I am Darlene and am the owner of Aperture Photography. I have been a photographer for 20 years. My style is a lifestyle/editorial blend. I use both film and digital. I love film and use a Contax 645 with the new Portra films. I love the skin tones. I also shoot digital for low light and receptions and for people who insist on digital.
My favorite photographer is Elizabeth Messina. Wow, she has it all. Her look is her own. I would like to work toward her soft style. Easier said than done. I also love to look at paintings and watch movies. They are filled with different ways to light subjects and develop your craft. I have spoken to her a few times and she is so gracious. She is careful to only take assignments that will suit her style and equipment choices. She knows her camera and film and exactly what it will give her. But, most of all her photographs are art! They come from her soul. You can use her setting, her film and her camera and you will not get the look she has. You may get great results, but they will not be hers.
I can remember when there was no digital. You shot slower and took fewer chances. That is good and bad. With digital I have found myself shooting over 2000 shots a wedding. Some would say that is too many and many photographers shoot more than that. The time it takes to process 2000 digital files is torture if you take the time to do it right. I think Lightroom and Photoshop actions are great, but certainly not a substitute for getting it right in the camera. So I find myself using fewer actions and spending more time practicing during the week with self assignments. I give myself assignments that deal with different light ranging from overcast soft light to harsh afternoon sun. I do this with my digital cameras to keep the cost down. It helps with both my digital and film photography. The greatest benefit I see with digital is low light. You can pull off some amazing shots that are just not possible with film. Another great thing about digital is that you can try some radical settings and it cost nothing. Sometimes you find a technique that you master and use to differentiate you from other photographers.
When I shoot film I always have a light meter with me. Some photographer over expose on purpose, but I prefer to be dead on and expose for the skin. I feel that is where film excels. I normally shoot wide open or close to it. So I get a creamy sharp look that I love. When you get it just right it is magic. No computer program can even come close. The 6×4.5 format is nice too. The camera is no bigger than my Canon rigs. Much lighter when I have long telephoto lenses mounted on the Canons.
After being in the Wedding Photography business for all these year’s one thing is for certain. A photographer must adjust to each bride and groom. Also adjustments must be made for the venue, time of year and venue.
Let’s just take quick look at the difference in venues. Some of these are my favorites, but there look and style is very different. People are just so different. Unless your business is strong enough to hand pick you brides and groom, you must size up your couple and shoot to suit their personality and now your limits. It is so important to give the couple a positive experience on their wedding day.
The part of photography I like the most is when you can take a group of photographs and give a couple an album that they treasure or a portrait they can look at a feel great about themselves.
Links:
Website: Aperture Photography
Blog: http://aperturephoto.com/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Darlenephoto
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