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.  

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.