A day before the twins turned one

Parker and Logan

With twins – smiles aren’t always synched – so this was a good one!

Proud Mama

Playtime

Proud Papa

Since the wedding - never a dull moment

Visit – John Spink Wedding Photojournalism Homepage

Visit – John Spink Wedding Photojournalism Homepage

However, great pictures of children can be made throughout the wedding day you just have to be looking for them. As a photojournalist, I’m using a camera to tell a story, looking for all kinds of people, moments and events that mark the day like compass points. Children often bring energy and a sparkle to the day. Nieces, nephews and cousins nowadays are spread all over the United States. It’s important to have these relatives in the mix of your photos because the next time a couple sees them may be months if not years down the road.

There are cute moments, embarrassing moments and just plain beautiful pictures to be made of children.

Having these pictures made in photojournalistic style brings a whole new look and life into these photos – different than a point and shoot grip-n-grin.

Ready to be framed, unique and professional, these photos capture a moment in time of a cherished young face.

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Many couples prefer the portraits, but for those interested in more of a visual catalog, the additional time to do the photojournalism shoot coupled with portraiture is well worth the time and investment.

On the portrait-side, I personally like to do on-location portraiture as opposed to studio shoots. These locations vary in metro Atlanta depending on the client’s needs. It can be chosen because of close geographical location to the couple, a favorite place, where the proposal occurred or left up to the photographer to suggest. This is the first working relationship the photographer and couple experience and really sets the tone for the wedding day shoot.

A photojournalism engagement-shoot is usually a day chosen by the couple where they will be involved with activities as a couple, such as a visit to the park, shopping, picnic or a visit to an event. Shopping and events must be carefully screened because many venues do not allow photography such as Malls and chain operated stores. Small towns such as Roswell where shops located on the street and sidewalk can be ideal.  The settings can provide a natural interaction between the couple and capture special moments. The key in these situations is “Time”. Spending the time with the photographer is key to capturing real moments.

Whether you choose the on-scene location portrait engagement shoot or the Photojournalism engagement shoot – it’s really up to your personal tastes and how you see yourselves and want that image as your showcase.

For Becky and Ryan, we chose an Atlanta park where various photo opportunities existed.  I usually like to basically turn the shoot into a portfolio session with a wide range of variety of settings and focal lengths blending some traditional and not-so traditional photography. After the shoot, the client has at their disposal a whole catalog of images for prints. I offer an enlargement of “The One” picture. In the end, if my client says, we’re having a hard time narrowing it down to just one image – I know I’ve done my job.

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Rhodes Hall in Atlanta gives the atmosphere of elegance & pageantry.

Most bride and grooms do not want to see each other until after the ceremony which puts a little pressure on when it comes to making a good, couple’s portrait. If it isn’t the church’s bridal coordinator trying to run you out – then its the anxiety of the couple wanting to get to the reception that throws a wrench into having the quality time to make great portraits. I usually like to do about 5-7 different situations with the bride and the groom following the post-ceremony group shots – time permitting. Some of the portraiture happens in the posing and environment at hand – others come within the event itself.

Lots of movies have been shot in Covington, Georgia.

The Carter Center lends itself to some wonderful spots to shoot in.

Villa Christina had this great piano which the bride, a pianist herself, appropriately posed with her new husband.

Naylor Hall in Roswell is a favorite for many.

Chateau Elan has several areas to make some great images.

All roads lead to Rome – Rome, Georgia at Belle Terra.

I have stressed the importance of budgeting time in these situations so that memorable portraiture can be done properly. It takes a little coaching and follow up – but we make sure it happens, and our clients see why and are thankful we did.

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I like lighting that will give depth and create a mood. Simple straight forward and to the point. A portrait should say something about the person looking into the lens of the camera.

(Photo by Thomas Spink)

It’s also essential to share your work during the shoot like I did with Jim. Jim has been photographed hundreds of times and knows the kind of look he wants to give. I also knew the setting and mood I wanted to create in his portrait. We had to wed our visions together for this shot. This is how I like to work with a client.

Archbishop Gregory’s portrait was done at his residence and is the official portrait that is displayed in churches across the Archdiocese. This is the spiritual leader for thousands of Catholics across North Georgia. The portrait needs to communicate who this man is.

I enjoy simplicity in portraiture – I also simply enjoy making my clients happy.

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