blogLine11 » Line 11 :: Documentary Photography for Weddings, Families, and Life

It’s been a couple of months (yes I’m behind) since Tim & Sandra were married at the beautiful West Baden Springs Hotel in French Lick, IN. They said it was the first wedding at this historic location in 75 years as the Hotel itself had recently completed MAJOR renovations and had only opened that week. The wedding was held on the grounds and the reception inside the incredible domed atrium.

Sandra seemed very relaxed despite her earlier predictions, and made a gorgeous bride. Because they both live on the East Coast, I met Tim for the first time that weekend! He was very welcoming and thoughtful. I can see why people came from all over the world to share in their day.

Thanks for including us in your plans!

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The bridesmaids watching the scene above.

Tying a bow tie can be tricky.

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The War began tonight. Already, for me anyway, it’s been very compelling to watch and study. But the main reason I think it’s worthy of a blog post is because of the use of various kinds of images. Ken Burns is famous for his use of archival images in his previous documentary The Civil War. So famous that his pan and zoom movement over still images has been dubbed “the Ken Burns effect” in many slideshow programs (even though it’s WAY too common now).

While there were both moving and still images available from this period in history, it’s interesting to pay attention to how he uses them. Watch closely and count how many seconds a still image (on average) is on the screen versus how long a single movie clip is on the screen. Just from this first episode it seemed to me that most movie images were shown for 5-6 seconds or less before a cut is made. But the still images are typically on screen for up to 10-15 seconds, or longer, before a cut to a different image. What’s even more interesting (maybe only to me cause I’m a geek) is how the two different types of media affect us differently and how we perceive them when someone is trying to tell a story like this. I have an opinion about why movie images are generally shorter than still images but I want you to think about this before I share completely.

It still amazes me how powerful a recorded moment can be. Even to those that have no personal investment in the images of these families or events, they can be completely compelling. How much more important are they to someone who only has a photo of their grandfather and the words of others to know anything about them. This really is why I do what I do and why I truly believe it’s such an important job to do well.

** Just an update to say thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth today at the show.  I know those shows are very overwhelming, so I really appreciate those of you who made a special effort to stop by and see us.

Don’t forget about the  current special for a $350 credit when you book our base collection.  This offer is only good until October 15!! **

Just a quick note to let you know I’ll be at the Scottish Rite Sunday for the PWG Bridal Show. If you’re going, please stop by to say hi. In honor of the show, I’m offering a special. If you book our base collection, you’ll receive a $350 product or service credit to use as you like.

I’m sorry, I know I’m way behind on blog posts, about 10 weddings, and 4-5 portrait shoots. I also got tagged in some blog game that I’ll try to respond to.

Dave