In an older post I mentioned some new cameras were coming down the pike and how it would impact storytelling products and the visual arts captured at weddings. Well, the cameras are here and they are truly making a huge impact on the wedding photography and videography industries.

The best part of this new technology is that it is great for the consumer because it offers higher quality imagery, but also the ability for photographers and video artists to deliver creative new products in evey platfrom such as; the big screen, your home theater, in print, in books, on your mobile phone, Facebook and other social media networks, online, etc... So what is this new medium all about?

It seems that Fusion is the word it's been given by the videography industry and many photographers are using the term Digital Cinema. Canon has introduced new professional level cameras that can capture both extremely high resolution still photographs and full 35mm HD motion picture at the same time. What makes this different from traditional videography is that artists can pull from Canon's full line of interchangeable exotic lenses. These cameras also perform exquisitely in low light because many of Canon's high end lenses are designed to allow more light in. Nikon isn't too far behind with their latest system capturing 720p HD, but rest assured both will be on top of the movement moving forward.

Bottom line is video that looks more like the human eye sees the world and because the cameras are small in size, you get video clips from the angles that, until now, only the photographer could capture. The other unique experience is that you can blend the high resolution photographs and motion picture together to create what is being deamed as Fusion. The blend is more like a multi-media experience than a boring wedding video and the excitement surrounding this concept is growing emensly.

However, there are some things to consider. Many photographers don't have experience in motion picture. Many videgraphers have little to no experience with still photography. Some are excited about the concept, but many are not happy about this because there is a lot to learn on both sides of the fence. So, you can expect many to sell against it because they don't understand it. This represents a fundimental shift in both industries and for some change doesn't come easy.

Our studio has been lucky enough to have been working in HD cinema for years alongside still photography. So, for us, it is the day we have been longing for. However, at a recent International conference I gave a speach on the topic and out of 400 photographers and videographers in the room, only one raised their hands when I asked "how many are currently creating fusion for your clients". So, in theory, you would have to visit 400 photographers or videographers to find one that is proactive in the future of storytelling. This will indeed all change over the next few years as both industries see the light and realize that they are missing out on the creative process and couples start requesting new products.

Check out the production our team at Maring captured at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan and you'll see the ideas behing this post come to life. Most of all keep your eyes out for endless creativity in wedding photography and video, and don't miss out on capturing your story for every platform to share with your family and your future family. It's a whole new wave of storytelling that you will most certainly want when all is said and done.

This weekend, I made an appearance on TBS Movie and a Makeover sharing a tips on wedding photography and "The Moment" during Danny and Michelle's Manhattan wedding. The moment is that pivotal part of the wedding day when the couple sees each other for the first time and it is always a magical experience to capture.

The timing couldn't have been better as I was just sitting down with a couple this week and creating their wedding timeline. The bride and her mom were all about the couple seeing each other for the first time prior to the ceremony. The groom however, was dead set against the idea until we talked a little about the subject.

I think many envision that moment of the bride coming down the aisle and how amazing that must be. And, it is! However, choosing to see each other for the first time in that scene doesn't really allow you the opportunity to enjoy it like you dream you will. Reality sometimes doesn't always live up to the fiction we dream in our minds. There is just so much going on around you in that moment that you don't get to appreciate it as much as when you do if you choose to see each other prior to the event.

So let's spell out each moment a little..

Seeing each other prior to the ceremony, you get time together... You get to look him/her up and down.  You get to embrace. You get to hold hands. You get to say the things you want to say. You get to wipe the tears from your eyes. You get to see each other for the first time AGAIN... coming down the aisle with a lot less nervous energy. And, best of all, you get to knock out all of your posed photographs so you can enjoy the rest of your day.

During the ceremony on the other hand, you simply walk down the aisle and get rushed into the ceremony simply because 99% of weddings start late. Either way though, you will be holding on for dear life not to cry, and this moment is still just as amazing.

So, consider making your MOMENT happen prior to the ceremony. It is the smartest plan you can make for your day and really makes all the difference in the way you enjoy that incredible time of your life experience.

As a photography mentor, I receive calls and emails on a regular basis from photographers trying to figure out how to become successful in the industry, or often about techniques, etc... But in the past year the calls have gotten stranger and stranger. Just this week an obvious new photographer called and said "I just photographed my first wedding" with nervous excitement... But the next words out of their mouth was really disturbing.. "how do I get them off my camera and onto a disk?"

I understand that you have to start somewhere and I myself started with nothing more than a camera and a dream. But, I never went out and practiced on real weddings. It would shock most photographers and brides to be just how many phone calls myself and other experts receive in which, a so called "professional photographer", calls and doesn't know how to open an image in Photoshop, get photographs off of their digital camera, or have the first clue what they are doing.

For those that want to break into the wedding industry, please.. please... learn how to use your camera and tools first. Practice in situations that can be re-taken, on friends, or family members, and the like. Work with another pro at weddings before you take on the challenge of photographing one. This day is simply to precious for couples to be blindsided by learning the hard way about the importance of photography.

For engaged couples out there, the unfortunate truth is that the photography industry is dramatically over saturated with new photographers due to the excitement of digital photography as a medium. It took me nearly a decade, working everyday behind a camera, before I really knew inside and out how to use camera, lights, and lenses with confidence. And, truth be told, my work still doubles in quality every year. This is a field that even with a lifetime of experience, you never stop learning, and that is what makes it so great. I can appreciate not having a budget for a top professional photographer. But, it is important to be aware that there are a great deal of photographers out there right now that simply have no business photographing weddings.

Search with care and don't be afraid to ask any and every question that concerns you. I read a lot of "questions to ask" written in bridal publications. Most of which are ridiculous, and sadly, a joke among those in the know in our industry. Before you go to an interview with a photographer, think about what is most important to you and write it down. What is important to you personally is what should matter most. The truth is that you really need to follow your gut instinct, and if you are uncomfortable in any way, get through it by asking for the answer from whomever you are interviewing. Those that are confident will not only be understanding, but are usually passionate about educating and sharing information to help you rather than to sell you....

Mixing up the shape of the tables in a wedding reception area can really make a huge impact on the visual elements that guests experience. This event, held at The Pierre Hotel in New York City, party planner David Tutera created a gorgeous floral presentation. By mixing up the table shapes with some being long family style dinner tables, and others being round, it gave the room more visual interest than if every table was virtually identical. This is a simple and easy way to add visual impact to a wedding reception because it gives the guest's eyes more things to study. Long tables also tend to give depth to the room, angles, and leading lines for photographers to work with to create visually interesting scenarios. So, consider adding some interest and a designer touch by making use of a simple idea that adds a creative visual impact.

As a photographer, I admit I am a little biased on this because your photographer and cinematographer have to act quickly during the first dance and often there are challenges to overcome in the heat of the moment. So, it makes sense that the more time the visual artists have to be in the moment, the more opportunities there are to get creative and step outside the comfort zone. In order to focus on images that are different, photographers and video artists need to first capture what is expected. Digital technology is great because a photographer can see whether or not they have nailed what is expected and once they have, they can move on. For instance, the moment here was captured from the back of the room. It is a riskier shot because the light is low, and the photographer has to squeeze their way off the dance floor and back far enough to get the quests perspective. But, the photographer already knew they had great close ups, expressions, and full lengths from the edge of the dance floor so they felt comfortable moving on. If parent's and bridal party had joined too early, this opportunity wouldn't have been available. So giving that little extra bit of time can help insure that your visual artists have plenty of opportunities at hand.

Beyond that, this is your moment. And, this is a time to breath it all in and enjoy. Look into each other's eyes, look around the room at those who adore you. This is as much a moment for everyone sharing it with you and really is the perfect way to start the wedding reception celebration.