Sky Blue Iris Photography » camera

Under the Bridge, Over the Bridge: Late Night Portland Shoot

Justin — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 21:19:21 +0000

The fellas from FunkyFight.com and I headed to downtown to Portland for some late night, long-exposure shenanigans. We all got some great shots out of it but that also meant standing next to a tripod for extended periods while the bitter winter wind froze our toes. As usual, it was totally worth it.

Print and Build Sweet Canon Camera Replicas

Justin — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 23:10:07 +0000

These free, high quality papercraft Canon cameras, created by Canon in celebration of the 50 year anniversary of their SLR line, are straight up BOSS. I love papercraft and I love cameras so this is probably going to fill up a lot of my precious free time for the next few months. Not to mention there are about 15 pages of printouts and 15 pages of instructions per camera so, man, gonna take a while. I’ll definitely post pics as they’re built and completed!

Canonflex: [printout] [instructions]
AE-1: [printout] [instructions]
EOS 5D MKII: [printout] [instructions]

Via Photojojo

Wedding Photography Rumble

Justin — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:41:58 +0000

Apparently these two wedding photographers (videographers?) got into a particularly heated debate on Canon v. Nikon and decided to let their wildly flailing fists give the closing arguments. I’m sure both guys took their licks but the worst part is the sound of those cameras being slammed to the ground. Bruises heal and egos get checked, but the noise a couple grand worth of plastic and glass makes when it hits concrete is something that you’ll live with for the rest of your life.

I thought artists were supposed to be gentle souls….

(Via Photography Bay, Via Digital Rev)

Reflections on Wedding Season 2010

Justin — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:26:12 +0000

Last weekend, on 10-10-2010, I shot the last scheduled wedding for 2010. I booked 23 weddings, 22 of which I personally shot (thanks Alex for working with me), and I learned more about weddings, photography, creativity, editing, business, stress, and Rock Star energy drinks than I ever though I would. I also met 25 wonderful couples who thought enough of my still-blossoming work to have me at their wedding climbing on things, dodging guests, kneeling in the mud, making their faces hurt from smiling and eating from their buffets.

Some things that surprised me about wedding photography:

Editing takes 3 times longer than shooting. If I’m at a wedding for 8 hours, I’m sitting in front of the computer for 24. Usually in the middle of the night.

When shooting the couple at the altar from the center aisle there will inevitably be a guest who crosses their legs and hangs their foot into the aisle, which gets in my shot and makes me grind my teeth.

The words “I Do” have the magical ability to alleviate almost all stress from a bride

No matter how fresh a flash’s batteries are, they will always get tired at a critical moment like a cake feeding or bouquet toss.

DJs are contractually obligated to play a Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” when calling “all the single ladies” to the floor for the bouquet toss.

DJs are also required to play either Black Eyed Peas’ “I Got a Feeling” or Chris Brown’s “Forever” at every wedding, regardless of the style of music featured during the rest of the reception.

This IS the best job I’ve ever had.

It hasn’t all been unicorns and cupcakes though; it has been a struggle and there’s always the thought that I should have stayed at my day job or that no one will ever call me again to book a wedding and I’ll have to start from scratch at Burger King or something. But I look back over my shots from this year and I see myself getting better, I see consistency and confidence developing and the flow and progression of a wedding is familiar and comfortable. I’m finding my niche in the industry; I’m recognizing the traits of other photographers that I want to emulate, and I’m noticing the places where I want to stand apart.

As my camera sits on it’s shelf, resting and recuperating from shooting close to 25,000 images this year, I’m reassured by the progress Sky Blue Iris has made in 2010. I know that I’m a new business and that I have a long way to go, but it feels like I’ve come a long way already.

Thanks to: Erin & Josh, Teuila & Viliam, Melissa & Aaron, Tiffany & Bill, Allison & Jon, Stephanie & Casey, Karen & Adam, Mary & Ari, Tammy & Marcus, Jennifer & Neil, Alicia & Adam, Kari & Dan, Anna & Matt, Kristin & Tim, MaoMao & Heidya, Brittney & Jacob, Allison & Ryan, Brie & Ryan, Melissa & Jason, Danielle & Grant, Clairissa & Robert, April & Eric and Hayley & Dan.

See you in 2011!

Look Grandpa! A Brand New Old Film Camera, Just for Old People!

Justin — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 01:37:50 +0000

I said IT’S JUST FOR OLD PEOPLE GRANDPA… no, NO…. THE CAMERA IS FOR YOU!…… NO, IT’S NOT “DIGICAL” IT’S GOT FILM AN-… NO THERE’S NO “WIRES” OR “SOFTWARES” IT’S-….. JUST TAKE IT… TAKE IT AND STOP CALLING ME TO TEACH YOU HOW TO CHECK EMAIL EVERY SUNDAY AT 7AM.

You know, not to brag or anything but all the seniors in my life seem to be able to operate their “scary future technology” cameras just fine.

Oooohhh oh no

Justin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:53:24 +0000

Someone tell this guy that the expression “Never Look Back” applies more toward goals and dreams than actually not looking back.

What’s the opposite of the cha-ching cash register sound effect? -$ -$ -$ -$