Paul Marlin Photographer

Catch Me If You Can

2008-04-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

My wife and I have learned some lessons as a family the hard way. The only family portrait we ever had made was with a photographer that came to our home. He returned with the proofs and we selected a portrait that we liked. We were to pay when he returned with the finished portraits. As a young family, we were excited about receiving our family portrait. Regrettably, the photographer was unable to return with our portraits because of personal problems in his own family.

Over the years, the time was never seemed right to have a family portrait taken again. Mostly, we just never thought about it. We took a few snapshots of our children with the compact cameras of the day but sadly never got around to processing them.

So, in the end, we have a few school pictures of our children and "that's all." We have no family portraits at all.

The word, "someday," resounds in my thoughts from time to time. As a grandfather, time has taught me one of life's hard lessons: "Someday" is Today. Time passes all too quickly. Children grow up, move away, begin making a new life and raising their own families. If I could, I would go back and have those portraits made of my children and family, but that's no longer possible.

Life's hardest lessons can be a burden or an opportunity. I choose to pro-actively take the opportunity to make a difference. Taking portraits of children and families for me is more a "calling" than a business. If there is anything learned from my own personal lessons, it's that I continually take the opportunity to encourage my family-at-large to "make the time" to have portraits taken of their family and children. I will spend the rest of my days grasping for memories, each moment, every expression my family has to offer as if my life depended on it in the form of a photograph. It's just that important! (Alright, take a deep breath. Paul.)

My grand children will call out to me, "Catch Me If You Can - Grandad." The truth is they really mean it. Proudly, the two boys in the children's portrait are my grand children.

Wedding Portraits - It's All In The Planning

2008-02-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

What photography style is the best for my wedding? Every photographer has their own preferred style be it: Traditional, Photojournalism, Illustrative or Creative. It's All In The Planning!

Traditional photography is any formal or informal portrait of the bridal party, family, and friends that is close-up or full length, as well as candid photographs of key events at the wedding. Most brides choose this mixed version of photography for their wedding day. The nice part about traditional photography is that, ultimately, you have a set of professional portraits of your family and loved ones. The disadvantage of relying only on traditional portraiture is that your pictures may lack the energy, passion, and the raw emotion surrounding your wedding.

Wedding Photojournalism has become a very popular style of wedding photography and is essentially a series of candid photographs covering the events of the entire day. Wedding photojournalism is said to appeal to the bride and groom that want a series of unique photographs designed to "tell a story" or narrate the wedding day. Photojournalism means photographs that are not posed. All photographs would be taken without any instruction from or awareness of the photographer. There are drawbacks to wedding photojournalism since there is usually no pre-planned "shot list." The resulting images can be unpredictable because the images reflect only the wedding photojournalist 's response to events as they happened.

Illustrative photographers think in terms of design elements, composition and backgrounds. Good use lighting is said to be a trait of this style of wedding photography. The photographer provides subtle direction and the couple and bridal party are encouraged to interact with one another. This results in a more spontaneous feel. The disadvantage is that your images may look like the images one sees in magazines.

A Creative photographer takes advantage of engaging camera perspective and the lure of natural lighting provided in the scene to create aesthetically pleasing portraits. This type of photographer creates his or her artistic impression of your wedding day. While these effects can help create a modern photo collection, the drawback is that ten years from now, your photographs may look dated.

Of the many approaches to wedding photography, the good photographer does not limit himself to one photographic style. Rather, a combination of styles (traditional, photojournalism, illustrative and creative) come together to create one personalized style representing the lasting partnership being formed by the bride and groom.

The value of a Wedding Pre-Planning Consultation cannot be overlooked. The goal is to fashion a vision of what the wedding storybook will become. The entire wedding party will feel more at ease on the wedding day and truly enjoy being involved in the creation of original wedding images. Each collection of wedding images then becomes unparalleled in its ability to chronicle the adventure, the epic drama and the romance of this most wonderful day.

Valentine's Portrait Sessions For All Ages!

2008-01-12T15:49:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day is just around the corner. The studio is offering “mini sessions” with Paul that will capture the perfect expressions for your loved ones. Our theme this year will be a fire place hearth, real roses, and smiles all around. Bring your favorite outfits, stuffed animals, sports gear and/or accessories (memorable hats, chairs, jewelry, favorite blankets and family items for props). Years from now everyone will remember the wonderful expressions and great time experienced during the portrait session. This portrait session is great for brothers, sisters and sweethearts of all ages! Portraits will be ready if taken and ordered by February 6th.

Session Fee: $25 • Up To 20% Off On Portraits • 1/2 Hour Sessions

Limited Sessions Available • All Session Are Paid In Advance