I have been a commercial photographer for over a decade. I photograph weddings, private and corporate events of all sizes, charity galas, public gatherings, sports, and concerts. Photography is an essential element in the success of any event.
Photography is a core component of books, magazines, marketing, advertising, social media. A commercial photographer is money well spent, my clients find.
Photography of course takes many forms. Babies and toddlers? I’m not your guy. On-location shoots by waterfalls, in orchards and parks? Weddings? Model TFP? Boudoir? I am your guy.
I can share these examples of photos taken at some public events. And I can share images of my wonderful wife, such as this one taken during a hike in the worst possible midday sun. This day out is in my personal memory bank. More on that later.
I’ve shot multi-day conferences in Times Square, New York, and the PGA National golf course in Palm Springs, Florida. Destination events? Certainly. Have passport, will travel.
Landscape Photography
Somewhere In Niagara is my brand for landscapes. To relax, my favourite way to spend a weekend is driving the back roads and hiking the trails of Niagara. Why not book a session and come with me, on a unique Hike With A Photographer outing into nowhere? I think you will enjoy it.
When alone with my drone (I hold an Advanced RPAS pilot rating) and DSLR camera, I search out hidden spots to take photos that appeal to me. I put the best into a gallery on my photography site. From here, they can be purchased as archival quality prints, canvas wraps, framed images, calendars, and many other items. Or just browsed and enjoyed as they should be, uncompressed by social media. The best way to see an image is on a wall, three feet wide or more across. Images on my photography site are optimized for that. Putting my money where my mouth is, I have a half dozen of my own prints on our walls. Each one a memory. And they look great, if I do say so myself.
My candid photography style appeals to many. I can do all the usual formals, of course. The corporate stuff too. I get hired mainly for my ability to capture emotion in those… unguarded moments.
Memories fade
My mission in life is to bring this gift of photography to others. To document life events and moments. To bring smiles, in years to come. Memories. In print, framed, on the wall, or just to share on social media. Which brings me to the key point I want to make here: My personal reasons for believing photography to be so very, very important.
I have no shoe box full of photographs from my youth. No photo albums. My dad died when I was seven, so I have few real memories of him. One or two photos from his army days in the war. Two or three images of my grandparents. They died the same year, give or take. Not a good year. As the youngest of my family, I missed most of the events my older siblings look back on with fondness. There is a disconnect between us: I don’t share their memories. My only connection to those days long gone are my own fading memories. And I promised myself I won’t let that happen again.
I take photos all the time. Each new photo brings memories flooding back. I remember sights. Sounds. Tastes. Emotions. For me, it’s personal. A mission. And I take that mindset with me to every shoot.
Photography requires responsibility. The memories of decades to come ride on your camera. You need tact. And discretion. Though I see everything, I say nothing. I’ve earned a reputation for that. I never see anything I shouldn’t see. They say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Or as we say in Yorkshire, where I am from, “Hear all, see all, say nowt”. This is a very valuable skill.
Take The Shot
Let me be clear, I want to be hired. That said, with the abundance of cell phones today, there is no good reason for any event to go unrecorded. Take the shot. Make the memory. I say this as someone hired for events that has more than once had to literally use elbows to get through the crowd. I captured this image when I turned around during a cake cutting at a wedding.
As the photographer for this event I can say this: Better too many photos than too few – though please, if you see a photographer, do try to get out of the way. Let us do our job. I’m talking to you, uncle Bob.
I’m not a camera snob. I use smartphones myself. The best camera is always the one you have with you. To get the best image still requires a camera, someone that knows how to use it, and a good eye. As well as maybe tripods, light stands, lights, flags, backdrops, flashes, modifiers. Good photography needs someone with not only a good eye but with post-processing experience to make the photos shine. To take out the stray hairs and remove fingers from noses. Remove photobombers. Take away the bunny ears your friend made behind you, and yes, that happens all the time. Alcohol is wonderful.
Photo Extras
If you want to make your event truly memorable, a coffee table book, plaque, or printed wall art made by a working photographer (and print professional) that has fully learned their craft over the years are very hard to beat. And, of course, we can often add some Photoshop sparkle to your event. To circle back to what I said earlier, I am passionate about giving you memories. About making sure everything about your day is captured. I think that’s important. Whether it’s a wedding, or a trade show, or a conference. Whether by me or an army of guests with cell phones. So get in touch.
Anyway. That’s my five cents. But my cameras, my skills, my passion… I do think these will always give the best results. Because I care, and because I can. Your day. My cameras. The most magical memories. Let’s make something special.
Complex edits, like taking out the officiant cannot yet be done by AI or apps. These edits require time and practice. To good effect.
This image became a poster that still graces their home today. Photoshop skills for the win.