Back...with Mary from Sussex...

Folks...I've been so crazy over the last two months that I've neglected this blog something fierce.  I spent some time in California, at home for just a few short days and then on the plane to the East Coast where consulting, web work, a local election, and more photography (and a great round of golf with friends) kept me busy.

Just yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of meeting up with Mary for a quick Photoshoot.  We spent a few beautiful hours on the outskirts of Sussex where she is staying with her parents before she heads back to Korea for another year of teaching.  

Both Mary and I spent a considerable amount of our youth dedicated to the sport of golf and her numerous NB teams attest to the skill she displays on the course.  It was at this point that our paths crossed a few times but in all honesty I played more rounds with her brother Ron who is an outstanding golfer currently playing on just about every Asian tour.

Lately, Mary and I have chatted a bit more frequently mostly around teaching in South Korea and the wonders of being a way'gook.  It was great to see her and have a few hours to just chill and work with the beauty of both the rural New Brunswick fall and Mary.  Thanks for a wonderful afternoon.  

The Value of Great Assistants: Nick Lachance and Megan Cherniak at Brandey and Colin's wedding

You're only as good as the people you surround yourself with.

Whether those people directly support you or play a role behind the scenes the same holds true.  Last Saturday at Brandey's wedding I had two fantastic assistants that added their eye and their talent to the day and cemented my philosophy on wedding photography and the way I will conduct business from here on in.

I strongly believe that a photographers role is to capture the day, not manufacture and turn it into their own vision with a series of repetitive and contrived poses. Both of my assistants Saturday have held the title of Photo Manager for Laurier's Student Newspaper The Cord.  This allows them to enter the wedding from the mindset of an event to be captured.  The number one item I preach to my assistants is "get the shot"

Of course there is a degree of posing that must take place but for this I always meet at least twice with the bride and groom to map out their vision of the day.  They hire me for my eye but my job is to use that eye to capture how they see their wedding day. 

The shot above is a prime example of how well my photojournalist assistants worked to enhance the images we were able to offer to Brandey and Colin. It is one of the best of the day and she was in position, saw the moment and got the shot.  I watched as Colin leaned down to help little Lilly with Brandey not far behind but I was too far away to capture the moment and I was in the midst of posing the bridal party.  A quick glance to my left and I noticed Megan move into position.  Stooping down low enough to frame the image just beautifully, Megan nailed the shot. These candid moments define a wedding.

Nick Lachance has been with me all summer and he was key all day taking photos, emptying the cards and backing up the images (no light task).  At the ceremony all three of us were shooting from a few different angles.  What I like most about the shot above was that with Nick manning the back of the church I was free to stay close to the front which allowed me to capture this precious moment below.

I don't need to tell any of my readers that weddings are an important day.  The moments happen quick and the more angles and eyes you have on those moments the better the final product. Megan and Nick, you were fantastic Saturday.

Colin & Brandey Smythe

Last Saturday, Brandy and Colin tied the knot on a windy and rainy day in and around Hamilton, Ontario.  The weather was particular fitting given it was wind that blew these two together while working on a windmill project in Kincardin, Ontario.  

I met Brandey in a 2005 graduate seminar on war and memory while we were both slogging away in the world of academia.   She was and remains a striking girl with a geeky side and a vocabulary that could intimidate.  after she entered the real world our time together was reduced to catch-up coffees when she was in town and a beer when we could find time.  When her and Colin were engaged she asked if I would photograph her wedding.

The first time I met Colin in any significant way was during the engagement session.  I'm by no means a short man but in his presence I felt knee high to a grasshopper.  There is no question when you first meet Colin he's an imposing fella and then I saw the protective and caring nature of his glance at Brandey and I knew she was in good hands.  That imposing nature soon gives way to a heart as big as he is and silly side that is equally charming.  The speeches at the wedding only solidified that opinion.  I'm exceptionally happy you two found each other.

The rough weather may have challenged other couples but Brandey and Colin and their wedding party took it stride, endured a few rainy locations and the results speak for themselves.  While perfect weather is nice, less than ideal conditions make for more unique images.  Thanks for letting me share in your day!  I look forward to watching your family grow.