Scott Crosby: The Essential of Communication

This is proving to be a blockbuster year for DPPA programming: Chris Wunder, Angela Carson, and Bambi Cantrell. Each one with a poignant message that is very timely. On April 20th, we had Scott Crosby, innovative senior photographer. His presentation was extremely insightful with funny anecdotes and personal stories. 

Scott's approach to senior photos is truly unique, with a hip urban style. It resonates with today's youth. There is an interactive nature to his senior portraits. He is keenly aware of a young person's desire to be included in the photographic process. He chats with them and encourages them to tell stories. Most importantly he listens to them to gain a strong sense of who they are as individuals.

For example, a young woman told Scott that she was the last of her classmates to obtain her driver's license. Her main means of transportation was the bus. Inspiration struck! Scott had this high school senior stand on top of an old bus and proceeded to compose the photo in full sun light. He broke with tradition in two fundamental ways. 1) This is not the usual stale posed senior portrait. 2) Shooting in full sun light is generally considered a huge photographic mistake. This is what distinguishes the talented experts from the rest. Cream always rises to the top.

Through his photographic skill and intuitive sensibilities, Scott could break the fundamental rules of photography, allowing him create a compositionally unique photo. Even more importantly, he captured the essence of this young woman at a pivotal moment in her life. Standing on top of that bus, Scott gave us a view of a young person entering into adulthood. No longer relegated to the bus, she was conquering life on her own terms. There it was for all her peers and family to see in her senior portrait.

This is what I do as a professional wedding photographer. For the brides and grooms who hire me, I work with them to gain a sense of who they  are as individuals and as a couple. Like graduating from high school or college, weddings are celebrations; a couple's public commitment to entering into a shared life together. That is huge and it needs to be documented. Your unique story captured and told through compelling imagery. This is why I encourage my couples to do engagement sessions. It helps to complete the bride and groom's story. It captures their humor, their love, and their personality as a couple.

When I met Tara and Jason for their initial consultation, it was evident this couple was quirky, unique and relaxed. From our conversation, I knew the bottom line for them was FUN and they had a strong sense of adventure. My job was to ensure their engagement and wedding albums reflected that. On their wedding day, Chris and I hid in bushes and tree lines to photograph the groom and groomsmen fishing. Back at the house, Tara whooped it up with her maid of honor. While these were fun casual instances, there was one defining moment that summed everything up about these two. It was Jason and Tara alone first the first time during their wedding day. Tara cried as Jason told her that she was a beautiful bride. Then they strolled along the beach by themselves.

Chris and I attempted to be unobtrusive while capturing this incredible moment from multiple vantage points. This is where instinct takes over. The photos we took in that 15 minutes captured the essence of Tara and Jason's relationship. I saw pure love, true strength and an optimism that embraced the future together as a couple. There it was in this quiet and shortest segment of their day. It was an extraordinarily tender and intimate moment. Through our attentiveness, flexibility and sensitivity to our bride and groom, that very special moment has been preserved. It's an exquisite reminder of their beginnings and bond.

Scott reminded, both Chris and I, of how essential it is to talk to your clients. His presentation instills and reinforces my own commitment to a personable approach to portrait photography, to tell your story on your terms. Technical skill and expertise are a big part of the equation, but it's attentive communication that can help make a photograph truly exceptional. Yes, photographers are visual people but its the capacity to deeply listen to clients that informs beautiful and creative photographs.

Bambi finds the extraordinary in ordinary spaces.

Last month, Bambi Cantrell, one of the world's leading wedding photographers, came to Detroit.  What a fantastic experience!  From Russia to Korea to Australia, this woman has trained some of the top talent in photography all around the world.  I was excited to meet her, maybe even a little awe-struck.  Then I found out humble she was.  Bambi is really just a regular person who happens to be a fabulous wedding photographer.   

I've attended her presentations in the past and she never fails to impress.  Her DPPA program was invigorating.  Bambi had loads of new material to share.  I recruited Kayla, one of my favorite clients, as a model.  The goal was to create phenomenal photos in a plain ordinary environment, so The Birmingham Conference Center served as our lab.  Bambi was in her element.  Remarkable!  Inspired!  It was truly exciting to see her work.  

Bambi explained to us, it's easy to compose gorgeous portraits with beautiful settings (churches, halls or outdoors), but how do you create extraordinary photographs in more modest environments?  How do you get those natural glamorous images in less than dramatic spaces?  This is Bambi's specialty.  She was impressive and gave us a lot of food for thought.  She armed us with practical photographic techniques to create beautiful wedding images even in the most trying circumstances.  Bambi arrived in Detroit with a clear goal.  I think we can say to her, "Mission Accomplished."

Spring Is Here

The fruits of spring are right on our door step. I can almost smell the lilacs about to bloom. There is no doubt that it is have been a particularly difficult winter but we've been busy here at the studio. The first three months of the new year have been amazing. We have been the designated photographers for Crystal Gardens events and each one better than the last. 

The Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dances were just beautiful and very well orchestrated.  And this past weekend it was The Easter Day Brunch. It turned out to be a great day for family photos. Though he didn't say much, our Easter Bunny was fantastic. He was personable and a lot of fun.  He hopped.  He waved and performed humorous crazy antics.  Of course, some of the little ones were a bit startled by a giant zany rabbit so mom and dad jumped in. Then grandma and grandpa. They were doing what families do best, support each other, especially their kids.

It was such great fun and truly warmed my heart. Participating in this Crystal Garden's event reminded me of why I'm proud to be a father.  It reminded me of why family is so important. Its that bond and love that bouy us in hard times and revel in celebration during our successes.  During these first few events of the year, I saw that in my photos.  It is documenting those family connections and memories that makes photography my life's work.  

If you've missed out on any of these events, Crystal Gardens is hosting The Mother's Day Brunch on May 9th from 10:30am to 3:00pm.  For reservation and admission fees, visit Crystal Gardens website:  http://crystalgardenslivingston.com/events.htm.  Or call them Toll-Free (877)545-1002 or Local (517)545-1000.  Chris and I hope to see you there.