The Why Behind Black and White

With every session I deliver, I turn a portion of the photos black and white.  Here's how I determine what I turn black and white and why!

1. To focus attention

Sometimes there is a lot of color and elements going on in the photo and the black and white helps focus the attention back down to the person or central focal point of the photo.

2. To show the emotion

There is something about black and white that conveys an emotion and feels deeper and more timeless in black and white.  (especially if the subject is not looking at the camera)

3. Great contrast

If there is great contrast in a photo it is even more exaggerated in black and white and gives more power to the overall photo.  

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4. To hide bad lighting or color

Sometimes black and white is the answer to conceal bad or mixed lighting.  If the DJ goes too crazy with colored lights or there is a hard mix of warm and cool light, black and white takes away that issue instantly!

5. Give something a timeless feel

Black and white is often associated with "old" since that is once all there was!  Black and white often feels more timeless and that it could be 1800 or 2018 and if still feels the same.

What's in My Bag: Part 3: Weddings

Needless to say that with a wedding, there’s just a lot more of everything!  Weddings are action packed without a lot of downtime.  It takes a lot of preparation and organization to be ready for each moment and prepared to capture those moments you can never get back!

I am often switching up lenses for different parts of the day since they have different needs.  But for the most part I keep 2 camera bodies (5D Mark III’s!) on my at all times.

I use this trusty contraption to keep them at my finger tips and prevent getting tangled up (plus, it does look pretty cool!)

Most of the time I have one camera with a 24-70mm lens on it for wide angle shots.  On the other I have my 70-200mm zoom lens to get in close at a moment’s notice.

I may switch out to the 50 mm or 85 mm for bridal shots, and ring shots work best with the 100 mm macro to get in nice and close!

Spare batteries, extra memory cards, flash batteries and a detailed timeline/shot list are usually in pockets and on me at all times!

For the reception or any dark areas, I also have 2 flashes that I can use on or off camera. This guy is a great one to setup the reception room near the DJ to light up the dance floor!

And lastly, I pack my patience and deep breaths… all sold separately!  ;) 

 

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What's in My Bag: Part 4 Travel

If you've been following the "What's in my Bag" series and you're thinking....that's great and all, but I'm not ready to buy professional level camera equipment...I hear ya!  This post is for you!

There’s no question that I LOVE to take photos when I travel.  These photos are for me and feed the creative side.  However the last thing you want to do on vacation is lug around heavy equipment! (or risk damaging the pro stuff!)  But when I see a photo I need to take, it physically hurts to not be able to capture it! (ask anyone who has traveled with me!!)

So I have 3 solutions depending on how much I’m willing to carry:

1. The Canon 6D- this is very similar to the 5D Mark III, but it’s a bit lighter.  It’s a step down and does not have the dual memory card slots, but it still does an amazing job.  The kit lens (24-105mm) is not the best in low light, but allows enough versatility to get a wide range of shots without changing lenses.  And it’s light weight to boot!

2. Mirrorless Camera- Fuji X-T2

This little guy is new this year- the mirrorless system is much smaller, but still allows you to interchange lenses.  I have 2 lenses for it- a wide angle 14 mm and a 23 mm -they both work great and provide ample depth of field and work well in low light because they are prime.  However I am finding I need a zoom lens to complete the package.  That will add bulk (and a third lens to carry!) which may be defeating the point of going smaller....  So the jury is still out on this one, but it did get me all the way through Italy!

3. iPhone (gulp)

I know, I know, a photographer recommending to use your iPhone???  I can’t lie, the photos aren’t too bad if you have good lighting and are somewhat close to your subject.  In a pinch, they can be great.  There are some moments when I just don’t want to lug around anything (or aren’t permitted to) so, as they say, the best camera is the one you have on you!  Just know it’s limitations and don’t try to do the impossible- but be creative with your angles and filters and you’ll be surprised with what you can get!

There are also occasions where I want to have a camera in places that involve water.  Usually the does not mix well with electronics, so I keep on hand a very basic point and shoot camera that's super small but can survive being dunked completely under water.  It's great for the pool, boats, or anything where you just don't want stress about getting your camera wet!  It's may not get you any award winning photos, but it will capture the moment well (and does video too!)

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