Weddings

5 Bride Tips for Great Pictures

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Getting Ready

1. Make sure you have plenty of room for your photographer.

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Getting ready at home is a great idea! Using your largest room in the house is normally best. Make sure there’s plenty of natural light. Not only does this help your make-up artist apply your look, it also gives me plenty of angles to work with for your shots. Having the room to find those angles is clutch!

2. Have an excellent spot for your dress.

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Which so much going on, this is one so many brides over look. If you can have somewhere nice to hang your dress for photos before you put it on, that’s going to make a really special memory for later. Try finding some way to hang it independently of walls near a window so the light can show off the details!

During the Ceremony

3. Hold that kiss!

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This is it! THE KISS. It’s a pretty important one. Don’t rush it! Once it’s finished look right at your groom and smile. (Don’t worry it’ll be impossible not to!) As you leave the altar make it last. The light changes when I shoot close I’ll need a couple of shots to adjust. Remember: this is your moment, we are on your schedule. Make it last.

After the Ceremony

4. Think of a place before hand that we (You, your Groom and I) can be together for photos.

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You’ll have plenty of time for Cocktail Hour, I promise it will be worth it. This it the time when I usually get my best photos. You are both glowing because all the hard stuff is over and now you can party! It you make time for this you won’t regret missing some shrimp and pastry cover baby hot dogs.

During the Reception

5. GET ON THAT DANCE FLOOR!

 

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Definitely make your rounds, say hi to you aunts and uncles, cool down with your folks for a second. BUT YOU GOTTA GET THE PARTY GOING! No one will dare step out out onto that dance floor unless you do it first. Once you get it going, float around! Your guests will keep the party going if you need a break

Bonus: Comfy Shoes for Dancing! 

You’ll thank me later!

If you’re thinking about having amazing pictures from your wedding day, then why not start the process by contacting me!

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Family, Lifestyle

Casey and Quenton—Storming Red Bank Battlefield

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I’ve known Casey ever since I moved to West Deptford in the 4th grade. We went through middle school AND high school together. My dad even coached her basketball team (my little sister was on it) in middle school.

She asked if I do family photos as well. I mean aren’t weddings just really big reunions? OF COURSE, I DO!

We chose Redbank Battlefield for photos with her and her son Quenton. He’s going into 7th grade. Casey and I reminisced about Junior High. It seems all of the teachers I remember have retired. (I don’t feel that old). Anyhow, I wanted to get shots of her son looking natural. He was all about chucking rocks into the river, so I shot while he did that. Surely enough, Casey couldn’t hold back either. There’s something ultimately satisfying about skipping stones. Once I was sure that we got the shots by the river we headed over to the Whittle House and used that for the background.

I love shooting in the city, but there’s something about the openness of the suburbs that you absolutely can not fake. I really enjoyed the way they played off each other. It can be hard to get kids relaxed for a shoot, but Quenton got in the zone pretty quickly. The proof is in the pictures.

If you’re thinking about having some family pictures done, reach out! The light is great this time of year, and pretty soon those little guys are gonna be big guys and you’ll wonder why you didn’t sooner!

Weddings

Jeanette and Bernadette—A Super Shoot

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Oh my gosh! This was so much fun. J+B are friends of mine through their cousin Steve, who was my first guitarist in a band I’m waaaaay too embarrassed to tell you the name of. Anyhow It’s widely known that I’m a sucker for the geek culture. When I’m not trying really hard to be an adult, I’m normally playing games and reading comic books. Anyhow J+B rock the local comiccon circuit so I reached out to see if we could do a little editorial style shoot.

So here we are, True Believers, Captain ‘Merica and Wonder Woman out on patrol over at the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia. They locate trouble, dispense with the justice, hang out for a bit and then relax in a quiet alley while they figure out the next move.

Seriously, these sort of shoots are so much fun. Between cars honking at my models every couple of seconds (getting real reactions) and the playful way these sisters worked off each other it was a real treat.

Do you cosplay? Do you need some great photos? Well what are you waiting for Spider-fans, Galactus could threaten our very existence at any moment! Send me a Bat-Signal!

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engagement

Jaclyn and Chris—Love Park

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I haven’t had the pleasure of shooting in Philadelphia for a few years now. When Jaclyn asked me if we could do her engagement shoot down there, I was delighted to have an excuse to come down. I grew up near Philly, so I knew a couple great locations for pictures.

We started at the Ben Franklin Bridge. I knew that there was a really cool cobblestone slope right off the bridge. And since it was in the middle of the day, the shade from the bridge would help with the photos too.

Jaclyn and Chris brought along their daughter, Hailey! She was a total comedian. We got some really sweet family photos, and of course we had to get that Iconic shot in front of the “Love” sign!

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Becky and Mike at Coney Island

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First let me explain that photo above. Mike just told Becky that he would go on the Cyclone. That’s a great reason to be excited!

Travel with me back in time… Becky and I have known each other for over 20 years. Back in 1994 I was a First Class Boy Scout with Becky’s little brother in Troop 9. So yea… a long time. When she asked me about engagement photos, I immediately suggested Coney Island. I’m rarely there early enough to get shots with the gates closed. I really dug the pattern for the photos.

We made our way around Deno’s Wonder Wheel and out onto the beach for a really great backdrop of the park! As we headed over to the carousel Mike suggested we go on the Cyclone. Obviously, Becky was pretty excited!

We couldn’t have asked for a better day. Look at those blue skies!

If you’re engaged and still haven’t done engagement photos or booked your wedding photographer… What are you waiting for? Contact me here!

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Weddings

Joanna and Ted: A Wonder Wheel Wedding

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Ok, stop me if you’ve heard this one before!

I was hanging out a couple weekends ago on Coney Island with some friends. Of course, I had my camera on me and one of my friends runs into her buds. Turns out they are on their way to the Wonder Wheel to get married.

Just a simple short ceremony on one of the most famous amusement rides ever! Y’know things like this happen all the time… WAIT! No they don’t!

I ask if they have a photographer. They tell me no, just they’re officiant and two witnesses.

I ask if they want a photographer.  HECK YES! So they get me a ticket and I get to shoot one of the coolest (and fastest) weddings I’ve ever heard of.

Check out the shots! Joanna’s outfit is this super cool flapper deal complete with headband. Ted got to wear shorts! RED shorts even! Awesome!

Pretty awesome story right?! If you are thinking about something simple and you’re not sure if you need a photographer, rest assured YOU NEED A PHOTOGRAPHER. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me!

Editorial, Fashion

Ally in the City

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Last week I caught up with my friend Ally. I’ve been itching to do some more studio style fashion work. I couldn’t help try a little bit of editorial as well. We aimed for a high color, high contrast mood. Of course, Ally provided plenty of charm, good looks and attitude!

Ally is going to add a few of these to her headshot portfolio. If you’re interested in booking me for a headshot session just contact me here!

engagement

My Favorite Spots for New York Engagement Shoots

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All part and parcel of the wedding photographer’s book of tricks is his location scouting ability. I spend a few days a month looking for cool spots to bring my Brides and Grooms to be for their engagement photos. Some of my favorite work is from engagement photos I’ve shot.

Why is that? Well, Weddings are super fun events, but they can be super stressful. Brides have a lot going on that day and it can be hard to overcome that.

Engagements on the other hand are pretty stress free. Which is likely why you don’t see shows like “Engagement Shoot-zilla” or some nonsense like that. The real trick though is to pick a great location. Here’s a list of my all time favorites.

5. Any Brooklyn Rooftop

I’m one of those privileged few that has roof access in Brooklyn. I’m not stingy with my roof. In NYC it’s rare you can get an unobstructed view of the sky. And the sunsets right now are amazing!

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4. The Subway

Hey it’s the city! Its a natural part of our lives here. Don’t hate on the subway photography. Engagement photography should tell a story of how you met. If that was underground, what better place to set your shoot!

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3. Central Park

Its one of the most iconic places in New York. The Central Park photo shoot is almost a right of passage for New York brides. DOn’t shy away from the idea if you have a friend that did hers there. Central Park is HUGE! Your pictures are going to be unique.

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2. Brooklyn Bridge Park

The charm of Brooklyn, with a view of Manhattan. That big honkin’ bridge in the background assures everyone that “you are here.” There’s so many cool little quiet spots to have a moment to yourselves, it’s a wild contrast from the epic scale of this city.

 

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1. Coney Island

It’s no secret that I love Coney Island! There’s so much color. The rides are awesome and there are just so many opportunities for great pictures. Whenever I go I have a hard time not going on the beach with my couples to get something that shows just how rad this place is!

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So what do you think? Do you have a favorite spot?

If you’re engaged and looking to get those engagement photos, don’t hesitate to reach out for a quote. With wedding season winding down, now’s a great time to set something up with me.

Rock, Weddings

Top 5 Best “Get out and Dance!” Wedding Songs

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I know what you’re thinking.

“Zac, what does music have to do with Wedding photography?”

EVERYTHING. You have to book a great DJ or band. They need to get you out on the floor dancing. Otherwise, I’m just gonna take a bunch of photos of people eating salmon and filet. No one wants that.

So, as always I’m here to help! Here’s my pick for the all time top 5 best wedding songs that will get your guests out to dance at any age. Kids love these songs, adults do and even your totally unhip moms and dads are likely to bust a move.

5. No Sleep til Brooklyn

Come on how can the Brooklyn Wedding Photographer not offer up some Beastie Boys? And if you’re having your wedding in my borough, you might as well get the masses moving with a local jam.

4. Love Shack

The B-52’s knocked it right out of the park with this one. Hell, they even got RuPaul in on the action. There’s no one breathing that doesn’t start moving once this song starts. Plus during the breakdown you can clear the floor and show your moves to the whole crowd.

3. It’s Tricky

Here’s another all time fav for your party rock friends. Y’know who I’m talking about we all have those friends that get everyone involved on the dance floor. MAKE SURE YOU INVITE THOSE FRIENDS TO YOUR WEDDING. I can’t get the party started alone.

2. Shout

It’s a classic! How do you even stand still while this song is playing? And there’s even a break or two in there so you can catch your breath. I can’t even count the number of times I was shaking on the floor for this song. It’s so much fun!

1. Footloose

I know right! Kenny Loggins had all the hits in the 80’s. The titular song of rebellion in a movie about a town that you it was illegal to dance!? I wish I was a teenager when this song was on rotation. Don’t get me wrong I was still old enough to strap on a pair of quad skates and own it at the skating rink. Here’s another song with a classic dance scene from a movie! How you do sit idly by while this song is on?

What’s the trend here?

So, what did we notice? 4 out of 5 of these songs are from the 1980’s. People love the 80’s. It’s a documented fact… somewhere. The music was fun and people can remember where they were when the song came out, or they just know the words. Both are great recipes for good vibes.

What are your top 5 favorite songs to hear at weddings?

Remember once you know what songs you want you’re gonna want someone that can hang with your reception on that dance floor and get those pictures of your Aunt Becky doing the Dougie. It might as well be me. Email me for a quote, and lets get those engagement pictures taken care of now!

Weddings

5 Things that Happen when you Hire a Brooklyn Photographer 

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1. You’re gonna see some cool locations! 


I know my neighborhood well. But I’m always exploring new ones. My favorite places to shoot are Coney Island, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Central Park. I spend a few days each month scouting new spots. Wanna see where the Beastie Boys took photos with Glen E. Friedman? Or How about we head into TriBeCa and you get Wedding photos in front of the firehouse from Ghostbusters? One thing’s for sure I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.

2. Your photos are gonna look unique. 


I spend a lot of time researching trends of the industry. I prefer to avoid most of them. Some ideas, though, are timeless and I include those into my style. I believe a great photographer never stops learning. In this industry, you really have to sample it all, take what you love and make it a part of you.

3. You’re gonna laugh. No seriously!


One thing is for certain. You and I are gonna have a good time. I love doing this. It’s not just a job. It’s who I am. We’re gonna joke and we’re gonna laugh. There’s gonna be awkward moments, we’re gonna laugh about those too. Who would you rather spend the last few hours of your single life with? Some uptight “been in this business for decades” wedding professional… OR This Guy (I’m pointing at myself)! I’ll do the dang Curly Shuffle if it means putting a smile on your face.

4. We’re all gonna dance. 


I think it’s weird if I’m the only one not moving on the dance floor. I don’t like to call people “square” (seriously that’s just a strange thing to call a person, it’s 2015) but if you won’t dance at a wedding then you are a square. I don’t wanna be the square at your wedding. I love to dance. While you’re at it put Footloose on your Wedding Day Playlist, if you’re having a band play, make sure they know it. Neutron Dance by the Pointer Sisters is pretty great too!

5. You’re gonna have a new friend.


We just spent a whole day together. It was intense! Chances are you cried, chances are I did too. We definitely laughed. We danced, we explored. We both did that wide eyed “I know right!” look when your uncle started breakdancing. How could we not be friends?

There’s a reason folks get married with me then call me up a little later for pregnancy/baby pics and then see me for family photos. I become part of the family. If I grew up with you, chances are I already am. Maybe I’ll stop by on Thanksgiving after dinner for dessert!

Seriously, though this sounds awesome right? Well There’s no time like right now to contact me for a quote. I promise I’m super friendly.

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The Philly Fashion Photographer