The University of Washington

One foggy day at the UW.

Published!

Many thanks to Kat at Rock 'n Roll Bride for featuring yours truly. This one goes out to Roxanne and Michiel for surfing in their wedding attire. Roxanne, you are TRULY a Rock 'n Roll superstar! View Kat's Rock 'n Roll Bride blog HERE.

The 24-105 F/4L IS USM Lens from Canon

(all photos shot with the 24-105 f/4L IS USM and Canon 5D Mark II)

I love this lens. I use it all the time. However, I've never taken it to a wedding. So why did I pay $1300 for it if I don't use it at weddings? This lens isn't a good people lens, but it is without question the "perfect landscape lens" from Canon. Better than any lens I've used, and I'll explain why.

Range - 24-105 is such a huge range, 84 degrees at it's widest, 23 degrees at it's narrowest on a full-frame sensor.

Aperature - This has the smallest minimum aperture in it's class (f/27). All the other lenses max out at f/22. The smaller the aperture, the greater the depth of field. Let's be honest- f/27 = sexy.

IS (Image stabilization)- Landscapes hold still. Therefore, having a fast lens isn't a necessity or even a commodity. Having a lens that allows for the smallest possible aperture is very preferable when shooting landscapes. When using a tripod (ALWAYS the first choice) isn't an option, as is the case when I'm flying in a helicopter shooting aerial shots of Seattle or when I'm underwater taking pictures of a surfing bride, having in-lens image stabilization is SO valuable. The 3rd generation image stabilization technology in this lens helps hold the lens element still for the ability to shoot 3 stops down. Thus, I'm able to shoot at F/22 rather than F/8 (on any other lens without IS) when hand holding, a benefit that is absolutely priceless.

L - supreme optics with 13 groups in 18 elements, as well as a super fast focusing speed. Excellent color rendition and image quality help capture the finest details of the landscape.

When compared to the other options (16-35mm F/2.8L, 24-70 F/2.8L 24mm F/1.4L and 14mm F/2.8L II) this one is just simply better for landscapes. 14mm is too wide and without the ability to zoom if the item you're photographing doesn't fill the frame. 24mm F/1.4L is a great prime, but who care's about an F/1.4L when you're shooting at the smallest possible aperture? The 16-35 and 24-70 don't have IS, and are a full stop faster, something not valued in the landscape world. The focus and zoom rings are smooth and the entire lens feels just right and handles nicely. I really like the size and weight of this lens when I'm out in the field. The weather sealing also comes in handy if you are hiking/shooting in humid conditions but note that Canon recommends a UV filter for maximum weather sealing on this lens. If you're just a wedding/portrait photographer, this lens shouldn't be part of your lineup. However, if you have big clients that love beautiful landscape photos on their walls, this lens is a MUST HAVE. Get the picture?

Meet Krista

Most of the time I'm a one man show. However, some of you know that I collaborated with Krista on several projects this year including her wedding, and the photos have been amazing.
Since then, I've asked her to come along and give me a hand at a number of weddings, her style and unique skill set seem to perfectly compliment how I work. She adds style and flair which can easily be seen in the photo shoots we do together. Understanding her background helps explain why. Krista is a Seattle area textile and fashion designer with her own (very) successful business- owner of kristahandbags.com, her handbags have a unique style and are sold locally and abroad. Like me, Krista is the owner of a small business and understands the demands that go into something worthy of putting your name on.

Krista started her design career early, making clothes for her family from scratch at the age of 8. She gained notoriety by entering textile contests at the Washington State Fair and taking first place year after year, 10 years in all. Her designs were hung at local fabric stores with the first place ribbons she won and. People were surprised to find out that a 12 year old was behind it, and she started getting people coming to her with various quilting and custom design jobs. She quickly gained a reputation among peers for her edgy style and attention to detail. I am honored to now have her bring her talents to the world of photography! Ideas and styles are fresh and artistic. Having worked together recently (including my most recent wedding in New York), I am happy to announce that she has joined me in a more permanent position and will be doing most of my shoots with me from now on. Stay tuned for more amazing images inspired by the newest member of my team. I am proud to have her on board!

Nicole and Kevin (Engagement)

Matt and Pamela (Wedding) - New York City

Matt and Pamela, I wish all the best for you! My first wedding in New York City, and I really wanted to try to capture as much of it as I could. Grand Central Terminal, a park with a view of the Financial District and the Brooklyn Bridge, Calvary Cemetery and a hot dog stand in Manhattan. The whole crowd was totally surprised when they surprised the crowd with a tango dance at the end. No one knew they had been practicing. Amazing!
Many many thanks to Krista for coming along with me and helping me throughout the day- these photos wouldn't be the same without you!

I Know I Promised

To post the New York City wedding today... but this one has more photos than any wedding I've ever shot and I need one more day to make sure everything is perfect! So... here's one of Matt and Pamela at Grand Central Terminal. Completely handheld at 1/2 second. The rest will be up tomorrow!

Success!!!

Today marks the successful completion of the largest project of my photography career: The Space Needle greenscreen. Met with them today, they loved the photos- so now I'm FINALLY able to publish the other 4 photos chosen. They said it's going to launch on or around April 1st, 2010. I've been working on this at least 200 hours on this since May, and while it was an honor to be the one trusted by them to do it, I'm relieved it's over. Now it's back to photographing weddings, focusing on school, and more website redesign. Thank you to Ron (CEO) and Lisa (Retail Manager) for choosing me for this project!

Space Needle Greenscreen Preview

Here ya go. Got home from school yesterday and immediately started working on these. I have a big meeting with the Space Needle tomorrow, they're going to pick out their favorites... there are a few more photos, but I'll release those after they've decided. These photos were taken from Kerry Park, a helicopter and walking on the rim of the Space Needle.

Matt and Pamela Wedding Preview Part II

What? It was their idea too. This and other photos from my New York City wedding coming by Thursday!