Randalls_Photography's Xanga

One more thing...

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:27:33 GMT

It's contest time...and I'm soooooo lost! I can't make a decision!!!!!

Take a look at these and see what moves you and what the judges might like. I've got to narrow it down to three...one of them must be a B&W. Leave a comment or send me an email and let me know what you think.

Thanks much!

Randy

We've done ten weddings...

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:17:38 GMT

since our last blog entry! Summer is a very busy time for us, the kids are home from school (and all of the activities that go along with that!), and of course Joanna and I have 1-2 weddings every weekend...all summer. It's hard to balance outdoor fun with the kids and "editing/living" in front the the computer everyday.

Our last 10 weddings have really been great! We are still very happy with what we are capturing with each unique wedding. We've had groomsmen pass out, a groom writing a song for his bride, a dad writing a song for his daughter (the bride), rain, heat, wind, cold, a proposal at the reception, fantastic sunsets and almost everything in between! I've attached just a few of the photos from the past 10 weddings....we have around 1000 posted on the website from these 10 weddings.

Joanna and I split up...

Thu, 22 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT

but only for a day. Joanna and I are so used to photographing weddings together that this past Saturday seemed a little daunting...spending the day without your best friend and business partner? We were both so busy I think we only talked (on the phone) briefly one time the entire day. In looking at our work, I think we both had very good days. I really like my shots of Erin saying her vows and then beginning to cry...just so beautiful and real. The next came at the reception when Kevin began to cry when dancing with his mother. It was a very tender moment. Most grooms are usually very "stiff" during this dance, but not Kevin...he just let it go, and you can just see the tear in the corner of his eye.

Joanna's first high point had to be "the shed". This old dilapidated building, with trash, broken glass and junk lying around turned out to a terrific place for a bridal portrait! Her second highlite had to be the car. The 52 Olds is a very important part of the family and Joanna just nailed some beautiful photos of AJ and Krissi with the car.

We've got the weekend off and then it's pretty much flat out the rest of the summer. Everyone enjoy your holiday!

A few days late

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:15:28 GMT

Joanna has been sick the last few days....and of course when mom is sick, the WHOLE house is out of order. So, I'm a few days late updating etc...

Chris and Melissa had all of the grander and elegance you would expect from 2nd Presbyterian church and Meridian Hills Country Club. We couldn't have had better weather!

I ended up being a light "freak" again and didn't use my flash for any portraiture until the family groupings following the ceremony. The big clear sky was sending these beautiful beams of light into the sanctuary. Why would you want to mess that up with a flash? :)

What we do is so special...

Fri, 02 May 2008 07:35:19 GMT

Joanna and I photographed Jen and Jeremy's wedding last July. They showed up at the studio yesterday and had me photograph their 3 week old baby girl Chloe. Can you say honeymoon baby? I don't want to wax too poetic here, but what a great privilege it is to photograph/document such milestones in peoples lives. This craft that we photographers sometimes grumble about leaves a tangible legacy for generations to come. How many people have a job that cool? Joanna and I are truly blessed! Jen and Jeremy left here yesterday with photographs they will treasure forever, and I'm just honored to have played a small part in that.

20 minutes from Maroma a "real" wedding the next day....

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 08:01:28 GMT

Since we were already going to be down here for the wedding at Azul Beach we happened to fall into this Maroma resort job because of our friends at Beach Bums http://www.beachbumvacation.com/.....thanks Rob and Haley! We spent 3 days on the beach and by the pool with Mark and Hadley plus their family and closest friends, and a few thousand frames later. Wow! What more need I say? The photos speak all on their own. Today Randy and I take our sun baked (mostly burnt for Randy!) bodies home to see our very missed girls.

Maroma Beach Mexico

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 07:19:25 GMT

Joanna and I were hired to shoot a brand new property for Karisma Hotels/Resorts. She went down a couple days ahead of me and photographed the property itself from "stem to stern" and had most of the "work" done before I even showed up...how cool is that? It was kind of cool (actually very cool) to be the second shooter/assistant. Joanna had been on property for 3 days and had the relationship built with the staff, so I pretty much just laid back...until I saw Claire! The resort wanted to make sure that we had photos for destination weddings....problem is, we didn't have a models. Claire and Ian to the rescue! This wonderful couple from London England stepped up and spent almost an entire day shooting with us. They were actually on their honeymoon! We unpacked the dress and veil and went to work...if you can call it work!

Melanie, don't be offended...

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 07:44:43 GMT

when you read this!

I must admit, I was a little concerned when I started the day with Melanie. She was pretty uptight, and seemed a little overwhelmed and concerned about all of the "stuff" that happens on the wedding day. That feeling didn't last long! She found her groove, relaxed and just let the day flow. No wedding is going to be completely void of a little "hiccup" here and there. Just ask Bruce about the tuxes! He too found his happy place and just enjoyed the day. Bruce and Melanie just really enjoyed being around family and friends and the people they love the most. Does it really get any better? Take a close look at the toast photos...talk about emotion!

Madeline & Gavin

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:14:40 GMT

You never know what your going to get with kids. The Beatles said "Let it Be" and that's exactly what I did. Two year old Gavin and his 5 month old sister Madeline just smiled, giggled and cuddled for an hour. I just stayed out of the way and watched. The good news...I just happened to have a camera in my hand! My favorite? I love them all, but the shot of Madeline with her mom is the winner for me!

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 08:58:15 GMT

I had the privilege of shooting a wedding with two of my best friends yesterday, my wife and my dear friend Rich Miller. Two-three times a year Rich and I "trade" weddings and just show up and assist the other. It's always great fun! Rich always raises the bar for me. The "assistant" doesn't have the pressure of the wedding, so sometimes that frees them up to take a chance or two and be more creative...yesterday was no exception! As I was downloading CF cards I couldn't help but notice the creativity and consistently high quality that Rich and Joanna were shooting yesterday. I just had to say thanks!

We spent the entire day with Nathan and Emily. It was a beautiful spring day and light was coming from everywhere. I hardly used a flash all day. It didn't seem to matter, dressing room, parlor, sanctuary, park, stairwell, a dirty ally with graffiti, all of the light was good. Two of my favorite photos of the day came from Rich and Joanna. Rich got a beautiful shot of Nathan staring at Emily as her father brought her up the isle. It's a terrific moment! Joanna grabbed a very nice wide angle silloulette of them against the large window in the sanctuary.

Yesterday was not without its drama. Just as I was starting the family formals one of the guest runs in and says "the bus is on fire!" Rich and I ran outside and sure enough, the big coach that was to shuttle guests to the reception was on fire! Can you say carpool?