So, I know you are all wondering what the heck I am doing out here in San Diego.
I have officially had my mind blown…that’s not an easy thing to do.
If a photographer can be likened unto a Jedi, this was my chance to meet and be trained by Yoda for a day….only Yoda is much taller and has a beautiful, equally talented wife plus two adorable kids.
I have never taken any photography classes or seminars, so this was my first…..and DANG IT WAS SO FREAKING AWESOME!!! Words just don’t do it justice….I’ve learned so many things I can do to improve, and after feeling as if I’ve peaked out, I now feel like I am starting all over. I haven’t had the “my brain is full” feeling since my college. Nate (aka Yoda) subtly suggested taking some notes, and I was thinking, “Well…Ill have a note card or two ready, just in case I think there is something significant to write down” lol….by the end of the day I had almost 20 full size pages.
I have searched several hundred photography websites/blogs to use for inspiration, and of those, I have 4 whom I seriously respect and admire, not just for their photography, but for the complete skill sets required to be a successful wedding photographer- branding / marketing, people skills, photography skills and variation. I found Nate and Jaclyn through another of my favorite wedding photographers, Becker, when they launched their new website about a year and a half or so ago. The first picture was of a child walking in a tube/tunnel and from that instant I thought…this dude is dang good.
I did a pretty good job of capturing the highlights of the day and wanted to make a slideshow, but I realized I wont be able to do it until I get home (so, it will probably be Thursday-ish before its ready). Hopefully this will give me some time to make it super awesome (but I wont be able to add music until I get back!!).
I have so many thoughts about today….I need some time to mentally digest it a little…Will share with you when Ive figured out exactly what I am thinking.
A big thank you to Nate & Jaclyn, plus Aleena, Will, Daniel, Aaron, Kurt, Craig, Mini-me, Cindy, Brandy, Lauren, Deena, Libby, Neal, Stacey, Angie, and Lisa who traveled from all over the country for this awesome unique opportunity. It was a real pleasure meeting all of you and I look forward to looking at all your websites. Please stay in touch with me and let me know how you are doing, or if there is anything I can do for you.
If any of you have any images you might want to include in the slide show (or with me in them 😉 please send them to me and I would totally appreciate it!!If you were to ask me who my favorite / the best wedding photographer is….I would tell you it is me, and while this arrogance has some benefit, it isnt exactly true. Per my ever humble opinion as a Maven, if you want to know who I think the very best wedding photographer in the world, and I say this in all seriousness.….this is him.
Take a look at his websites and see for yourself:
The Image is Found Wedding Photography
The Blog is Found
Thanks again Nate and Jaclyn for such an awesome day!
We all do so much better when we are challenged. Can’t wait to see what you are able to come up with. He is good! One of my favorite photos is in the engagement gallery of the two shadows instead of the people. You decided not to grow back the sideburns? Did your dad get to you that day? ha ha. As you already know, you look fantastic. I had to feed that ego a little more 🙂 Glad you are having such a great time. I miss San Diego, since that is where I grew up.
Glad you’ve had such a wonderful time! I recently discovered Becker…through Jessica Claire. The wedding photographer network is pretty amazing!
Sounds awesome! And I have to second what Kjersti said cause wow Michael, you look REALLY good, you been working out extra or something?
Admirable Micheal, never stop learning! I mean, if you say they are good or rather the best, well, nuff said!