Artography by Dlonzo, Weddings

I shot my first wedding in late 70’s or early 80’s. I don’t know for sure, but I know it was before 1982.
In November of 1982 Dlonzo Modeling Troupe was born and I had begun photographing my models.

Weddings are not easy to shoot. The ceremony itself can cause a problem depending on the religion and the church, etc. Lighting can also be a problem. And having a flash go off during the ceremony just doesn’t seem right at all. That’s probably the reason I prefer natural lighting. The subject doesn’t always know the picture is being taken and they can be more relaxed.

Since I’ve been taking pictures, I think I may have shot nine, maybe ten weddings total. I learned a lot by doing this. One, if a bride doesn’t have a wedding planner, the photographer steps into that role. Making sure the pictures are taken in a timely fashion and that the couple get to enjoy their special day. There is nothing worse than spending the reception taking pictures and not being able to enjoy the reception.
So you structure a time table of what happens when and as long as the pictures come out, then everyone is happy.

There was one wedding that I did that I didn’t get the best shots because of lighting, so I shifted gears to taking the pictures for the newspaper. Either the engagement shots or the wedding shot.
At that point I realized I could create something unique. Taking pictures after the ceremony in unique locations.

I’ve always been very selective about who I photographed and how I put together the books, it put me in demand strictly by word of mouth. I didn’t want to do every wedding that came along, so I could pick and choose.
I wouldn’t mind doing a wedding or two that are not typical, but I prefer just capturing the couple so that they can have that one picture to display.

The wedding pictures to a couple are only important to them just as all of my photographs are important to me. People might look at them, but that’s just it, they are only looking. They don’t see the story, what is in the subjects eyes. How the sky looked, the expression on the faces. There is more to it.
I came up with a few unique things to put in the thank you cards as well. It was all about doing something no other photographer was doing.


Artography by Dlonzo “It’s not just a Photograph, it’s Art!”

If you are in need of an artist/photographer to capture your event from concept to completion contact me, 1960Photo@gmail.com or Photo1960@aol.com

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again to see where the journey leads.

Check out my other blogs for more insight.
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com
http://filmlover4pg.blogspot.com
http://artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.
Taking it one day at a time. Keep the faith.

Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

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The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

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The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

The story behind the Photograph (The Weddings)

The story behind the Photograph The Weddings - I am not a big advocate of weddings so as a photographer I’ve stayed away from them. The reason is just that people expect miracles to happen. Of course now in this digital age a photographer can create miracles, but I prefer to capture natural beauty. I don’t like manipulating photographs other than to create visual effects so I use filters for that purpose.

In all of my years of taking photographs I’ve done nine weddings. The first wedding was easy. I think the reason is because I only shot the reception. Some churches don’t allow photography or they don’t want the photographer on the altar.

The second wedding I photographed had some good shots and some not so good shots. The setting wasn’t right and the wedding was put together so quickly there was not time to check out the places before hand. For me as a photographer having everything planned out is very important.

I had pretty much decided weddings would not be a part of my list of events to photograph so I didn’t include it on my business card.
Of course things happen and you find yourself going against what you said you wouldn’t do.
One of my models insisted that I do their wedding. I couldn’t refuse after all this person had done for me. I agreed to do the wedding on one condition. That I allow to do the photographs I wanted after the wedding. This was going to involve locations. Some of the unused locations in New Orleans.

I was already psyched about these photographs that I was able to shoot everything else without any real problems. I made sure I had enough film and took more pictures than I would normally take just in case. I wanted to make sure the client had what they needed to tell their story. From the rehearsal to the reception.

I did find out something very important. As they say you learn something new everyday… When a bride doesn’t have a wedding planner, it is the responsibility of the photographer to make sure things run smoothly. That means making sure the wedding party doesn’t spend the entire reception taking pictures. You are responsible for setting up the first dance with the DJ or band. You are to get the group shots, the cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc. You pretty much run the show. It was all a great experience and I had no problem with that.
I was looking forward to the on location stuff because this is where I was going to get to create ART. That’s what I do.

In 1999 I photographed my last wedding. Once again another model asked me to photograph his wedding. Of course I had to explain to him that although he liked my work it was his soon to be wife’s wedding. So they came over for a consult to look at my work and to discuss her vision and my vision.
I went over to the reception hall, everything was going to take place under one roof. Once again I would take on the responsibility of making sure the wedding was on schedule and that they were able to enjoy their reception. I was pleased with what I had done. Which for me is very important because if I don’t feel as if I’ve done my best then I didn’t do my job. I have to make sure the client is happy with the finished product.

The one thing about doing photographs of family and friends for such memorable events is that if something goes wrong it could destroy that relationship. Wedding photography I believe is the most stressful job a photographer can take on. There is a big burden that comes along with the job. If you can think of it as an art, then you can get through it as a surreal experience. Since we are now in the digital age I might consider doing a wedding when I start meeting people again. I would want to have total freedom and do what I do best. Create ART!

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
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While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.