Tag Archives: Weddings

Weddings

Why You Want to Shell out for the Second Shooter

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What do all of these photos have in common? Either I shot them as a 2nd Shooter or they were taken by one I hired to work with me for the day.

Often when I’m talking to brides and grooms about budget, they ask about whether they really need a second shooter. My answer is almost always an emphatic “YES!”

It does seem like a silly thing though. Why do you need a 2nd person there to take pics of the exact same thing? I mean I totally understand, wedding planning is a study in where you can save a few bucks to spend on something else, or maybe just put toward your future. I’m behind the save money plan, believe me, but this is one area you should actually splurge a little.

The Houdini Rule!

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I’m pretty great. But, I’m not gonna lie, I’m not able to be in two places at once. If you’re getting ready at one spot and your groom is at his hotel/parents’/yacht, it’s going to be impossible for me to get the both of you getting ready. These are the last few hours of single life. You can bet there’s gonna be some memories/rituals that you’re both going to want to look back on. Also, if the area is nice enough, we can bust out some of those posed photos of the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen so you have more time for Cocktail hour!

Candids! Candids! Candids!

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I firmly believe that the best photographs come from those unguarded moments when you are not aware that you’re having pictures taken of you. I’m a photojournalist by trade. I like to get real moments. Sometimes that means that while you may be paying attention to me setting you up for family pictures, my second is getting candid photos of your uncle and brother and father chatting off to the side. Having a 2nd means getting those sweet moments that don’t directly include you and the groom. I’m all over photos with you two all day, be assured, very little slips passed my lens, but a 2nd fills in those gaps.

It’s all in the Details! 

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I’m a big picture guy myself. I like to get people moments. That’s who I am. Photojournalism is about people. When I get to bring along a 2nd I try to make sure they are ready to get the details (cake, centerpiece, silverware, RINGS) while she/he is getting the little stuff, I’m free to get the sweeping moments. There’s a lot happening and a lot to take in. Having a 2nd means you’re going to have a more complete vision of your day.

Were Gonna need Back-up!

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Ok need is probably a little strong, but it’s nice to have those 2nd angles sometimes. Often there’s something about another person’s eye that just sees the moment in a different way. That can be magical. One thing I learned as a 2nd Shooter when I started in the industry was to be aware of the other person shooting and try to get something different than they where. We’re all telling a story, and the same story might look different through another person’s lens.

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!

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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.

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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!

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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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Weddings

“If You Start Me Up!”….

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…Just like the Rolling Stones said “If you start me up I’ll never stop.”  I’ve been waiting about a year to start a blog for my wedding photography.  If you’ve read my other blogs, you know that I like to get right into the thick of the scene and produce a story to show you what it was like to be there.  I guess you could say I’m trying to help you live vicariously through my lens.  I’ve been having a blast doing it at rock shows so now I want to bring that momentum and enthusiasm over to the wedding arena.

My angle is simple: I’m New York’s Rock N’ Roll Wedding Photographer. Each week I’ll recap a previous wedding and give you a top ten photos.  I’ll tell you what it was like for me as an outsider looking in, and we’ll just see where it goes from there. I think you can dig it.  So here’s to romance, good music and a gathering of old and new friends!