Let’s talk about the lovely couple, though. First off, I think that they may have the best jobs of any couple we’ve photographed so far. Brian is a writer/professor. No, really, a real writer. He’s on Amazon and everything. (By the way, that link leads to his novel Through a Pale Door. The protagonist’s name in that novel? Sarah. Yeah, there’s an ‘h’ at the end, but I’m assuming that’s a typesetting error. Did I mention that he wrote Through a Pale Door a few years before he met Sara? Or that the protagonist of the first novel of his that I ever read was named Sarah? I’m not saying Brian is prescient or anything, but…) Anyway, I’m kind of disappointed that he didn’t show up for the engagement session in a tweed jacket with suede elbow patches, but it was a good reminder to me to always consult on wardrobe.

Sara, on the other hand, works with monkeys, apes, and small mammals, which you’ll know, if you’ve ever taught, is pretty much just like teaching. Hah! I kid! (Not really.)

But yeah, I definitely picture the two of them teaming up, getting some grant money, and finally finding out just how many monkeys typing it takes to produce the Twilight series*.

We finished up the shoot in Cool Beans, because love goes better with coffee…

…and Battlestar Galactica reenactments.

*(I’m kidding, of course. Everyone knows the answer is three monkeys, plus a bottle of cheap gin.)

Hans and Lou are a couple of polymaths whose I’ve been privileged to know for the past several years (well, Hans, mostly). Apart from their knowledge of the arithmetic, geometric, and trigonometric arts they tread the boards as actors, Lou has a spectacular singing voice and Hans, as far as I can tell, picked up landscape painting in a single weekend with the help of a Bob Ross DVD. On top of all that, they’re playful, funny, and kind. It’s always delightful to see two great people who fit together so well find each other.

We can’t wait to photograph your wedding, guys!

Are they cute or what?

This is Alethea Kontis. You should read her books-all of them. Some of them are for little kids, some of them are for adults, and some of them are for young adults, which means that she has something you will enjoy…unless you have terrible taste. If you have terrible taste, her books probably aren’t for you, but you should buy them anyway just to look like you have decent taste. Reputation matters.

Also, Alethea is a princess. Now, if you’ve read your George MacDonald, you know that all girls are princesses by virtue of being daughters of the King, but Princess Alethea takes it a step farther by actually dressing the part. (Kids, remember this next time your mom doesn’t want you to wear your tiara to the grocery store.) This, in addition to her natural beauty and effervescence (Woo! spelled it right on the first try!) , makes her a great subject for a photo. When she was in town signing and promoting Enchanted she was kind enough to sit for Wendy and me. I tried to recruit a frog to complete the tableau, but he was uncooperative.

So, to celebrate Princess Alethea’s birthday, give her a shout on Twitter, or on her website, in the comments below, or, better yet, just go buy all her books. I’m pretty sure the princess would appreciate that.

We hope you enjoyed a big helping (or three) of dressing this holiday season and maybe even one too many cups of hot cocoa.  I certainly did.  With that in mind, here’s a fair warning before you keep scrolling.  If you haven’t yet made any New Year’s resolutions, the images you are about to see will make them for you.  Don’t worry.  You’re not alone.  I’ll see you at the gym.  Or better yet…

Gyrotonic Vista!

“What is Gyrotonic?” you might ask.  We’ll get to that, but first, meet Miriam and Rosey, instructors at this uniquely butt-kicking workout and conditioning studio in Columbia, SC.

Seriously, it is one of a kind.  Not only is it rare to find a Gyrotonic studio anywhere in SC, but this one is owned by Miriam Barbosa, one of Columbia, South Carolina’s treasures.  Let me fill you in…

In addition to being an Authorized Master Trainer of the Gyrotonic methodology, Miriam is an expert in the fields of dance and choreography.  She is a former member of the acclaimed Martha Graham Dance Company and founder of the South Carolina Contemporary Dance Company.  We’re talking “artiste” pronounced the way you learned it in French class (but with no pretensions).  Here is an interview with Miriam on ETV.

I had the privilege of being one of her students when she was Associate Artistic Director of the USC Dance Company and Assistant Professor with the USC Dance Program.  She.  Is.  Amazing.

And here is another woman I admire deeply.  Rosemary Carnes has been a dear friend since high school when we studied dance together at the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities.  When we reconnected several years after college, I learned that she had become a professional trainer at Gyrotonic Vista.  Simply put, Rosey is beauty, strength, and grace in one.

This is the part of the post where J.P. says, had it been his post, he would have written…

“And here’s something really cool that I can’t do…”

“…and something else I can’t do…”

“…and something else…”

…which brings us back to what you may have been wondering all along.  What kind of exercise is this?  Well, I won’t pretend that I can do the moves you just saw with such finesse, but I’ve had the chance to experience the Gyrotonic method first hand with these ladies, and I can honestly say that it is for everyone!

Yes – everyone.

Juliu Horvath, a man with his own interesting story, developed the Gyrotonic exercises, equipment, and technique.  Many of the movements give you the sensation that you’re swimming, doing yoga, or dancing.  What’s not to love?  Though you’re working your body the whole time, the movements feel wonderful.

With the right trainers (see images above and below), anyone can do them and improve strength, stamina, flexibility, and coordination!  No dance, swimming or yoga background necessary.  Promise.

Miriam and Rosey are people you need to know.  They are caring trainers, knowledgeable instructors, and just downright fun.

Here’s some proof that they work well together.

After a Gyrotonic workout I feel…hungry.  But after that, I feel like my body has loosened, opened up–like I can, after a long, stressful, exhausting week, finally breathe.  So start the New Year off right, and come check out a class.  Afterward, maybe we can grab a sandwich.

That said, Wendy and I were totally overwhelmed by all the fantastic elements of Lynn and Brian’s wedding. Where to begin? Oh yeah, how about with a custom-made cake topper in the likeness of the bride and groom?

Yeah, just go ahead and get your Pinterest button warmed up, because it’s that kind of wedding…

The wedding took place at the beautiful Island House on Johns Island (seriously, there should be an apostrophe in there).

Lynn works at the Island House, so if you’re looking for a beautiful place to have your wedding, if you go there, you’ll not only have a gorgeous location (and you haven’t seen the half of it yest) but you’ll have an absolutely delightful contact person as well. It’s pretty much a win all around.

I told you Lynn is delightful. Did I tell you she’s lovely as well? (Don’t worry, though, she won’t dress like this for your wedding.)

Brian and Lynn exchanged cards and gifts before they saw each other. I love their faces as they read one another’s words on their wedding day.

Brian and Lynn chose to have a first look–seeing each other before the ceremony and giving them some time together before the rush of the day fully sets in.

It’s wonderful to watch these two together–they constantly make each other laugh.

So I showed you the front of the Island House…are there any photogenic locations around back? Hmmm…

Gorgeous much?

The lovely flowers were provided by Local Roots Florist.

First Class Band kept the party going…

…and Brian’s brother Greg even joined up with them for one song.

That 1970 Cadillac Coupe de Ville behind the guys was provided by Shuttle Hogs.

Near the end of the night, Brian and Lynn lit up the sky with sky lanterns. (And nobody caught on fire!)

Brian and Lynn: thank you for having us be a part of your magical day!

Until next time…

Summer is drawing to a close, and for all the students out there who are disappointed by that, trust me that your sadness pales in comparison to that of your teachers. Still, it’s a great time to celebrate the end of summer, and how better to do that than with a beach wedding?

Heather and Brett wanted their wedding to be a really great party with their family and close friends and I think you’ll be able to tell they succeeded admirably!

And after the ceremony, on to the party…and eating.

…and they danced the night away!

Heather and Brett, your wedding was an absolute blast and we hope that your marriage is even more fun, and even more filled with beauty!

Donna and B.J. had a wedding that fit them perfectly: beautiful, relaxed, and lots of fun. Before the wedding, though, Donna had a bridal session with us at 701 Whaley and the Horseshoe. That gave her a chance to wear her dress, figure out how to bustle it, and to learn our posing tips so that on the day of her wedding she was ready. Donna knows how to rock an s-curve!

Yeah, check out those eyes.

The wedding itself was at Seacoast Irmo, and although it was a touch warm (as Columbia in June is wont to be) it really could not have been a much more beautiful day.

The flowers were provided by Debby West of  Think Floral who is not only delightful, but who clearly knows more about flowers than I can ever hope to know.

Here’s B.J. ironing out some last-minute kinks. Note that he’s smiling. Donna and B.J. both stayed relaxed throughout the day and all the little things that keep weddings interesting.

The bride and her lovely bridesmaids!

The ring bearer was a bit of a ham…

…but when your sisters are this cute, you have to do something to get attention!

…and we’re just gettin’ started with the adorable kids…

I don’t know what you’re laughing at, kiddo. I’m not the one with my hand over the lens.   :-)

Here are more beautiful flowers by Debby West.

Don’t you love the way they look at one another?

I thought these personalized fans were a perfect favor to commemorate the day and they were a hit with the kids.

Donna also had the inside of B.J.’s ring inscribed–a nice reminder.

“And they lived happily ever after.”

]]> http://www.lumosstudio.com/blog/2012/06/bj-donna-a-columbia-wedding/feed/ 0 http://www.lumosstudio.com/blog/2012/06/carolyn-dustin-columbia-wedding/ http://www.lumosstudio.com/blog/2012/06/carolyn-dustin-columbia-wedding/#comments Tue, 05 Jun 2012 20:26:08 +0000 J.P. http://www.lumosstudio.com/blog/?p=1564 Today we’re taking a sneak peek at Carolyn and Dustin’s wedding. Carolyn (like my gorgeous wife, Wendy) is one of three sisters, all of whom are lovely and all of whom I’ve known for several years now.  I don’t know what is is about sets of three sisters (we photographed another set recently), but it seems like they’re consistently beautiful. There’s probably some genetic explanation for it, but I prefer to believe it has to do with fairy godparents.

In keeping with fairy-tale decorum, Carolyn found a prince and got married so that suitors are free to pursue her younger sisters. (That’s how it works, right?) Of course, to marry the princess, a suitable suitor must arise. This isn’t the dark ages, though; we’re not talking about a guy on a white horse looking to score a maiden who has huge tracts of land. No, Carolyn needed to find a man who could match the passion and conviction of her beliefs, and she found just such a suitor in Dustin.

Dustin had to come from the far-off land of Colorado to find Carolyn, but I’m sure he’d agree the journey was well worth it.

Now, every princess needs her attendants, and Carolyn is no different in this respect. Here is her sister preparing for the ball…er, wedding.

But princes get to have their comrades-in-arms, too.

Every princess needs pretty things.

A gift from the prince never hurts.

…especially when it’s shiny.

The princess gets a kiss from her mom before the ceremony.

Last minute instructions never hurt.

If fairy-tales have taught us anything it’s that kisses are magical.

…and there was much rejoicing!

…and a little more kissing.

…and then on to the ball! (Reception, whatever!)

…where there was feasting!

And dancing!

And some just standing around looking good.

A grand time was had by all. Huge thanks to the magic workers who helped make it all happen, like Jenise Etheredge from Help Me Plan, Rex from Woolbright Floral, Signature Transportation, who ferried the bridal party safely from place to place in the party carriage, and to Intensity, who kept everyone at the ball dancing all night long.

]]> http://www.lumosstudio.com/blog/2012/06/carolyn-dustin-columbia-wedding/feed/ 0 http://www.lumosstudio.com/blog/2012/03/lydia-columbia-bridal-portraits/ http://www.lumosstudio.com/blog/2012/03/lydia-columbia-bridal-portraits/#comments Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:54:00 +0000 J.P. http://www.lumosstudio.com/blog/?p=1550 With the weather turning gloriously spring-like here in Columbia (then turning frigidly cold, then monsoon-esque, then summer-ish, then back to spring) it’s a great time for bridal portraits! Unfortunately, no matter how much I’d like to show you some of the gorgeous brides we’ve photographed recently, I dare not face their (or their mothers’) ire by letting you see their photos before their wedding day. (‘Ire’, in case you’re not familiar with the word, means ‘bludgeoning’.)

Fortunately, though, we have some lovely bridals we can share with you from Lydia’s session last spring at Columbia’s 701 Whaley.

Lydia really knows how to rock a serious pose, as you can see.

But she also has a great smile.

And those eyes!

With spring upon us, things are getting pretty exciting at the Lumos household. Come back later this week for more on mobile photography, and keep your eyes peeled for more brides as their wedding days arrive.

1. Books with beautiful photos and no information at all about how to take them
2. Books filled with pages upon pages of information on developing your prints and using equipment that I wouldn’t get my hands on for another 15 years.

There wasn’t much in the way of instruction about how to take a consumer-level camera and just take better pictures. That’s why, when I found it, the work of Nick Kelsh was such a revelation. In his book How to Photograph Your Family, he broke photography down into three simple rules:

1. Get close
2. Take more photos
3. Turn off your flash

This was instruction I could work with. Later on I’ll look at points two and three, but in this post I’d like to explore the effect that getting close will have on your photos.

How getting close improves your photography

I have to start by saying that any “rule” of photography has probably been broken at least a thousand times to amazing effect, so when I make a photographic suggestion, just translate that as, “This will probably work well a good bit of the time, except when it doesn’t.”

Getting close allows your viewer to focus on your subject and eliminates distracting elements from your photo. Here’s a picture I took of my Mom’s (mean) cat, Kitty:

Kitty was sitting on a couch with a print pattern and a blanket thrown over its back, next to a floor lamp. While I was grateful for the light the lamp provided, neither it, nor the couch, nor the blanket, added anything to the image I wanted to capture. As such, I got (dangerously) close to Kitty and took this shot. The distracting elements are (almost) gone. (I still kind of hate that the lamp’s stand is in the background.) The focus is on the cat, where I wanted it.

If you’re taking a photo of your children, what is important to you? Is it the place they’re sitting, the pants they’re wearing, or is it their faces? Some of the most beautiful children’s portraits I’ve ever seen were of nothing but the child’s eyes.

This isn’t just true for portraits, though. By making your subject the star of your photo you help direct your viewer’s attention to what you want them to see.

This pocket watch was a wedding gift from my friend Rob. I filled my frame with the watch because, well, the table it was sitting on was pretty boring. Also, I was tempted to include more of the chain, but realized it would have been at the expense of the watch’s face, which was my main subject. It wasn’t worth it–the chain had to go.

Be careful!

When Nick Kelsh told his reader to “get close”, he explained that he didn’t actually mean to stand physically close to your subject, but rather to zoom your lens in as tight as you can and fill the frame with your subject. The reason for this is that when you get very close to a subject, it tends to distort it. Try taking a photo of yourself with your camera close enough to your face to fill the frame from edge to edge. Yeah, not exactly flattering, is it?

[I was going to put a photo here of myself that I had taken from about 8 inches away but was afraid I'd scare young children.]

You can get around that problem by zooming in, but unfortunately, there aren’t many camera phones with optical zoom and digital zoom is not something you want to use. As a result, when photographing people with a camera phone, you have to find a balance where you maintain intimacy and keep your subject the dominant element in the photo but also avoid unflattering distortion. This photo of my father-in-law is one of my favorites that I’ve taken of him and, like the other pictures on this page, was taken with my iPhone.

You might notice that Sid’s hands look a little big. That’s because they’re the closest thing to the lens, and things that are close to the lens will be magnified. Since a person’s nose is generally the foremost thing on their face, getting too close can result in some most unfortunate distortion. Don’t do that to your friends.

The next time you get your camera phone out to snap a picture, stop to think about what is important in the photo and, if you can, make that the only thing in the photo. Just don’t get too close to a mean cat.

If you enjoyed this, you can read more of my musings on mobile photography here.