May 19, 2011

My First Big Wedding - What an Experience!

So, in mid 2010, I was asked if I wouldn’t mind shooting a wedding in 2011, at the time the answer was a definite yes. I did not expect that in the time leading up to the wedding things would change so much. Needless to say, time drew closer and I no longer had a camera (mine was traded to a new owner, without consent from me, yes, I was a victim of crime). The stress of the commitment was unbearable. I mean a wedding photographer with no camera is unheard of. I had planned to own my very first DLSR, but that failed to materialize due to some unforeseen circumstances.

Well, time got closer still… then, my prayers were answered, by a generous and giving man, Mr. Brian Cheyne, in the dying times of planning, weeks before the travels to the wedding, he came to my aid. I could not believe what was happening here! A man whom I have never met in person, to me still quite the stranger, was offering to loan me his equipment. First thoughts were “what’s the catch”, there’s always a catch… strangely, there was none. None, this was new territory for me. I mean, there’s always a catch, always a sneaky little something, somewhere. Well, true to his word, there was no catch.

So, we arrived in Pretoria after the 16 hour drive from Cape Town, little sleep and unpacking to still be done. I got some rest in, 2 hours or so, then off to meet the man who saved my bacon. Upon arrival, there, on the table, was a backpack, stuffed with all the goodies I would need. 2 camera bodies (Canon 10D and 50D), and lenses, oh man, lenses. Everything I would need (and then some) for the wedding. You sir, are a true hero!

Ah, but wait! I have to learn how to use all this equipment, the wedding was less than 24 hours away! I’ve never used an attached flash, nor detachable lenses, come on, this is new territory to me! Anyways, after some fidgeting and button pushing, I started to get the hang of all this new fun stuff. I can understand why he loves photography so much. So, late to bed, with an early rise, to continue adapting to the cameras and lenses before the rush to the groom’s place. To shoot him, the bride had somebody with her. Then from the groom, to the venue, to shoot the bride a bit as well at the venue, then shoot the venue and finally… the wedding!!! I went into overdrive! I shot all angles, I shot anything that caught my eye, but never lost focus on the wedding and it’s most important guests… the Bride and Groom!

As you know, nothing flows smoothly, no matter how much planning you have done, there’s always a few surprises. Well, I had my fair share, but to me, these were all learning curves… an all new experience. Needless to say, I tip my hat to the pros who do this nearly every weekend. my legs just aren’t fit enough for all the crouching, squatting, running, bobbing and weaving and many other things I can’t think of right now to get that one shot that could make the wedding album complete.

Well, did the wedding, saw my good friends again, had a ball and then packed the bags and returned home. Now, so far in my mind (and the minds of many) everything was sorted and the editing could begin. I got stuck into editing to realize, but there’s images missing! Oh the horror!!! Worst thing you can do for the wedding is lose some vital images. I mean, I’m playing with the couple and their family’s memories here! Panic stations! A few calls and check here and there, I’d misplaced a memory card, it was still in Pretoria. It took some time to get those images here, I mean these are of the rings, the families and the whole group together! These, were some of the most important images. Well, all’s done and as you can read by this post, 2 months late, but complete nonetheless. Hopefully, if I do a wedding again, it won’t take this long for the couple to get their winning photos.

So, without any further ado, I introduce to you, the bride and groom… Mr. and Mrs. Engelbrecht… and a few images from the wedding.

-In no particular order-

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Apr 1, 2011

Re-Adapting

Each time you use another camera, one that you are unfamiliar with, it poses adaptive challenges, things work differently. But, if you are familiar with the features, it doesn't take long to get to grips with it and learn how to get what you want. These are few images taken with a Fuji FinePix. Only in my hands for a few hours and Got to grips quite quickly with it.
Autumn is approaching in South Africa.
Cape Town has a wet, rainy winter, much like some other countries come to think of it... hmmm...
Oddly, it is completely different to the lack of winter in Kwazulu Natal or the dry chilly air of Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. South Africa, the land is as diverse as it its inhabtants. Anyways, a miniature rose, taken after a bit of rain.

Jan 31, 2011

Before n After - People

Hey, just posting some before and after images. Some of the edits I have done in the past that have delivered satisfaction. In this photo I went from basic to extreme, personally, I like the middle one, not too much, not too little.
Collin Scott, photography, editing, photoshop, retouch, art, people, South Africa, artography

Now here was a nice fun shot to work with, this girl though very shy and nervous still managed to deliver some stunners. Here is the original image...

Collin Scott, photography, editing, photoshop, retouch, art, people, South Africa, artography

...and with a little touching up, magazine-like finish.

Collin Scott, photography, editing, photoshop, retouch, art, people, South Africa, artography My niece came and stood by me while I was photographing some scenery, I think it's a cool shot... Collin Scott, photography, editing, photoshop, retouch, art, people, South Africa, artography ...in black and white, with some shadow/highlight adjustments. Collin Scott, photography, editing, photoshop, retouch, art, people, South Africa, artography Her sister, playing on the stairs, so I perched my camera against the wall and got this one... Collin Scott, photography, editing, photoshop, retouch, art, people, South Africa, artography ... so after a lighting, contrast adjustment and a soft blurred layer (with some cleaning up) the result is quite pleasing and one for the books. Collin Scott, photography, editing, photoshop, retouch, art, people, South Africa, artography A year end dance... shot the lovely couple and had fun. Downside, backgrounds were not always pleasing... Collin Scott, photography, editing, photoshop, retouch, art, people, South Africa, artography ...enter clone tool! Some time to get it right without chopping an arm or anything of the sort. Collin Scott, photography, editing, photoshop, retouch, art, people, South Africa, artography
Well, for now, just some retouch images.