Blue Tongue Lizzy

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Blue concept

This is a shoot with the theme "blue". This time, I've tried video recording of some behind the scene works, wait till I figure out how to put them all together. Many thanks to Dijana for assisting and Gemma for modeling. More to come, watch this space..........

Anyway, here's the photos for preview:

She turned blue

Blue screen of death

The making of........

Behind-the-scene (thanks Dee)

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What is photojournalistic wedding photography?

What is photojournalistic wedding photography?
By Melbourne wedding photographer Teddy Tan

Introduction
When the term “Wedding Photography” is mentioned, the idea some people have in mind, especially the older generation, are posed formal shots, studio lights, and everyone looking at the camera. This is mainly because cameras and lighting equipment in the dark ages are bulky and cumbersome, and the only way to take a photo is to do it in a properly controlled environment, like a studio. This style of wedding photography is generally termed traditional wedding photography. With the advancement in camera and lens technology, a new style of wedding photography is emerging – photojournalistic.

There is no official record of the first man who began to shoot a wedding in this style, but one could imagine how it all happened. After the invention of 35mm camera, roll film and on camera flash, people start taking these gadgets to places, like the battlefield of the Second World War – probably the golden age of photojournalism. After the war ended, military-trained photographers turn their talent to shooting for the press. News coverage of celebrities’ and royalties’ weddings probably triggered the interests of the general public, and a new style of wedding photography silently begun.


Why photojournalistic wedding photography?
Early to mid-20th-century brides and grooms have only memories of their weddings because their photographers simply weren't there. This had changed. People today want something better than their parent’s wedding photos: pictures that depict intimate and real moments - a tearful mother sending off her daughter, the first kiss as husband and wife, moments that are frozen in time, telling the story, something that the couple can look back in 20 years and relive the moment.


What happens before, during, and after the wedding?
Just like booking a traditional wedding photographer, clients would have arranged a meeting with the photojournalist, looked at his/her work, get to know him/her and the way he/she works. Photojournalistic pictures vary greatly in style, and therefore it is important to pick something you like. Equally important is the chemistry between the client and the photographer, which can affect the photo quality immensely.

There’s no set agenda for the photographer. Because clients are already familiar with the styles of photos they will be receiving, wedding photojournalists are often just told to “do their magic”. Photographs are captured spontaneously as the moments unfold, with an emphasis on emotions. The people will not be directed on how to pose and what to do. Some wedding photojournalist will also take formal posed photos in between wedding proceedings, so you can have the best of both worlds.

Because photographs were shot on the fly, exposures probably weren’t optimum. They often required post processing, and it is common for photographs to be delivered more than a week after the wedding.


Last words
By simply taking photographs of ‘whatever is going on’ is not photojournalism, it does not tell a story. Photojournalistic wedding photos should be a cohesive collection of images that are not only a record of the day’s events but are also images that capture as many “decisive moments” as possible.

A trained, experienced photojournalist will know to how to anticipate moments, record, and present them in the highest technical excellence possible, to really capture the essence of the wedding and be able to tell the complete story in pictures so others viewing those photos will be able to relive the event.


Plug:
Teddy Tan is a wedding photographer based in Melbourne and he is proficient in both traditional and photojournalistic style wedding photography. He can be contacted through his website www.teddytan.com.au

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Ring Flash Adaptor update

This thing definately eats up a lot of light. Unsuitable for portraits I reckon. But for low ambient lighting during photojournalistic wedding photography, it provides just the right amount of lighting without overpowering the ambient.

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New Toy

Today the ring flash adaptor I ordered from eBay had arrived. It looks something like this:

Construction is solid but unfortunately, the light distribution is something much need improvement on. The section closer to the flash source is brighter and it darkens down quickly moving away from the flash source. I've modified it a bit by taping some paper on the brighter section to dim it down a stop or two.

Here's a self portrait taken using this adaptor:

I want to use it during evening wedding shoots, but need some more experiments first.

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New casting call

looking for someone with a wacky look or can make funny faces, to be involved in a photoshoot with the subject surrounding the theme "blue".

Gender and age doesn't matter. One concept requires you to hold your breath underwater. Another one requires you to eat some cheezels. The last one, you'll just need to simply be wacky.Will select the best person for each role, so potentially, there're 3 roles here.

Payment terms is TFCD. Location will be in an Oakleigh East studio.

Location: Victoria, Australia

Payment details: TFCD

Please email ted@teddytan.com.au

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Ideas need for wedding photography related article

hello gorgeous people,

I want to write some wedding photography related articles and wanted to poll to see which one is the favourite (so that I can start writing that first). You could either post a comment or email to ted@teddytan.com.au.

Here goes:

- How to look good for the camera on your wedding day
- How to cut wedding photography bills
- Tips on choosing the right photographer
- Reasons not to ask uncle Bob to photograph your wedding
- Melbourne's best location for wedding photography (that's the only location I'm familiar with so far).
- Any other wedding photography related ideas

Thanks again people, have a lovely day

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Wedding Photographer is a dangerous job

From being castrated by the client..............

As seen in Wedding Photographer Melbourne Teddy Tan

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Alan and Samantha's wedding

By Melbourne wedding photographer Teddy Tan

Alan and Samantha's wedding started off in a peaceful morning. When I arrived, Becky was already doing Sam's makeup. Norah Jones’ CD was playing soothingly in the background. Everyone is so engrossed in the preparation that no one noticed the music stopped. I actually pressed the play button to get the music going again.

During gatecrash, Alan was asked to sing, do pushups and more. Luckily, his bunch of loyal brothers sportingly helped out. The limo arrived and they were whisked off to Spring Street for the ceremony. There’s a moment I thought Sam is going to cry, but she held her tears back.

The afternoon reception at St Kilda is splendid. The location is marvelous and the weather merciful. The food is delicious and everyone had a good time chatting. The afternoon ended in laughter and the bridal party proceeded to Alan&Sam’s house for another round of “celebration”

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