High School Sweethearts at their best

Dear Sarah and Nick,

Saturday was probably a once-in-a-decade experience. YOU TWO ARE AMAZING! I had a blast, and I know you two did too. I really am lucky. I was able to grab shots in the high school where Sarah and Nick met, started dating and have been doing so now for about 6 years! While they're one of my youngest couples (early 20s) they're certainly one of the most mature, considerate and thoughtful couples around. I could see how much they care about each other just by watching them touch...

Really, you should have seen these two hanging out in the school's TV studio where they co-anchored a show and won a major award. In fact, the school still has it hanging on the wall outside the studio. Then we shots at the lockers, library and of course, the football stadium. I'm sure they had some fun in those places just a few years before!

And Sarah, I have to post a few of your words that you sent me because they really brightened my day.

"I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am for everything yesterday! Nick and I had so much fun "being cute" and being encouraged to kiss (and hold, and nuzzle, and grab...)so much! We haven't had much time because we're so busy to just stop and live in the moment, enjoy being engaged, so it was a blessing to concentrate on our love for each other for an afternoon."

This is the reason why I recommend engagement shoots. You get a feel for me, and I get a feel for you two. I really had a great time, and I can't wait until your wedding in June!

Best,
Joe

Jaime & Derrick and Week 2 Tip: Color vs. B&W Choice

First, everyone has to celebrate Jaime and Derrick who were married in December. They were wonderful and kind and humble and partiers and just one of those "They're going to make it" couples. I'm fortunately have been blessed with many great couples like Jaime and Derrick, but these two have had some extra challenges that made them a stronger couple.
I always have to say thank you to the military personnel, and there were plenty at this wedding.
Derrick's a SEAL...no really. That's not a pickup line. He and his many Navy buddies, I salute you all. You rock. You also know how to have a blast at a classy wedding.
Jaime, who should quite possibly still be a model, had a most delightful demeanor during her day and she did it all while managing her beautiful daughter Cameron. I can't tell you how awesome this little girl is! Really, special! It was an honor to be a part of their day!

THE LESSON: B&W vs. COLOR choice. This is not something everyone does, but I like what they did. Jaime and Derrick were up front with me that they prefer B&W over color. Typically, I do a 50/50, or 60/40 color to b&w ratio for our edits. But with their request, we did about 80/20, Black and white to color. And she knew her day. Very classy all around. The extra B&W did marvels. Now, you'll notice lots of color are in my favorites, but that's because I'm trying to show the difference between the two color modes. But for the majority at their wedding, black and white was the best combination.
YOUR HOMEWORK: As a couple, have an educated discussion about b&w vs. color.
As JPG Photography, we see how the day flows and the edits. We can just tell when a shot will look better in B&W, and typically, the reason depends on contrast, available light and indoor decorum. Since we had an opera house to work with for Jaime and Derrick, B&W worked wonders. Great walls, high ceilings, lit candles and place settings with bold or solid colors; these naturally lend themselves to a B&W conversion.
AT JPG, we always shoot color and do the conversions later because you can always remove the color cast, but you can't get it back.

Best Wishes to Jaime and Derrick. May they continue their journey with joy, love and passion!

For family and friends, their full wedding went online last week.
1. Head to PICTAGE to view it, www.pictage.com
2. Search either last name of the couple.
3. Register (It's free)
4. The event key is the numerical date of their wedding. I.E. Feb. 6, 2007 would be 020607
5. Enjoy!