Donnan Photo

From the studio… Erin

Andy — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:10:31 +0000

Erin’s swooshy dress made this photoshoot go from “well that’s nice to… oh my that’s fantastic”. Thank you Erin for spinning around in circles in high heels with the big fan on in an already cold studio. Not once did she fall over.

I really enjoy shooting on location, but there’s something to be said about shooting in a studio that I just can’t put to words right now. I immensely enjoy both.

From the studio… Anna-Lee & Maggie

Andy — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 06:46:41 +0000

So I’m very thankful for having access to a nice studio in town. I’m very glad I know somewhat how to operate a flash, inside of a softbox with one of those fancy Pocketwizard radio triggers. Once you learn the gear… and keep it simple, you can direct your efforts into making the subjects comfortable in front of the camera. Meet Anna-Lee & Maggie. They were great to photograph. I never thought I’d enjoy shooting inside a studio, but here’s my take on what portraits should look like.

A new branch… featuring Brittany

Andy — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:13:17 +0000

Hello loyal blog viewers/readers, let’s talk. I really really really love making photographs at weddings. It’s such a rush and a blessing to photograph for a bride & groom on their special day. All the pressure to pull off the shots, capture the moments and seamlessly blend it all together, in a timely fashion and deliver the end product of a disc, prints or an album. It’s this wild dance of art, communication, and being constantly faced with less-than-ideal photographic conditions that for some reason I love every minute of it. I could go on and on about why I like this stuff so much, but I think you get the drift.

First, a big thank you to Jen (makeup), LJ, David, Brent, Jason and the models: Brittany, Anna Lee, Kaitlyn, Maggie, Erin and Kelly. Without you guys I’d just have random photographs of white walls and vintage chairs. That’s fine if you like that sort of thing, but for me, people make the photo.

For quite some time now I’ve had a desire to explore photography on a different branch. What if I photographed outside the constraints of a wedding? It’s an interesting thought which I’ve finally acted on. Jen and I rounded up some of her friends for an all afternoon/evening photoshoot. Allow me to show you what I came up with earlier this week. Over a span of 6 hours we managed to fit in 6 models, two locations, three pizzas and a two liter of coke.

There are loads more to share, but I will make a new entry for the photographs I shot in the studio. If you or someone else you know would like a truly unique portrait session, let’s talk. I’m currently offering a referral incentive to any high-school seniors looking to have their portrait made that expresses their unique personality and style.

Some of my helpers: Jen, LJ & David

Jen did a great job with her makeup and Brittany did a great job clapping, laughing and looking serious.

Fantastic location, fantastic model, fantastic props, fantastic everything.

Around we go…

Andy — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:53:08 +0000

I love shooting for Jessica & Kaleb (not pictured), along with their little son Ralph. He’s a cutie and he’d never been on a merry go round. Enjoy the photo and video of Jessica, her sister and Ralph. I hope that it brings a smile to your Monday.

For the gadget geeks in the house: video is done with a flip mino hd (click here to see it in hd). I used a super clamp from bogen to mount the video camera and a slow shutter speed to get more motion blur for the still photograph.

Beautiful Time Lapse Photography

Andy — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:18:09 +0000

It’s nice to know that this world wasn’t created by chance. Psalms (19:1) puts it best:” The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” This time lapse photography is a gorgeous display of my Father’s handiwork. I didn’t make the photos, but I do appreciate them very much. I think you will too.

On another note I will be out of town for the weekend helping family move. So if you don’t get a reply back or your call goes to voicemail, please leave me your info and we can talk next week.

An Antique Wedding Dress

Andy — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:07:32 +0000

It’s the special touches like this that I’m honored to capture for my clients. Behold a vintage/antique wedding dress that was hand-made by the bride’s grandmother. They contacted me to photograph it before the wedding. I had a blast making these photographs and I know their family will enjoy them for many years to come. ( Can you tell I’m excited about this upcoming wedding??? )

I saw the biggest pinecone I've ever seen, so I had to include it.

Baby Maddie

Andy — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:41:53 +0000

What a cute lil baby. See the rest if you know her last name on prints.donnanphoto.com

My snowy photoshoot

Andy — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:49:04 +0000

Eliza & I went to North Carolina last weekend where it snowed just long enough for us to go play for a few hours. She gets credit for shooting these.

It’s nice to know what it feels like to be in front of the camera from time to time. In case you’re wondering, my jacket came from Shoppe 3130 and my hammock came from Eagles Nest Outfitters. I hope you got out and enjoyed the snow last weekend. Next up on the blog is little Maddie. Stay tuned!

This is Molly & Jason’s wedding.

Andy — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:27:17 +0000

It was a pleasure to photograph for Molly & Jason on a cooooold January day ( it was in the low 20’s! ). Did you see her bridal session blog post? If not, check the link because it rocked. They had a wonderful wedding filled with family and friends that danced the night away. I really enjoyed everyone I met and wish M&J a life of happiness with each other. Their family was a hoot and the irish dancing was a sweet unique gift for the newlyweds. Enjoy the photos below. There’s a lot. Want to see the rest? hop on over to http://prints.donnanphoto.com to see their entire wedding day.

Their evening ended sitting around a big table with their closest friends & family. It was a sweet moment to to witness. It is to have a big family to share your wedding day with. ( wow I’m getting sappy now! love this job!!! )

Kiddos being kiddos

Andy — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:32:18 +0000

I realized the other week that I should probably begin shooting things besides 99.9999% weddings. On a cold Saturday in Lincolnton, Eliza and myself took portraits for two families that dared to brave the cold. Here’s the cute kids below.

photo by: Eliza

Photo by: Andy

Photo by: Andy? ( I think? )

Photo by: Andy

They were a sweet bunch to work with ( aka chase around ) and I look forward to booking more mini-sessions for anyone else who’s interested in a portrait session. Contact us for availability and package options.

I am very interested in shooting high-school senior portraits. The first five to contact me ( andy@donnanphotography.com ) to book a senior portrait session will receive 15% off coupon toward any print or product. Guys with cool cars or girls with cool styles, let’s come up with a concept for your daughter or son, and make a photograph for your family and friends.

Free Engagement Sessions?

Andy — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:53:31 +0000

I’m often asked by clients as to why all my wedding packages include an engagement session for free. Yes, free. Allow me to explain why…

Whenever I meet a new client I first sit down just to learn about the couple and what they envision their wedding to be like. What is their priority for wedding photographs, and what products do they have in mind for their finished wedding photographs. We get to know all of our clients, in order to best fit their needs as a photographer.

One of the best ways I have found for clients to get great wedding-day photographs, is by shooting an engagement session for them. The e-session allows us to interact with our clients in a relaxed setting, with the camera in front of them, thereby getting everyone comfortable with the camera so that come wedding day the photographs are natural.

I simply love to direct clients for portrait sessions, but on the wedding day it’s really all about capturing candid moments that tell the story of one of the most important days in two people’s lives. This story can only be told if we are trusted by the wedding party, family and guests to capture what we see. It’s our responsibility as photographers to preserve the memories of a wedding day.

On the other hand, bridal sessions are a completely different story. Some would prefer to switch an engagement session for a bridal session, but I am no longer honoring that substitution (on rare occasions I will allow it).

Bridal sessions can be up to a day-long affair. The bride has her dress ready, her hair & makeup ready, and sometimes even a bouquet for the shoot. Locations are scouted, ideas are passed back and forth, schedules are reserved, and finally the photographs are taken. When all of these pieces of the puzzle come together, the end result is astonishingly beautiful. Yesterday’s bridal session was out of this world and I simply cannot wait to showcase the images on the blog next month.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. It is a rarity that I’ll “talk” at length on here, but I thought that this would be important to bring up at the start of this year’s wedding season. I simply love meeting with my clients and helping plan their big day. A lot of responsibility rests on our shoulders as wedding photographers and I’m committed in providing the best service possible.

If we haven’t met, please do so by commenting here, or emailing andy@donnanphotography.com. I’d love to speak with you about your wedding.

Molly & Jason – First Picks

Andy — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:59:13 +0000

Molly’s Bridal Session

Andy — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:31:49 +0000

Molly & Jason get married today here in Augusta. I took her bridal portraits a loooooong time ago and am glad I finally get to showcase them on the blog. By far, this seems to be my most traditional session in a while, but I think Molly is absolutely gorgeous in these photos. Her and her family were ecstatic to see them during our viewing session.

So right now as you read this we’re shooting their wedding. That’s exciting.

Emily & Jonathan – Engaged in Evans Photoshoot

Andy — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:37:31 +0000

We’re so lucky to know Emily & Jonathan. They’re a really sweet couple. They braved the dull, cold day for this photoshoot and stayed warm – enough for an hour or so. I’m not sure who had more fun, us or them?

I don't really know how reflections happen, but when they do they can be beautiful. This is one of the many reasons why I did poorly in physics.

Skipping is a good way to warm up for a cold photoshoot.

Supermodels.

I'm falling in love with these images and my 50mm lens.

Confession: The coffee mug was empty.

(insert cheesy caption about jumping in photographs here)

These were just my favorites from the photoshoot. You know, things you would print in books or on canvas. The rest though can be seen here over at prints.donnanphoto.com or you can click read more to see the rest.

Here’s the rest!

Engaged: Emily & Jonathan – Images by andy donnan

Puppy

Andy — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:15:20 +0000

Before I show you more brides & grooms, I’d like to show you my friend David’s new puppy, mocha. He just got her and dropped her off for me to puppy sit today. Of course, that meant photoshoot. So enjoy the puppy photos below. If you’re a dog lover, bring them along to the photoshoots. I like to make sure my clients’ personalities are evident in every photoshoot. So that’s that.

She slept under the cabinet door, which is our chalkboard.

She was asleep, but I guess the camera shutter woke her up.

About to fall asleep puppy.

Puppies don't really comprehend leashes. Especially when they're gigantic.