Heather and Jason, Powell Crosley Wedding

Heather and Jason were married at the fabulous Powell Crosley Estate in Sarasota. This place is a photographer's dream with all the cool original architecture and woodwork details. I actually had to leave early as I got real sick (like the rest of my family). It's a good thing I left because on the way home I found myself on the shoulder of I-75 wondering if I should call 911 or not. And then I got reacquainted with some food I had previously eaten. I'll spare you the rest of the details. Anyway.....I at least made it through most of the wedding and got some good stuff. Luckily, I was second shooting for Kevin so he was able to stay and finish.

Here's the dress hung up in the room where Heather was getting ready.

Heather has some fun with her girls beore the boys arrive.

Jason hangs out in the background while Kevin focuses on Heather.

A flash makes Heather "pop" out of the frame

A flash from the side gives some edge definition to Heather.

Heather and Jason have some fun after the ceremony.

This fun-loving couple decided to toast the occasion with Corona instead of champagne. Backlighting them makes the beverages glow and stand out in the frame.

Congratulations Heather and Jason. Sorry I had to bail a little early, but trust me, you did not want me anywhere near your wedding! Best of luck to you both!

Krissy and Clay, Hollis Garden Wedding

Krissy and Clay got married in Lakeland which always offers some cool shooting locations. The reception was held at the Hollis Garden. Luckily, we've shot there several times so we know a lot of the good spots. I was second-shooting for Kevin. To make good use of our time, I took the guys out and Kevin went to some different locations with the girls. Let's dive right in.

Mirror Lake near downtown has these great stone and metal archways that make a great backdrop. The guys hanging out back there add a special touch while allowing the groom to be the star of the show.

Since Kevin and I split up the guys and gals, we each had plenty of time. This allowed us to use some of Hollis Gardens' settings, like this "grotto."

These next four are pretty similar, but I couldn't decide which one or two to post, so you're getting them all. Kevin was setting them up and I was shooting from secondary angles with slightly different lighting to give the couple more depth and variety in their images.




I've been using this technique a fair amount lately, but it works. A flash from the side increases the contrast in this image. Soft and even light is great and flattering but I'm drawn to these shots that "pop" with a little added contrast. This lighting is very "50's glamour" which works great with her veil and hairdo.

A groomsman poses with his cigar at the reception. This is all available light. The sharp backlight separates him from the background and really makes the shot.

I know it sounds like a great idea to light a whole bunch of sparklers at once to save time. Unfortunately, they tend to feed off each other and cause an inferno that is very capable of hurting someone. Click on the photo for a better view of the expression on the face of the girl to the left.

The sparklers get tamed to a normal level before the couple makes their grand exit.

Congratulations Krissy and Clay! Thanks for allowing so much time for photos! We think you'll be very happy! Best of luck to you in the future.

The Johnson Family

Wow, I am way behind! This shoot is from way back in December! Our good friends Jeff and Rachel (and Wyatt!) had some family in town and wanted to get some group portraits at Fort DeSoto.