Details Matter – In Life and Photography

September 25th, 2011 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

Most clichés are born of truth, and “the devil’s in the details” is no exception.  The importance of attention to detail is true for most areas in life and especially so for wedding photography.

Funny, so many of our clients worry about the big shots: certain poses with specific family members, the ceremonial kiss, the first dance.  While it’s crucial that we capture these major moments, it’s really the detail shots that give wedding photography depth, texture and interest.

The most memorable and evocative wedding photography includes lots of detail shots in addition to capturing the big moments.  These might include close-ups of the cake and flowers, the back of the bride’s gown, the wedding rings, and most important of all: the emotions.
Read the rest of this entry »

The Changing Landscape of Wedding Photography

March 7th, 2011 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

Wedding photography is rapidly changing before our eyes.  While I knew this before attending WPPI, the annual Wedding & Portrait Photographer Conference in Las Vegas, absorbing what I learned there certainly underscored this fact.  With so many young talents rapidly entering the market, established photographers can stand out only by virtue of their experience, and how they use it to push the boundaries of their art.
The abundance of blogs and other media outlets for photographers to get their work published has provided a plethora of places looking for good content to brighten their pages. This phenomenon has infused the industry with fresh perspectives.  Not since Dennis Reggie gave way to the photojournalistic movement in weddings, back in the 80s, has there been such a radical shift in style.
High-end digital cameras have engendered a new style of shooting, which has brought an emerging category of stylized engagement shoots to the foreground.  Whether featuring a vintage aspect or some romantic romp in the city, this new type of shoot lends renewed excitement to the photographer, as well as the bride and groom looking to personalize their particular love story.
One of the hallmarks of this style seems to be the use of natural light – or in my terms, lack of good lighting equipment!  This is where real, hard-won experience pays off, and where the true artists separate themselves from the pack of newbies.
Every year, I look forward to seeing the work of the established players in the field and what they are able to do with their artistic passion. There is no denying technique and the gorgeous results these masters deliver for their wedding clients.  This is clearly seen in the competition sponsored by the conference.  An annual highlight, the competition allows photographers to submit images for judging by their community.  It’s sort of like a wedding and portrait photographers’ Oscars.
Not being a photographer myself, I’m able to fully appreciate the artistry and expertise that goes into taking some of these images.  These are not the editorial-style images seen in blogs and brides magazines, but photographs taken by skilled masters of real people in real-time life situations.
I am proud to be representing some of these masters at 5th Avenue Digital, and to watch our long-established photographers incorporate these new trends.  It is our goal to represent a wide range of talent and creative options, at price points suitable for almost any wedding budget.  In my next post, I will introduce our newest addition, Alan Weiner, and showcase the exceptional work our established photographers are doing that reflect this modern, fresh style.

Engagement Moments to Remember and Photograph!

January 11th, 2011 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

This holiday season, we had the privilege of photographing two marriage proposals, both different in style and circumstance but similar in romanticism.  Men, take note!  Here are two ways to really bowl over your intended.

The men behind these proposals spent hours (and considerable expense) carefully planning their engagement occasion to awe and amaze their beloveds.  Both women were successfully bowled over and both said yes!  Both marriage proposals were planned as part of a New Year holiday trip to New York City each couple had planned.  In both cases, we worked long distance to execute exactly the engagement scenario that each man wanted to create.

One proposal was done outdoors in Central Park.  “Ron’s” fiancé-to-be didn’t even know our photographer was there, because Ron wanted to present the photo as a surprise gift afterwards.  Our photographer found the couple at a pre-determined spot in the park, positioned herself well away from them and had an assistant with her to act as decoy.

We got some beautiful photos, made all the better in their naturalness and spontaneity because the photographer’s presence wasn’t felt.  The couple’s joy and happiness is palpable in their photos!  After the proposal, our photographer rush-processed the shots, chose one to print, and had the framed photo delivered to the couple’s hotel by the next day. Read the rest of this entry »

A Reflection on the State of Event Photography

January 3rd, 2011 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

If you’re like me, ripping off that last page of the calendar is a time of reflection, an opportunity to take stock of your business and in some cases, the people in your life.  When I look back on this year I am truly grateful for the people I get to work with on a daily basis and to those who have trusted our company with preserving the memories of their special events.

We continue to pursue our goal to create a company that provides a quality product with exceptionally responsive service.  The wonderful news is that our planners and clients who work with us are recognizing the value we offer them, and our company continues to thrive in an environment where most photography businesses falter under the weight of intense competition and shifting consumer needs.

Our YouBooth photo booth has proven to be the most successful product we created this year.  It stands out from the other free standing photo booths because it does it all: high quality prints that pop out in seconds, simultaneous transmission to A/V screens and the ability to customize back drops and branding on the prints. Read the rest of this entry »

Sustaining Success in a Weak Economy

August 26th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

5th Avenue Digital recently hit its two-year anniversary.  There were no celebrations – we’re too busy working!  But the occasion gave us a reason to pause and think about how far we’ve come in the two years we’ve been operating as our own entity.  I thought our blog readers might be interested in what’s happened since separating 5th Avenue Digital from Sarah Merians Photography, and what we’ve done to keep our business viable in this weak economy.

Over 10 years ago, while still a part of SMP, 5th Avenue Digital started by doing corporate photography, and we continued to focus on this segment after the split.  However, we soon realized we’d need to expand beyond this rather narrow market.  The companies officially separated shortly before the start of the economic meltdown.  Subsequently, the corporate work (particularly with our larger clients, Lehman Brothers and AIG) dwindled drastically.  We knew then that we’d need to regroup, find ways to reach new market segments and develop new offerings, if we were going to survive.
Read the rest of this entry »

The Clinton Wedding is Finally Here and We are Still Guessing!

July 30th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

I must say, I’m incredibly impressed with the class and true nobility of all of the Clinton as they prepare for the wedding of the summer.  Jackie Kennedy would have been proud.  With all the reality TV drama surrounding the minute details of the wedding planning, isn’t it nice that the Clintons have kept everything so quiet.

Read the rest of this entry »

A Valentine’s Day Wedding with Distinction

April 19th, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

If a young girl were to imagine her fairy-tale wedding, it would probably look much like the wedding that Nerissa Montemurro brought to fruition in February.  Held on February 13^th, the ceremony was at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, followed by a full-scale reception at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park.  It was truly the ideal Valentine’s Day wedding of a girl’s dreams.

Nerissa, founder and CEO of Private Receptions, Inc. worked with Corrinne and John for almost a year, planning and coordinating every detail, from the pre-wedding preparations at the Waldorf=Astoria to the carriage ride through Central Park.  Nerissa and the wedding couple included all the traditional, romantic elements but added a few unique touches to make the celebration their own.

Read the rest of this entry »

New Wedding Photography Talent for a New Year

February 12th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

In developing our social photography business, our goal has always been to provide exceptionally talented photographers with a wide variety of styles, skill sets and price points.  After a thorough search for talent locally and around the country, 5th Avenue Digital is proud to announce several new additions to our roster of wedding photographers.

In the high-end luxury wedding category, 5th Avenue Digital is excited to be representing Robert Evans.

Robert is most notable for photographing the weddings of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, as well as Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, and he regularly covers A-list celebrity events.  Based in Southern California, Robert has joined 5th Avenue Digital to allow New York brides access to his phenomenal talent.  One of Robert’s greatest goals when he picks up a camera is evoking emotion from everyone who views his images.  He says, “There is no greater joy in life than touching someone’s heart.”

With a clear vision and artistic eye, Robert’s work and training have earned him the honor of shooting the most intimate day in the lives of hundreds of couples, as well as several awards and prestigious titles.  His work has appeared in almost every major publication, including USA Today, People, US Weekly and INStyle Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings – further evidence of his exceptional skill and aesthetic vision.

There is not one celebrity in his portfolio, but all the brides look and feel like celebrities! Take a look.  Robert Evans

Read the rest of this entry »

Program of Interest to Anyone in the Wedding Industry

October 27th, 2009 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

If you’re involved in the wedding industry, or know someone who is, you’ll want to know

about an informative luncheon program sponsored by the International Special Events

Society (ISES) NY Metro Chapter and The Association of Bridal Consultants.  I’ll be one of

three featured speakers talking about tools for success in today’s wedding industry. Read the rest of this entry »

A New Model for Wedding Photography

September 28th, 2009 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

For brides and grooms, and the people who work with them, wedding budgets are tighter than ever before.  Photography can eat up a substantial portion of the wedding budget, but it’s not something you want to skimp on.  After all, the flowers die, the cake gets eaten, but the photos last forever.

All wedding couples want great photography, but their main problem, aside from tight budgets, is not knowing where to turn and who to trust.  They want someone unflappable, with solid experience and artistic talent, who can deliver wedding photos and memories that last a lifetime – at an affordable price.  They also want to own all the images and be free to order their own prints. Read the rest of this entry »