3/15/09 As I meet with various brides to discuss their wedding photography and show them my custom-designed Art Books, I am finding that though the majority love them, not all brides are enthralled with the concept. For these brides, a more traditional album is the key. The mix of posed and photojournalistic images they may find ideal; however, they prefer an album containing prints within mats. What’s fun about today’s contemporary look is that the images can be displayed in an Art Book, my term for what are also known as “coffee table books,” OR they may be contained in the more traditional-style album, which many brides and grooms find to be a little more substantial. Both types of albums hold up equally well over time, so that’s not an issue. What’s nice is that images taken for the contemporary bride can be shown off equally well in a coffee table book or a more traditional album and the decision on which to get doesn’t have to be made until the wedding itself. Over the 25 years that I have strived to improve the art of wedding photography, I have found that the pendulum swings and that brides are looking for something of which they can be excited and proud to show off.  Nowadays, traditional albums can also have a flair that surpasses even the nicest coffee table books.  We design both styles and really only want the bride to be thrilled, whichever style is preferred.  I personally love the leather-bound books with prints and mats just as much as my Art Books, as each present their own design possibilities, especially with the advent of custom mat cutters and creative arrangements that just weren’t possible a few years ago.  Anyway, I just wanted to touch base with you today and advise you to “beware the ides of March.”  Now it’s time to go play with my Sheltie and three cats.

We just had the pleasure of meeting over 100 brides on Sunday at the Great Bridal Expo.  It was fun to meet each of you and I hope to have individual meetings with many of you over the next few months.  This season’s bridal gowns were especially beautiful.  When a model tossed the bouquet, the recipient was to win a special prize.  It came straight at our booth, but was snatched enthusiastically in mid-air by a happy attendee.  Not sure what she won, but some of the other prizes included a trip to Jamaica, I think!

1/10/09 We’re offering 10% off for 2009 bookings reserved by 1/31/09!  In today’s economy, who couldn’t use a little incentive?  When you combine this offer with the quality afforded by our experience, not to mention the double-lighting techniques we use to make your photography the best available in Atlanta, you may find it’s a deal that’s hard to pass up!  But don’t delay, as it is a limited-time offer.

9/3/08 The Tate House, located in Tate, Georgia, is a gorgeous location for a wedding and reception.  With a long and storied history, it sits at the foot of the North Georgia mountains on the way to Dahlonega, Jasper, and Helen.  With their new ballroom recently added, it makes a very picturesque venue indeed.  I had the opportunity to photograph Megan and Lucas’ special day there in June of this year after her father Chris Johnson, and his brother, a professional photographer in his own right in the Cartersville area, looked at many websites and decided to call and trust me with Megan’s event.  Following is a note received yesterday about their experience.

“Carl, I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful job you did with Megan’s wedding.  From beginning to end you exceeded my expectations.  The photographs perfectly captured the joy and the beauty of the day with perfect light and artistic composition.  The Art Book was exactly what I had hoped for and will be a treasure for years to come.  Everyone who has seen it has remarked that they have never seen a wedding album like it before.  Simply fantastic!  You have a great eye for detail and together with Barbara you make a perfect team.  You have given my wife and I a way to always remember this special occasion.  The Art Book makes me feel like I am right there right now.  Thanks again for a job well done and for capturing the essence of the day.”

Chris and Patti Johnson, Ball Ground, GA

8/4/08 “Hello, my name is Diana Mansfield and I was the Maid of Honor in the Stroud wedding.  Don’t know if you remember me.  I just recently saw the Art Book and just wanted to say thank you so very much for your hard work.  You helped make my sister’s wedding dream come true.  You did a wonderful job on making her feel like a queen.  The pictures were beautiful.  Just wanted to say thank you all your time and effort put into my sister’s wedding.

Sincerely grateful,

Diana Mansfield”  Kennesaw, GA

07/26/08  Emily, the rough draft of your Art Book design is up.  View it as many times as you want and let everyone know that they can enjoy the photographs and relive the fun of your wedding and reception.  And what a reception… I don’t know when I’ve seen so many people have such a good time! It helps to have a large contingent from your respective fraternities there to share the joy, doesn’t it? Your engagement portrait with signature mat is ready, too.  Wow, to host 250 guests at the Olde Towne Athletic Club in their new ballroom turned out to be a great fit. Congratulations to you and Felix. Barbara and I wish you much happiness!

07/22/08 What a fun wedding and reception! I’m still smiling about the best man’s and maid of honor’s toasts, the dancing, especially the Alpha Gam’s doing “The Watermelon Crawl,” and departure.  What can one say about the farewell offered by the wedding party as the white Rolls-Royce pulled away under a full moon?!

 

 The accompanying image is a small selection of moments from this gorgeous event. Check back soon for the rough design of the Art Book. Emily and Felix, happy honeymoon!

03/08/08 I love our pictures- typically I do not like to be photographed - but you truly made me feel comfortable in front of the camera and look fantastic! My wedding day was the best day of my life and you captured it exactly how I will always remember it. I know we would look back at our pictures in years to come and be able to refresh our memories of such a special day. Thank you so much for helping us capture our memories in pictures, you are a fantastic artist.  Dreu Schorr, Rice/Schorr Wedding, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Atlanta, 2007

Such are the compliments that make me proud to be a wedding photographer and to provide creative Art Books that commemorate the bride’s big day!

Wedding season is just about to start, and armed with our creative lighting techniques, some fabulous new software by NIK that selectively enhances images with quite an elegant interface, as well as employing the newest techniques and suggestions that will be garnered from the upcoming WPPI Convention in Las Vegas next week, we’re ready to rock!