Week 1 Tip: Remembering Light

This topic wasn't necessarily going to be the one I wanted to lead with, but at the last minute, I was reminded by a couple of the necessity of time and sun.

Sunrise and sunset are very important to a wedding. But they're even more important to a photographer. Now I'm sure everyone is saying NO KIDDING, but you would be surprised how many couples, specifically those planning fall and winter weddings, plan on outdoor activities or photos after 6 p.m.

This is typically when I remind couples that while the sun might be out until 9 p.m. during the summer, by 6:15 p.m. in October, I'm out of usable light.

While Dan and I have been known to pull a rabbit out of the proverbial hat from time to time, we CANNOT bring back the sun.

I'm not going to offer an extensive light lesson, but the examples to the left will give you good information.

1. Engagement shot taken in The Sculpture Gardens in Washington around 4 p.m. Lots of light, no flash.

2. Same couple in Alexandria by 6 p.m. No flash, but I had to find light, such as a home's lanterns, to squeeze just amount of light into the shot. I also had to do some medium-level Photoshop work to make it look as bright as it does.

3. Early afternoon wedding in August. Shading the light it's so bright and Hot. Williamsburg, VA.

4. Night ceremony in Williamsburg, VA outside of Wren Chapel. Except this is around 6:30, 7 p.m. It was a December wedding. The fun shots had to be done as time exposures. JPG Photography can do it, but the light element changes our options.

5. A great butterfly release took place in August, late. We had no light and had to pose this beautiful shot. I love it! But again, a butterfly release at noon is different than midnight.

6. A November wedding around 5:30 p.m. I took a quick few shots of Jody in Gloucester. Another 30 minutes, and I would have had no light.

7. Late afternoon shot in May. We have lots of light for a slight silhouette.

I hope this helps couples consider their wedding date and activities. A good photographer can always work with the conditions, but he or she might have to use the tripod to get the shot. It's up to the couple to decide what kind of shot they want, indoors or outdoors, and consider the available light with the photographer.

Best,
Joe

Amanda & Mark

I am quite proud to show off one of my best friends in our Blog. Amanda, who is one of the most talented journalists in the northeast and her boyfriend, Mark, have been dating since high school. While most of these high school sweethearts don't last into college, Amanda and Mark have held on. Not only that, but they have an age gap which meant Amanda was in College while Mark was in High School. Then, Mark went off to a college in Boston, while Amanda finished her degree in Washington, DC at The George Washington University (where we met).

Throughout the distance and separation, they've stuck it out. They're a modern example of what soulmates look like. I love you both! I'm so proud to be a part of your day!

I'm sure some of our Boston contingent will recognize the park and streetscapes around Boston. The shots were taken shortly before Halloween...as if you couldn't tell. Sorry, sometimes I state the obvious. Anyway, I'm looking forward to their wedding in October. I just pray we have weather as beautiful as this!

One of the only times I'll ever sign off like this in the blog...

Love,

Joe

JPG Photography Welcomes You!

Welcome to the JPG Photography LLC Studio Blog! Run by myself, Joseph Paul Gidjunis, JPG, (call me Joe) and Dan Shuman, we intend to use this blog to educate and promote techniques and photojournalism-style photography.

We're writing this for our couples. Both Dan and I have been recently married. Ironically, a week a part. And we felt that a young person's perspective on marriage trends and ideas weren't being shared. Our photography competition is often older, yet we find ourselves as experienced, and with a fresh eye that our couple's have come to appreciate.

We have honestly been told that we've been more helpful than friends, family, and even the coordinator, because we lay out options and timing for your day. We're not here to tell you how your day should run. Quite the opposite. We've seen schedules run so many ways that we offer guidance on what works well, versus what takes a bit more maneuvering. But we always stick to the idea that whatever you want, JPG Photography will accommodate. We wouldn't have it any other way.

We can do this because Dan and I are equipped with a photojournalism background. We both use our cameras every day, under tight deadline pressure, in the newspaper industry. Dan with a newspaper in Virginia, and myself in Maryland. We can never come back with just an acceptable shot. It has to be quality, often front-page quality.

The only part difference between newspaper photography and wedding work is that a crusty-old editor isn't scrutinizing every shot...THEN AGAIN, we have had a few heavy-handed family members give us their opinions...LOL! Honestly though, we have been blessed with great couples. Brides and grooms that know how to cherish the day and CELEBRATE at the reception!

We find too many weddings today are cheesy. They're posed. They're choreographed down to the emotions. We hate this. WE'RE NOT saying weddings shouldn't be planned. On the contrary, preparation is needed to coordinate the day's events. The tears, joy and laughs, however, shouldn't be pre-planned or packaged. We want couple's to plan their day. Plan well, we say. But when the day finally arrives, relax and enjoy it. Time will fly faster this day than perhaps any other day in your life. And we're talking from experience.

Every week, check back to see new photos, events, highlights, and most importantly, tips. We hope you take our tips as more insight, rather than a must do. Again, it's all about giving options and making educated decisions.

If you have any thoughts or insight of your own, we welcome them. Send it, with the subject "Blog" to jpg@jpgphotography.com or dan@jpgphotography.com

We look forward to sharing these utopian-like events with you!

Best Wishes!
Joe & Dan

Thanks to Jaime and Derrick for their ultra-classy wedding in Norfolk Dec. 2. The shot above is of their cake and reception at the Norfolk Opera House. The rest of their images will be available soon.