KristinRogersPhotography

Photogshootout San Juan Capistrano - Video!!

I recognized her face from a long time ago and sure enough, I knew her in High school! Shannon Avery Productions was capturing the day through video. It was so fun to have another "blast from the past"  and to see how she captured the day.

This shows how instructive the day was... but also fun! Be sure to check out her website for more of her work. She does weddings and everything you or a friend might need!

Once again, if you want to be a part of this group...find them on Facebook HERE.

SoCal Photogshooutout - San Juan Capistrano, CA from Shannon Avery Acevedo on Vimeo.

PhotogShootOut - How I got the shot

For some reason, I have always thought it was fun when I was able to see a picture of a photographer getting a shot and then being able to see the actual outcome of that shot.

During this shoot out, since I was teaching, many of my photography peeps snagged shots of me showing them how I position myself to get a certain angle out of my camera and out of my subject. So... I thought I was share some of those with you who did not make it.

P.s. As you can tell, I like to be very close to my subjects and I am normally using my 17-55 2.8 lens!

Getting shot:

 

Picture by Blair Nicole Photography

What I got:

Getting shot:

Picture by Cindy Turner

What I got:

Getting shot:

Picture by Kevin Wynn Photography

What I got:

Getting shot:

Picture by Shawna Fejeran

What I got out of the left picture

 

Right before heading out of my last group, Tira told me to strike a pose and grabbed this shot.  I was so proud of her sun flare in the picture!

 

Once again guys, it was so fun working with you.  I have been getting lots of comments and questions about my post processing. Maybe I will do a post on that sometime soon :)

Photogshootout - San Juan Capistrano

I am part of  a Photogshootout group on Facebook. Basically,  it is a group that has been put together to unite photographers at all levels. We network, learn, teach  and have opportunities to form relationships with photographers in your area.

One of the leaders is my friend Hanssie ,who asked me to be one of the five leaders for the day. I was nervous to take the role, but took comfort in the idea that I was there to offer what I could..plain and simple. I decided to share about my use of angles and sun.

It ended up being a much bigger deal then I expected! There were over 50 photographers, 6 models, make up artists, videographer, guest speakers and more. Our day started out with Jasmine Star sharing some of her story and advice. Then we all broke into groups...and began shooting, learning and laughing.

During the first group I was still trying to not freak out that I felt I was in a situation too big for my britches, but after I got through my first group, I felt at total ease and found my groove. There were such fun photographers that were eager to learn, practice and get to know each other. It was very cool see moments when someone was able to get a shot they have been wanting to achieve or leaned a new thing on their camera!

I will just post some images I snagged while in my groups......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The night was finished off with a yummy dinner, guest speakers The Costa's and some night shooting.

Thanks for letting me a part of it guys! I had fun in my groups and look forwardd to keeping in touch with a ton of you!

 

PhotogShootout - San Jan Capistrano

Just a few....

Will do a full post soon and tell you about our fun day of 50 photographers learning, shooting and laughing!

 

 

My Thoughts - "First Look"

The more weddings I do the more excited I get when a couple wants to see each other before the ceremony. This is normally called "First Look" in the wedding industry. I know it is not the traditional thing to do, so some couples don't even know it is an option. I really am glad that more and more couples are moving toward this and getting all the benefits it allows.

I have never had a bride regret doing it ....but I have a had one really wish they did for time and lighting sake.

The fact is, it is your day and we want you to be happy! You don't have to do a First Look if you would rather not. But, I wanted to jot down some of the reasons why I think doing a First Look could make your day run smoother and your pictures top notch!

In random order:

* Your make up and hair are fresh and looking the best it will be before you possibly get sweaty or all scrunched up by all the guests that are going to squeeze and kiss you all day.

* It allows you to share that moment (which for some is quite emotional) in privacy. You have a moment to talk and be with each other without all eyes on you.

* It allows for the photographers to have great positioning for the shots. Sometimes the ceremony venue does not have spots with great angles to allow us to capture both the bride and grooms first look at each other.

* If you are having an evening wedding... you are able to get some amazing bride and groom portraits before the sun goes down. You will be in the natural lighting which is always best in my opinion!

* This is the huge one..... after the ceremony the amount of pictures needed to be taken will be kept to a minimum which will allow for family to be freed up to visit with guests and enjoy the cocktail hour. Also, it will relieve the stress of having to squeeze in a ton of pictures knowing you have a whole party of hungry guest waiting your arrival.

* It normally will allow for the photographers to take pictures of the reception venue before guests are seated and details are moved around. You spend so much time prepping for everything to look perfect, we want to capture that!

* Most brides simply find it a stress reliever.

* I have never heard a bride say that it took away from that "moment". The moment you imagine when he sees you for the first time...if anything you have the moment to soak up and enjoy and in the mean time we are getting great pictures of it (from a distance).

Well, those are the things that come to mind. I hope they help you make a decision for your big day. Again, it's your day, you choose what you want that will make your day perfect!

Photography FAQ's

What are your editing steps? When do you throw out yuck pics, on the camera or computer? Do you start with #1 or do you choose the ones you really want to do first?

If I have a moment, I will normally look through my pics on the camera and ONLY delete the blinks, uncomplimentary facial expressions and things like that. There are times where a shot is blurry that I end up keeping because I like it so much. Be very careful when deleting in camera…you can’t get them back!

When I am editing, I choose my favorites and edit those first. It gets me excited to see what I got and gives me a feel for what type of editing “recipes” I want to use on the shoot.

"What's In My Bag”?. It's good to hear what lenses other people find valuable, what they think is a waste, or what they plan to purchase next.

I carry a Nikon 17-55 2.8, Nikon 50mm 1.4, Sigma, 50mm Macro 2.8, SB800 Flash. Those are the lenses and flash I keep in my bag ALL the time.  When I do a wedding, I will ALWAYS rent a 70-200 2.8 VR and sometimes a fish eye lens depending on what will be at the wedding. If it is a night wedding, I will also rent more lighting equipment.

Renting lenses is a great way to go when you are not ready to lay down thousands of dollars for a lens. It is about $30 for the weekend to rent! I normally rent from Calumet but have also rented from Samy’s as well.

Since I do not do full time weddings, I do not make full time wedding income. That is why it takes me longer to build my bag. Plus, I might just keep renting certain lenses because I would not use them outside of a wedding. I only take one wedding a month…so I don’t need it often.

As for my next purchase, I think I would get a 24mm 1.4 prime lens. But I am not really craving it too bad yet. Plus, I do think having a lensbaby would be fun!

I want to upgrade from a Canon point and shoot, Do you have any suggestions on a decently priced camera that would give great results?

I do! When I first went DSLR I bought a refurbished Canon 20D from Adorama. It was a great camera that I shot a few weddings with and tons of portrait sessions. You can probably get the body used (in great condition) for about $300-400. I would get that and a 50mm 1.8. You can get that 50mm for about $100 and it is SO worth the price.

I have now converted to Nikon and am using a D90, but that took me years to get to. I move much slower in upgrades then your average full time photographer though.

Is the Shootsac worth the money?

My Shootsac was a gift to me. I believe the bag goes for about $179. I agree that is a lot of money for a camera bag you only use during a shoot, BUT, it works better then anything I had used before it. I love to change lenses during a wedding and like to have all my goodies on me. My lenses stay nice and I actually get compliments on the looks of it. It has come in handy multiple times to peel the cover off and have the bride sit on it as well.  So….I think my answer is yes, if it is in your budget.

P.s. Buying the should strap is a MUST.

Why do you only take one wedding a month?

This is a question I am asked a lot now that wedding requests come more frequently. The reason is, I am a mother of a young child and soon to be two children. I never want photography to take me away from these important years. I am a stay at home mom and we want that to always be my priority! So, if I take 1 wedding and a few other portrait type sessions through out the month, it allows me to get them done well and still have plenty of time with my family! This is something I do not take for granted as I know many moms that desire to be home more too. I am so thankful that I have been given this talent and always want to keep it in its right place... and for now, that is only taking 1 wedding a month.

I know my outlook on things could be way different then a full time wedding photographer.. so keep that in mind! Thanks for asking me questions and I love helping anyway I can. Go ahead and send more if you want!