JD's wedding

[Patricia Joyce]

Mike,

Your photo choice is my favorite, too. Can I ask you what lighting you used in these big spaces? Did you bring in big expensive lighting? I am very curious because I live in an apartment building which used to be a hotel and has a beautiful grand lobby, maybe I should practice some photography in my lobby. But it has one west window and I haven't a clue as to what to do about artificial lighting.

Pat

[Mike McCarty]

Patricia,

Every photo shown above was taken with available light, no flash at all. The only one with assistance is the full dress profile. In this shot I had an assistant holding a white foam board to bounce light onto her face.

In the main lobby area there was a very large window (south) light source which ran maybe 80-100 feet, along with all the other artificial lamps, chandeliers and ceiling can lights. In the first photo this large window light was coming at the subject almost head on from aproximately fifty feet away. The presence of this large natural light source drew my interest and made the job easier.

The one at the piano (off the lobby in a restaurant) was also using only available light.

These large full figure dress photos were taken mainly for her benefit and not mine. I'm not interested in painting something like that for a portfolio piece, it would take a huge canvas. If my goal was to paint one of them it would be essential to get close up shots of many aspects of the subject, dress top, dress train, face, hands, etc. I think it could be tricky to keep the same camera prospective while getting these close-ups for such a large piece.

If the Governor were to ask me to paint a portrait of his daughter in her wedding dress, I think I would get information about the dress and determine the scope of the pose. I would then dress my daughter (or model) as closely as I could. I would then take her to the location (marking the time of day) and take at least two rolls of film. After analyzing the results (taking sufficient notes) I might do it one more time trying to nail down at least three poses. I would then make the appointment for that exact time of day and give that a go. I might even hire a photographer.

If the Governor wanted the bride and groom, I would talk him out of it. The groom only serves to muck up the image, in my only slightly humble opinion.

As to your lobby, it sounds like something you should take advantange of. Don't worry too much about which way the window is faceing. By the time the light gets to Cleveland it's pretty much spent anyway. Grab a friend and take some shots.