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Creative Inspiration - Where We Get Ours

As artists, we’re constantly seeking influence and ideas to keep our work fresh and informed. But there is a danger, if we look at other wedding photographers we might be blending in, instead of standing out. We try to take inspiration from great photographer’s outside the wedding and portrait industry for just that reason.

We thought some of you might enjoy taking a peak at the fantastic artists that we love. Here they are, in no particular order of favor.

1. CJ Burton
CJ’s style is very unique. As a graduate of Art Center in Pasadena, he quickly made a name for himself in commercial photography. His work is very illustrative, he uses a lot of Photoshop to create conceptual images. A technique he’s known for, is photographing miniatures and figurines to composite them with full size people or objects.

2. Jill Greenberg
Jill has a unique style all her own. Her work is signified by very even, wrap-around light with bright shiny highlights and sharp detail. She has two works that we favor quite a bit. First, the crying baby series. This was a very controversial shoot, and you can read more about it on her site. The kids expressions are so raw, and rarely do you see images that pull on your heart so strongly. Secondly, she also takes very human like portraits of primates.

3. Jim Fiscus
Jim Fiscus does a lot of celebrity photography. He also creates very illustrative conceptual images. His work also exhibits that evenly lit and sharply detailed look. We’re such fans of pictures that you can spend some time exploring.

4. Dave Hill
Dave Hill is another one of my favorites. He’s 27, and already heading to the top of his game. What we find most interesting about Dave, is that he never went to photo school. He never assisted other photographers. He just bought some lights and started experimenting.

Dave’s style primarily features complex lighting configurations in outdoor settings. You’ll notice that despite the fact that he’s shooting under noonday sun, the blue sky is dark and often dreary looking. His subjects are well illuminated against the darkened background. Dave will spend as much as one week, mastering a single image. You’ll notice that his even, wrap-around lighting style is similar to Greenberg’s. Dave goes further by blending multiple images to create something that just can’t be done in-camera.

5. Amy Dresser
Okay, so technically Amy isn’t a photographer. She’s a retouch artist. Amy actually was Jill Greenberg’s full-time retouch artist for several years. Her technique is well-informed by her background in illustration and painting. She has a wildly fun portfolio of before and after images, and she’s truly a master of her craft. Take a look.

6. Christophe Huet
Christophe’s work speaks for itself. He’s not just another retouch artist, he’s a luminary. Christophe has won several awards for his work on advertisements that have been seen all over the world. On many of his images, you can see a step-by-step build to give you a glimpse into how some of the images were created.

So that’s just a small sampling of photographers we admire, there are dozens more in a variety of disciplines from fashion to architectural.

Who do you admire? Post a comment and let us know if there is someone else we should by studying too.

1 comment April 2nd, 2008

Monique Lhuillier - Salt Lake City Trunk Show

Monique LhuillierYou don’t have to be able to pronounce her last name to appreciate her fantastic design.

Monique’s gowns are sought after by discerning brides from across the globe. Brides routinely fly into Salt Lake City to see gowns from her collection. For those not familiar, Monique launched her first bridal collection in 1996, from there, she very quickly became one of the top designers in bridal fashion.

Her fashions have been seen on shows like Sex and the City and Will & Grace. Monique’s Ready-To-Wear collection has been worn by megastars such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Connelly, Janet Jackson, Angelina Jolie, Debra Messing, Sharon Stone, Mariah Carey, Sarah Michelle Geller and many, many others.

This is your chance to see these highly sought after bridal gowns, up-close and in-person. Alta Moda Bridal will be hosting a Monique Lhuillier trunk show in Salt Lake City. This is one of the best opportunities to see a Monique Lhuillier collection in Utah. A company representative will be on-site to answer any questions you might have about the gowns. Check out their web site and then review the collection in person.

When: April 4th & 5th.
Where: Alta Moda Bridal. Call (801)531-1215 for an appointment.

Add comment March 25th, 2008

Shoot With Beckstead.

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One of the world’s top wedding photographers is coming to Salt Lake City to lead a 2-day workshop.

Who: David Beckstead was named one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the world by American Photo Magazine. He commands top billing for his services, and travels the world shooting weddings.

David is known for his creative use of composition, light, shadows, lines and shapes to construct visually stunning wedding photographs.

What: This is your opportunity to learn from one of the very best. The Shoot With Beckstead workshop is a master class in creating beautiful photographs with the elements at hand. The workshop consists of 2 solid days of intensive shooting, instruction and critique.

David will help you to see light, subjects and environments in new ways to create the unexpected. Posing, arrangement and other techniques will be demonstrated. In addition, training in location lighting techniques, including lights and reflectors will also be covered.

Alta Moda Bridal Boutique will be providing some of the finest couture wedding gowns as well as skilled models for the shoot.

When: Monday April 21 & Tuesday April 22, all day.

Where: Retrospect is very proud to host this event. The workshop will be on-location at a variety of spots showcasing urban chic and natural beauty. Discussion and critique will take place at our studio, located in the downtown arts district near the Gateway. Retrospect Studios, 230 S. 500 W. #245, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Why: You’ll leave the workshop forever changed. You’ll learn how to compose the elements at hand in creative new ways and your work will reach a new level. Workshop fee is $600 per student. It’s a small price to pay to bring your work to the next level.

This your chance to invest in your creativity and craft, don’t let it pass you by. For more booking information, contact Kassandra Beckstead via swb@shootwithbeckstead.com.

More info:
www.ShootWithBeckstead.com
swb.bigfolioblog.com
www.DavidBeckstead.com

Add comment March 18th, 2008

Justina McCaffrey in Salt Lake.

Alta Moda Bridal, is hosting Justina McCaffrey this weekend in Salt Lake City. Justina is a premiere bridal fashion designer, based in Ottawa, Ontario Canada and a graduate of FIDM in Los Angeles.

Her gowns are 100% silk, inside and out and have an interior corset construction which is unique to her line. Her signature, is her long and elaborate draped skirts. She’s designed for movie stars and top politicians. Justina is considered one of the top 5 designers in the US.

AND She’s in Salt Lake City right now!!!

Events:
1. Fox13, Morning News, around 8:00 AM.
2. Good Things Utah, ABC4 at 10:00 AM.
3. Bridal Fashion show, at the Gateway Wedding show on Saturday, February 23rd.

In addition, a collection of her fabulous gowns will be on display at Alta Moda, 637 E. 500 S. This is your chance to see the gowns up close, and in person! For an appointment, please call Alta Moda at 801-531-1215.

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1 comment February 22nd, 2008

Someone stole my heart(s).

I like artichokes. A lot. I eat em like penny candies. But you know, they’re not cheap! A tiny little jar, costs what… $5? So I don’t often indulge.

Heidi, knowing my fondness for them, got me a GIGANTIC jar. Seriously, it was huge! She thought it’d make a fun “just because” type gift. When she presented the jar to me I said, “Holy cow, did we win the lottery!?” Turns out they were just a smoking deal, courtesy of CostCo.

So… Later that day, we dropped my car off at the dealership for some routine maintenance. We picked it up, and headed back home. I popped the back-door handle, ready to lift the jar off the seat and take it inside like a new baby, but then… my heart sank. IT WAS GONE!

Who would steal a jar of artichoke hearts?!?!?!

And, it’s not like we can call and complain. I’d feel stupid. “Uhmn, yeah… There was a jar of Artichoke hearts in my car when I dropped it off, and now it’s not there.” Phone jockey, “Sir, with all due respect… who would steal a jar of artichoke hearts?”

3 comments February 18th, 2008

Valentine’s Day: The Sexy Girl Session

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What’s better than giving someone else a present that you yourself adore? Nothing. That’s what the Sexy Girl Session is all about.

Either schedule one for yourself and surprise him with some beautiful prints OR let her know how beautiful you think she is by purchasing her a session for Valentine’s day. The shots will be family friendly (we’re a family studio!). Heidi will be photographing, and these sessions are for GIRLS ONLY.

The Sexy Girl sessions are available year round, but they’re priced at a special rate just for Valentine’s.

So… give us a call (801)550-5605 for more details and scheduling. Check out these sample shots of our fabulous clients, Amy & Melissa.


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Add comment January 21st, 2008

Alta Moda Trunk Shows!

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Alta Moda, is hosting two bridal gown trunk shows in January. Alvina Valenta’s line will be shown January 11-12t. Augusta Jones’ line is on January 24th & 25th.

So what’s a trunk show? It’s your chance to see a traveling collection from a designer’s latest line. Visit Alta Moda’s events page and see the right column for a detailed explanation and a little more info on the events!

Add comment January 10th, 2008

You Got Published!

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We got our hands on an issue of Latter Day Bride Magazine. We knew we’d be featured in the magazine, but we didn’t know that THREE of our great couples would be included!

Congratulations to Leah & Paul! The magazine loved the pictures and you’re the only bride they’ve seen with a chocolate brown dress! Plus, the fact that you were married in Hawaii might have something to do with it!

Also Jessica & Brett! They loved that you stopped off at Nielsen’s on your wedding day, it made for some really unique photos! I’m so glad that we tagged along with our cameras!

Lastly, Kayla & Cole! The image of you clearly shows how in love you two are!

Oh yeah, one other little surprise… The magazine got picked up by Borders AND Barnes & Noble. Your pictures will be seen by other brides ALL AROUND the country! Cool, huh?!

4 comments December 29th, 2007

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