The day got off to an ominous start, as we were literally surrounded by thunderstorms; but we improvised with some portraits under shelter while waiting for the rain to clear then moved to the beach for group shots.   And grand-daughter Katie is a senior this year, so I was glad to take some extra time with her for individual portraits.

Their flame burned so bright that a mighty ocean could not quench it; years could not diminish it; and continents could not impede it.   So last weekend they traveled to Panama City Beach to get married by the sea.

And now they will make Germany their home.   It was my pleasure to photograph their sweet and simple ceremony on the beach.  Also enjoy their multimedia slideshow.

A little nature walking.

A little dune strolling.  I just love the twisted sand oaks.

A little claim-staking.

A little reading.

A little sleeping.

A little sport.

A little refreshment.

And a little “America’s Next Top (Smartest and Most Beautiful) Model.”

I’m a huge believer in continuing professional education to improve my work, so I’m always looking for quality educational experiences. And I’m very excited about a recent experience and the benefits it will bring for my clients.

Last month I attended the Foundation Workshop in Dallas, Texas, an educational program for wedding photographers to improve their work. At its foundation, this workshop rests on the well-established principles of photojournalism. Through dedicated self-education and application, I had already been working as a documentary wedding photographer. And completing this workshop helped me to better appreciate good photojournalism and develop an advanced understanding and mastery of the story-telling approach.

Workshop attendees benefited from a 1:1.5 student to faculty ratio and a close working relationship with experienced faculty—including Pulitzer prize-winning photojournalists—who generously transferred their professional wisdom to attending photographers.

Photographers who attend this workshop learn the principles, ethics, and standards of photojournalism and practice applying these principles to the craft and profession of visual storytelling.

To be certain, this workshop is no vacation; it is work—and hard work. FW is a hands-on workshop in which photographers receive assignments, travel to the assignments, determine the story, then visualize and execute photographs that document the story. We shot JPEGs only and had our LCDs taped over with black gaffer’s tape.  My team completed three rounds of shooting and critiquing, the latter lasting until 6am the last two days of shooting. Each student then developed and presented their own slideshow at the final banquet. The experience was exhausting, exhilarating, and revelatory all at the same time.

Applying the principles of photojournalism, I learned how to approach, visualize, and execute a photo story; and I received rigorous and intense critique from faculty toward developing sound techniques and creative composition.

The students attending were accomplished wedding photographers from around the world. And it was inspiring meeting old and new friends and participating together in creating these photo stories, sharing the obstacles we overcame and work we achieved along the way.

I had several personal insights during the workshop, some relating to photojournalism and others to art in general.  The morning of the third day, I had a revelation in my conceptual understanding of photojournalism. All that l learned was translated into a new ability to communicate more clearly and creatively as a photographer. And I’m excited to apply these new understandings to my work.

I was a literature major in college, and I’ve occasionally had insights into the shared attributes of great works in different art forms. A good writer is a good editor, that is, someone who knows the craft and can conceptualize and write a good sentence, adjusting (or editing) on the fly to improve the prose for grammar, creativity, and clarity.

In this same way, a good photographer is also a good (photo) editor, someone who can visualize and execute an image using the tools of the craft, including proper exposure, composition, and visual devices—always adjusting and correcting the work along the way.

For any art form to transcend good and achieve great, it must communicate clearly and incorporate multiple creative devices. It must also strive to recognize great works that have gone before yet create something new and different.

If you’re a wedding photographer who wants to improve your technique, expand your creativity, take stronger pictures, and communicate more compelling stories for your clients, then the Foundation Workshop is for you.

FW is simply the premier workshop for wedding photographers today.

I put together a slideshow from my assignment, an indoor dog park. It was wonderful to find a place where dogs could socialize and have fun no matter what the crazy weather conditions. These unconventional subjects were great fun to work with, and I enjoyed telling their story:

The category was decisive moment.

True photographic prints flushmounted in the album.  Lay-flat binding and small gutter ensure perfect viewing.

I’m pleased to announce that I was recently accepted into the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers and am honored to receive this recognition from my professional peers.  There are currently only seven other ISPWP photographers located in the State of Florida.

The ISPWP judging panel evaluate the following empirical evidence:  three complete weddings, client references, and peer photographer references.  The candidate photographer must also meet a minimum experience requirement and have no complaints with the Better Business Bureau.

I’m glad to join the ISPWP family who are among the best wedding photographers worldwide and exhibit extraordinary talent and experience.  I’m also proud to be associated with an organization whose staff and leadership reflect the highest standards of personal and professional integrity.

I pledge to uphold these values of photographic excellence and personal character for the society and my clients.

After two weeks of rain we drove around all day with the Miata top down.  It was in the 50′s all day, but we were toasty with the heater on.

Shot as a JPEG file.  Canon 5D, 24mm 1.4L, ISO 500, f/14, exposure 1.00 second, white balance: tungsten.  Handheld.  Post: subtle saturation boost.

One of the worker’s kids was doing all he could to keep from being bored.

Second floor starts.

View from the future garage.

The friendly shopkeeper, Joan.

Jake and Elwood accosted by an anonymous street pirate.

Stroll down the short boardwalk of Oaks by the Bay Park, and you’re greeted by a view of St. Andrews Bay.

The drive from the west end of Panama City Beach was really quick with the relatively new four-lane blacktop and October traffic.  It was only 20 minutes to Grayton Beach and another 20 to Destin.

Parking was an easy road-side drill, allowing a short walk to the festival.  There was the usual arts and crafts and seafood; but for me, the major draw was Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.  Joan played one very long set with songs ranging from the great Runaways tunes to her contemporary works, which are really good (you can listen to a few on her website).

Thanks to Ann Marie of Ladybird Salon; my good friend and talented fine artist, Jeff Dreisen, who agreed to assist and worked the lightstick with an expert eye and contributed his legendary wit and humor; Minister Bachmann for his hospitality; and UCGainesville staff persons like Ken working behind the scenes.

The photographs from the event are now online.

For viewing and ordering prints, please visit the GALLERY.

Then grab some popcorn or chocolate and enjoy viewing the WEDDING SLIDESHOW.

Below are a few frames from the event.

Cheers,

Shaun

I made some Lasagne the other day from a recipe in a Mario Batali cookbook.  I even made the pasta dough myself, which was a first!   I had fun doing it.

Finished product

Cut the asparagus in half for baking

The Balsamella sauce.  Absolutely mouth-watering.

Please enjoy their slideshow and the blog photos below.