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By Tessa Morhardt 02 Feb, 2024
Group photos, whether taken at family gatherings, corporate events, or special occasions, hold a unique power to freeze moments in time, capturing the essence of togetherness. 
By Tessa Morhardt 24 Jan, 2024
Embarking on a journey to capture life's special moments in breathtaking locales is a dream for many photographers. Destination event photography offers a unique blend of artistic expression, cultural exploration, and the joy of documenting celebrations against stunning backdrops. The Allure of Destination Events Destination events, be it weddings, corporate retreats, or milestone celebrations, have a distinct charm. They unfold in picturesque settings, from tropical beaches to historic landmarks, creating a visual tapestry that adds an extra layer of significance to the captured moments. The photographer becomes not just an observer but a storyteller weaving narratives against the backdrop of captivating destinations. Challenges and Rewards: 1. Logistics Mastery: Navigating the logistics of travel, accommodation, and equipment is a challenge. However, overcoming these hurdles leads to a sense of accomplishment and opens doors to new opportunities. 2. Cultural Sensitivity: Every destination comes with its unique cultural nuances. A successful destination event photographer is one who embraces and respects the local culture, incorporating it into the visual narrative. 3. Adaptable Creativity: Lighting conditions, weather, and unexpected challenges are part of the game. A skilled destination event photographer thrives on adaptability, turning obstacles into opportunities for creative innovation. Techniques for Success 1. Preparation is Key: - Research the destination thoroughly, including weather conditions and local customs. - Create a detailed shot list while leaving room for spontaneous moments. - Invest in portable and versatile equipment to accommodate different shooting scenarios. 2. Candid Moments in Exotic Settings: - Leverage the beauty of the destination by capturing candid moments against its unique backdrop. - Use the environment to enhance the emotional impact of the images. 3. Storytelling through Details: - Focus on the details that make the destination special – from local flora to architectural wonders. - Integrate the destination's essence into the overall narrative of the event. The Intimate Connection Destination event photography goes beyond capturing mere images; it forges an intimate connection between the event, the location, and the people involved. The photographer becomes a storyteller not just of the event itself but also of the destination's role in the unfolding narrative. Building Relationships: 1. Client Collaboration: Involve clients in the creative process. Understand their vision and incorporate it into the destination's unique charm. 2. Local Collaboration: Forge connections with local vendors, planners, and guides. Their insights can elevate the overall experience and result in more authentic captures. The Everlasting Memories Destination event photography is an exhilarating journey that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of capturing events. It's about creating memories against the canvas of the world's most stunning landscapes. The challenges are overcome by the rewards of crafting timeless stories that transport viewers to the heart of the celebration and the beauty that surrounds it. For photographers with a passion for travel and storytelling, destination event photography is not just a profession; it's a transformative experience.
By Tessa Morhardt 17 Jan, 2024
In the world of event photography, capturing the essence of the moment is a delicate art.
By Tessa Morhardt 21 Sep, 2023
Photography is an art that can freeze moments in time, preserving emotions and memories that resonate wit his for years to come.
By Tessa Morhardt 21 Sep, 2023
Venturing into manual mode can be both an exciting and daunting experience.
By Tessa Morhardt 26 Jul, 2023
Photography sessions offer a wonderful opportunity to capture precious moments, create lasting memories, and showcase your personality and style. Whether you're planning a family portrait, engagement shoot, or a solo session to celebrate yourself, deciding between a mini session and a full session can significantly impact your photography experience. In this blog, we'll explore the differences between mini sessions and full sessions to help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences. Mini Sessions: 1. Time Duration: Mini sessions are typically shorter than full sessions, lasting around 15 to 30 minutes. This makes them an excellent choice for those with busy schedules or young children who may have a limited attention span. 2. Focus on Specific Occasions: Mini sessions are often themed around specific holidays or events, such as Christmas, Valentine's Day, or Mother's Day. They may also focus on seasonal changes, such as spring blooms or autumn foliage. 3. Limited Number of Photos: Due to the shorter time frame, mini sessions result in a smaller number of photos compared to full sessions. This can be an advantage for those who prefer a quick and straightforward selection process. 4. Lower Investment: Mini sessions are generally more budget-friendly than full sessions. They offer an affordable option to capture beautiful images without committing to a longer and more comprehensive shoot. 5. Ideal for Updates: Mini sessions are perfect for updating family photos or capturing yearly milestones in a more budget-conscious manner.  Full Sessions: 1. Time Duration: Full sessions typically last anywhere from one to two hours, allowing for a more relaxed and unhurried photography experience. This extra time allows the photographer to explore various locations and capture a wider range of shots. 2. Customization and Personalization: Full sessions offer greater flexibility for tailoring the shoot to your specific preferences, style, and vision. You can choose locations, themes, and outfits that resonate with you, resulting in more personalized images. 3. Extensive Variety of Photos: The longer duration of a full session allows for a more extensive collection of images, providing you with a diverse selection to choose from during the selection process. 4. Connection with the Photographer: Full sessions provide ample time for you to establish a connection with the photographer. This rapport can lead to more natural and candid shots, capturing authentic emotions and expressions. 5. Comprehensive Coverage: Full sessions are ideal for capturing significant life events, such as engagements, maternity shoots, and family reunions. They offer a comprehensive and in-depth coverage of your special moments. Choosing between a mini session and a full session in photography depends on your specific needs, budget, and the type of experience you desire. Mini sessions are a fantastic choice for quick updates, themed occasions, and budget-conscious shoots. They are perfect for capturing small milestones and seasonal celebrations. On the other hand, full sessions offer a more personalized, extensive, and relaxed photography experience. They are ideal for significant life events, creating customized portraits, and developing a deeper connection with your photographer. Ultimately, both types of sessions can deliver beautiful and meaningful images that you will cherish for years to come. Whichever option you choose, investing in professional photography allows you to freeze moments in time, preserving the joy and emotions of life's most precious occasions.
By Tessa Morhardt 12 Jul, 2023
Your engagement shoot is a special occasion that allows you to celebrate and document your love before taking the next step in your relationship.s It's an opportunity to capture beautiful moments and create lasting memories. To ensure your engagement shoot goes smoothly and exceeds your expectations, some pre-shoot preparations is essential. 1.Choose the Perfect Location: Selecting the right location is crucial for capturing the essence of your relationship. Consider places that hold sentimental value or reflect your shared interests and personalities. It could be the post where you first met a picturesque park, a vibrant cityscape, or a beautiful beach. Research potential locations, check out sample photos, and sinus with your photographer to find a perfect backdrop for your shoot. 2.Coordinate Your Outfits: Your engagement photos should showcase your personalities and the love you shore. Coordinating your outfits can help create visually appealing and cohesive look. Consider complementing each other's outfits without being overly matchy-matchy. Choose colors that work well together and align with the location's vibe. Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable, confident ,and represent your personal style. 3. Plan Ahead With Your Photographer: Communicating effectively with your photographer is vital to ensure that your vision for the shoot aligns with their expertise. Schedule a pre-shoot consultation to discuss ideas, share inspirations, and convey any specific shots or themes you have in mind. This will help your photographer prepare and bring the necessary equipment, props and lighting to capture your desire aesthetic. 4. Add Personal Touches: Incorporate props or elements that represent your relationship and shared interests. It could be something as simple as a favorite book, a picnic setup, balloons, champagne, or items related to a hobby you both enjoy. These personal touches will add depth and meaning to your photos, making them uniquely yours. 5. Relax and Have Fun: Engagement shoots are all about capturing the love and joy you share as a couple. Relax, be yourselves, and embrace the moment. Don't be afraid to be playful, laugh, and enjoy each other's company. Your photographer will guide you throughout the shoot, capturing candid and authentic moments that reflect your relationship. Preparing for your engagement shoot allows you to create a seamless experience and capture the essence of your love store. Cherish these moments, as they will serve as cherished reminders of this special time in your lives.
By Tessa Morhardt 25 Feb, 2023
I get a lot of questions asking about... - "What should our family wear?" - "Should we wear all the same color?" -" Should we have a couple wearing the same pattern?" Here are some tips, color palettes, and patterns that work together. Tip:If there are more than 6 people in a family, don't try to match colors or patterns. It will look like one large color blob and everything will become very flat. Tip: Do not wear dark against light, plaid or stripes! -Dark against light: patterns with large amount of contrast become very distracting in photos. -Plaid: Pretty much every person wears plaid! It's time to steer away from it! -Stripes: Small close together stripes can make a picture look distorted. Moral of this tip - if it hurts your eyes don't think about wearing it. Patterns that are great for pictures: -Floral print: different floral prints can add a lot to pictures. They can add different dimensions and even when you put two different floral prints together they aren't going to contrast against each other. -Shapes: Small, subtle, and repetitive. Those are the key things to remember. If the shape becomes too large it becomes too distracting. -Stripes: Larger stripes are fine but over all I would try to stay away from stripes in general. The best clothing type to wear is textured clothing! Don't be afraid to mix and match textured pieces of clothing. These give great dimensions and bring a lot of key elements into your photo all while keeping the image subtle. You can't have enough texture! Color Palettes. There are so many to choose from and such a large range of options. Some of my favorite color palettes: -Medium-dark gray, burnt yellow, black, and white -Light yellow, dark turquoise, very dark turquoise, burnt yellow, dark topaz, dark blue-green -light fern green, topaz, drab brown, dark edge wood, very dark antique blue, black -light salmon, medium dusty rose, medium dark antique mauve, dark electric blue, dark baby blue, dark navy blue -Battleship gray, pewter, ash, lavender, smoke -Sage, terracotta, forest green, stone gray, black How to put it all together? -Start with Mom! Choose your outfit first! I recommend wearing a pattern with 3-5 colors within your dress or shirt. This will set the tone for what colors the rest of the family wear. -Next choose one dominant color and the rest of the family wear accent colors. This will help have contrast but not make it look so dark. -Choose your partner's outfit. If you want to choose clothing from what your family already has always choose your partner's outfit after yours. If you need to pick up a few pieces for the kids, they will be less expensive. Choose a couple of layers for a man. Layers tend to flatter men! Your partner's clothing should be either a neutral or an accent color. -Kids clothing. Mix it up with your kids. Choose some textured clothing or a pattern similar to yours. Have one of them wear the bold color and the other(s) an accent colors with bits of the bold in it. Their outfits can add so much detail. The girls can accessorize with jewelry, bows, belts, etc. Where boys can add different elements with their shoes, laid shirts, different types of pants (jeans, khakis, chinos, etc.) Your kids clothing will be the easiest once you pick out your and your partners clothing. One extra tip: Place all of your clothes together to get a quick view of how it will look all together and don't forget to make sure that everyone tries on their clothes at latest a week before photos. Nothing ruins pictures more than being uncomfortable in the clothing your squeezed into or are tripping over. Setting up your family for success by wearing clothing you look amazing in has never been so easy!
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