Thinking outdoors? Think fall!

We photographers love outdoor weddings. Give me a late afternoon ceremony with a few light, happy clouds cruising along the sky (sorry to sound like Bob Ross!), and I'm in heaven, baby. But there's a catch: Make that day in July or August and you've taken a page straight out of Dante's "Inferno."

Don't get me wrong. I love all my weddings. Each and everyone one is an absolute joy, and I wouldn't change a thing about any of them I've photographed. There are just a few
where I was bit sweatier at the end than others.

If you're thinking you want to hold your ceremony or reception, or both, outside, you might want to consider a date before May or after mid-September. Personally, I love fall weddings. This might be because my wedding was on a perfectly comfortable November day, but I like to think it has more to do with the season itself.

Fall brings such relief after weeks of getting scorched by that unforgiving July and August sun. The light is a little better, too. Summer afternoon light can look just like it feels, and it takes up more of the day. Autumn light is a little less severe, and with earlier sunsets, a wedding around 4 p.m. can take advantage of that delicious afternoon light and those awesome sunsets.

Stuart and Krista apparently channeled my brain when they planned their wedding. Theirs could not have been held on a better day -- perfect temperature, slight breeze. Robert Frost would have loved it. I certainly did. The climate was a perfect complement to the the relaxed, sunny couple. Plus I wasn't sweaty at the end!

These are a few photographs from their wedding showing that stellar, early fall day (OK, it was technically two days before the start of fall, but who's counting?). I also added a couple other images that just made me smile.

Wedding Photography Tip: Searching out the light for your wedding photographer

Great light is so important to every photographer. That's really what makes the difference between an amateur and professional photographer -- light. And making the job easier for your photographer is choosing venues, rooms and other locations with great light. Probably the best room JPG Photography ever worked in for getting ready shots was at The National Museum of Women in the Arts. The light was incredible. And it's not just strong light. It was dramatic. What makes dramatic light. Well, I'm not exactly sure, other than to say you know it when you see it. But honestly, the room, and the condition it's in, makes the light dramatic or not.

So, if this room at the museum was cluttered and in shambles, this light would not have been worthless, but it's presence would not have been as appreciated.

When you choose your locations, look at the light. Try to find natural light. Just make sure the room isn't dark. This goes for hotel rooms, venues, and outdoor locations. We'll talk more about light throughout the year. But appreciate it, look for it, find it, and make sure you have it!

(Don't forget that the sun eventually sets, even on your wedding day, and if you're checking out a venue at 1 p.m., the same light won't be there at 8 p.m during your reception.)

Washington D.C. Wedding Photography at National Museum of Women in the Arts

We had an incredible day as wedding photographers with Jenilee & Josh in Washington D.C. at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. I was honored to their photojournalist, but I did have an edge since I went to college with Josh as he was a Big Man on campus running for elected office and organizing community events like a machine.

Well the two of them had an amazing day, putting together a classy day in D.C. Everyone partied, everyone danced, everyone had to walk home because nobody was fit to drive!

Congrats you two! It is a pleasure and honor!

Great Bridal Expo, Philadelphia

What a show, what a show, what a show! JPG Photography had a great, Great Bridal Expo in Philadelphia Sunday at the Sheraton Hotel, in Center City. (Sorry for the cheesy line.) But Bec and I had such a blast talking to couples about wedding photography and wedding photojournalism. We met 80 couples, and if you're one of them, please contact us again! We'd love to hear from you.

We're offering discounts as high as 15 percent to couples we met at the show. And everyone, just for saying they met us there, can get 5 percent off the total package. In this economy, everyone can use a little help, so don't forget to mention this!

Thanks again for making it a wonderful show for us. And how about that fashion show! Wow, great dresses and designs for '09! Let us know which was your favorite dress...

Philadelphia Sunset

This is a wonderful shot of a Philadelphia Sunset I saw while driving home from a school board meeting in Camden last week. I love taken sunset shots. While there are many great ones, the ones you shot are always your favorites because they capture the spirit of that peace and harmony in the world that you witnessed. Remember, when taking sunset pictures, always shoot darker, and never use a flash...