New day new name!

As I ramp up for a whole new web debut I've made a minor modification to my blog.  No more "the buzz," what was I thinking anyway, beekeeping?  Nope, now it's simply "Pittsburgh 

Wedding Photographer."  Simple, clean and to the point, not to mention very easy for Google to read and therefore rank : )  As we all know today, if Google isn't happy, web owners aren't happy!

I heart

Found this on the way back from dinner.  So let's give this a caption, type yours in the comments field.  Best caption will get a surprise prize!

The Sewickley Gallery show -- Thank You!

This is big shout out of thanks to everyone who attended the Friday night opening of my exhibit, La Bella Luce Dell'Italia.  

A thousand pardons if I was unable to personally thank you that night, I simply was overwhelmed by the response with 200 + people cycling through the gallery.  

In case you missed the opening the show will remain up throughout this week.  The Sewickley Gallery is located at 549 Beaver Street, Sewickley, PA 15149.  Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM till 5 PM.  Special hours can be arranged by calling 412.491.7887.

Special thanks must go to the people who made this event so special:  

•  Rolland Marindino, U.S. Ambassador for Cecchi and Sartori wines.  I hope everyone had the opportunity to talk with this amazing gentleman.  His knowledge of wine, fine art and literature is incredible.

•  Matt Kulikowski, district manager for Banfi Wineries for the excellent pours.  The wine was out of this world.

•  Jason Capps, owner of Bella Sera by Greco's, for providing wine glasses and delicious hors d'oeuvres, and most importantly, being such a great friend to allow me to tag along for a week during his trip to Italy last October.  Without Jason this show would not have been possible.

•  Mark Rengers, owner of The Sewickley Gallery for hosting the show in his space.

I can't leave out a very special person, my significant other, Toni, who was there every step of the way, from helping pack my bags to calming my anxiety of editing the 6,000 initial images, to selecting the final 44 for the show.

I hope we can do it again soon.

Grazie!

Leaning Tower, 24x36 on fine art watercolor paper

Fun shoot

I have to admit, I LOVE what I do!  I get to meet the coolest people from all walks of life.  I laugh, joke and make people happy.  It's Goodtimes every day!

This week I had an awesome time shooting a series of ads for Robert Morris University.  I've been doing this photography since they started the campaign (maybe you've seen the billboards around town).  They're great folks and we've all become good friends -- can't ask for anything better than that!

Bringing out the personality of the subjects, most who have never stood before a photographer other than for their high school senior portrait is the challenging part.  But, with an inquisitive mind and a dash of crazy humor it doesn't take long before they open up and show themselves.  That's where the fun begins!  Finding that one moment when their guard is down and their inner self glows is priceless.  

Here's a wide outtake from our shoot showing my lighting set-up.  The main light is hand held by my assistant because I kinda move around a lot with the subject when I shoot.  Sort of my own little dance.  

Website is up!

Whew, after almost a week without either a website or an FTP site I'm finally back up and running.  My main service provided decided to move me to another server last week, which isn't a bad thing IF they would have told me their plans.  Yeesh.  Just glad it's over and I can keep cranking on other things... like albums and a line of commercial work ready for final output.  

That's about a wrap for me this week.  I'll leave you with a photo I made Wednesday night.  About 5:00PM one of my favorite clients emails with a request -- do I have / could I shoot a reflection photo for the cover of a publication she's working on?  I didn't have one on hand but was more than happy to shoot.  Pack, dash and run into town to catch the last breath of twilight (best time of day).  This isn't the frame she selected, but it's one of my favorites.

Have a great weekend everyone!

  

website down!

Apologies to anyone who has attempted to view my website the last few days.  The site went down sometime between last Friday and Sunday night and so far is still out of commission.  My web tech folks are working on the problem but can give no estimate as to how long it's going to take to restore the site.

Thanks for your patience,

Terry

03-03-09

Happy Square Root Day!  03-03-09.  

The next time we'll have a square root day is 04-04-16

Enjoy the moment, every day.

iPhone phun

Resistance is futile.

If you own an iPhone (I do) then sooner or later (usually sooner) you'll be seduced (suckered) into the world of apps.  Today I downloaded (OK, bought) a fun little ditty that allows me to emulate film (remember that stuff?) thus giving your tiny 2 megapixel (nearly useless) images the effect of being created 'old school.'  

Seriously, it's a neat program and super cool considering it on your phone, err, portable communication device (these things haven't been just a phone since we hauled them around in a bag).  Anyway, I've been playing with some phone pix while my G5 (Mac) has been grinding away, processing real photos.  

Hope you like this one.  It's suppose to look like an old Polaroid SX-70.  Does a pretty good job actually.  Although, sadly, the resolution is only good enough for the web.  I'm sure that'll be different in future iPhones, especially since Samsung already has an 8-megapixel camera phone in England.  Darn Brits get the good stuff first.

Here's the same photo in "Helga" mode.  Helga, if you don't know, is the name of a plastic camera available from various retro shops and art stores.  The original camera, the Diana, is still available (last saw it at Urban Outfitters).  The camera's claim to fame (?) is a plastic lens that distorts and a plastic body that leaks light.  It leaks so much light that you must seal the camera with black tape before use.  It's funky and very fun.  Now if they could only make it digital...  

Random thoughts on a cold morning

OK, so usually I pretty much hibernate throughout January and much of February.  I hate cold weather.  Work is normally slow this time of year so it all works in my favor to just stay inside and work on the computer.  

Not this year!  

Things have been hopping around here since January 1st and I've yet to have any slow time whatsoever.  Believe me, I'm not complaining!  I've had some really cool projects in spite of all the doom and gloom talk on the TV and across the Internet (I'm going out on another neat job in just a couple of hours).  Also I'm working on my big photo show -- The Beautiful Light of Italy -- that opens March 20th at The Sewickley Gallery in Sewickley, PA.  The images rock and are almost ready for printing!!!

Late harvest, Tuscany, Italy autumn 2008

What has struck me, however, is the strange shift in wedding bookings this year.  

In every year past my first booked date has been over Memorial Day weekend, but not this year.  In fact, I'm VERY slow in May.  That trend follows through in June and July, too.  However, August through October is crazy busy!  For example, in October, unless you're getting married on Halloween (and it better be a very creative theme wedding) I'm booked solid.  Of course if you ARE getting married on Halloween... let's talk!

Don't get me wrong, bookings overall are not down, but the majority of them are in the later part of the year.  Not sure if this is an economic indicator or just the luck of the draw.  I choose to think the later cause it's not like lots of folks aren't getting married in May!

Anyway, that's what happens when I book a morning photo shoot, my mind start working too hard too soon (ramble).  

Not enough hibernation time I guess  ; )

JUDGED ONE OF THE TOP WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS IN THE WORLD!

I normally don't go for a lot of hyperbole or self grandstanding but this is pretty cool.  

OK, no, this is absolutely, totally off the cool-o-meter hook!!  

Today I was informed that two, not one but TWO, of my images have been selected as finalists in the international "Top Knots" contest.

Huh?  So what you may ask is a "Top Knot?"  

The "Top Knot" is an annual contest to award and showcase the best wedding photography in the world.  The contest is judged by the top wedding and photo professionals working today.  Tens of thousands of entries are received from across the globe.  Only a tiny handful are selected as the best.

The next step is the announcement of the top prize in each category from among the finalists.  The winners (including finalists) will be published online and in PDN magazine later in the year.  Details and links will be provided when available.

But yeah, it's kind of a big deal.  Like winning the Oscar.  Only no red carpet.

Here are the entries that won...

Sarah kicks it up with her bridesmaids in February 08.

Little bridesmaid gets a last minute spray.  From Amie and Harvey's October wedding.

PS.  Just to make clear, this contest is not connected in any way to The Knot website, magazine or organization.

Relaxed portraits

Today I decided to highlight some of my favorite relaxed portraits.  Breaking with recent posts, not all of these are from 2008, but they are tops on my list of favs.  Hope you enjoy them, too.

With those eyes you can't fail to get a great shot!

You would never guess it was raining cats and dogs.  Thanks to my trusty Canon 85mm 1.2 the background colors were transformed into a beautiful, smooth blur.

Actually shot after the wedding during a 'trash the dress' session, but I just love the light.

An Irish wedding with a double rainbow.  Sometimes you just gotta love the serendipity of life!

More favorites of 08

Next up, some of my favorite candid moments captured in 2008.  

Over the many years I worked as a news photojournalist I developed a keen sense of observation and timing allowing me to capture slices of life as they unfold.  This skill is the backbone of my wedding coverage and why so many couple seek me out to document their day.  Off moments, great expressions and dramatic compositions really aid in telling the story of the wedding.  Sometimes these images are significant only to the couple who commission my services, while other times the images are so universal they appeal to the masses.  Regardless of their reach, each one is a special moment in the grand story of the day.

Fear is always a great emotion!

No time to waste. 

Harvey was elated to see the antique car Amie rented as a surprise.

When dad sang to Bethany she was overcome with emotion.

The Florida bridesmaids were freezing during the cold snap we had in August.

Childhood memories shared.

Kids will be kids!

Some 08 Favs

It's always been a chore to recap a past year's work.  But, I have to admit, 2008 have proven even more difficult than others because I was incredibly blessed to have witnessed so many amazing moments of love.  The stories behind these photos could fill a book.  Maybe someday they will.  But for now I wanted to share some of my most precious images from 2008.  

First up, moments of Dad.  

Being a father myself, I can relate to the emotion these guys feel.  More than once I've photographed an exchange between father and daughter thru my own misty eyes.  But it's not always tears, sometimes it's a beaming pride in their little girl.  

I can't wait to see what magical moments present themselves this year!

Happy Holidays!

Hope everyone has a great and joyous Holiday!  Just saw this and wanted to share.  I don't endorse this place but their ad is really pretty funny.  Enjoy!!

Santa gone bad

Random notes and Old Blu

Tis the season for my head to spin.  I've been grinding out project after project after project trying to get as much done as possible before the holidays.

This year I've had many blessings with an incredible number of great commercial projects.  One such shoot occurred a few weeks ago and, of course, the client ordered image files (all to be done ASAP or faster).  OK, so far not too unusual, but these folks REALLY LOVED the photos and ordered big, really big -- 940 unique views!  Long story short, that's immense.  For me, uber immense.  Believe me, I'm not complaining, I've been doin the Snoopy happy dance!  I should, err, will be done by the end of this week.  Then I'll sleep, err... shop.

# # #

Details are coming together nicely for the opening of my Italian photo show at The Sewickley Gallery on March 20, 2009.  It's going to be off the hook!  Mark your calendar now.  I'm so excited and can't wait to share all the details, but until everything is signed and sealed I gotta keep it under wraps.  Trust me, you're not going to want to miss this one!

# # #

Weddings bookings for 2009 have been coming in at a real nice pace the last few weeks.  Early indicators look like next year is going to be absolutely incredible.  Booked one in Philadelphia last week.  Really looking forward to their wedding!  I LOVE Philly!!  And YES, I do out of town and destination weddings!!!  Have passport, will travel : )

# # #

That's about all for me folks.  Sorry I've been such a bad blogger of late, but it's all good, busy is good, real good.  I'll leave you with this image I made recently.  I don't normally shoot a lot of bets, but Old Blu has a lot of character.  And he's also quite a character, too.  

tech notes:  Canon 5D MKII, ISO 2000, 24-105 L lens @ 1/60 f/4.  Window light.  This camera is insane!

Canon 5D Mark II is coming!

GEEK ALERT.  

I found out today my first of two Canon 5D Mark II camera bodies is on its way!!  Woo HOO!!  

When Canon first announced this 21 megapixel monster I called my favorite camera shop, Midwest Photo Exchange, and got on their priority list.  Ironically, I called Dan this morning just to check since I heard a rumor the cameras had started shipping.  This afternoon it became official, the first one is rolling out of Columbus and should arrive at my studio tomorrow.  Believe me I can't wait!  

OK, I know, the camera doesn't make the picture, the photographer does, yadda, yadda, yadda.  Maybe it's a case of 'big boys and their toys' or just keeping up with technology (yeah, that's it, that sounds good) but whatever you want to call it this camera ROCKS.  

So who needs 21 megapixels?  For weddings, nobody really.  That kind of resolution is insane.  Let's be honest, 21 megapixels will create a 63 megabyte file -- SIXTY THREE MEG!  Do you know anyone who wants a 40x60 (or larger) print from their wedding?  Not to many, but this camera could do it with ease.

But I do a lot more than photograph weddings.  I do a lot of commercial and advertising photography.  Ahhh, this is where a file that big will SHINE!  Now I can deliver enormous images to art directors who will stand in awe of their size and revel as they reduce the photo multiple times to fit the page layout.  Yes, I said reduce.  Except in rare circumstances the images coming out of this camera will be reduced for use.  Sigh.  

But wait, there's more!  It's not all about megapixels.  This camera has a load of advanced features like high ISO with little to no grain (noise); increased color bit depth; self cleaning sensor; espresso port!  OK, maybe not the later, but a caffeine addict can dream, right?

Anyway, I was excited and wanted to shout to the world.  For me, this is really a wonderful early Christmas present.  And no danger of putting an eye out.  Hopefully.  Sure glad I added two more terabyte drives this week...

Fun with iPhone

I have to admit, after less than a month I am in LOVE with my iPhone! 

OK, so the service (AT&T) leaves a lot to be desired (dropped calls) but the phone itself is a technological marvel.  It's a fun toy, too.  I've just started to play with the camera and while it's only a measly 2 megapixel it really allows for some cool, unencumbered image making.  Here's one I made over the weekend while traveling the subway.

OK, so I did play with it a bit in Photoshop, but that's part of the fun.  Shooting with a camera phone reminds me of working with a Diana camera in the film world, only I don't have to duct tape the phone to prevent light leaks.  

Now back to my regularly scheduled lab day.

Email is now working

Thanks to marvelous technical support my email is now back up and running as it should.

EMAIL ALERT!

I found out today that all emails sent to terry@terryclarkweddings.com and info@terryclarkweddings.com are getting bounced back to the sender.  This is VERY distressing because I have no way to know how long it's been going on.  

If you have sent me emails recently and I have not responded, or worse, they bounced back please send them again using one of the following addresses:  terryclark(dot)photo(at)verizon(dot)com or terryclark49(at)gmail(dot)com.  

I'm sorry for the inconvenience.  Tech support will unfortunately not be able to address this problem until Monday.  

Amie & Harvey, October 18th

Amie and Harvey were married at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Oakmont with the reception following at the Oakmont Country Club.  It was an incredible day in spite of some rather brisk temps in the morning.

I would be terribly remiss if I didn't give some love to their very cool band, A Kool Nights Band from Alliance, Ohio.  Great job!

Thanks so much guys, the day was absolutely perfect.  I had a blast!  See you soon.

Here are a few scenes from the day...

Being stabbed with a vail comb hurts!

Final moments before vows

Harvey got a little emotional during the ceremony

Must have been an allergy, Amie's dad had pretty red eyes during the ceremony ; )

And what was the surprise?  The amazing limo Amie found -- a 1929 Oakland from Elegant Rides.

First dance

Father's dance, with a very proud dad!

Mom's dance

Let's not forget grand dad's turn on the dance floor!

After the party we went out into the beautiful late day light for some special pictures around the country club.

A beautiful couple, late day autumn light and a super high speed 1.2 lens for a painterly effect -- a photographer's dream combination!