Yes you want a professional! EVERYTIME
I am still new to vlogging and hope that each shows improvement along the way. If I'm honest I don't particularly enjoy doing them, but if only one person finds them helpful, entertaining or insightful then its worth the effort. I am still very uncomfortable in front of my camera and I can see the benefits of that. I hope it helps me relate to those who do it so much better than myself but also help me relate to my clients who I ask to be themselves in front of my camera. I say that to announce that going forward I am going to try a few things different, one of which is to be more genuine regardless of whose feathers I ruffle. Heck, maybe that will even help my views LOL. This video touches on how I have learned the value of what I do for a living, to other. How my capturing your moments is so much more than a few pictures to look back on some time. I strive to record your life with those you adore, and of yourself. I do not have near enough people shooting for themselves in my opinion. I had an engagement session this past weekend in Chilhowie, Va and it was the first time we ever met. This is always exciting to meet new people, and hear how they met and the try and capture the love story which is so genuinely there own. We were talking about whether the groom to be should tuck his shirt in or not and when they asked my advice I was quick to say " I want you to be yourself and the as comfortable as possible." He decided that untucked was the way, and when I explained that I was there to tell their story not to write it for them, that I had a moment of clarity. At that moment I realized that is exactly what my goal is in every situation, at every session, and for every wedding, I'm blessed to record. This is a reason you should hire a professional. Anyone can show up and push the button when asked. A professional will be early to learn the location, it's lighting, the best options for your time together and work with you to create something special. This is not a stab at the newcomer or what has quickly been dubbed the "soccer moms with cameras" and for the record, this means soccer dads too but the men are far outnumbered in my opinion. We all start somewhere but the proper way to do that is to assist and second shoot for others, not just hope for the best and as the client, you shouldn't be ok with that either. You should KNOW going in that there is nothing left to chance, this doesn't mean that "shit doesn't hit the fan" and things go wrong. Cameras can malfunction and memory cards can fail but hopefully, this will be something your photographer is prepared for as much as one can be. Life is so short, trust your memories to someone who cares about them as much as yourself. I care about my clients, their thoughts, opinions, emotions, and expectations. If you are reading this and have never worked with me, I guarantee it will be a positive experience. I'm going to lead you when you needed, encourage your face off, and cut up every chance I get! So without further delay, here's my latest video. I apologize if the audio is off. I shot this one on my phone instead of mv Fuji Xpro2. Please like, comment and let me know how you agree, disagree and I would be open to some hard feedback as well. I'm tough enough to take it.
Buffalo Mountain and across the Blue Ridge Parkway
Hiking and Driving. Buffalo Mountain to The Blue Ridge Parkway with the Fujifilm Xpro2 in hand!
Some long exposure with the Fuji Xpro 2 and 16mm lens!
I love everything outdoors. I also love where I live, so I thought I would take some time and write about one of my favorite local hikes. By local this time, I mean in the city where I live. So if you are in or coming to Johnson City, TN anytime and want to experience some of our areas views, and hikes then Buffalo Mountain is a great place to start. Its located near ETSU and close to Interstate 26 so very accessible. The signage is pretty good once you get to the trail heads but GPS may be used to ease the navigation.
I plan to do some short blogs highlighting my community and its outdoor lifestyle over the summer so if your reading this and have a certain area in mind that you would like to know more about, comment below and I will add it to the list!
Ive taken photos of this tree more than any other tree and it still catches my attention on the drive in. ( Obviously )
I have been to and waked Buffalo a few times. Some days with my family, some days with just the kids, some days just myself, and every time I leave satisfied! This time in particular though things were different. I went walking to clear my head, to pray and have a conversation and found everything I needed. I also took a path I had never seen before and do not recommend said path. Stay on the marked paths for your safety and that of nature as well please.
I wont ramble any further but will leave you with photos from my hike, followed by a few I grabbed on our drive in North Carolina, over the Blue Ridge Parkway as well. Thanks for reading! Get Outside!
