New Year's Eve

Breakfast with Santa was amazing, another successful event. Chris and I were astounded by the response. Well over a 100 families attended and celebrated the upcoming Holidays at Crystal Gardens. Though Santa was pretty busy, everyone had the opportunity to share the Christmas wishes with him before continuing his hectic schedule. All of those children, dressed up and excited to tell Santa all about what they want for Christmas this year. The best part for me was capturing those moments as the event photographer.

Crystal Gardens did a phenomenal job organizing this event. In fact, they have another incredible event coming up: The New Year's Eve Gala and VIP Night. If you haven't made plans, here is the perfect event for you and your significant other to ring in the New Year. The Gala includes hors d'oeuvres, champagne toast and a live DJ. Plus Chris and I will be there photograph each couple at the event. For more information visit: http://crystalgardenslivingston.com/events.htm.

We looking forward to the New Year and hope to see you at Crystal Gardens on the 31st.
Happy Holidays.

Breakfast with Santa

Happy Holidays!!! This is a very special time of the year. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years are celebrations of togetherness, sharing and great memories. I love this time of year, it really bring out the kid in me. I feel that anticipation and excitement every year in decorating the house. I enjoy the time I spend with my family and there is nothing like the look of joy on a child's face while she unwraps her hidden treasures. Those expressions and love emitted at this time of year are amazing photographic moments.

I encourage you to capture those moments now, starting with this great opportunity at Crystal Gardens in Howell. Breakfast with Santa is coming up on December 6th from 11am to 1:30. You and your child can have a wonderful brunch, plus they can share their Christmas wishes with Santa. I'll be there to capture this moment with my camera.

There is nothing like an abundant combination of professional photographs and snap shots to preserve your memories. Record your memories and family traditions through photography. For more information about the Crystal Gardens event contact me at carrollstudio1@yahoo.com or visit http://crystalgardenslivingston.com/events.htm.

Essential Elements of Photography

What an amazing autumn I have had.  Not only have I participated in three incredible workshops this fall, but I also taught an introduction to photography through the Livonia Continuing Education Program.  For me, it’s a real gift to share my love of photography with others.   Like my mentors, Monty Zucker, Eddie Tapp and Clay Blackmore, I am very passionate about my craft. 

There is so much to learn about photography.  First, there is exploring the inner workings of your camera, learning about its strengths and how to work within its limitations.  Second, there is understanding the art and science of lighting.  Knowing how to utilize natural lighting to your advantage can enhance your photographic compositions, giving them that added dramatic element.  Finally, there is composition.  This is training your eye to see through the camera frame.  Learning how to frame your subject can launch your photographs from ordinary snap shots to family heirlooms.  Camera operation, lighting and composition are the essential elements of the craft. 

This September, my curriculum focused on the three basic aspects of photography.  For six weeks, I designed lessons that initiated my students’ journey into the art and discipline.  Progressively, my assignments provided the building blocks to continue their exploration.  At the end of the course, we planned field trip to Northville, pulling together all that was learned.  The students were encouraged to share their photographs for feedback and discussion. 

Though the session was brief it was very productive and I’m looking forward to conducting this class again in Spring 2010.  Until then, I encourage my students to keep practicing your craft.  Keep training your eye.  Each time you pick up your camera, see if you can discover something new about it.  Play with lighting and filters.  Share your work with others and get feedback.  Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because this is how we learn and how we refine our skills. 

My step-daughter told me that modern dance pioneer, Martha Graham once said, “It takes ten years, usually to make a dancer.  It takes ten years of handling the instrument, handling the material with which you are dealing, before you know it completely.”  This is true for her as a dancer and it is certainly true of photography.  It is an art, science and discipline that is learned over time through education and practice. 

Eddie Tapp, Photoshop Guru comes to town.

Two weeks of exposure to some of the most prestigious photographers in my field.  I am a lucky man.  This week, I had the opportunity to spend time with Eddie Tapp.  He is the photographer’s Photoshop Guru.  As a pioneer in digital photography, Eddie’s digital retouching techniques have become an essential element in the business.

As an individual, Eddie is quiet and reserved yet he is incredibly observant.  He has a decidedly unique way of seeing the world.  Things that the average person might overlook, Eddie finds beauty.  On another level, his Zen-like attitude makes him very astute and an incredible educator.

In fact, I remember my first Photoshop seminar with Eddie.  After just making the leap into digital photography, I had to learn digital retouching techniques.  Eddie was a presenter at the WPPI (The Wedding Professional Photographers International) conference in Las Vegas.  I was dumbfounded but I got it because he created a rich and reassuring learning environment.  All questions were encouraged and answered in a considerate and patient fashion. 

For almost ten years, I have continued to augment my skills by attending Eddie’s Photoshop seminars when ever possible.  His approach and methods have had a great influence on my craft and business.  I employ his retouching techniques in my own work because his method is transparent and subtle.  These techniques truly help me create gorgeous photographs that become family heirlooms.       

Halloween a night of dreams, aspirations and fun.

Halloween is such a magical time of year for both adults and children.  It is an opportunity for people to step outside their skin and be someone or something else for a night.  On many levels it reveals our inner worlds and as children it allows our aspirations and dreams to come to life.  I hoped you photographed this event and captured a moment before it ran away. 

Over the past several years, we began offering slide show presentations at wedding receptions.  Our presentations are an assortment of photographs from our engagement sessions, wedding day images, and family snap shots.  Set to music, it is a wonderful way to begin to share family memories and for loved ones who have passed away to be present at your wedding. 

The photos that evoke the biggest reactions during our presentations are Halloween photos.  I do believe that these photos show another side of our brides and grooms.  Over time, those images show who they idolized and fantasized being.  You can say that inside each one of us is a fairy princess or superhero but Halloween allows us to embody that for a night.  That is what makes these photos special. 

I truly encourage you to photograph your child when they get dressed up and pretend.  Document the evolution of his/her imagination.  Don’t miss this opportunities to photograph your child’s growth. Now is the time to keep those moments from slipping away.    

Rediscovering Infrared Photography

Just this past year, I have rediscovered infrared photography.  It is truly a unique way of looking at the world.  There is a surreal beauty about infrared photographs.  In certain ways, it is similar to black and white.  It takes a keen eye to see clear lines to highlight facial expressions.  I look at infrared images as the cherry on top of the sundae.  You don’t need many.  Three to four will add that extra hint of drama to your wedding album.  Those special photos can capture the essence of your relationship between you and your fiancé.

A Day with Clay Blackmore

Clay Blackmore came to town last week for a DPPA seminar. Clay is one of the best in the industry and he does it all, classic portraitures to photojournalism. Though, I was excited about his seminar, I had the great privilege to spend the day with Clay. It was an incredible and eye opening experience.

Tuesday morning, I picked Clay up at the air port and showed him around the area. Immediately, I was struck by Clay’s personality and attitude. This man has photographed top diplomats like Madeline Albright and sports icons like Tiger Woods, yet you would never know it. He is incredibly humble and spiritual man. I discovered that he was like anybody else with the same problems, worries, and triumphs.

This made itself even more evident when we stopped by Angela Carson’s studio in Northville. Here I was sitting in the midst of two giants in the industry and they were like me. Both were down to earth but I was so taken and inspired by their passion for the art of photography.

Clay brought his camera with him. It never left his side. We stopped at my house. There he looked at the sky, moved by the cloud formations, he captured the moment with one click of his camera. In another instance, we had just left Angela’s studio, Clay saw the sun setting just behind a church and asked if we could stop so he could photograph it.

Clay documents life through images. He exemplifies everything I try to instill in my students. His eyes are skilled at capturing run away moments. He sees beauty in over looked details. He exudes passion for photography and I had a wonderful opportunity to spend a day with and learn from a man that I admire.

Last Final Engagement Sessions for Fall Colors

The trees are on fire with the rich colors of fall. The stunning reds, vibrant oranges and brilliant yellows are the perfect natural backdrop for your engagement photographs. Think of images of you and your fiancé surrounded by the glorious autumn hues at Mill Race in Northville. Autumn represents beauty and change. Your upcoming wedding signals a new life adventure. What better way to capture the spirit of your relationship than through photographs taken during Michigan’s most spectacular season.

Carroll’s Creative Images still want to extend an invitation to our final free engagement session. If you haven’t reserved your space for this special offer, we have two sittings still available for this Sunday, October 26. This package includes a 45 minute photo shoot, one 8x10 and two 5x7 photographs in a presentational folio. Our special free offer is valued at $150. To make your reserve session please call (734)513-6720. We believe that you will be please with our work and will discover why we are South Eastern Michigan’s best value.

Run Away Moments

A good snapshot stops a moment from running away ~ Eudora Welty

Welty is absolutely correct. Photography is much more than an artistic discipline or profession or business. It is an account of humanity and nature. Think of a photograph that held your attention; that moved you. That image is more than just good composition and dynamic lighting. The energy of that particular moment is captured. You see it and feel it. If you lived it, the memories pour through your mind. There are the stories with all the supporting characters. It is all said without a word. A skilled and gifted photographer reveals the soul of an individual, the spirit of an event and the essence of an era.

This is my role as a photographer and I take this to heart. For more than 30 years, I have had the enormous privilege to visually document hundreds of weddings. I take great care to ensure that each bridal party member, relative and wedding guest are photographed. My patrons often share their gratitude of my work and appreciation of my persistence. In a few situations, my photographs are the last images and memories a couple has of a relative or a best friend.

Early in my career, I discovered the implications of my work. It was really profound when I began to draw connections between my job as a photographer and my own personal life. My father past away when I was 10 years old and the only image I have of him is a faded out of focus photo. At that moment, my title, photographer, moved from a career to a mission. It’s my calling so to speak.

Today, I conduct introductory classes in photography. I tell all my students on the first day, that this isn’t just some hobby. What I impart to you here is the responsibility to become the documentarians of your family history or more appropriately your family story. Make sure you take your cameras with you to every family event, vacation and celebration to stop those moments from running away.