Monastery Photo Retreat

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Monastery of the Holy Spirit_Lake_John Spink PhotographerMay 4-6, 2012 Weekend Retreat

Image, Faith & Photography
(Fr. James, John Spink & Matthew Jeffres)

Humanity is made in the image and likeness of God. Photography, at its best, can bring to view beautiful images that evoke a powerful sense of God’s presence in our world. John Spink, a well known Atlanta photographer will share his insights and images. Matthew Jeffres is a friend of the monastery and will also show his nature photography. Fr. James Behrenswill lead the retreat and share his photographs and comments on faith and the photographic imagination.

Monastery Cloister Pond_John Spink PhotographerWe’ve been associated with the Monastic community in Conyers, Georgia for several years. A few years ago Fr. James Behrens a monk, author and photographer asked me if a retreat on photography would be well received by the public. We agreed to give it a whirl and the annual retreat has drawn people from various faith backgrounds to come and share in the atmosphere and rhythm of monastic life while attending a photography seminar. Presentations on the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson, James Nachtwey and photography work by the team has filled retreatants with a richness and depth that have stirred the senses and soul.

Monastery of the Holy Spirit_Abbey Church Columns_John Spink PhotographerMonastery of the Holy Spirit_Monk Racing The Geese_John Spink PhotographerFr. James Behrens continues to fascinate me in his perspectives in both literary and visual communication. His many books have been great guides for opening the mind, senses and soul to the world around us. Matthew Jeffres love of nature and keen insights into allowing ourselves to be still and receptive is something many of us have lost or never had in our fast paced technological culture.

Monastery of the Holy Spirit_Retreatants at Photo Retreat_John Spink PhotographerMonastery of the Holy Spirit_Fr. James Behrens at Photo Retreat_John Spink PhotographerHere Fr. James (left-center) leads the group during one of the shooting sessions in the cloister. I’m looking forward to another great weekend of sharing, learning and meeting everyone who will come to one of the most unique retreats to be found in the photographic or spiritual community.

Wedding Photography? Oh, yes – the wedding of the photographic mind and the soul for sure!

Monastery of the Holy Spirit_Abbey Church_John Spink PhotographerVisit – John Spink Wedding Photojournalism Homepage

Who Will Be The Next Atlanta Bride?

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I‘ve always liked this image of Laura tossing the bouquet. The most interesting aspect of the picture isn’t so much Laura, but the faces of the ladies behind her. This was just one in a series of images where each image was a study in of itself. The best thing about our wedding photography is that our clients are provided with so many images – that you could literally spend hours just analyzing and enjoying them for photography sake. You gotta think John Spink – so come see us on Facebook or Twitter and ask about our unique approach.

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Let Children Have A Wedding Blast

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Weddings bring a whole new experience for children to explore. It is probably their first encounter with pageantry, pomp and circumstance – and they love it! Most of them do……. except the occasional reluctant ring bearer or flower girl.  Little girls and boys are amazed at how beautiful the bride looks and stand-off staring in awe at this fairy princess, larger-than-life.  The groom – just like in the movies! This usually lasts until the reception, when they discover their dance partner is either the bride or groom and then they have a new playmate.  The dance floor becomes a playground and bottled up energy finds its release there. That’s also where a good number of pictures are made at least at most of the Atlanta venues I have been to.

However, great pictures of children can be made throughout the wedding day you just have to be looking for them. As a photojournalist, I’m using a camera to tell a story, looking for all kinds of people, moments and events that mark the day like compass points. Children often bring energy and a sparkle to the day. Nieces, nephews and cousins nowadays are spread all over the United States. It’s important to have these relatives in the mix of your photos because the next time a couple sees them may be months if not years down the road.

There are cute moments, embarrassing moments and just plain beautiful pictures to be made of children.

Having these pictures made in photojournalistic style brings a whole new look and life into these photos – different than a point and shoot grip-n-grin.

Ready to be framed, unique and professional, these photos capture a moment in time of a cherished young face.

Visit – John Spink Wedding Photojournalism Homepage

Atlanta Wedding Engagement Photography

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The engagement shoot is the usually the beginning of a client/photographer relationship before a wedding. As a photojournalist, this can be approached two ways. A portrait session or strictly photojournalstic style, or both.

Many couples prefer the portraits, but for those interested in more of a visual catalog, the additional time to do the photojournalism shoot coupled with portraiture is well worth the time and investment.

On the portrait-side, I personally like to do on-location portraiture as opposed to studio shoots. These locations vary in metro Atlanta depending on the client’s needs. It can be chosen because of close geographical location to the couple, a favorite place, where the proposal occurred or left up to the photographer to suggest. This is the first working relationship the photographer and couple experience and really sets the tone for the wedding day shoot.

A photojournalism engagement-shoot is usually a day chosen by the couple where they will be involved with activities as a couple, such as a visit to the park, shopping, picnic or a visit to an event. Shopping and events must be carefully screened because many venues do not allow photography such as Malls and chain operated stores. Small towns such as Roswell where shops located on the street and sidewalk can be ideal.  The settings can provide a natural interaction between the couple and capture special moments. The key in these situations is “Time”. Spending the time with the photographer is key to capturing real moments.

Whether you choose the on-scene location portrait engagement shoot or the Photojournalism engagement shoot – it’s really up to your personal tastes and how you see yourselves and want that image as your showcase.

For Becky and Ryan, we chose an Atlanta park where various photo opportunities existed.  I usually like to basically turn the shoot into a portfolio session with a wide range of variety of settings and focal lengths blending some traditional and not-so traditional photography. After the shoot, the client has at their disposal a whole catalog of images for prints. I offer an enlargement of “The One” picture. In the end, if my client says, we’re having a hard time narrowing it down to just one image – I know I’ve done my job.

Visit – John Spink Wedding Photojournalism Homepage

 

Presenting – Mr & Mrs Portrait

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Rhodes Hall in Atlanta gives the atmosphere of elegance & pageantry.

Most bride and grooms do not want to see each other until after the ceremony which puts a little pressure on when it comes to making a good, couple’s portrait. If it isn’t the church’s bridal coordinator trying to run you out – then its the anxiety of the couple wanting to get to the reception that throws a wrench into having the quality time to make great portraits. I usually like to do about 5-7 different situations with the bride and the groom following the post-ceremony group shots – time permitting. Some of the portraiture happens in the posing and environment at hand – others come within the event itself.

Lots of movies have been shot in Covington, Georgia.

The Carter Center lends itself to some wonderful spots to shoot in.

Villa Christina had this great piano which the bride, a pianist herself, appropriately posed with her new husband.

Naylor Hall in Roswell is a favorite for many.

Chateau Elan has several areas to make some great images.

All roads lead to Rome – Rome, Georgia at Belle Terra.

I have stressed the importance of budgeting time in these situations so that memorable portraiture can be done properly. It takes a little coaching and follow up – but we make sure it happens, and our clients see why and are thankful we did.

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Portraits

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Good portraiture of people is essential in wedding photography. It can be done with a portable studio like these following photos of Actor Jim Caviezel & Atlanta Archbishop Wilton Gregory or on location which I will show some examples of in another related post.

I like lighting that will give depth and create a mood. Simple straight forward and to the point. A portrait should say something about the person looking into the lens of the camera.

(Photo by Thomas Spink)

It’s also essential to share your work during the shoot like I did with Jim. Jim has been photographed hundreds of times and knows the kind of look he wants to give. I also knew the setting and mood I wanted to create in his portrait. We had to wed our visions together for this shot. This is how I like to work with a client.

Archbishop Gregory’s portrait was done at his residence and is the official portrait that is displayed in churches across the Archdiocese. This is the spiritual leader for thousands of Catholics across North Georgia. The portrait needs to communicate who this man is.

I enjoy simplicity in portraiture – I also simply enjoy making my clients happy.

Visit – John Spink Wedding Photojournalism Homepage