Meet the 5th Avenue Digital Photographers: What’s the Funniest Thing That Happened to You on a Wedding Shoot?

Photographing a once-in-a-lifetime wedding can be pretty serious business, but that doesn’t rule out the possibility of the unexpected, the humorous and the totally hysterical. Our professional wedding photographers at 5th Avenue Digital share some of their funniest moments.

Stavros Panopoulos

Stavros Panopoulos:  There have been many events that were funny, although the bride and groom’s opinion may differ, but one stands out that I think all can agree on. I was photographing a newlywed couple in Central Park after the wedding and Steven Tyler of the band Aerosmith walks in to photo bomb the shot. Everyone was delighted. The bride gave him a kiss on the cheek and he went on his way. Read the rest of this entry »

Best of 2012: Wedding Portraits

Here are some of our favorite Wedding Portraits from 2012.

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5th Avenue Digital Welcomes Photographer Amy Etra

When Amy Etra was aspiring to be a cool hippie at her high school on Long Island, photography was the new cool art class so she signed right up, and got hooked.  Later she studied photojournalism at Boston University, moved to NYC and worked as a photo assistant in the exciting world of advertising.  In the 1980’s she moved to Los Angeles and became a national magazine portrait photographer, shooting celebrities and business leaders for Newsweek, Time, Forbes, USA Today and other top publications.  In 1999 she moved back east to Connecticut where she “fell” into the wedding biz when a photo editor at Business Week asked Amy to shoot her wedding on Block Island.  “Wow, it was the perfect  fit for me” Amy recalls. “Creative, fast paced, and all about photographing people and artsy details.”  Today Amy excels in wedding photography, engagement photography and bar mitzvah photography in addition to her corporate work.  Amy shares more of her thoughts with us.

How would you describe your signature style in five words?

My style is: artistic, fun, creative, spontaneous, photojournalism.  My favorite photography expression is:  “Fortune Favors the Prepared Mind”  which is perfectly illustrated in my photo of Alex and her veil blowing.  I set her up with her bridesmaids on her street and all of a sudden a strong wind came up and I clicked.  But everything was in place already, location, lighting….and I got lucky..because I was prepared!!  Call it photographer’s luck, whatever. Read the rest of this entry »

5th Avenue Digital Welcomes Photographer David Ducane

David Ducane smiles when he thinks about how his passion for people and adventure turned into a career in photography.  Growing up in southern California, his many family camping trips spawned his initial love for adventure.  At 14 his family relocated to New Jersey where he met his great friend Jon who introduced him to photography.  From the moment he picked up the camera he knew he loved taking pictures.  “I love light, and locations with minimal settings or many lines and shapes” David reflects.  “Every event, every session is a new opportunity for me to push myself, to create images that impact the viewer but are still classic and timeless.”  David is equally fabulous as a wedding photographer as he is shooting bar mitzvahs. David shares more of his thougths with us.

What was the first event you photographed when you knew for sure: ‘This is what I want to do’?

The “This is what I want to do” moment for me was when I was traveling in Nepal 5 years ago. I got to meet many amazing people and take tons of photos while hiking in the mountains. One day it just hit me that I didn’t ever want to stop taking photos.

What job or person gave you your first “big break”?

My big break moment came when the salon where my sister works – Arrojo in Soho – asked me to photograph 25 fashion bloggers who came to get makeovers.   After that job I was asked by a big fashion designer to do her e-commerce and the ball has continued to roll.

How would you describe your signature style in five words?

The five words to describe my style are:  quite, moments, fun, classic, dynamic.

Who or what inspires you the most?

The person I work with, the location and the type of lighting I have to use inspire me in a new way at every shoot I’m part of. Read the rest of this entry »

The Mansion at Natirar: A Wedding Photographer’s Dream Location

Our photographers were thrilled to finally shoot a wedding at The Mansion at Natirar, the place in Far Hills, NJ that Richard Branson bought as an event space.  The most obvious advantage The Mansion has over any other location we have seen is the killer views during the ceremony.

Formerly owned by the King of Morocco, The Mansion is an historic estate that has been transformed into a luxury Banquet and Catering venue, in partnership with Restaurant Associates.  Their attention to period details and modern accommodations makes The Mansion a distinctive location for weddings – and for wedding photography.  The exceptional creative powers at By Robin, the wedding planners, made full use of the space, giving this couple and their families a wedding experience that truly expressed their individuality, complete with a drum solo by the groom.

Vendors:

Planner – Suzan Salmon at By Robin    http://byrobin.com/

Band – Kenny I band    http://www.kennyi.com/

Getting Ready Location – The Bernard Inn    http://www.bernardsinn.com/

Décor- Robin Lathrop, Owner of By Robin  http://byrobin.com/

Location-  The Mansion at Natirar    http://www.natirar.com/

Principle Photographer - David Nicolas for 5^th Avenue Digital

Wedding Wednesday Wisdom with Photographer Jesse Anders

You may recall Jesse Anders’s beautiful work for the Marks-Aruti wedding at Bridgewaters featured a few weeks ago.  Jesse makes it all seem effortless, but it takes great skill to deliver such natural and uncontrived photographs.  The hook for Jesse is connecting what’s seen with what’s felt: the ecstatic moment in the middle of a dance, with friends whirling round the bride and groom –caught! Picking out the Louboutin soles with the selective b&w shot in Central Park…very cheeky, and perfect.  Jesse talks a bit about his unique style and why he absolutely loves being a part of the happiest moments of his client’s lives.

What is the chief characteristic of a memorable photo?

For me, a photograph is most memorable when it captures a moment in time that is emotional and powerful to begin with. To be able to hold that moment in your hand as a photograph is nothing short of amazing!  As a photographer, it is important to me that I am not forcing a photograph into existence. Yes, a “beautiful” photo can be constructed, but a truly memorable photograph comes from a truly memorable moment. Read the rest of this entry »

How to Hire the Perfect Wedding Photographer

Of all the planning and preparation that go into creating the perfect wedding, the most important may be choosing the right wedding photographer.  After the cake has been eaten and the guests have gone home, your photographs are all you will have left to remind you of the day. Here are a few tips that will simplify your search and help you locate the perfect photographer for you. Read the rest of this entry »

Event Focus Friday with Photographer Jen DelCastillo

The best photographers combine intuition with supreme technical skill, and when you add the ability to connect with people and make everyone feel special, Jen DelCastillo takes the wedding cake.  All those early years studying for her BFA and working in the more technical areas of photography helped Jen Del Castillo hone her craft and focus on what’s really important: capturing moments!  Jen shares her unique perspective on the art of event photography and more.

What makes a great event photographer?

Good genes and a combination of other traits, including creativity, sensitivity, technical know-how—and experience, experience, experience!  You also need to be equal parts psychic, artist and psychologist…and a bit of a nerd. You need to have a sense of humor, a calm demeanor and pride in your work, and the ability to emotionally invest in clients—to have the experience they are having and to have an experience with them. Finally, you need a strong back and to feel a bit of adrenaline that comes from the intensity of shooting an event. Read the rest of this entry »

Event Focus Friday and BJ Enright

A new addition to 5th Avenue Digital’s team, BJ has been shooting professionally since 2007, gaining a wealth of experience in weddings, engagements, portraits, events, concerts and commercial work.  Born and raised in the Detroit area, he started out second-shooting weddings in Chicago, then moved to Portland (for a girl…) where he spent two years growing his portfolio.  He married that girl last summer, and they moved to NYC in January, when he joined the 5^thAvenue Digital team.

What was the first event you photographed when you knew for sure: ‘This is what I want to do’?

My very first wedding, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.  It was a perfect late-summer day, with a backyard ceremony and a beautiful sunset reception at a venue right on the lakeshore.  I was a little nervous about it being my first wedding, but I was the third photographer and operator of the photo booth for the reception — so I was there mostly to learn.  But it was such a rush!  Being there to document such a special day and being witness to really intimate moments that most wedding guests never get to experience was electrifying.  It was both a thrill and an honor to take my skills and apply it to something truly beautiful. Read the rest of this entry »

What Marriage Equality Means to Me

There’s a lot of talk in the wedding industry about how gay marriages will be financially beneficial for New York wedding vendors.  Although as owner of a wedding photography company I understand and partially share that perspective, my feelings run so much deeper.  To me, this legislation goes well beyond the opportunities to be gained by jumping on the PR/marketing bandwagon.

I got teary when I awoke to Facebook and email messages about the law finally being passed.  Friends knew how invested I was in seeing this through. Read the rest of this entry »