:: LaCour ::

And now, for something completely different...

2008-07-23T22:11:00.003-04:00

We're in the throes of post-production, and our heads hurt. So here is some syndicated content for you. Warning: our nerdy side shows through by posting this :)

Dusk at the Dunes

2008-07-19T00:20:00.008-04:00

Andrew and I are in Indiana with the the Holritzes and the Swans, enjoying great conversation, walks on the dunes and cookouts! Since we don't have kids of our own, we've been living vicariously through our friends! And after the kids fell asleep, Andrew, Amber and I tried some moonlit photography on the beach.

Oh, say can you see...

2008-07-04T23:50:00.000-04:00

"What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense of national responsibility...a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." ADLAI STEVENSON

Happy Fourth of July!

A Woman named Joe

2008-07-03T17:55:00.006-04:00

My Grandmother passed away yesterday morning at the age of 88.

While it is natural to feel sad about losing my grandmother, I can't help but feel joy for the long life that she lived. She was a pioneer — she earned her masters' degree in social work in the 1940s, in an era when most women didn't even attend college. She raised two sons who were both born on November 30 — one in 1948 and one in 1949. She had a career as a social worker, advocating for the disadvantaged, and was an active member of her church for nearly her whole life — up until just a few months ago.

In 2003, I began a video project documenting oral histories of our grandparents. I started with my father's parents, and didn't get much farther. A month ago, I had nearly forgotten about the project; today, I'm really glad I did it, and I feel lucky that I started with this grandmother.

I shot about 5 hours of interviews with them, and edited together this short segment to introduce my grandmother.

As wedding photographers we tell stories with pictures that build the foundation for our clients' family legacy. Although this is a different medium than I am used to working with, the effect is the same — a record of my grandmother that I can save for the rest of my life and show to my kids and grandkids.

Blue Greenland

2008-07-01T13:02:00.002-04:00

Delta Flight 11 got a rare treat; today's winds took its flight path unusually far north, clipping the far southern coast of Greenland. The PA from the captain woke me from a nap to see this view out the window. In a groggy maneuver, I grabbed the ThinkTank from the overhead bin and shot a few frames out the window before the vista was obscured by clouds.

The flight attendant tells me this is an extreme rarity; he couldn't remember the last time he saw Greenland on a clear day. That, combined with the realization that images shot through three panes of plexiglass are actually pretty sharp, indeed made it a memorable crossing of the Atlantic.

London Calling

2008-06-30T19:13:00.014-04:00

Cheers from London!

After spending a week in London, I can finally say I understand what Henry James meant when he wrote,

"It is difficult to speak adequately, or justly, of London. It is not a pleasant place; it is not agreeable, or easy, or exempt from reproach. It is only magnificent."

London is indeed a magical, magnificent place. Andrew and I hope to visit many times for work and play.

The wedding this weekend in Kent, "The Garden of England," was surreal and stunning all at once. Everywhere I turned, there was something inspiring to photograph. The church was built in 1233; the manor house, which is owned by the bride's family and was the site of the reception, was built in the early 1600s. I think my definition of the word "old" changed this weekend. I felt like I had been dropped into the set of a Merchant Ivory film!

Since our wake up call comes in 4 hours, I will sign off by sharing a few photographs from our week.

Urban Intersections: It's a Small World, Afterall

2008-06-23T20:23:00.008-04:00

Ascending the last subway stair, I glanced up from my sun-flare stupor and saw an old friend out of the corner of my eye. Andrew and I stopped abruptly, as worlds collided in midtown Manhattan. There, standing a few feet from us, was California photographer Carey Schumacher! This random intersection was an unexpected highlight of our NYC visit. I'm always amazed that in a city of over 8 million people, you can simply bump into an old friend who lives across the country. These small-world reminders make me laugh, because they confirm my belief that we are more interconnected than we know!

After catching up with Carey and her son Mat, we made our way to the MOMA. My favorite sculpture resides there, and I've always wanted to share it with Andrew. It was a perfect way to end our day because the sculpture conveys themes of urban intersections and human connection. The sculpture,"City Square," was created by Alberto Giacometti in response to urban life. The figures in the sculpture appear to stride toward each other, but they would pass each other by mere millimeters if they were to continue on their course.

Giacometti observed urban life as an art form, "In the street people astound and interest me more than any sculpture or painting. Every second the people stream together and go apart, then they approach each other to get closer to one another. They unceasingly form and re-form living compositions!"

Off to B.C., eh?

2008-06-13T02:51:00.002-04:00

We're here in Victoria, British Columbia for a beautiful wedding coming up on Saturday. Exploring the city was our first order of business today! it's especially enchanting at night.

Stay tuned for more action-packed Victoria photos soon!

Who are you?

2008-06-10T14:42:00.004-04:00

	“Who we are is the most important thing about photography.”
	— Sam Abell

I love talking to photographers. In the last week, I've picked up a consistent theme from the ten-or-so conversations I've had: Where's the work?

Everyone is asking: Why? Is it gas prices? The economy? Uncle Bob?

While a combination of these factors is the likely culprit, I've noticed another: schizophrenia.

Don't take me literally here. I'm not referring to a photographer's mental health. Rather, I've noticed many photographers lack a strong sense of identity. This leaves them vulnerable to the whim of trends.

In the course of many workshop portfolio reviews, I've seen work from individual photographers which looks more like a collection of the best images from a diverse sampling of stylistic influences. Looking at a photographer's portfolio, I can clearly see a visual history of all the workshops the photographer has attended. One image was clearly made after the photographer attended Yervant's workshop; the influence of Denis Reggie is evident in the next, followed by a photograph that could be on Joe Buissink's website.

What's amazing to me is that the photographer has been so successful emulating the styles of each of these industry icons, but the collective result is still a failure. A prospective client looks at their work and has no clear sense of the photographer's identity!

It's natural to be influenced by industry icons and to think: "If it works for them, it will work for me!"

This starts a process of photographic experimentation, resulting in new images that make their way into the photographer's portfolio. While these images are well-executed, they create ambiguity in the photographer's marketing message. Ambiguity actually works against the photographer's marketing and sales efforts. The inspiration drawn from successful photographers has an unintended effect, one Rachel calls "visual schizophrenia."

When you compare LaCour's work to Yervant's, you might think it's surprising that he is a great source of inspiration to us. While our photographic style and approach is divergent, Yervant has crafted a unique identity, which is clearly communicated through his branding to his marketing message to his photography. It's strong and unwavering.

The most successful people in any field stand out because of a personal investment in their work. They have found a way to express who they are through what they do. This becomes increasingly true in a saturated, competitive market.

So, I encourage you to answer this question: Who are you?

How do you approach photography? What is your style? Can you articulate this to your client in two sentences? Is your branding and marketing message consistent with who you are photographically? Do your images work together to reinforce your identity or do they work against each another? And most importantly, what artistic inspiration do you have outside of the photography world?

This requires an intentional effort of specialization. You must ask yourself, how does this new style, approach or technique fit with my identity?

So if sales are down, don't just run out and buy the latest action set or add trash-the-dress sessions.

Start with finding yourself. Then the clients will find you.

New York Minute

2008-06-09T02:00:00.006-04:00

The view from the Four Seasons' 45th floor, looking uptown toward Central Park

Quick self-portrait near Times Square

I spent Saturday shooting at the Four Seasons in Manhattan. It was an intimate little wedding, with just eight people in attendance.

This is the kind of trip that I refer to as a "surgical strike" — in the morning of the wedding — out first thing the next morning! That was a total of 19 hours in NYC!

Some Fitness Friday Fun

2008-06-06T10:05:00.003-04:00

I spent a few days in Philadelphia this past week visiting my brother, Phillip, who paints some pretty amazing murals around Philadelphia, like this one (before and after):

Anyway, I've been waking up at 5:30 am every weekday morning for the past couple of months doing an awesome fitness Bootcamp. So from 6-7 am we work hard running all around Freedom Park doing something different everyday. Pushups and tons of variations - clapping pushups, diamond pushups, military pushups, etc. Lots of abs and core strength work. And if anybody wants to know about Tabata Squats, I'd be happy to tell you. They're killer! So my endurance has skyrocketed. I have to cinch my belt a notch or two tighter now. Fat has melted off and is being replaced by muscle. Where are these weird ripples coming from? But other great benefits are that I have so much more energy now throughout the day and I feel much more focused and productive! Oh, and I've been eating a lot healthier. Nothing revolutionary. Just being smarter with food choice.

So, while I was in Philly, we decided to make a fun little video. My only intention was to share it with the folks at my Bootcamp, but of course I showed a few photographers who cracked up over it and so I figured I'd share it with the world. Prepare for the cheese:

Beckoning Horizons

2008-05-30T00:21:00.024-04:00

Never have I found the limits of the photographic potential. Every horizon, upon being reached, reveals another beckoning in the distance. Always, I am on the threshold.

—W. Eugene Smith

In the past three days, we've traversed the state of California, from San Francisco to San Diego. It's incredible how much emotional, intellectual and psychological distance can be covered in such a short time. Some things can't be measure in miles, only in milestones.

I wish I could share all of the business developments with you now, but many are looming like shadow play on the horizon. One thing is certain: LaCour and ShootQ stand together at an important crossroads.

Our first stop in San Francisco reconnected me with my mentor, Kim Komenich. During my time at the Missouri School of Journalism, Kim's passion for photography and storytelling fueled my love for photojournalism and life in general. He was both a guide and a friend. Having lunch with him was like coming home; it was a rare opportunity to witness life coming full circle. As I sat across a battered bistro table from someone whose influence on the direction of my photographic life is immeasurable, I felt ineffably grateful. Without Kim's guidance, I would not approach weddings with a storyteller's eye.

After lunch with Kim, Andrew and I joined a wonderful group of photographers in San Jose for a presentation about LaCour and ShootQ. We were thankful for the many insightful questions we heard from this group! It was a combined PUG, with San Jose, San Francisco and Sacramento photographers.

Andrew demos ShootQ for the PUG.

Following the PUG, Andrew and I had a series of encouraging, ShootQ-related meetings. As I said earlier, I wish I could share more details. More to come...stay tuned. Needless to say, my journey from student at the Missouri School of Journalism to wedding photographer to software company owner has been filled with curiosity, challenges and creativity!

Wheels up over Silicon Valley

Louisville PUG: Thanks for a Great Visit!

2008-05-22T23:41:00.006-04:00

Rachel and I had fun tonight with the Louisville PUG group, hosted by the extraordinary (and poetic) Angela Anderson. Thanks to everyone who came to hear about LaCour and ShootQ!

Angela treated us to dinner at Proof, the swanky bistro-bar at 21c Museum Hotel. This place is a hip and modern amalgamation of art museum, hotel, bar and restaurant. Its rotating collection of art belongs to a private collector and is both quirky and inspiring. One of Rachel's favorite photographers, Bill Henson, has a piece hanging in the main lobby area.

At the museum, I discovered a Norwegian photographer named Simen Johan, whose fresh take on wildlife photography was captivating.

At dinner, I had the opportunity to talk extensively with ShootQ member Kitty Maer. Kitty told me about her firsthand experience using ShootQ. I value opportunities to sit down with ShootQ users and hear what they like and don't like about ShootQ. There is nothing more valuable when designing software than user feedback so we can improve! One commonality that I've observed between software and photography is that growing and improving is a journey. True success is found in perseverance and commitment to constant improvement!

Thanks Louisville PUG members for sharing your time and ideas with us!

Annette Biggers featured on DarynKagan.com

2008-05-19T10:21:00.003-04:00

You might have already read on our blog (Part 1 and Part 2) about Annette Biggers of Triple Cord Photography who started a fantastic organization called Photographers for Africa after she gave a gift of an old film camera to someone in Uganda.

Annette's story (with a lot more amazing details since you last read about Annette) has just been featured on Daryn Kagan's inspirational website, which you might remember from our story about Malcolm and Kalshelia's Habitat Honeymoon.

**Click Here to view the video on Daryn's website featuring Annette's story.

ShootQ in Professional Photographer Magazine

2008-05-15T21:48:00.007-04:00

We were honored when our friends (and ShootQ users) Garrett and Joy Nudd mentioned ShootQ in Professional Photographer magazine's section called "The Goods!"

Congratulations to Kathryn and Drew

2008-05-11T19:51:00.012-04:00

Our friends, Kathryn and Drew Newman were married yesterday in Decatur, Georgia. It's always fun to photograph other wedding photographers' weddings, because there are always lots of cameras around. But this wedding was special — Drew and Kathryn had a parade that featured the The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, a volunteer marching band based in Atlanta. It was a scene straight out of Mardi Gras in New Orleans! The parade escorted Drew and Kathryn from the ceremony, which took place in their back yard, to the reception hosted at the The Solarium in Decatur's Oakhurst district.

LaCour's Mark Adams participated in the parade by riding his pink Stella scooter.

Rachel, Mark and official photographer Katie Torres of 6 of Four Creations.

By the way, Drew and Kathryn, CLICK HERE to see who else was married yesterday :)

Don't Miss Joe Buissink and Yervant!

2008-05-07T11:25:00.007-04:00

Joe and Yervant are coming to Atlanta on Friday, May 16. Their TWO VIEWS tour has received rave reviews and their dynamic teaching style is sure to inspire you, even if you are not a wedding photographer. We've had the pleasure of learning from Joe and Yervant at past seminars, and have always walked away with a renewed passion for photography.

To register CLICK HERE

We hope to see you there!

The Importance of Dreams

2008-05-01T18:11:00.005-04:00

Today as I jumped head-and-heart-first into ShootQ Grant applications, I was humbled by the gratitude of so many photographers. Inside many applications were sincere, thoughtful notes that relayed each person's excitement and eagerness to pursue projects that make a difference in their communities, both locally and globally. Here is one particular note that summed up the importance of documentary photography. A special thanks to Mary Kate McKenna for taking the time to share these words with us. They are powerful in their simplicity.

ShootQ Grant Applications!

2008-04-30T15:45:00.010-04:00

I think The FedEx delivery woman, the Postal carrier and the UPS guy all hate us!! This afternoon, they all showed up at our studio door with arm-fulls, truck-fulls and cart-fulls of ShootQ Grant applications. They asked if we were taking college applications :)

We're thrilled that so many photographers are applying for the first ShootQ Grant, which awards $10,000 to a photographer to pursue a documentary project. It's encouraging to know how many photographers are eager to use their skills to make a difference.

Thanks everyone for applying! We look forward to announcing the winner. Stay tuned!

In Good Company: It's humbling to be named among the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World

2008-04-28T09:48:00.012-04:00

We were surprised and humbled when we were contacted by American Photo magazine to be included in their list of "Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World." To be included with nine other incredible photographers is an unbelievable honor. As we spend more time getting to know other photographers in our industry, we realize how lucky we are to be surrounded by such talented colleagues! As the old adage says, "Iron sharpens Iron." Thanks to all of our colleagues for continuing to inspire and challenge us!

Atlantan Brides Launch Party

2008-04-24T16:14:00.005-04:00

LaCour photographed the Atlantan Brides magazine launch party last weekend at Mason Murer gallery. The evening was beautiful and it was a great opportunity to meet other wedding industry professionals. The brides and grooms that came to the event were treated to a fun evening of food and presentations, including a creative runway show.

Some of the featured vendors included our friends at Novare Events, Event Design Group, Infinite Designs, and Anne Barge.

The event was beautiful, as was to be expected, and we look forward to participating next year!

CLICK HERE to view the slideshow.

A change of pace

2008-04-20T01:17:00.007-04:00

Rachel and I shoot advertising campaigns for colleges. For a 2-week period in the spring and fall, we travel from campus to campus making fun pictures of students and schools.

This past week, we were at Spartanburg Methodist College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Sports are a big focus on this campus; most students play either varsity or club sports. Early Thursday evening, we happened upon this scene in the gym. Thought I'd share.

WedComp : Wedding Photography Competition

2008-04-03T12:49:00.003-04:00

Visit www.WedComp.com for more details.

ShootQ is sponsoring the contest and is offering memberships to all the first place winners. WedComp is also donating a portion of the proceeds to Thirst Relief International, which is so great! I love how the wedding photography community is so supportive of some very worthy causes and contributes time and money toward them.

Alabama

2008-04-02T14:27:00.007-04:00

Last weekend Mark and I attended the wedding of a fellow photojournalist-turned-wedding-photographer, Dave Cone, and Rachel Davis in Monroeville, Alabama. We ended up shooting a little bit as well, to help out our friends - and official photographers - Jen Sens and Eric Larson. Monroeville's claim to fame is that it produced Harper Lee and Truman Capote, both of whom grew up there and were great friends. Dave and Rachel had their wedding ceremony in the Monroe County Courthouse, which is the courtroom that Harper Lee used as her model for the courtroom in "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Here are a few of our shots from the weekend:

Jen Sens gets ready for the ceremony.

Eric Larson is one of the most stylish men I know - even when working.

Dave was extremely emotional during the ceremony. I love the huge smile he flashed after composing himself.

Photographers can never resist a big cowboy hat, especially when worn with a suit.

I love this shot Mark got of Rachel swirling her veil around. It kept getting in her way. She was met with wild applause when she finally jerked it out of her hair and tossed it on a table.

A little after-party back at the hotel.

Why Photographers Need Insurance

2008-03-27T11:47:00.003-04:00

Just saw this video and had to share. Not that most of us wedding photographers are shooting lions too often, but what if were to get knocked over on a client? (That's what sandbags are for, btw). Anyway, check this video out:

And if you're a photographer without liability insurance, here are two links for you:

Hill & Usher Package Choice

PPA is supposed to offer good insurance options, as well.

And you can always check with your insurance agent.

If anybody knows a great insurance option and wants to offer it to other photographers, please post in the comments!