So I just got back a few days ago from Las Vegas for the annual photographers pilgrimage to WPPI.  As some of you may know, I have been involved with a tremendous organization for a while called Thirst Relief.  I had the opportunity to go on a benefit trip to Tanzania, Africa with them in 2009, and it was literally a life-changing experience.  Fast forward to this past fall, and they asked if I would spearhead the planning of their benefit shoot held during WPPI.  I was honored and thrilled to be involved.  While I'll talk more about the shoot as a whole in a later post, I learned a valuable lesson in photography and life in general. 

We had a day shoot and a night shoot.  These next two images came while David Beckstead was discussing some things.  He is constantly looking for unique uses of light and shadow and compositions.  The first shot is what I would consider "the safe shot".  A video light was being shown through the metal grid at a bus stop.   



Although I love a lot of elements in it, I was looking for something more dramatic.  I wondered if it would be possible to shoot at an angle through the grid and capture both of their faces.  What I came up with was something I never expected.  Somehow the grid looks behind the couple although it is in front of them.  To me this image adds a new level of impact.  The way the light spreads into the frame, the grid creating lines, etc.  Long story short, the lesson I learned was that sometimes it's best to slow down, trust your instincts, and look for new ways to shoot the same scene!  Here was the image, I would love to hear your thoughts!

So recently I was looking for some inspiration for an upcoming fundraiser that I am helping to pull together and plan on the behalf of Thirst Relief International.  We enlisted the help of Kaja Foat with Foat Design to come up with a fun and unique dress for the shoot.  Drawing from a "MadMen" feel for inspiration, she came up with a 50's/60's short dress with a long veil. 

At any rate, I was searching for inspiration on grooms attire for a dress like this, and thought I would see what I could find on JFK and Jackie's wedding.  What I found made me stop and think about wedding photography and the images we produce as Minneapolis wedding photographers.  I couldn't help but be impressed with how relevant and stylish these images still are after almost 60 years later!  Now, not everyone is the Kennedy's, but the pictures don't say dated, trendy, or anything but timeless (The Image Below Is From Life).

Stacey and I have set out to create a similar experience and finished product for our clients.  We look at wedding pictures as something not only for the couple, but as heirlooms for their children also.  In order to do this, we try to keep our pictures clean, crisp, and full of emotion.  I would be curious to get your thoughts on what you think of the Kennedy's Wedding Pictures and it's timeless quality? 

I wanted to take a moment out of the day to say Happy Valentines Day everyone!  Plus, a special HAPPY VALENTINES day to the love of my life, wife, and better half of Staja Studios, the lovely Stacey Thon!

Long before being Minneapolis wedding photographers was even a thought in our minds, we were married in the back yard of her parents house.  Although it's not our anniversary, on this day of love, I thought I would share a picture from our wedding.

Happy Valentines everyone and I Love You Bird!

Every once in a while, after photographing weddings long enough, we have the opportunity to work with someone who truly stands out as a master of his/her craft.  Someone not only great at what they do, but someone you want to get to know.  That was the case the first time we worked with Bill Hermann of Bill Hermann Entertainment!  Bill can simply be summed up as full of life, energy, and passion for what he does!  Although, I could say a lot more, I think we will let Bill speak for himself.  I encourage you to take a moment for episode two of "Behind The Veil" featuring Bill Hermann.

 

Behind The Veil: Eps. 2 - Bill Hermann from Staja Studios on Vimeo.

 

If you would like to contact Bill, here is his information:

Bill's Website
Email Bill
Bills Telephone Number: 952-440-1617

As wedding photographers, we are naturally enthusiasts of the visual arts.  "Visual Arts" may mean something different for everyone.  Today, I want to talk about it in relation to tv!  For Stacey, that would definitely be reality tv.  For me, I'm still more of a sitcom/drama fan.  However, there has been one show that Stacey and I can both agree on, and that is "Off The Map".  I know there might be some people who like the show, but for us, this definitely falls in the LUMP IT category!  We all have heard the term "jump the shark", but usually it doesn't apply to the first two episodes.  The situational content while trying to be dramatic is just plain bad!  In some ways we found it so bad that we had to keep watching to see if it could get worse.
On the other hand, I am giving an early LIKE IT for a different new show called "The Cape".  While I reserve total judgement for later, and think there is some room for overall improvement, I really enjoy the concept.  It has that comic book feel in graphics and text intros, yet follows the filming of a regular show.  One of the biggest things that I like is the interplay between the Hero, "The Cape"/Vince Faraday, and The Villain, "Chess"/Peter Flemming.  In addition, I like that they show "The Cape's" weaknesses and miscues, plus he's not all flashy with gadgets.  Lastly, they do a great job of showing the gray side of a lot of the characters.  Not everyone is good or bad. 
 At any rate, let us know what you think of either show, we would love to hear your thoughts!