The Latest Trends in Wedding Photography

July 20th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

Many of you have probably read about the latest trends in wedding photography, but even seeing examples of these trends can leave you wondering, “What the heck is THAT?”  As you plan your wedding photography, you may hear a photographer mention some of these options, or you may want to ask about incorporating these trends into your wedding photography.

First, you need to know exactly what these trends are, so you can speak intelligently about them and figure out what is – and isn’t – right for you.  Here’s a brief outline on the latest wedding photography trends, so you can make the right decisions for you and your groom. Read the rest of this entry »

COPE Event Planners Remain Optimistic about Economic Recovery

July 15th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

While the state of the economy is still a concern for all sectors of business, event planners have reported to us that they see glimmers of hope for the year ahead.  We had a chance to speak with a number of planners at an event hosted by the Council of Protocol Executives (COPE) at Bridgewaters, and found optimism – though guarded in some sectors – prevails among most.

When asked about holiday parties, one planner confirmed that her firm (a large technological services company) would be holding holiday parties in their various offices around the country, and that budgets for them had grown from last year.  Planners in the financial sector echoed this optimistic view.  And while other industry sectors took a more cautious view, the overall mood indicated promise for a more robust economic future.

This upbeat mood is certainly reflected in the photos we captured with our YouBoothphoto booth.  COPE graciously allowed us to showcase the YouBooth photo booth at the event, held in the stunning, panoramic Bridgewaters space with superb food by the Glazier Group chefs.  As usual, people had a blast mugging in front of the YouBooth camera and taking fun pictures with their friends.  Just take a look at the smiling faces below – you’ll start to feel optimistic about the future, too!

Tips for a More Effective Headshot

July 6th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

You know the importance of having a great-looking headshot for your website, social media sites, branding and marketing efforts.  If you don’t already have an up-to-date headshot, it’s understandable you may feel a sense of urgency to get “something” out there so you can start using it for all these purposes.  And in the short term, that may be an acceptable compromise.

But don’t fall into the trap of allowing a less-than-fabulous headshot to linger on your LinkedIn profile!  If your headshot isn’t current, doesn’t look professional nor show you at your best, it’s time to change it.

Don’t make the mistake of settling for an up-against-a-white-wall shot that your friend took yesterday.  It may be current, but won’t look professional. Remember, this is a photo that potentially everyone who comes in contact with you will see.  That’s right…all those eyeballs are on YOU.  A professional, flattering, effective headshot is well worth the small investment.

How do ensure you get an effective, professional headshot?

Read the rest of this entry »

Photographing a Gay Wedding

June 20th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

From our perspective, providing photography for a gay wedding is no different than photographing a wedding for any other male/female union.  Each wedding is unique – gay or not – but the wedding for Andrew and Rob stepped up the “different” factor to another level.  And our photographer really had to be her toes to capture all the fun.

The wedding for Andrew and Rob, planned and executed by Shawn Rabideau of Shawn Rabideau Events and Designs, was small and elaborate.  Their 75 guests came from around the world to celebrate at The Mandarin Oriental over Memorial Day weekend, with a full slate of activities.

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Pets Steal the Show, and the Event Photographs!

June 14th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

We all know that animals, particularly our pets, are naturally ideal photography subjects.  Under the aegis of a patient professional photographer, animal photos can be particularly striking and evocative.  That’s why we were so excited to cover event photography at the NYC Pet Show on May 22nd and 23rd at the Metropolitan Pavilion.

Organized by CCK Global Events, in partnership with the American Pet Products Association, the NYC Pet Show was created to address the needs and interests of city-dwelling pet owners.  With appearances by the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan, and other pet-centric celebrities, plus presentations from industry experts on topics such as where to travel with your pet this summer, the show featured products and services to help enhance owner/pet relationships.

Because this was the first year for the NYC Pet Show, CCK Global Events, a full-service event sales, production and marketing company, decided it was important to document the presentations, exhibitors and attendees with event photography.  5th Avenue Digital photographers were on hand both days to capture all the unpredictable antics that animals create – especially pets with their fanatical owners. Read the rest of this entry »

Maximum Impact for Photo Booth Portraits

May 25th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

5th Avenue Digital recently had the good fortune to introduce the versatility of our new photo booth, called YouBooth, to a premier event planning company in New York.  They wanted portraits taken and printed onsite at an event they were producing for an area hospital’s gala event.  They also wanted the portraits projected on large screens for everyone at the event to see.

When they heard about YouBooth, they knew it was perfect for the gala.  The event was held at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn, on the third and fourth floors with to-die-for views of the city skyline.  They wanted a YouBooth unit on each floor, to give everyone an opportunity to get in on the photo fun.

Read the rest of this entry »

A Bar Mitzvah Goes Hollywood

May 19th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

If you can’t bring the Bar Mitzvah to Hollywood, then bring Hollywood to the Bar Mitzvah!  This is exactly what Robin Lathrop and Suzan Salmon, the extraordinary planners at By Robin, Inc. www.byrobin.com, did for a client’s recent Bar Mitzvah.  They made Noah, the Bar Mitzvah honoree, the star of his own Hollywood production, inviting all his friends and family to share in the fun of “He’s the Man” Film Premiere.

As the photographers and videographers for the Bar Mitzvah, 5th Avenue Social collaborated with By Robin, Inc on some details that helped give the party even more of a Hollywood feel.  We love working hand-in-hand with our clients, providing solutions and ideas that enhance their events.  In this case, we were true creative partners. Read the rest of this entry »

Lessons Learned at This Year’s WPO Conference

April 27th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

Once a year I have the privilege of going to the Women Presidents Organization’s annual conference, and it’s usually one of the highlights of my year.  This year’s conference in Ft. Lauderdale was no exception.

It’s not just the keynote speakers and the workshops that make the experience so valuable; it is mostly being a part of the collective energy of 500 smart, successful, honest, hardworking and philanthropic women.   Each woman there has dealt with struggles and successes, and they have such incredible compassion and warmth, I am always astonished at the almost superhuman quality I feel when I return.  Like nothing is impossible!

Here are a few of the pearls I took away from some of the sessions:
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Results from the Ultimate Engagement

April 8th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

On March 14th, I co-produced an event called the Ultimate Engagement, at Manhattan’s Gotham Hall.  Frequent readers of this blog will know that I created this bridal event with my industry colleague, Maya Kalman, as a way for us to showcase our wedding businesses in a more personalized and targeted format.

Our concept was to give brides a chance to have one-on-one appointments with the masters of the wedding industry.  We put together an impressive group of wedding purveyors, presented in a luxurious venue, along with champagne and hors d’ouevres, informative sessions by wedding industry experts, and trunk shows with high end designers.  It was truly a bridal event like no other.

And I’m happy to report the concept worked!

In addition to being a sponsor of the event, 5th Avenue Digital provided photography coverage – you’ll find a link to the photos below.  We also provided an opportunity to try our new photobooth, complete with bouquet props, courtesy of Diana Gould.  (You can see these photos in our online link as well.)   Plus, we gave brides a chance to meet and see work from two of our top photographers, Julie Skarrett and Robert Evans.

Read the rest of this entry »

A New Year for 5th Avenue Digital

March 1st, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

This year marks a new path for us.  Last year was more about…what do we want to be when we grow up?  We did a lot of soul searching, deciding where we fit as a stand-alone company.  In 2010 we are acting on what we learned and rolling out our plans.

This is our first newsletter letting you know all that we’re doing at 5^th Avenue Digital and our sister companies.  Please let us know what you think!  We are always looking for new ideas and ways to improve, and we welcome your input.

5^th Avenue Digital started as an innovator in digital technology, at a time when the world was still using film.  We have taken that spirit of innovation and brought it into our mission, addressing our clients’ changing needs for our products and our services.  This month we are launching our deconstructed photo booth. Read the rest of this entry »