I’ve Been Shot! (My Photo Shoot with Alicia Griffin)

As you may be aware, I’m a photographer. Or at least, I like to call myself one for S&Gs. I use my camera to create images of things. As most photographers will tell you, we prefer being behind the lens and not in front of it. With the situation being what it is, however, Andrew and I needed some head shots done of us for the website we’ve been constructing for our upcoming wedding photography business, and as fate would have it, we would have to smile for the camera.

Ugh.

As a result, we went shopping around for photographers we’d really like to work with and landed on my good friend, Alicia Griffin. She is primarily a food photographer, though she has done engagement shoots and weddings, as well. You may remember the guest blog post she did for me last year, describing her experience shooting at The Source in Washington, DC, which has led her to being their go-to photographer for any additional photography needed. She has a very clean and detailed eye, so we figured she would be a great fit. Plus, I figured Andrew and Alicia should meet so they know of another DC photographer. And I like supporting my friends, so why not?

We met up on Sunday and had a good chat, trying to relax and get caffeinated – an ironic combination, I’m aware. After introducing Andrew and Alicia to each other, we set off around Old Town Alexandria to find some places to shoot. We managed to find a cool red bench and decided that would be a great place to start. After all of this time shooting others, it was quite a change to actually be the subject. I was kind of clueless, to be honest. I know how to direct others, but directing myself is awkward!

We managed to keep a loose dialog going between the three of us, and Andrew and I hopped on some subjects that would also calm the nerves a bit. We didn’t want our images to show that we’re nervous wrecks when we aren’t that way come the day of shooting your wedding! The day was a little chilly, but the sun wasn’t harsh at all and we could use the natural light to help bring a nice warmth to the images on a cold winter’s day. Alicia tried a few different angles, but I liked this one the most because I felt like we were naturally laughing instead of looking seriousface during our conversations.

We moved onward and found an alley with a couple of nice brick and fences. While the more elaborate ones conveniently had cars parked in front of them, we managed to spot one that we could shoot in front of. We continued to joke around, and you could tell that the mood was lightening up a lot more, so our photos tended to come out looking more natural than before, which typically happens in any shoot. I recalled an alleyway with cobblestones and cool growths in it, so I figured that would be another good place to try, but in typical Patrick fashion, I got us to completely circle the block before realizing it was the one block we had spotted earlier! Go me!

Alicia conceptualized Andrew and I walking down the alleyway, so he and I started from midway into the alley and began walking. However, I suppose not all the jitters were shaken out, and with our long strides, managed to race our way back to Alicia.

“No no, you guys!” she exclaimed. “You’re walking too uptight and fast! I can’t capture anything but a blur!”

From this, we determined that we have not only discovered the name for our wedding photography business, but it would make an interesting name for a band. So, for any brides-to-be out there, keep that in mind: Uptight and Fast Photography is your premium choice for your special day!

Once Andrew and I calmed down, we walked a little more leisurely and finally found our stride (pun intended… sorry). We managed to joke about how ridiculous we looked, which made us crack some natural smiles, which then made us not look ridiculous. Alicia even pulled my own damn advice on me, suggesting we “look at each other – like you said in your blog post!” Twisting my words and using them against me… but it worked. And we got some great shots out of the day.

It was quite a unique experience being put in front of a camera and asked to pose. I definitely learned a bit more about giving direction and making sure I don’t come across as intimidating in any way, since I was still awkward while I had a sweet, little Asian woman taking my photo! I think this shoot was a lesson to me that comfort is the number one important thing when you’re interacting with a subject. When Andrew and I tensed up, Alicia managed to make sure we stayed loose by cracking jokes, like utilizing our band name to get us cracking up and back to our normal selves.

Andrew and I definitely want to thank Alicia for being such a great help, but for also being completely awesome. She made us feel relaxed and captured us being the odd couple that we are, which led to not only great images, but also a great day of fun. To check out Alicia’s work, be sure to view her stuff on her website, aliciagriffin.com, or follow her on Facebook.

Until next time,

- Patrick

P.S. I figured I’d include some from the blooper reel for a good laugh. Hope you enjoy!

We're so gangsta!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011 at 1:16 pm. It is filed under behind the lens, photography and tagged with Alicia Griffin, Andrew Markowitz, behind the scenes, head shots, photography, photography tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.