Thursday, April 2, 2009

Shoot with Beckstead

I just spent 3 amazing days with the infamous David Beckstead who has been named one of the top ten wedding photographers. David is known for his strong compositional elements and style. 13 of us listened to him talk about how he got started and learned more about him and where he came from. I just have to say that he is one of the most humble people I've ever met. He's so down to earth, a true country boy at heart and he is himself no matter what.

On the 2nd day together, we went out with a real bride and groom and David showed everyone how he uses lines and light in his compositions. It was interesting and informative. Everyone took turns taking pictures of things the way David saw them and when I had my turn, I'd wander off to the sidelines and start looking for other things, keeping his basic concepts in mind. I looked for my own lines, shapes and compositional elements within the same scene. I wanted to make sure I was shooting for myself, for my style and my brand which involves angles and color and telling a story with my imagery. So, I tried really hard to combine his amazing knowledge of composition with my style.

EDIT: A couple of people have emailed me and asked if I would recommend this workshop for beginners. Out of 13 of us that took the workshop, only 4 or 5 people shoot weddings full time. Some of the newbies got some good stuff, some better than others in my opinion. I'd suggest that you be comfortable with your camera settings, that you know how to select an Auto Focus point in your camera and that you understand ISO and how it relates to your shutter speed and your aperture.

I didn't need to ask about the technical stuff because I already understood the technical stuff. I really strayed from the group a lot because I didn't want to fight for the same image that everyone else was getting. My favorite shots from the day are the ones where I separated myself from the pack but again, I kept the basic concepts of using lines and light to add to the overall compositional effect of the photographs. Interesting compositions and angles has always been something I've loved doing anyway. I'd say this simply helped me to enhance my imagery which was the reason I took the workshop.

I hope that helps those of you who have emailed me.

Here are some of my favorites that I've been able to edit thus far. I hope you enjoy!

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Until next time...

11 comments:

Maggie said...

WOW Alicia!! I need to check your blog more often now that you are blogging. These are phenomenal! I love the one where the bride is through the shape with all the stairs and I love the first shoe shot with the motion of the dress. Well I love them all really but those are the best! Can't wait to be on the other side of your camera. You do magic!

Curtis Copeland said...

Great wedding photographs! Simply stunning. The photo with the bride's vail in the light forming the "S" pattern was an award winning shot! Thanks for sharing!

LasCrucesLolita said...

Love that first one of the shoes, and the last one - gorgeous light on those! Looks like you had a great time!

Kelly LaBruyere said...

Amazing photos- I love the lighting. Looks like it was a great workshop!

Beaton Photography said...

Wow...what creativity in these photos! I love stepping out of the usual wedding portraits! Great work! I may have to take a Beckstead workshop!

Tim Halberg said...

love the shoe shot

Christina Montemurro said...

These are just beautiful. I love the blue fabric - did it have a specific significance? The first one is so beautiful and serene.

Cruise Gossip Girl said...

Nope, nothing significant. Just used it to have some pop and color against her beautiful skin. It's great for motion too. :-) Thanks for your kind words!

Heather Lynne said...

Oooh, love the reflection on the floor in that last one! So cool!

makeupgal said...

Love the one with the shadow on the couple on the carpet using the architectural elements to frame them. Great eye :)

Deidre said...

Gorgeous work here - love the blue veil!