In the Mix - Let's Get it Started!

Friday, April 18, 2008


Starting next week Wedding Season will be in full swing for me. I'll be traveling non-stop for a few months. The only break will be my July Workshop and my Honeymoon (woohoo!). Anyways, what I love about wedding season is that I get in a zone. A real zone of creativity. It's like being high on life. Sure I get tired sometimes, I miss home (which is why my wife travels with me on weekends), and I miss southern cooked meals, but I always keep in mind how blessed I am to be pursuing my passion as my career. Not just photographing people and events but connecting with my clients and building relationships that will last a lifetime. I visualize every event differently. Like a blank canvas (heard that one before I am sure). But it's true, I clear my mind before walking into an event or starting a shoot and prepare myself to be immersed once I first look through my camera lens. I then use what's available to paint my images. The people, the emotions, the sounds (yes the sounds...), the colors, the light, the atmosphere, the scents. Am I describing a rock concert? How do I capture sound without audio? I'll leave the answer to the latter question for another post. This is not a concert. Just a few things that go through my mind as I am snapping away.

First and foremost I'm known as a "lifestyle photojournalist." I love being in the mix. At weddings, in particular, I work super hard to document all of the excitement and joy from a distance. I get a few weird looks every now and then but after setting the scene with photos from afar I like to blend in as part of the crowd. That's what the the photo above is about. Everyone was having a great time during the reception and so was I. I've been known to be mistaken as a guest at some weddings because I enjoy building a rapport with my clients and their guests before the event.

This photo is of the bride, her mother (arms in the air), and the bride's sister having the time of their lives. Most would think I was standing on a chair to get this shot but I wasn't. I was on the dance floor cheering just like everyone else. Instead of being too fully engulfed in the moment, my eyes were still on the prowl for a unique shot of these 3 wonderful ladies. At last, her mom raised her hands in the air right in front of me and then her sister moved a bit closer to fill the bottom left of the frame. The shot came together as if orchestrated by a movie director. With the camera above my head and the use of AF assist I was able to capture this shot and even include the surrounding guests. Look closely and you will even see the groom off to the camera right with his back turned. The easy way to get a shot of the three ladies would have been to jump in the middle of the dance floor, disrupt the fun, and ask them all to look at me and smile. Now how boring is that!

Well that's enough for now. When I start getting too technical, I know I'm writing too much. Next thing you know I'll start telling you about other angles that I would have used to bounce light on the other side of the tent and reflect back lighting on the subjects. No need for that. That's what my workshops are for. You can probably tell that I'm anxious to get back in the mix and create some beautiful images this year. Look out for Vegas wedding showdown next weekend just before I turn 29!

- KNIGHT

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6 comments:

clo said...

you're right I thought you were on a ladder or chair when I saw this picture months ago.

Be careful as you travel and have fun with your wife on the weekends.

May God bless you and see you in July!!!!!!

Natarsha said...

Can't wait to see the pics from the upcoming season! Be safe on your travels!

Anonymous said...

Ross, I remember when you first shared the photos from this wedding and its one of my favorite that you've shot. Yes, one would assume that you hopped up on a table or chair to get this perfect shot, but then again, I'm not too surprised that you didn't. Your passion and use of technology make you the great "photojournalist" that you are. Which is why we follow your career via blogdom. Ok, my comment is getting too long. Can't wait for the wedding pics.

Teka-Ann Haynes said...

One word - ART

Deewonda said...

That is a great shot and, yes, I WAS wondering if you were standing on a chair! I'm shooting a wedding next weekend where the groom and groomsmen will be wearing kilts! My mind and my nerves have had me in a tizzy but reading how you go into these events (I, too, enjoy weddings) will help me to 'let go and let God.' He's supposed to be there, too!

Unknown said...

Very cool shot! Love your work and look forward to seeing more of your awesome wedding compositions.