with a photographer who promised to meet us at Zilker Botanical Gardens and capture some family images. I distinctly remember what the photographer looked like. She was slim, small framed with short curly hair. She was quiet, reserved and she photographed us with what may have been a “Rolleiflex” medium format twin lens reflex camera. At the time I didn’t know much about medium format cameras, so I can’t say what kind of camera it was for sure.

After about 45 minutes of photographing in different locations of the gardens she let us know she was finished and that she’d be calling when the photos were developed and ready to view. Little did we know, that would be the last time we would see her or our photographs again. After some exchanges of voicemails, we accepted that we wouldn’t likely ever see our photos, probably because she really didn’t know the first thing about professional photography. We had simply been her experiment in portraiture – an experiment that went horribly wrong.

The Swindler (allegedly). And this summer I read an article about another photographer in San Antonio who is accused of not delivering what he promised to his clients. The surprising part in this story is that he charges so much and is apparently a talented wedding photographer. One couple even claim that they paid him as much as $7000! Wow! According to the article the photographer in question enthusiastically charmed his clients into paying exorbitant amounts of money for wedding photography. Then when wedding day came he photographed their weddings and they never heard from him again. I personally looked him up on Wedding Wire, and there are a lot of angry brides that are mad at him for not returning their money, and most importantly, not providing them with wedding photos as promised. I would be mad too!

So you’re probably asking, “Well, how do I tell the difference between a wedding swindler and a legitimate photography business?” That can be tough to do, but the most important thing you need to know about any business is their record of service. Do they have a history of providing a quality service? Are people talking raving about how great their experience with the business was? I recommend starting your investigation by reading my article on Finding The Right Wedding Photographer. Bottom line: do your homework! If he/she sounds too good to be true, perhaps you should look elsewhere. I wish you the best of luck in your search!

Martin Whitton is a professional wedding photojournalist who lives and works in Austin, Texas. Email: martin@mwwphoto.com

Photos From Monica & Eric's Wedding At Casa Blanca

2009-12-13T20:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, so not a whole lot I can say about Monica & Eric's Wedding at Casa Blanca. It is a beautiful place and they made a beautiful match on this Fall Day in Georgetown, Texas. I think Casa Blanca may be my new favorite wedding venue, not only because it's a beautiful venue, not just because it's partially wooded next to a stream, but also because the owners are super friendly and professional.

New Engagement Photos - Downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake

2009-11-30T19:46:00.000-08:00

A sample of engagement photos of Vanessa and Shaun in downtown Austin and on Lady Bird Lake...

If It's Good Enough For President Obama, It's Good enough For My Brides!

2009-11-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

I’m excited to announce a new addition to my wedding camera family: the Canon 5D Mark ii!

While it probably doesn’t mean much to my wedding clientele that I’ve upgraded, to a photographer it means a lot. To the photographer it’s the difference in a full frame and partial frame sensor; greater flexibility in low-light situations; the ability to capture high-resolution HD video and more. Ultimately for my brides and grooms it means that they’ll be getting more great shots than ever with an increased quality in images that can be seen in the printing process.

I recently read an article that President Obama’s official portrait was taken with the Canon 5D Mark ii as well, which really surprises me. So now I’m telling my brides that if the 5D Mark ii is good enough for our American President, then it’s definitely good enough for their wedding photographs. It’s definitely an exciting time for photography in America as we watch things change and evolve so quickly. I’m proud to be an American Photographer!

Angels Springs Wedding, Georgetown, Texas

2009-11-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

Martin Whitton is a professional wedding photojournalist who lives and works in Austin, Texas.
View the complete wedding photo galleries (including this wedding), photographer bios, testimonials and more at: Wedding Photo Website or email us HERE.

Tips & Resources On How To Find A Wedding Dress

2009-11-10T13:14:00.000-08:00

If you are newly engaged and you’ve already secured a location for your wedding, then your next step will probably be gown hunting. You may have been dreaming of an elaborate, fairy tale wedding since you were a girl or you may be looking for something a little less formal; Either way, before you begin there are a few questions you’ll want to ask yourself:

1. What kind of bridal gown do I want?

2. How much do I want to spend?

3. What is my body style?

First, let’s address our self-imposed questions. Do you want a formal gown or just an elegant, informal dress? How you answer will likely determine how and where you shop. These days you have endless options for where you buy clothing and there are advantages and drawbacks to where you shop. If you shop online you may have a wider variety of dress/gown options; however, one major disadvantage of shopping online will be determining whether you and your dress/gown are a good fit.

Next, include your estimated gown cost in your wedding budget. If you are patient, flexible and shop around there are great deals to be found. I recently heard a bride tell of finding a $900 designer dress on clearance for $75. Was the dress her first choice? …probably not, but in all likelihood she was open-minded, tried on the dress because it was beautiful (or heavily discounted) and perhaps she liked the way it looked on her - which is of the utmost importance.

Finally, know your body type and aim for a dress that will accentuate your shape and style. I’ll leave this topic to the fashion experts. Here’s a great article that briefly touches on body types and dresses styles that match by the knowledgeable folks at I-do.com - Australia.

If you live in a medium-sized or large city you’ll have more options. I encourage my clients to shop locally, but don’t settle for less. The media blitz of negative news about the economy has everyone scared to leave home in fear that they’ll lose their job or spend money that they should be saving. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a dress you don’t like. Be sure to check out all your bridal boutique options. Consignment stores are very popular amongst brides who want to save these days and although consignment is often a euphemism for “used”, consignment stores typically have a high standard for the merchandise the peddle.

List of Online Bridal Stores:

Romantic Gowns, House of Brides, Wedding Dress Online, Isabella’s, Bargain Wedding Gowns, the list goes on and on…

List of Brick and Mortar Bridal Stores:

David’s Bridal, Alfred Angelo, Nordstrom, Georgio’s Bridal, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Mart (North Carolina Only), and others…

Local Bridal Designers (Central Texas):

Unbridaled, Adelle's Bridal Boutique, Balina Bridal, Serendipity Bridal, Alexia Gavela Bridal, Melange Bridal LLC, Belle Saison Bridal, Coutures by Laura, Designer Exchange, more…

Unbridaled unbridaled.com - (512) 444-2743

Adelle's Bridal Boutique adellesbridalandquinceanera.com

Balina Bridal www.balina.com - (512) 719-5900

Serendipity Bridal www.serendipitybridal.com

Alexia Gavela Bridal agbride.com - (512) 419-7818

Melange Bridal LLC www.melangebridal.com - (512) 345-8780

Belle Saison Bridal bellesaisonbridal.com - (512) 452-1199

Some minor details to remember:

-Not all dresses are sized the same; some vendors like David’s Bridal use European style of sizing, which varies from what you might find elsewhere. In all likelihood, your dress will be a size or two larger than you expect because of size discrepancies amongst designers.

-You can engineer a dress using an online dress creator here: Wedding Dress Creator

-The Knot has a Wedding Dress Cost Calculator based on inputs such as dress style, price range, designer and more.

Wedding At Chateau Bellevue - Austin Woman's Club

2009-11-09T20:25:00.000-08:00

Every now and again I like to play around with some editing software and create moody, artistic effects for my wedding clients. I never really know if it's something they will like or not, but I enjoy it and I always provide them with regular color copies as well just in case. This wedding was shot in downtown Austin in October, beginning at Central Christian Church and ending at Chateau Bellevue.

Driskill Hotel Wedding - Austin, TX

2009-11-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

Here's a small group of photos from a wedding I photographed at the legendary Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin in late September. You can view more of this wedding on my wedding website, www.mwwphoto.com

Weddings From Our Past: 1800s and 1900s

2009-11-08T15:57:00.000-08:00

I'm currently doing a lot of research to support an article I'm writing about how to find a wedding gown. In the meantime, I wanted to share some photos that I found recently only to allow others to see what weddings looked like 100 or more years ago. Note the space between each couple (how separated they all are compared to today's couples). If you want to see more just search for "1800s wedding photos" on Flickr.

What Makes A Photograph Great?

2009-10-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

I recently read the following on the photo.net online discussion forum:

Question: “What makes a photo a fine art work (that is, special or good)?”

Answer: “When you say it is. The better answer is when others say it is.”¹

While speaking in simple terms this is correct, surely we can explore the topic a little more deeply to find more significant answers to what makes a photograph great. According to iconic landscape photographer Ansel Adams, “A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed.”²

Let’s refine our search a little and ask ourselves some questions. The first question we should be asking is what is the subject of the photograph or image? The most common problem encountered when attempting to create a great image is not establishing an obvious subject. Try to imagine what subject another person might see (if any) while viewing your photograph.

Is the photograph composed in an appealing way? Composition is probably the most elusive concept in photography because it is subjective (what one person likes another person may not) and because the rules of composition are concrete. Here are some important composition concepts to keep in mind:

Simplicity. Don’t try to over-complicate your image with distractions or too much subject matter. The subject of what you are photographing should be clear.
Framing. Try to fill the image frame and make sure there are no voids within your image. There are exceptions to the rule, but there shouldn’t be open space that distracts from the subject.

Law of thirds. If you imagine your camera viewfinder as a tic-tac-toe-like grid where space is divided into thirds, it is considered more pleasing to the eye to place your subject where third lines intersect (instead of splitting your
image in half).

Photo Courtesy of Microsoft Corporation

Leading lines. Are the viewer’s eyes guided through the photograph to the focal point? Examples might be railroad tracks, highways, bridges, buildings and more.
Perspective. How your subject appears to the viewer determines perspective. Many times your subject can determine perspective as well. Here are some beautiful Examples of Different Perspectives³ which might better illustrate the concept.

Focus and exposure. Make sure your subject is in focus and exposed correctly. If everything else mentioned here is correct, but focus or exposure is not correct, your photograph’s message will likely be lost.⁴

There are more compositional ideas that were not discussed, but hopefully these give you some foundation to build upon. Now comes the overarching questions. Does the photo tell a story? Does it elicit emotion? Is there an inherent creativity about the image? Is it appealing to people from all walks of life?

If you’ve followed the compositional rules for photography laid out above, and you can answer the aforementioned questions with a resounding “yes”, then you’ve probably created a great photo. If taking good photographs were easy then you wouldn’t be reading an article about it. Every good photographer takes bad photos; what separates the good from the bad is continuous practice and always maintaining the personal resolve to capture a better photograph. Perhaps that is what defines a passion for photography.

To provide you with some photographic perspective and a starting point I’ll leave you with a quote. As legendary French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson once stated, “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.”⁵

So how many photographs have you taken today?

Martin Whitton is a professional wedding photojournalist who lives and works in Austin, Texas. See regular updates on Martin’s work at http://txweddings.blogspot.com/. Additional wedding photographs, bio and more can be viewed at http://www.mwwphoto.com/

Sources:

1. Photo.net Forums. http://photo.net/philosophy-of-photography-forum/007Nad

2. PhotoQuotes.com. Ansel Adams. http://www.photoquotes.com/printableshowquotes.aspx?id=10

3. What makes a photo good? A Basic Checklist for Evaluating Photo Quality by Charlotte K. Lowrie. http://wordsandphotos.org/Commentary/WhatMakesAPhotoGood.htm

4. http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGall2.asp?catID=385

5. Digital Photography School. 10 Photography Quotes that You Should Know. http://digital-photography-school.com/photography-quotes

What is Depth of Field (DOF)?

2009-10-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

What is Depth of Field (DOF)?

According to Dictionary.com DOF is,

“the range of distances along the axis of an optical instrument, usually a camera lens, through which an object will produce a relatively distinct image.” ¹

Viewing both almost identical images you can see a demonstration of two very different DOFs. In the top image, moving left to right, you can see that most of the planks in the fence are relatively sharp and in focus throughout the photo. This would be considered a large DOF. In the bottom image only the very center of the image appears to be in focus. The fence planks to the left and right of center are out of focus, creating a shallow DOF. Each image is also labeled with it's respective aperture (f-stop).

In not-so-technical terms DOF is everything that is considered to be “in-focus” or sharp in a captured image or photograph. Consider the two black & white images below...

So what’s going on inside the camera and lens to create these two separate images?

First, we need to quickly understand what aperture means. Without going off on a technical tangent here we know that as a rule of thumb, aperture is determined by how wide the iris of the camera lens opens when the shutter button is pressed (see black and white figure below). Larger apertures (think larger opening, more light) create shallower depths of field; inversely, smaller apertures (think smaller opening, less light) create deeper depths of field. A large aperture where the iris is open very wide might be f-1.2 or f-1.4. An example of a very small aperture might be f-22².

The primary difference between these two wood fence images is the aperture (f-stop) at which the camera lens is set. Even if we didn’t have the metadata at our fingertips that would tell us the exact aperture that was selected for each photo, we could still hypothesize that the top image was captured at a small aperture (small f-stop), perhaps f-11 or f-15. The bottom image was likely captured at a large aperture (large f-stop), perhaps f-2.0.

Predicting DOF. DOF can be calculated based on three primary factors (and one secondary factor): focal length of lens (50 mm, for example), aperture or f-stop (f 2.0, for example) and subject distance (distance between camera lens and subject). The secondary factor affecting DOF is your camera; different digital cameras have different sensors and components which affect DOF. If you would like to calculate DOF for your camera and lens combination you can easily do so by imputing the three primary factors mentioned above here on the fantastic online DOF calculator graciously provided by Don Fleming of Dofmaster.com³.

Using Don’s DOF calculator I compared two of my favorite lens/camera combinations: the Canon 5D Mark ii + 50 mm prime lens with the Canon 40D + 50 mm prime lens. The factors I used were 50 mm focal length, 2.0 f-stop and 10 ft subject distance. The results:

Canon Camera	Lens Focal Length (mm)	F-Stop (Aperture)	Subject Distance (ft)	Calculated Depth of Field (ft)
5D Mark ii	50	2.0	10	1.45
Canon 40D	50	2.0	10	0.91

The differences in DOF from these two examples are significant: 0.14 (ft) [1.45 – 0.91 = 0.14 ft], which is approximately 6-7 inches in difference. I’d rather not cover too much detail here on why and how this works, primarily because I don’t pretend to be an expert in how camera sensors work or in mathematics. For the purposes of this article you only need to know that every digital camera is different and it might be worthwhile for you to bookmark the DOF calculator link for future reference.

So why do we care about DOF?

DOF and blurring created in any image is subjective and will vary from one photographer to another. Where art and science collide there can be no one rule that is never broken. In many cases photographers simply photograph a subject or event in a way that they choose to interpret it, regardless of whether another person may like the image that is captured. My rule (in general) is for the foreground to be in focus and background to blur. However there are always exceptions and the rule of universal appeal supersedes everything else; Can I answer “yes” to the question, “does the image have a general appeal about it and is it pleasing to view? Hopefully so.

If you would like more information on DOF check out the Depth of Field Video Tutorial recommended from one of the Adobe Photoshop Bloggers from The Genesis Project at Adobe.

1. Modern Language Association (MLA): "depth of field." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 14 Oct. 2009. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/depth of field>.

2. University of Victoria. http://web.uvic.ca/ail/techniques/phototechniques.html

3. Depth of Field Master. http://dofmaster.com

What is the heck is bokeh?

2009-10-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

Wikipedia defines bokeh as,

“a photographic term referring to the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas of an image produced by a camera lens using a shallow depth of field.^[1] Essentially, bokeh is an aesthetic and qualitative measure of light distortion in the out-of-focus areas of an image, and is primarily caused by lens aberrations and aperture shape.”

Wikipedia goes on to explain that bokeh is taken from a Japanese word (boke), which can be interpreted as “blur” or “haze”.

In short, I just wanted to create a lead-in to the topic I’ll be writing about in the next week: Depth of Field (DOF). In a way, bokeh is the “Yin” to DOF’s “Yang”, if you will. Or perhaps bokeh could be considered the boundary that delineates where DOF begins.

At any rate, the photo above shows a flower in the foreground that is the focal point of the image. Most of the image that remains is a blurred background or bokeh. The photo is from a Zilker Botanical Garden wedding I photographed earlier this year here in Austin. More on the topic of Depth of Field in the coming days…

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokeh

How Do I Pin A Corsage?...Fold A Handkerchief?...Tie A Tie?

2009-10-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

Below are some great links on how to do stuff you may not think of until wedding day. This might seem pretty simple at first, but when you are feeling a little stressed and emotional on wedding day having this information either committed to memory or printed on a piece of paper will seem like a wise thing. The other wedding participants will be thankful and you’ll look like an experienced pro!

How to pin a corsage or boutonniere

How to fold a handkerchief..

How to tie a tie…(with diagrams)

I must give credit where credit is due: Thank you ehow.com for the great wedding information!

My 10 Rules For Editing Digital Wedding Images

2009-10-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

A number of people (including my associate photographers) have inquired recently about how I edit images and what I do to alter images after a wedding. In an ideal world I would do nothing to the images during the "post processing" session; however, we live in a world where weddings happen on the fly. Quantity of light increases, decreases or disappears, we move from outdoor to indoor (or vice-versa) and action is constantly unfolding in an environment that is anything but static. As a result, I like to tweak or make slight adjustments to my images after the big event has ended to compensate for what the camera (or photographer) didn't do perfectly the first time. This is a summary of 10 things or rules that are always bouncing around in my head during the editing process.

Martin’s 10 Rules for Editing Digital Images.

1. Tone of space (a room, for example) should be balanced and neutral, with no overall

bias;

2. Blacks (like tuxes) should be black;

3. Whites (like wedding gowns) should be white;

4. Don’t over-saturate images (my personal pet peeve)! Final edited image should be representative of what the human eye saw when photographing occurred;

5. Flesh tones should be realistic and consistent. If he looks red and she looks pale white, something’s probably wrong;

6. Image should be level or straight. Use reference points within image to determine this;

7. Fix and remove any “red-eye” issues when flash is used;

8. Sharpen all images last, and do it sparingly;

9. Save images based on their intended use; images being posted online can be as small as 500 kb. Images that will be printed should probably be 1-2 mb (minimum);

10. For easy tracking and identification, rename/save images based on the event, like – “Jane & John Wedding 1”.

These ideas may seem a little elementary, but sticking to the basics keeps our editing focused, maintains consistency from image to image and keeps our clients happy.

Find the Right Wedding Photographer - 10 Guidelines to Help You in Your Search

2009-10-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

Finding a wedding photographer can be a daunting task given the sheer number of photographers in large Texas Cities like Dallas, Austin & San Antonio; A search of the Austin, Texas Yellow Pages yields over 393 professional photographers alone! And let's not forget the "weekend warrior" photographer, who operates off of the photography grid and whose numbers can only be estimated. So how does a bride find the right photographer in a sea of wedding vendors?

Here are some suggestions:

1. Referral = 1st hand experience. If you know someone who got married recently then make this your first lead. Check out the photographer's website or portfolio and talk to bride/groom who hired them. If you like a particular photographer's work and he/she gets a favorable review, make an appointment to meet with them. If you like a photographers work that you've found elsewhere, don't be afraid to ask for references.

2. Pick a photographer based on his/her style. If you like his/her photos from past weddings, then you'll probably like the photos they capture at your wedding! Find out what is the photographer's primary style? Traditional posed shots? Candid or artistic? Photojournalistic? Other? Then decide which style you like best.

3. Try not to meet with too many photographers. Ideally you will want to select less than 5 wedding photographers in your area whose style you like and who are in your price range (don't be afraid to ask this question when telephoning). Meeting with too many photographers will get confusing and will likely be counterproductive to your search.

4. Do you like the photographer you met with? This is the person that will be following you around for hours photographing you, your fiance and family/friends on your big day. Be sure it's someone that you feel at ease with; otherwise your uneasiness will show up in the photos.

5. Ask to see images from an entire wedding (start to finish). Just about anyone can put together a slideshow of good pictures they have taken over the years. But a professional wedding photographer can capture great photos from every segment of a single wedding - bride dressing beforehand, ring exchange, kiss, formals, 1st dance, bouquet toss, etc.

6. Request a wedding day photo schedule. One element (possibly the most important) of wedding photography that is frequently overlooked is the Wedding Day Photo Schedule, which details when shooting begins/ends (i.e., number of coverage hours), who will be photographed during formal photos and provides a specific time line for each wedding event that will be photographed. If the photographer doesn't provide one, then request it - it will be invaluable.

7. Is there a limit to the number of photos captured? Find out how many photos the photographer estimates will be captured on wedding day and how many photos will be provided after image selection/editing. Most photographers who use digital cameras can give you an estimate based on the number of hours of coverage provided at the wedding.

8. Do you get a CD with full-sized images? Many photographers are reluctant to provide you images from your wedding on CD, even though you may pay them handsomely for covering the event. Ask about getting the images on CD and if this costs extra.

9. Inquire about back-up cameras and equipment. Does the photographer you are meeting with have back up equipment in the case that his/her equipment malfunctions or fails? Professionals will frequently have on hand 2-3 cameras, numerous lenses, and at least 2 of everything else. Wedding photographers always have to be prepared for the unexpected!

10. Beware of inexpensive photographers. The old saying "you get what you pay for" is applicable when it comes to wedding photography. If someone posting on Craig's List offers to shoot your wedding for $250, it's probably b/c they are new to photography. If your wedding budget doesn't allow you to hire a professional and you think that photographs from wedding day aren't that important, then hiring an amateur may be OK. However, if images from the big day are important to you, then don't skimp on photography; hire an experienced professional. You'll be glad you did.

Sources:
1. www.yellowpages.com/categories/Austin-TX/photography, 2009.