Remember

As a slight tangent today, I'd like to take a moment to recognize the 9/11 anniversary. It is a day that will always stand out in my memory and in our nation's history. There's a lot of media coverage for the day so I'll keep it simple and just post a few photos.

After beginning to post lots of general patriotic photos, I realized I had enough images to target a specific theme. 9/11 gave us many heroes ranging from ordinary citizens to members of our military. I think we can all agree that the first responders at ground zero, especially the firefighters, embody this hero spirit more than any other. I'm posting a few firefighter-themed photos to honor these individuals.

This photo, to me, represents the fact that firefighters (and other responders) typically exist unnoticed in the background, stored away somewhere out of sight and out of my mind. But when tragedy strikes they are the first on the scene ready to protect property and lives while risking their own. Thank you.

Boots and coveralls stand ready for a quick exit.

Fittingly enough, here are some photos from the 9/11 memorial in Seattle, WA.

While visiting the memorial and making photos, I heard sirens in the distance. As the ambulance flew by I was able to position myself in time to capture this image. The statue firefighters look on as real-life heroes respond to a call.

In St. Petersburg, a couple watches as a neighbor's house is destroyed by fire.

Firefighters risk their safety on the roof to vent the building. I previously posted these photos to my blog and after going back to see when I took them I realized I posted them on 9/11/2007 as a coincidence.

I haven't seen a lot of the 9/11 coverage today, but I did catch part of the History Channel special "The Day the Towers Fell." This amazing documentary focuses on photographers (amateur and professional) at the scene and includes some truly extraordinary images. There is something about a still image that captures the full emotion of an event more than any other medium (in my opinion). Look out for reruns.

Kristen and Barry, Florida Aquarium Wedding

Kristen and Barry decided to have their wedding at the Florida Aquarium. It can be a tough place to make photographs, but if you know what you're doing it also presents lots of great opportunities for creating some extraordinary images.

Here is the couple outside in the "wetlands" area. It usually has nice soft natural light which is always good for getting some safe portraits.

In front of the main tank, balancing flash with the ambient light can be tough, but the result is an image you couldn't get anywhere else.

The groom poses for a few solo shots out in the wetlands.

Right after the ceremony, we just walked all over the aquarium looking for cool backgrounds. I knew I wanted to use this tunnel, but it took a few minutes of playing around to get something I was happy with. When the clouds moved, I noticed the great burst of light coming down through the water.

The aquarium has a few of these sheets of fog that visitors walk through. Kristen and Barry were troopers and paused for a minute while I made a photo. Barry got a few water drops on his neck, but I think it was worth it. I always love it when a couple is willing to play along with my ideas!

You may remember me using this light the last time I shot at the aquarium, but I changed things up a little this time. Instead of adding a flash and using the blue as a background, I just let Kristen bask in the blue light resulting in a more artistic photo that has a mermaid/underwater fell to it.

The couple chats and relaxes in front of a cypress swamp after the ceremony.

Most shooters will always keep the sun to their back, but backlighting subjects when the light is right can result in a more dramatic and moody image.

You know I couldn't help but shoot a few of the critters while I was there. I took a while, but I finally managed to get one of the leafy sea dragons in front of a clean black background.

The reception was held in front of the huge main tank.

Instead of allowing guests to just chime their glasses to make the couple kiss, Barry decided that only songs with the word "love" in them would result in a kiss. A group of young ladies serenades the couple to solicit a smooch.

Congratulations Kristen and Barry! Best of luck to you both as you "drive" off into your future together (they're big car fans). Thanks for having me and Tampa Photo be a part of your big day!

Amanda and Alonso, Starlite Princess Wedding

Amanda and Alonso decided to celebrate their wedding out on the water on the Starlite Princess paddlewheeler. They brought me in for just a few hours to get some photos and cover the ceremony before they actually left port. I was a little worried because I was basically stuck using the boat interior as a location and I didn't know what to expect. Luckily, there was plenty of room and three levels so we could easily keep them away from each other before the ceremony. Not to mention the boat is very beautiful and had lots of good backgrounds.

I started with Alonso, taking advantage of the window light and cool fixtures.

The big windows made for excellent portrait lighting.

A black and white version.

We used the chairs that were set up for the ceremony as a spot to shoot the guys.

Amanda and the girls gather for photos. It starts to hit Amanda.

Amanda's good friend and Maid of Honor pose for some photos.

The ladies pose in front of the cool curtain/chandelier background.

I sent Amanda over to that same window where I shot Alonso. It was some of the nicest light, but it also helps to keep their images consistent.

We had to stack some chairs, but we found enough room for a full length sitting shot. I tried for that classic old school look to match the Victorian boat decor.

Alonso's parents get into position before the ceremony.

A group of friends sang a song for the couple.

Bridesmaids' dresses flapping in the breeze.

Finally, the happy couple gets some photos together right after the ceremony.

Right before the boat pulled away, I was able to sneak some sunset shots in.

Congratulations Amanda and Alonso! I hope the rest of the cruise was lots of fun. I'm really happy with the images we got considering how little time we had. You guys were great!

Amanda and Andrew, Sandpearl Resort Wedding

Early May found me and Kevin back at the Sandpearl once again, this time to cover Amanda and Andrew's wedding.

Kevin was the lead shooter, but to make the best use of our time we split up at first. I worked with the guys while Kevin covered the ladies. Here we make good use of the Sandpearl's fancy bar and restaurant area.

Yikes, save it for the honeymoon guys!

We had some extra time while we waited for the ladies to finish getting ready (get used to it Andrew) so we played around with some more complicated lighting.

Amanda can't resist peaking as Kevin sets up the first look.

Amanda approaches her soon-to-be husband.

The bridesmaids were touched by their first encounter.

A Navy uniform cap stands at attention ready for use.

I worked some second angles while Kevin directed her.

While Kevin continues to shoot around with the couple, I steal the rings and use the piano to set up a shot.

Patterns are everywhere.

A touching moment between the groom and his parents immediately after the ceremony.

As the second shooter, I was able to sneak away during formals to make a few room shots before the guests enter.

We headed down to the water to play with the lovely dusk light.

Amanda works it alone for a while.

Again, while Kevin makes images of Amanda, I was able to concentrate on Andrew.

The party gets bumping as the DJ lights dance on the ceiling.

Congratulations Amanda and Andrew! Best of luck as you sail off into your futures together. Welcome to the Navy Mrs. Tattersol!

Stephanie and Dustin, Sandpearl Resort Wedding

We headed back to the Sandpearl a few weeks ago to shoot Stephanie and Dustin's wedding. They were real easy going and fun to shoot (always appreciated). Kevin was the main shooter and I was there as the second. There's a lot of images, so...

Two dresses.

Here you go ladies...(he irons too!) A groomsman presses his shirt while the guys get ready.

Since Kevin was posing Stephanie, I tried to some different compositions and lighting to contribute and not just duplicate.

Dustin was a good sport and posed for a few more photos before going to relax before the ceremony.

They had a lovely ceremony right out on the sand.

While Kevin was shooting the formal groups, I was able to sneak in to the reception room and get some room shots before the guests came in.

It's tough to set up and test lights and pop off a few frames before Kevin switches up the pose.

And if you're going to do this, for crying out loud, warn somebody first! Or, be able to do it twice, like Dustin did.

Stephanie has great features for hard direct light.

Dustin hangs out in a serene tide pool.

Stephanie joins him as the light fades away.

Stephanie shows off that fabulous dress. Kevin and I had soaking shoes and feet for the reception, but it was totally worth it.

Stephanie and Dustin dance the night away as newlyweds.

Congratulations Stephanie and Dustin! It was a fabulous wedding that was loads of fun even for us photographers. Best of luck in all the years to come.