A Weekend of New Trends

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of partaking in a few new trends in wedding photography.

Friday, I spent the evening with Stephanie trashing her wedding dress. I know the blood just rushed out of the faces of moms and brides all over, but I like to think of it as "no concern for the dress." I don't actively try to trash the dress. I just don't want to worry about getting it dusty, dirty, muddy, etc. It was a great time that resulted in some really beautiful images. Dirt roads and warehouses make for the best locations. Best of all, it was her idea.




Saturday, Ashly, Eric, and I spent the morning photographing a "morning after session." The idea comes from destination wedding photographers who might not meet their clients until the wedding day. Therefore, there is no chance for an engagement session. The morning after session is simply an engagement session the morning after the wedding. Of course, they typically take place on a beach at a far flung location with the couple in the wedding attire. We didn't have a beach, but for anyone interested, I'm always up for a road trip. It was a great opportunity capture fun images without a time constraint. Ashley and Eric were great.




I hope these images inspire others to do the same. It was great fun.

Happy Thanksgiving

A little belated, but heart-felt none-the-less. As usual, Thanksgiving weekend is a busy time. Besides the turkey and dressing at home, it is a time filled with family portraits. It is sometimes the one time each year that families are complete. AND, as has been the case, it was cold this weekend. There is something about hanging onto a metal camera in barely above freezing weather that gets me in the holiday mood. Feeling in your finger tips is highly overrated.

I hope everyone survived Black Friday. I'm so glad I don't work retail anymore.

Geek Giving

I am a self admitted geek. I'm also really into words. I'm not much of a writer, but I love vocabulary. AND, with the glut of Thanksgiving coming, I have found a great way to give back. Freerice.com will donate 10 grains of rice for every correct answer you give. Simple choose the correct meaning of each word and help feed the hungry. Everything is paid for by the advertisements at the bottom of the screen. Best of all, Apple is an advertiser. I got to 600 grains before I stopped. There seems to be no limit. So, get playing/giving and leave your best score in the comments.

Simple Pleasures, Part 5

If anyone knows a good French teacher, I'm interested. Learning French in a vacuum is really hard.

1. Deep fried turkey!
2. Pumpkin pie covered in Cool Whip. This is one of those guilty pleasures. Whip cream is better, but fat free Cool Whip is pretty amazing.
3. A table so deep in food that you can't have everything on one plate.
4. Post lunch naps. My grandfather would wake at 4:30 or 5 in the morning. He would then have a nap at 10am. Then lunch. Then another nap at 1pm. Oddly enough, he got a lot accomplished. I think retirement must be great!
5. Crocs. I know it seems off topic, but mine are orange, so they're seasonal. If you don't have a pair, get them.

Endangered Species

I recently learned that I'm an endangered species. Researches at the Oxford Hair Foundation believe that redheads will be extinct by 2100. Apparently, a mutation of a gene causes red hair. Unfortunately, the gene is recessive, and it is diluted by the dominant brown hair gene. I think I should make t-shirts emblazoned with "Save the Redheads!" I'm not sure how to save the redheads, but awareness is the first step.

Have We Talked About TV?

I'm a little obsessed with TV. I used to think it was a personality flaw. BUT, occasionally, a show comes a long to make the mindless hours worth while. I think "Pushing Dasies" is just that kind of show. It has a quirky premise, amazing art direction, and compelling characters.

Ned learned at an early age he was "blessed" with the gift of bringing people and animals back to life. But, if he touches them again, they die. If he doesn't "kill" them again within 60 seconds, someone or something nearby dies. By a strange turn of events, he brings his childhood sweetheart back to life. He can never touch her again, but he wants to.

While the story is interesting, the "look" of the show is very distinctive. It resemble a child's story book. The colors are vivid, and the setting looks a little unreal. It adds to the fanciful nature of the show. It is a real treat to see something so unique on network TV.

While some of the actors are familiar (Chi McBride, Swoosie Kurtz, and Kristin Chenoweth) many are unknowns. The characters each have exaggerated personalities. The reclusive aunts, the d-gooder sweetheart, the jilted admirer, the money hungry partner, and conflicted "hero" are all parts of this odd ensemble. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

Don't miss it!
ABC, Wednesdays at 8pm.

Something Old is New Again

I recently decided to resurrect an old way of creating images but with the same instant gratification that digital offers. I bought a large, professional polaroid camera. I've pulled it out at a few sessions and have been thrilled with the results. It is great to see your image on the back of your digital camera, but it is even more exciting to have a print. I've decided to make these one-of-a-kind images available to my clients. Below is an example from the wedding in St Simons. It is the 1940 Cadillac that transported the couple to their reception. Each 3x4 inch original print will be framed with white mats and a simple black frame. Let me know if you are interested in one of these prints at your session.

Long Live the Flare

Last weekend, Joy and I had the pleasure of photographing Erin and Mark's wedding in St Simons. It was a beautiful day and a fabulous couple. We captured some amazing images, but here are two of my favorites. I'm a sucker for lens flare.




PS
I got to wear flip flops to the wedding! I love island weddings!

A Capitol Idea

Four short days, but an amazing trip none-the-less. Our short trip to DC was quite eye-opening. We sampled amazing food at Les Halles (the Washington branch of Tony Bourdain's old haunt) and Mitsitam Café at the National Museum of the Native American (museum restaurants aren't known for their great food, but Mitsitam is the exception). We were moved by the riveting exhibits at the Holocaust Memorial. We viewed the DC skyline from the top of the Washington Monument surrounded by school children. I even made a rubbing of Lt. Neal Clinton Ward's name on the Vietnam Memorial.

If you haven't been recently, plan a trip. I think it is a lot like Disney World. You appreciate different things as an adult, but it is just as magical.

Here are a few of my pictures from DC, including Jeca and me in business class (the perks of being a successful photographer).

Vacation at Last!

Jeca and I will be leaving Sunday for Washington, DC. We are visiting friends and doing a little sight seeing. I haven't been to DC since I was 11 or 12. I am excited and sad to see how much it has changed since 911. I remember visiting the FBI, but I've heard they have ceased giving tours. But, there are new museums and memorials to visit. We are returning late Thursday and leaving Friday morning for Erin and Mark's wedding in St Simons. If they're engagement session is any indication, the wedding will be amazing. Pray for good weather.

So, I'll be out of the studio until Monday, the 15th. I will be keeping a check on email, and you can always reach me on my cell. I'll be a little slower to respond, but I will. I hope everyone has a great week. I'll try to post some images next week.

It Is Never Too Early

Christmas will be here before you know it, and fall has brought cooler weather with it. So, it is time to start scheduling your family session for the holidays. Early morning and late afternoon are best for outdoor sessions and they book quickly. Don't miss your opportunity to document this year with your family.

Best of all, Laura, designer extraordinaire, has been working long nights to create a new collection of Olive My Love Cards. She has displayed all of the holiday card options on her blog. The new birth announcements are also featured. Take a look at all of Laura's hard work. You can also take a look at her personal blog, The Greener Bee, where she waxes about her attempts to be more ecologically friendly.

I LIKE To Talk About My Flare!

Jennifer Anniston didn't like talking about her flare in "Office Space", but I have an obsession. I strive for "good" lens flare.

Lens flare is caused by reflections inside the lens. It should normally be avoided as it causes a decrease in saturation and contrast. The internal reflections can also obscure the subject of your image.

BUT, lens flare can be used to accentuate the image. Here is an example from Jessica and Jason's amazing wedding on Saturday.

Simple Pleasures, Part Four

The French lessons aren't going well. It has been a long time since the last update, but, with the start of Fall, I thought it was appropriate to have a themed entry.

1. The first cool morning that you need a jacket.
2. Fresh apple cider. In Montreal I had unpasteurized apple cider. It is better, but I did find really good cider in the upstate of South Carolina once.
3. Pumpkin patches. Actually, it isn't really the pumpkins. It is all the other squashes. Squashes come in all manner of odd shapes and colors.
4. Fall leaves. I love the look of family portraits surrounded by the warm colors of fall.
5. Fair food. I love polish sausages, corn dogs, funnel cakes, and caramel apples. I'll be in Perry for opening day.

What do you do on your Saturdays?

So, two Saturdays ago, Jayne, Joy, and I went to Lake Oconee for Tracy and Scott's wedding. The wedding took place on the lake, and it was beautiful. On the way home, we heard a strange noise coming from under the car. Well, one of the tires was starting to disintegrate. Of course, we were miles from anywhere, so I had to change the tire. Joy snapped this shot to document the event.

New Birth Announcements

First...Mom, not yet!

Second, I'm a little late with this post, but my wonderful designer, Laura, has unveiled the latest additions to Olive My Love cards. As usual, these cards offer a funky, retro way to celebrate the birth of your child, and are available exclusively through iNWARD STUDIO. Take a look on the website for all the options, but here is my favorite. I have a thing for monkeys.



And, for those paying attention, that is Mabry...but she plays a boy on TV.

8 Things You Might Not Know

So, a few weeks ago, a photographer started encouraging her fellow photographers to post 8 things about themselves that many might not know. Delaney Holliman tagged me this week. I've put a great deal of thought into this, so here goes.

1. My name would have been April Michelle if my mom had her wish. She wanted a girl, and wouldn't even consider a boys' names while she was pregnant. So, when I was born, my parent's had no idea what to name me. My dad was wearing a MIA bracelet that he had purchased a few years earlier. It was inscribed "LT. NEAL WARD 6-13-69" They thought it made for a good name and thus I was dubbed Neal Ward Carpenter. Years later I "stole" the bracelet from my dad, and I have worn it every day since. I visited the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC when I was a kid, and made a rubbing of his name on the wall. I'm visiting DC in October and plan to do it again. Here is a picture of Neal. He is 2nd from the right in the back row.

The funny part is my mom has 3 sons...no daughters.

2. My 15 minutes came when I was 5 years old. I was featured on Channel 13 participating in a frog jumping contest at the Battle of Byron. Oddly enough, the frog didn't move. I think that is why I was chosen...and who can resist a red head.

3. I have a talent for making very realistic goat noises. I think I even fool the goats.

4. I pride myself on being willing to try almost any food. BUT, I believe that there are 4 perfect food groups. Bread, Cheese, Pickles, and Mustard. It is hard to explain, but if you want proof, have a Cuban sandwich. It is all 4 food groups plus pork two ways (roast pork and ham). Pork would be the 5th, but I think that kinda goes without saying.

5. I've known my wife since we were 10 years old. Our birthdays are only 34 days apart (she is older). We even graduated together. BUT, we didn't start dating until we were in college. She blames me for that.

6. I got married in a Baptist church owned by the federal government. We got married in a 150 year old church on the side of a mountain in the Cherokee National Forest in North Carolina. We saw it while we were dating, and thought it would be a great idea. I'm not sure our parents agree.

7. I've had a wide variety of jobs. My first job was baby sitting. Then I moved "up" to fast food. That only lasted 9 days. I also worked as a cook and a manager at two different Italian restaurants. I worked at a warehouse in college during the summers. Then I worked as an editor of Air Force instruction manuals (It was really boring). I worked for Wolf Camera for many years before having the opportunity to work as a photographer full time.

Needless to say, I've had a "real" job, and I don't want to go back.

8. Lastly, I photographed Vice President Dick Cheney once. He visited Macon a few years ago for a fund raiser. I photographed him arriving at the airport. His plane landed, Cheney emerged from the plane, and he got into his limo. That was it. What makes it memorable was all the waiting and searches. The Secret Service is thorough.

High Art

One of the things I love about living in Macon is the proximity to Atlanta. All the benefits with two-thirds less traffic. Part of the wonder of Atlanta is the High Museum of Art. You can see exhibits of work on loan from the Louvre, Southern folk art, and portraits by an African photographer to name a few. My next visit will be to see the work of Annie Leibovitz. There is a large exhibit of her work on display through September 9th. There is something special about actual prints of fine photography. The internet and books are a great resource, but nothing has the depth of a print.

Don't miss this rare opportunity.

Time Killer

It is rare to find a video game about weddings. Even harder to find a game for Mac. BUT, I've done both. It is a silly game called Wedding Dash. You are the wedding coordinator, and have to plan and run the reception. You have to choose the cake, food, and honeymoon. Then you have to seat and serve guests while breaking up fights between bridesmaids. It is amazingly accurate.

It is available for Mac and PC, so download the free demo and waste a little time.

Photography/Photoshop Classes

Unfortunately, Nova Computer Training, where I used to teach, has closed its doors. So, I have decided to offer my "Digital Photography for Soccer Moms and Dads" and Photoshop classes at my studio. I'm starting a mailing list for interested parties, and hope to start classes in earnest this fall. Send your contact info to neal@inwardstudio.com if your interested in being contacted when the schedule is set.

Classes are also available on a one-on-one basis for those interested.

Finally!

So, I finally got the opportunity to update the web galleries with images from the last 4 or 5 months. I'm not finished, but I've made a good start. I've been so blessed this year with all the amazing weddings, families, children and seniors I have captured this year. And best of all, it isn't over yet. September and October will be as busy with weddings and the summer months.

Then I have a little break in November, but that gives me time for family sessions for the holidays. My designer, Laura, has been working all year on new holiday and birthday/birth announcements. I'll let you know when they are online. But, don't wait until then to book your session. There are actually precious few weeks in the fall before the holidays.