Brittany & Andrew's Engagement Session

Sunday, Brittany and Andrew had their engagement session in Annapolis Maryland. Their wedding is November 21st at The Naval Academy in Annapolis and the reception at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club.

Andrew is finishing his final year at the academy and will graduate in a couple weeks. So we decided to do the session in historical Annapolis and on the Academy grounds. We started downtown by the docks. I was lucky to find a parking spot right next to the docks and Academy gate entrance. It was a beautiful day with temps in the 70's. We started about 4pm. The downtown area was very crowded, very sunny and a little breezy. So we decided to hit the side streets where we could find some shade and get away from the crowds and wind. Once we did that everything went great. We had a lot of fun and they were great together. They made it easy for me. As went went along they got more and more at ease and they gave me some wonderful moments to capture.

In the historical areas I used a lot of the same spots that I have used in the past, but I never approach them the same. I let the couple improvise themselves. It's more fun for them and that way I get real moments(not posed). So, even if it was an alley that I used before, I still can get something new.

When we went into the Academy it was pretty quiet. There was no one around. All the cadets had liberty, so we had the place to ourselves. The idea was to try to work areas where we could get some nice backgrounds. So we worked around the Chapel, Bancroft Hall and then walked to the seawall.

From a photography stand point, the main thing was to use the light wisely. On bright sunny days I try to either stay in the sun or stay in the shade. You can't be half in the sun and half in the shade unless it is for back lighting or for effect. In the shade I use the open sky as a main light and in and sun well, the sun is the main light. We walked a lot and I worked alone so it was no reflectors or second lights. I did have an on camera flash for fill if I needed it. But rarely used it. Even inside Bancroft Hall I only used natural light most of the time.

Equipment: Canon 5D Mark II w/ 24-70 2.8 lens and a Canon 1D Mark III w/ 70-200 2.8 lens.

Images copyright 2009 Larry Huffman Photography

All rights reserved

Laura & Nick's Wedding

Saturday, May 2, 2009 was the wedding for Laura and Nick. The Ceremony took place at Holy Cross Church In Federal Hill, Baltimore. The reception was at Westminster Hall in Baltimore MD.

I started the day with Laura at The Lord Radisson Hotel in Downtown Baltimore. Mike and I and my assistant Jodi arrived at noon. While Jodi and I went up to Laura's room I sent Mike to get lunch and parking. He works better on a full stomach. I knew I had a couple hours wait before she was ready. The Radisson is an old historical hotel. It was build probably 100 years ago. It is very up scale however. We needed a pass to get to Laura's floor. But, because it was build a while back it had no parking on site and the elevator and room was small compared to newer hotels. The lobby was large and elegant with a very upscale look. So, I thought it was nicer than most of the newer hotels for photography.

In the room we captured Laura's hair and makeup preparation. Then I got some window and mirror shots after she got dressed before we went down to the lobby. Laura and Nick were to see each in the lobby so they could get most of the photography done before the ceremony. Time was going to be limited after the ceremony.

In the lobby I worked with Laura a bit using the natural lighting in the room with a tripod. I also used my Quantum light for a few formals with parents. There was a large seat that we utilized to get some cool shots of Laura and Nick. We work the lobby about 30 minutes before leaving for Federal Hill and some outdoor shots.

The weather outdoors was overcast with isolated sprinkles. But not on us. Federal Hill is a park that is on a hill that over looks the inner harbor and the city skyline. There was and always is a lot of people there just enjoying the park setting. I had Mike watch the car as I double parked behind the limo and Jodi and I went with the group. I had two cameras and Jodi one. She also carried the step ladder for me. I got Laura with all her bridesmaids together and separate, the guys and the entire wedding party over looking the harbor. Then finished with Laura and Nick. We spent maybe 20 minutes before leaving for the church.

The Church was only a few blocks away. It was a neighborhood so there was only street parking. But getting there before guest got me a spot in front. The limo got one too. The church as all the churches in the city was build years ago. It is pretty large inside and very architecturally appealing. The priest was friendly and did not give me the normal "riot act" about photography. Which was surprising. We always try to be as unobtrusive as possible. I want to be unseen and unheard if possible. Mike went up to the balcony while Jodi and I worked the lower level. The ceremony was fairly short (No communion). After the ceremony we had 20 minutes for church formals and it took I think 10 minutes.

Then we left for the Westminster Hall, the reception site. It is the grave site of Edgar Allen Poe and 1000 other poor souls. It was until a few years ago a church. Now, it is a tourist landmark. It is a very cool location for a reception. It is very large inside and has a upper level sort of balcony like where we could get some great room shots from above. I will note that after dinner when they turn the lights down it gets pretty dark in the room which made it more challenging from a photography stand point. But, when I shoot I do want it too look like it was anyway. So, I increase my iso, open the lens wide and lower the shutter and shot manually with flash on ttl stepped up 3/4. This helps pickup back ground light while capturing all the dancing. I also use the 1D Mark II instead of the 5DMark II during the reception because it just gives better results. Even at exact settings.

The wedding turned out to be beautiful. Everyone had a great time and I got some great photography. It was a long day (13 hours) but very enjoyable. Laura and Nick were wonderful as was everyone in the wedding party and both families. Thank you all.

equipment: Canon 1D Mark III w/ 70/200 is lens, 5D Mark II w/ 28/70, Canon 1D Mark II w/ 28/70 lens, Canon 5D w 17/40 lens and a 20D with another 70/200 lens. Canon 580ex and 580ex II flashes.

Images copyright 2009 Larry Huffman Photography

All Rights reserved