This was my third time speaking at the DWF convention, which, by the way is made up of the most progressive wedding and portrait photographers in the world. To be asked to appear and speak to this group just once is such an overwhelming honor, but for a third time…. it just leaves me speechless with gratitude. A big thank you to those that attended the night time shooting demonstration, below are the images that we shot.

Melissa and René were so generous to model for us, if the images are beautiful it is more because they are such a gorgeous couple and not because of our special techniques. The above image and two below images were shot with two cheap video lights.

I’ve have been a fan of old “film noir” since I was a child - watching old movies on weekends with my Mom. All of that influence is paying off.. I love, love shadow rich images.

Need soft light? The image below was from a 4′x6′ improvised soft box from a table cloth or bed sheet. Camera all auto, flash ttl, no special math.

The image below was shot with a pocket flashlight borrowed from the audience.


Above, a group shot (wedding party) using a single flash over multiple frames. Not everyone was in the frame at the same time.
Below, some good old fashion painting with light using a video light snooted with a glove.

A special thanks to those helping me put. Above from left to right, Christina Smith, which I teased a little bit about being my flower girl, the ultra talented “McLellans“, Mel and Sean, the very hip “Fullers“, Erin and Chad, and the stars of the show - Melissa and René, the blob in the middle is myself, and playing the drunk groomsman at the very right is Jeff who’s wife and my long, long time friend, Rochelle was behind the scenes operating my camera. Also, an extra big thanks to Ray Prevost for his photoshop mastery during my demonstration…
below, more painting with light.


-jmc
6 Comments
March 10th, 2010
8:34 am
Hi, John! Thank you so much for speaking at WPPI, and for opening up your studio for everyone to come visit! My friend and I spoke to you briefly at the tradeshow, but we’re hoping to make it over today to say hi…see you soon! (We might have a little favor to ask…)
March 10th, 2010
6:57 pm
thanks for an entertaining morning @ Wppi with the live entertainment and all! I am glad I was able to hear you speak - nice to see someone edgy in this industry…
March 10th, 2010
11:58 pm
It was great meeting you both tonight. Your studio is really nice. Best of luck!
~Shaida
March 12th, 2010
12:56 pm
howdy jmc+dalisa…
pleasure to meet you both and a big thank you for opening your studio doors and letting us in for a peek. love LOVE your work and wish you both the best! xx
March 19th, 2010
8:17 am
I know we came by late… but we had to see the new digs… WHICH IS AWESOME! Thanks for letting us stop by… it was so great seeing both of you again!
July 25th, 2010
10:23 pm
ok, so it’s been a few months, and I don’t know what made me think of it, but I thought your platform at wppi was mind bowing - the sketches and the images you took during the event and how it all came together in the end has been engraved in my mind eve since. I also loved you shooting digitl without the screen- I actually taped my camera till I realised i had to first format my card and make sure it was empty..but anyway - just saying thanks- it was a truly inspiring presentation and I love your work! thanks
shani