Entries Categorized as 'for photographers'
June 30, 2010
“Often people attempt to live their lives backwards; they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want.” – Margaret Young
The past few years have been incredibly busy and full! I needed to take some personal time to pull back from photography and enjoy life more. 2010 so far has been restful and delicate, and I’ve enjoyed reading more books than ever before and exploring some new life habits. My goal for the year has been to “rediscover the lovely.” Now, six months into the year, I feel my sabbatical softly coming to a graceful end.
By the way, the photos above are from February, and were taken on 120 film in a plastic Holga camera. Aren’t they interesting and just a touch eccentric? Since May I have been working with serious analog film cameras and testing to see if I’d like to spend more of my time doing portraits in old-school style… and the answer is YES! There’s something wonderful and elusive about film.
(More on that soon, I helped photograph a wedding in Hollister California with 35mm and I’m excited to see the results.)
Posted in film, for photographers, inspiration, personal 
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October 18, 2009
I’m up extra early thanks to allergies, so I thought I’d share some things that caught my eye this week.
- Our Labor of Love smilebooths take the wedding photobooth to a new level with custom themes. My jaw dropped. [ link ]
- Michigan portrait photographer Amy Wenzel shares tips for sharper images. [ link ]
- Lifehacker writes about becoming a better photographer. Links to a GREAT list. [ link ]
- Count me among the typography snobs of the world, but I do get personally offended when someone uses Comic Sans. This made me laugh. [ link ]
- Totally random, but I took my car in to be detailed the other day after a bottle of home brew beer exploded on my back seat. I called around until I found someone who seemed to love their job, and ended up with Bumper2Bumper in Woburn. Give them a try and your car will thank you! [ link ]
- I work together with a wonderful and talented illustrator Julia Denos, who shares some great stuff about Audrey Hepburn in a recent post. [ link ]
- Check out the perfect little man ringbearer bowties here. [ link ]
- Custom made men’s suits here. [ link ]
- Anita and Haady’s photos were picked up by some random Iranian discussion board. [ link ]
- Erin and Jared’s wedding (originally picked up by OffbeatBride) was featured on a Hot Pink Petticoat [ link ] and DivineCaroline [ link ]
- I attended a wedding in Chicago as a guest, and a crazy photo of Ali and I on the dance floor made the blog post. Chicago-area wedding photographer Kenny Nikai did a great job documenting the day. [ link ]
- If you’re in the process of changing your name legally, I used and highly recommend MissNowMrs. $30 and it helps autofill many of the forms you need and draft letters to the banks. [ link ]
- One more funny link, facebook in real life. HA! [ link ]
Posted in ethnic wedding, for photographers, inspiration, press, wedding, wisdom No Comments »
August 10, 2009
Today I am finishing up with editing the wedding photos from Anita and Haady’s beautifully intimate 4th of July Persian style wedding celebration at a private residence in Palos Verdes, California. During the ceremony, I decided to stake out one spot and shoot wide, with my 28mm lens. My husband, who helped out as my assistant that day, walked around and photographed with a long lens (85mm) and was able to complement my images with some interesting shots of his own. I love how different these two photos look, and yet how they represent the exact same subject at the exact same time. Cool!
couple: Anita and Haady
date: July 4, 2009
wedding location: private residence, Palos Verdes CA
photography: Rachel Hadiashar
SEE MORE FROM THIS WEDDING:
Posted in destination, ethnic wedding, for photographers, inspiration, wedding No Comments »
August 9, 2009
I usually try to follow-up with potential wedding clients who I felt a connection with, but ultimately chose to go with another photographer. It’s really interesting to me to know whom they choose to shoot their wedding, and also to actually see the wedding photos, since I liked the people so much. Here’s a note from a recent bride whose parents made the photography decision for her large Boston-area desi wedding.
“The run-up to the wedding was madcap. We ended up with this photographer named [edited for tact]. My parents chose him mainly because of price. I was not happy with him and nor in the end were they. In fact, I fought with him on my wedding day! I am the least aggro of people but he really pushed my buttons and I don’t regret it. Though I did scare my friends. Eek… I hope it’s not on tape but it probably is. Oh well. He was just really intrusive and rude. I would even say obnoxious. The pictures came out well—but that had more to do with the fact that we all looked good and the venue was lovely and the colors, etc, were so striking that it’s hard not to photograph well. But professionally speaking, he was not up to par.”
It makes me so sad, and kind of embarrassed on behalf of wedding photography, that occasionally photographers have such a negative ‘bedside manner.’ It’s one thing to do what you need to do to get the shot, but another altogether to invade the privacy – and disrespect the wishes – of your clients on their wedding day.
One of the most important skill sets when running a photography business is how you read people. This chump obviously needs to go back to charm school! 
Posted in ethnic wedding, for photographers, vendor, wedding, wisdom No Comments »
July 29, 2009
I’m a total sucker for kind words, and love to share the beautiful and inspiring things people write to me. The world can be unkind so much of the time, it’s nice to look back and focus on the positive.
“I love your work and never thought wedding photography could communicate such breadth of feelings and softness, simply and sweetly, while giving all the information about the event. I love how you make the weddings you do mainly about the bride and groom and the event, rather than posing people the traditional way. It is nice to see for once the main focus be about the wedding and two people coming together.”
-Amy (fellow fine art photographer)
I’m especially sweetened by the fact that this encouragement came from a fellow fine art photographer. Thanks, Amy!
“I took a quick peek at your blog and love the mix of professional insight into the industry with great photography. I congratulate you on taking your weekends back ”
- photographer Melissa Worthington
And now a message from the gorgeous and talented Stephanie! Stephanie and Brian had a delightful vineyard wedding in Rhode Island…
“Thanks for the link. We’ve been obsessively checking your site since 5 am Friday so we’re well aware that the GORGEOUS photos are up. Wow. They are impressive. We’ve received so many compliments on them I can hardly stand it. You did such a nice job. I’m almost sad you’re not going to take wedding pics anymore since you’re so good.
But then I remember that you’re finding your bliss and I’m happy.
[...]
The wedding was the best day of my life / our lives and we owe so much of that to you.”
-Stephanie, May 2009 bride
Um, wow. I have a pretty decent self-esteem and I don’t think I deserve THAT much credit! I have really enjoyed my 2009 wedding clients, and thank God that I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many incredible people in this job.
Finally, I just received feedback from Kristin and Thomas, who just viewed their engagement session gallery.
“Wow…I don’t know what to say other than: we love these! The way you captured real moments between the two of us is priceless. We’re overjoyed with how the session turned out and we can’t wait to see what you will do with our wedding pictures. =)”
-Kristin and Thomas, October 2009 wedding clients
Posted in accolades, colleagues, for photographers, inspiration, wedding No Comments »
July 29, 2009
I’m busy doing final projects before headed out the door for Bulgaria, but this article made me stop, look, gasp, and nod. It’s the most on-point, grounded, and well-written article I have read on the topic…. and the photographers the author shadows (John and Joseph) are literally the photographers whose work I most admire.
PHOTOGRAPHY
By Cody Ellerd
source: Seattle Bride Magazine
Please pass along this article to any couples you know who are thinking through their options in regard to budget, photography, and their wedding.
___________________________________
Also, related: here’s a blog post I wrote awhile ago about experience and wedding photography. [ Is Experience Necessary? ]
Posted in clients, for photographers, inspiration, wedding, wisdom 2 Comments »
July 26, 2009
It’s time for another love session promotion! Shooting at Maggie and Seth’s wedding with my holga was incredibly inspiring and I am eager to try out this toy camera in some different settings.
So, I am pleased to offer another complimentary LOVE SHOOT promotion. This is for a photo session shot entirely on film with a toy camera. Winner would get a photo session at the interesting outdoor location or event of their choice and a full set of prints to display or share.
- this promotion is for a couple of any age in a committed relationship; marital/engagement status inconsequential
- other photographers and artist-types are encouraged to enter
- location must be within 2 hours driving distance of Lowell, MA
- due to the limitations in the camera, location for session must be outdoors and results are not guaranteed
- three runners-up will be offered the option of doing the same session at materials cost (around $50)
To enter yourself as a hopeful winner to the promotion, please leave a comment with a note about the location you would like to photograph and why you think this would be a fun or interesting environment for a film-based love shoot – or email me at LOVE@mergeweddings.com
Posted in for photographers, promotions 8 Comments »
July 20, 2009
From kiss the groom… beautiful ‘just married’ sign from modern press.
and a HILARIOUS photo booth designed by Sasha Souza and Bliss!
Whimsical homespun bridesmaid eccentricity reported over at the wedding chicks.
Finally, information about copyright and image usage from photographer Gwyneth Colleen. In a digital world, this is good solid info everyone should know. LINK.
note: images are not mine; sourced from the accompanying linked blog post.
Posted in for photographers, inspiration, random links, wedding 2 Comments »
July 10, 2009
I’m looking for a rockin’ sidekick to help out at an engagement session tomorrow afternoon (Saturday) from 3:30-5pm at Boston’s waterfront. Paid in the beverage of your choice. Email me at rachel@mergeweddings.com if you want in on the fun!
Posted in for photographers, promotions 8 Comments »
July 9, 2009
Anita and Haady were my 4th of July couple this year. From the dance floor placed on the edge of a hill overlooking Los Angeles, we could see lots of fireworks displays across the valley as tiny little explosions of light.
Theirs was an intimate reception in the yard surrounding their ranch-style home. Because it was so dark and there was no tent to help bounce and diffuse my light, I used a homemade white bounce card attached to a canon speedlight off-camera to provide some natural-looking fill. Thanks to my husband Ali, who was holding the light on a monopod high to camera left, we got some great results.
I want to make a note about sparklers. I’ve been to receptions where the couple has an exit and envisions a tunnel of friends with sparklers surrounding them. The problem is that small sparklers burn out so quickly, usually people don’t even know where to stand before their sparklers are out. Anita’s brother Bijan thought of the perfect solution and found some GIANT sparklers — these things are like holding a small walking stick — and last for several minutes. It was fun, hilarious, and a little dreamy to have Anita and Haady cut their cakes with all the sparkler magic happening around them.
Posted in clients, for photographers, inspiration, wedding No Comments »