Hi Everyone!!!

So, this month we’re doing something really neat. We’ve invited some missionary families/individuals to come be our models for the evening and we’re having a picnic!

When: September 15, 2009 @ 7pm
Where: The park at the end of 3400 Stratford Rd NE, Atlanta, Ga (in Buckhead)

More information & to RSVP:  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=159722400861

Beyond the Shoot is just a way to practice together – share ideas and techniques and push each other to become better photographers. In this case, the photographs actually go to a good cause as well. All photographers are welcome to attend!

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We’re SUPER excited! Pictage has a blog post interview with us about Beyond the Wedding! We’re really thrilled that Pictage is helping us get the word out and supports what we’re doing. If you have the time, go on over to the Pictage Blog and check it out. (Also, a HUGE thanks to Pictage & Elizabeth Villa for posting about Beyond the Wedding)

- Anna and Spencer

Beyond the Wedding Challenges for June 2009-2010!!!

These are all of the challenges for the next year! Any image submitted to win a challenge must be submitted at the month of the challenge (for example, you would submit the June 2009 challenge photograph in June 2009).

Specifications:

June 2009

Theme Challenge: Joy

Abstract Challenge: Backlit

Specific Challenge: Get a photograph during the bride & groom’s first dance with someone significant in the background without posing

Technical Challenge: Capture an image at 4.0 aperture at a shutter speed of 1/200th of a second

July 2009

Theme Challenge: Friendship

Abstract Challenge: Around the Center

Specific Challenge: Capture a photograph of an individual unaware of the camera during a posed shot

Technical Challenge: Capture an image at 1/10th of a second shutter speed during the reception

August 2009

Theme Challenge: Devotion

Abstract Challenge: In the Corner

Specific Challenge: Capture a photograph of the groom and his best man during the reception without posing

Technical Challenge: Capture an image at 1.6 aperture with an ISO of 200 during the reception

September 2009

Theme Challenge: Love

Abstract Challenge: Something vibrant yet subtle

Specific Challenge: Capture a photograph with the bride and her father together at the reception and the mother of the bride in the background without posing

Technical Challenge: Capture an image at 1/8000th of a second shutter speed during the ceremony

October 2009

Theme Challenge: Frustration

Abstract Challenge: Small and significant (please refrain from ring shots)

Specific Challenge: Capture a photograph of a unique detail of the day

Technical Challenge: Capture an image at f/16 with an ISO of 100 during the reception

November 2009

Theme Challenge: Anticipation

Abstract Challenge: The Setting

Specific Challenge: Capture a photograph with the bouquet and rings present

Technical Challenge: Capture an image at 100 ISO & at 1/10th of a second during the getting ready portion of the day

December 2009

Theme Challenge: Acceptance

Abstract Challenge: Atmosphere

Specific Challenge: Capture a photograph with a Christmas or Hanukkah decoration in the background

Technical Challenge: Capture an image at 3.5 aperture with an ISO of 200 during the ceremony

January 2010

Theme Challenge: Surprise

Abstract Challenge: Underneath

Specific Challenge: Capture a photograph that has both ’something old and something new’ present

Technical Challenge: Capture an image at 1.8 aperture while using one off-camera flash

February 2010

Theme Challenge: Awe

Abstract Challenge: Above

Specific Challenge: Capture a photograph with the bride and groom in the photograph but completely unaware of the camera

Technical Challenge: Capture an image with three light sources in the photograph

March 2010

Theme Challenge: Passion

Abstract Challenge: Reflection

Specific Challenge: Capture a photograph with the best man in focus and the maid of honor out of focus in the background

Technical Challenge: Capture an image at f/9.0 during the reception only using a single on-camera flash

April 2010

Theme Challenge: Relief

Abstract Challenge: Lines and Angles

Specific Challenge: Capture a photograph from a low angle of the first dance

Technical Challenge: Capture an image at ISO 100 with three off-camera flashes firing

May 2010

Theme Challenge: Happiness

Abstract Challenge: Soft

Specific Challenge: Capture a photograph from above the entire scene – at least 8 ft. in the air (if not considerably higher)

Technical Challenge: Capture an image at 1.4 aperture at the minimum focal distance from the subject

June 2010

Theme Challenge: Ferocity

Abstract Challenge: Unique

Specific Challenge: Capture a photograph using composition to accent the bride and groom during their first dance

Technical Challenge: Capture an image outside during the wedding day at 2.8 aperture while utilizing off-camera flash, having the background 2 full stops underexposed while the subjects are properly exposed.

The other day we were at a meeting and an idea occurred to us – monthly practice shoots. It was a ‘why isn’t anyone doing this?’ type of idea. Basically, the idea is literally photographers getting together to practice on a monthly basis. No formal agenda, no formal item any one photographer needs to practice – we figure if someone wants a structured, organized, agenda that there are plenty of great workshops they can attend. Beyond the Shoot is just a way to practice together – share ideas and techniques and push each other to become better photographers. 

So, we’ve added this into what we do – each local area will now have, time permitting, two meetings. One for the monthly Beyond the Wedding meeting where wedding photography images are critiqued and photographers can win monthly challenges, and then a separate meeting for Beyond the Shoot. We’re REALLY excited about Beyond the Shoot – of course, all photographers are welcome to come to any of the meetings. It’ll be great! See you at the shoot!

- Spencer

Quick FYI: In Atlanta, we’ll be hosting the first Beyond the Shoot on June 16th – we’ll see you there!

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Theme:

Capture Appreciation

Winner: John Schafer
http://www.johnsschafer.com/

Abstract:

Below or underneath

Winner: John Schafer
http://www.johnsschafer.com/

Congratulations!!!

Theme:

Capture Appreciation

Abstract:

Below or underneath

Specific:

Capture a photograph during the ceremony with a detail of the day as the primary focal point.

Technical:

Capture an image at 5.0 aperture with an ISO at 100 at night during the reception.

To enter these challenges, bring one photograph (per challenge) as an 8″x12″ or smaller print to your local meeting. Please refrain from placing any identification on the front of the photograph – but, please do place identification on the back. The photograph must have been taken at a wedding since the time the challenge was issued. Bring a photograph for any of these challenges to your local meeting in April.