*Carolyn

We started by having Carolyn stand against the wall as I set up our softbox light and dialed the lighting settings to get the look we wanted. We felt the first shots looked a little bland and we wanted to create some contrast on the wall behind us so we set up a couple speedlights behind us, angled back to hit the wall behind us to frame us in place. We hid them behind our legs since there was nowhere else behind us to set them up out of the shot. I didn’t have a remote with me so I had to put the camera on a 5 second timer and run back and forth to trigger the camera for each shot but when we were finished we were very happy with the results.

Final settings: Nikon D700 w/24-70mm 2.8 @ 24mm, 1/250, f8.0 and ISO200

Here are our two Nikon Sb800 Speedlights, triggered by our amazing Pocket Wizard Flex TT5 receivers.

In this shot you can see our softbox setup which we plan on blogging about sometime in the next few weeks.

So we would love to hear what you all think, we had fun taking the pictures and are happy to share them with you. Have a great weekend!

• fast and accurate autofocus (I have heard several Canon users complain about their camera’s ability to focus on low light)
• weather sealed magnesium alloy camera body (great for when we need to shoot oustide in bad weather)
• compatibility of older lenses (this allows us to change lenses between digital and film cameras)
• solid, good gripping camera body (in our opinion it feels more comfortable than the Canon comparable models)
• DUAL MEMORY CARD SLOTS!!! (our main camera has this, we love that our photographs are backed up to two cards instantly)

So while we DO think Canon have better video recording and a cool shutter click, neither of these affect our ability to take beautiful photos. So, we have to say that we have been very happy with our choice and unless Canon releases a camera that has the ability to see in the dark, we plan on sticking with Nikon.

For those interested:

Carolyn holding a Nikon D700 with a 50mm 1.4

Paul holding a Nikon D700 with a 35mm 1.4

*Carolyn

ps. Happy Valentine’s Day! What are you doing to celebrate your love today?

We then headed out to the train station in Westfield, NJ. We are very familiar with this town and have shot there before, but never shot in the walkway under the train. I thought it would be cool to have some fun with lighting and flashes by bouncing it around in this narrow space. As you may have guessed, people were walking through and thought we were super crazy cool. You might be reading this thinking that this part of the evening is work since we were taking pictures, but honestly Paul and I have so much fun doing this. We experiment with different lighting techniques, do crazy fun poses, poke fun at each other and just have a good time.

Once our fingers were feeling frozen, we wrapped up our shooting and closed out the “work” part of the night. Nothing says pure enjoyment like ice cream (I know it was really cold, but its never too cold for ice cream), so Paul and I split a giant sundae at Cold Stone Creamery. It was delish and worth every calorie.

When I first started getting involved with photography and helping Paul on shoots, he would always take me out afterwards. He wanted to make sure that we would also be connecting during our time spent together, besides just working. So we like to keep up with that tradition and take time for foster our friendship and love for each other… over ice cream of course.

*Carolyn

In each of these photos we placed one or two flashes behind the subject (Paul or myself) so we got some nice rim light around each of us, while the light is also spreading over around the walkway and bouncing back to illuminate the front of us.

My kick is better than Paul’s, ha!

Just having some fun with those flashes!

*Carolyn

This is a shot of the model lighting set up we use to get some really dynamic and cool looking images.

Francis doing a fabulous job second shooting in my absence.

The model lighting setup is great for a groom and his groomsmen. When used correctly, it makes them look super tough.

This shows the behind the scenes of one of the winning photos from our photo contest! When this photo was taken it was very windy. And that lighting set up, while it looks big, does not have much more than a light on the inside. That means the whole thing pretty much acts like a sail, so it is really important that there are two of us so that one person can hold it still. I am so impressed with Francis here because he is holding it and shooting at the same time. That ain’t easy. It usually takes me two hands. Nice job, Francis!

Paul chatting with the priest before Julia and Rich‘s ceremony. He always likes to introduce himself and be sure that he knows what kind of regulations there may be to ensure we are being completely respectful throughout the ceremony.

This wedding happened to be for a friend, so I got to wear my fun party dress

Gotta make sure we capture that dress in all its glory.

Paul climbed through that brush you see behind him to stand on the ledge in front of a dam (the bridal party is at the bottom of the dam). Everyone had a lot of fun being there. Thanks, Francis for capturing this moment!

Francis got this awesome silhouette of Paul shooting the bride and groom using the model light at Washington Rock State Park.

These next couple are from some engagement style shoots…. here we are testing out that back lighting.

Carolyn: a.k.a. the oh-so-mobile human flash stand.

As you can see, I’ve gotten used to it. Now I just enjoy it and do different poses as he dials in the light. I think I look cool. Side note: do you like my boots? I bought and returned several pairs of boots before settling on these in my quest for the perfect flat boot. Paul thinks I’m crazy, but I know you ladies out there can relate!

Paul is using a reflector to bounce the light streaming through the window. This results in perfect soft flattering light on the bride.

Showing Jo, a bridesmaid, how to show her sassy side.

Christina and Cole were all for taking pictures outside despite the cold weather. We made sure to move quickly and keep her covered with that beautiful wrap as much as possible.

Check out Cole (the groom)’s face! This is possibly my favorite behind the scenes shot because Paul did not even realize that he captured this moment until afterwards – The groom is attempting to help his bride with her veil, utterly confused, until I jump in to save him. ha!

Every time Paul came near this little boy he would pose and then immediately ask to see the picture. He was too cute. Of course, he reminded us of our little boy who was at home with Grandma and Grandpa.

Every year when I ask Paul what he wants for Christmas he responds “Peace on Earth.” Does that mean as long as we have this ornament hanging on the tree that I’m off the hook? Eh.

This is what Christmas looks like with a one year old: a safety gate around the tree… its that or a toppled over tree.

I love this season! May it be filled with Peace and Joy.

*Carolyn

So we celebrated one year of his life. One year of adjustment, confusion, lack of sleep, snuggles, laughs, wonderment, and joy. Paul looked at me and said We did it, we’re parents. Not that we weren’t on the day of his birth, and even though we did not complete any particular task, there is a sense of accomplishment. We did something together successfully. And that helps bond us and build our marriage. We don’t always agree on the best method in each little area of taking care of our child, but we sort it out together. On a good day, we allow the love we have for each other to keep us calm and open to the others ideas. To fight the urge inside to shout Can’t you see my way is clearly better! My way! Yes, humility is difficult,  which is why I don’t always do it perfectly. But I really believe the times that we have been humble have made us grow so much.  I’ve also realized that as much as I adore that little boy, my husband comes first. And the best thing I can do for my family is to love my husband with all I have in me. When bumps come in the road – we disagree, we’re having trouble with something, we’re exhausted – I try to remember we love each other, we both love our son and want what’s best for him, so we can work together. I try to look at myself honestly and figure out what is going on with me and if there is something I need to do about it. Usually I need to communicate more clearly and lovingly to Paul… or very often I realize I need to compromise or let go. In that one little year of this boy’s life, I have learned so much. Thank you little Leo for helping me be a better wife and a better person, I love you, and happy birthday!

*Carolyn

ps. If you missed it, click here to read about the day Leo was born.

pps. I thought this delicious piece of birthday cake would be Leo’s first taste of sugar, or any processed food for that matter. Paul knew it wouldn’t be. So I was wrong. And I’m OK with that.

It’s not 50/50. But that’s what we always hear, so then what is it? On our wedding day the priest who spoke said (I’m paraphrasing) It’s not 50/50, its 100/100. Each person is called to give 100%, to give their entire self to their spouse. To give all that they have, regardless of how much they get in return. That’s what makes marriage work. We can’t give half and expect the other to give half. When we approach marriage as 50/50 we’re saying I’ll do my part and you’ll do yours, BUT if you don’t hold up your end of the bargain then why should I? That might sound OK until you hear the alternative, because really that’s not very romantic. The alternative is when we approach marriage as 100/100 we’re saying I’ll give you everything I have, I’ll give until I have nothing left, even when you don’t or can’t give in return. We’re saying I’ll love you unconditionally. I’ll love you all the days of my life. That’s romance. And that’s marriage. It’s like in the movie The Notebook when her husband gives up his whole life to help his wife in the hope that one day her amnesia may be cured and he might remember her! Ah! Don’t tell me you didn’t cry! Ok sorry for that girly moment, moving on…

I try to remind myself of this as often as I can: Marriage is not 50/50, its 100/100. Marriage is not 50/50, its 100/100. Because the truth is, as romantic as it is, it can be difficult to implement in the real world. I do something special for Paul and deep down I’m resentful that he doesn’t give something back in return, then I try to remember its not 50/50, its 100/100. When I take care of the baby all day and clean the house but don’t get a hand, not 50/50,  100/100. I have to give 100%, I can’t give only when I’m receiving. If I only give when I receive, what does that make my giving? That makes it a trade. Love is not a trade, its a gift. We trade with people we don’t care for. We give to those we love. Then there are other days where I barely get a shower in and I have to tell Paul there is nothing for dinner, and he isn’t bothered at all (or at least he pretends) and he willingly makes dinner, puts the baby to bed, and lets me pick a movie. And on those days I am so happy that marriage is not 50/50, because I would not be holding up my end of the bargain. I don’t love Paul because he mows the lawn and takes out the garbage, and I sure hope he doesn’t love me because I do laundry. I love Paul because of who he is, because of his heart. And I know he loves me because of all the things that make me me. Marriage is not a trading of services, marriage is a free exchange of love, no strings attached. It’s giving 100%, without counting the cost. Don’t get me wrong, I’m really not so good at this. Notice how I don’t have too many personal stories here? We’re all a work in progress. So I say my mantra and do my best to love unconditionally… and I try to be patient with myself.

*Carolyn

ps – do you have a story to share about you or your significant other giving your relationship 100%? I know people are shy about commenting thinking they look like stalkers or something (which you totally do not) especially about something personal, but I genuinely would love to hear your love stories. It inspires others (me!) to love more.

Even though they are a bit young for trick-or-treating, we decided to surprise a friend who lives in the area. Paul and our sister-in-law, Esther, rang the doorbell and tried to hide. As you can see Julia was pleasantly surprised by this little monkey and fireman.

I loved their costumes, and think this was a GREAT Halloween moment. But I do think the best costume award has to go to the random guy we drove past in a giant Elmo costume. That was pretty cool. What was the best costume or Halloween moment you saw or experienced this year?

*Carolyn