Brian Cesario - Wedding & Event Photography

One photographer or two?

2011-05-31T00:31:00.000-04:00

One question I get asked from time to time that really has no clear-cut answer is this: should a bride hire two photographers for her wedding, or is one enough? As with so many other things related to photography (and weddings), the answer is always "it depends". Yes, it depends on what you want from your photos, and - to some extent - what your budget will allow. Let's explore this issue a little further.

As a rule of thumb, I always recommend having a second shooter, as it improves coverage capacity and ensures that you'll get a rich variety of photos. Having a second shooter provides an opportunity to have professional coverage for more events than a single photographer could possibly offer. Just a few examples...

1) Prior to the ceremony, having a second shooter allows you to have professional photos of both the bride AND groom getting ready. A single photographer will only be able to get photos of one of those people (which, 99% of the the time, is the bride).

2) During the ceremony, the second shooter can get shots that a single photographer simply cannot (e.g., the look on the groom's face when he sees his bride walking down the aisle, or a tear of happiness running down the father of the bride's cheek as his daughter takes her vows, and so on).

3) Since about 95% of the time, formal portraits are done during the cocktail hour, a second shooter can cover the guests mingling at the cocktail hour while the primary photographer shoots the formals.

4) During the reception, the second shooter can take some great detail shots or get really cool perspectives (e.g., wide shots of the entire dance floor) while the primary photographer focuses his or her attention on other events.

Of course, second shooters don't come cheap. Depending on where you're located in the country, a second shooter can add a few hundred to over a thousand dollars to the cost of your photography package, so choose carefully!

Michal Parrington - opera singer extaordinaire

2011-04-03T14:37:00.000-04:00

We did a shoot today with Michal. Totally fun girl, with a hell of a voice to boot! She'll be performing in an opera soon and needed headshots for the program. Here's a little sample of what we did today. I'm pleased.

D300, 17-55 @ f/6.3, ISO 400, 1/100. SB900 at camera right on M mode at 1/8 power. SB800 camera left on M at 1/4 power. Little cleanup in CS4 and we're all set!

New pricing for all wedding photography packages!

2011-03-28T12:21:00.002-04:00

We've recently updated our wedding photography package pricing to be more budget-friendly! Call or e-mail for more information.

Our new dogs!

2011-03-15T20:54:00.000-04:00

D700, 24-70 @ f/8, 1/200, ISO 500. Two flashes off-camera provided the light: one SB800 at 1/8 power fired into a Lastolite EZYBox, and one SB900 at 1/4 power fired into a 32" umbrella. A little touch-up in CS4 and we're good to go.

Been a while since I've posted. Kaci and I took in two little Maltese a few weeks (okay, fine, more like a month) ago. Their names are Freud and Pavlov. I've just gotten around to getting their photo taken. Enjoy!

Tanyora and Ray Miller - Married on October 16, 2010!

2010-10-26T21:02:00.001-04:00

What a lovely couple they are! Kaci, Stefanie, Natalie, and I all had a blast at their wedding. These two are so great together, and they had an awesome day. We were happy to be a part of it! Congratulations...here's to many years of happiness!

...But I know someone who will do it for free!

2010-10-26T14:02:00.000-04:00

I can't count how many times I've heard this line from brides-to-be looking to save a few (okay, many) bucks as they plan their wedding. I also can't count how many of those brides have either called or e-mailed me half hysterical when all was said and done because their free photographer: 1) didn't show up; 2) missed a ton of pictures; 3) screwed up most (or all) of the pictures, or; 4) spent more time socializing/drinking/dancing/hanging out than working.

It's highly likely that, during the planning process, someone you know - a friend, a family member, a coworker, etc - is going to offer to provide some service for free. Although they may mean well and have your best interests in mind, this isn't a good idea for a handful of reasons. Let's explore a few.

1 - Conflict of interest.
There's no way to understate how difficult it is to remove oneself from the excitment of a wedding day and become a worker. It's natural to want to mix, mingle, and socialize with the other guests when you know people. And it's hard to pull yourself away from that environment and get to work. So while the volunteer photographer is busy chatting away with folks he hasn't seen in decades, he's not taking pictures and he's missing those oh-so-important moments.

2 - No guarantee of experience.
The number of people looking to get into the wedding business has increased exponentially in the last few years. To anyone looking for their "big break", a friend's or family member's wedding seems like just the ticket! Unfortunately, what this means is that even though you're receiving a free service, you're also allowing someone (with whom you have some sort of personal relationship) to turn your wedding day into their experiment. There's no guarantee that the person will do their job correctly or well, and when it comes to taking photos, there's no room for error.

3 - Potential for the relationship to sustain irreparable damage.
Either of the above scenarios can yield similar outcomes: you'll be left without usable photos, or with no photos at all. And what happens to the relationship you have with the person who let you down? Sadly, in my experience, I've seen one too many relationships and friendships have wedges driven into them because of things like this.

Being a critical consumer when shopping for wedding services

2010-09-22T09:08:00.000-04:00

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting - and one of the most expensive - things anyone will do in their lifetime. Even for the smallest affair, there's a lot to buy and book! From the dress to the rings to the cake to the photographer to the entertainer...the list goes on and on. Although the total cost of a wedding will vary according to the region of the country, the going rate for a traditional ceremony and reception (including all of the usual fanfare) for 150 people is currently hovering at about $38,000.

In the recent past, the media has begun to draw attention to scam artists and con routines in the bridal marketplace. Just last week, a story about a planner who stole tens of thousands of dollars from an "unsuspecting" (and I use that term loosely) couple made national headlines. And there have been so many others, too - like the DJ who took the money and never showed up, or the photographer whose portfolio was outstanding but whose results were mediocre, or the celebrant who got arrested for being a fraud. It is a shame, but these people are now infiltrating the bridal marketplace and taking advantage of couples on what should be one of the happiest days of their lives.

So, how do you make sure this doesn't happen to you? How can you ensure that your wedding vendors are who they say they are? How do you help ensure that you, too, won't be another statistic? The answer is by doing some research and being a savvy consumer. Knowing what questions to ask is key. So is being able to pick out little clues. When you take everything into consideration, you can make informed decisions.

1 - Look up your vendors in your state's database of registered business entities.
You want to be sure that you're hiring vendors who have taken the time to register their businesses with the state in which they will operate. Every state maintains a database of all registered business entities within said state that are in good standing. Some entities may not be listed (for example, the New York State OPAL database does not have sole proprietors listed), so if you can't find a vendor listed, ask to see a copy of their certificate of incorporation, or other proof that their business is operating legitimately.

2 - Ask your vendors to provide copies of any relevant licenses, certificates, insurance, etc.
Certain vendors are required to hold licenses or certificates in order to operate legally. For example, in most states, caterers and cake bakeries must be licensed by the state health department, and must renew their certification annually. Anyone who presides over a marriage ceremony must be legally authorized to do so. A number of other vendors (namely photographers, videographers, and DJs) are often required to hold liability insurance policies.

3 - Search for reviews of each vendor on the Web.
Many popular wedding websites like Wedding Wire, One Wed, Bride.com, and Bridal Tweet allow users to leave reviews for vendors for others to read. Search for your vendors on some of these websites and see what others have had to say about them. Yelp is another popular public review website. You can also check the Better Business Bureau to see if the vendors have ever had a claim filed against them; however, if the business name doesn't show up, that only means that no one has reported them (which is obviously a good sign).

4 - Ask each vendor how long they have been in the wedding business.
This is one of the most common errors that engaged couples make when selecting their vendors. So many times, people choose vendors based on their talents in other areas without knowing what the person's capabilities are in the realm of weddings. When interviewing vendors, it is critical to insist on seeing samples of work that demonstrate proficiency with weddings. A photographer whose portfolio consists entirely of landscape shots might be talentend, but this says nothing about how well they handle low light situations. Likewise, a DJ whose entire demo reel consists of nothing but Sweet 16's may have a flair for engaging people, but how well can they work a wedding?

5 - Pay attention to price.
Wedding services are not cheap, and for good reason. Like the old saying goes, it costs money to make money. Those stunning cakes in your baker's catalog were not made in an Easy-Bake Oven. Nor were those beautiful portraits in your photographer's portfolio taken with a disposable camera. Nor does your DJ dazzle guests with a retro 90's boom box. Your vendors have invested significant amounts of money in equipment, education, and other business expenses so that they can provide superior products and services for your big day. Those costs, of course, end up being passed along to the consumer. If a prospective vendor's price is drastically cheaper than other area professionals, let this raise a red flag. It is likely an indication that the person has not been in business for very long, or is operating illegitimately.

6 - Review contracts before signing them.
This is probably one of the more tedious tasks you'll have to do when shopping around for vendors, but it could save you lots of heartache and money down the road. A professional wedding vendor will have a contract that they will require you to sign if you decide to book them. Many vendors will have a formal contract-signing process in which they'll review the details of the contract with you line by line so you understand what you're signing before you sign it. Whatever you do, DO NOT sign the contract until you've read and understood everything. Ask questions if anything is unclear.

September 11, 2010 tribute in lights

2010-09-12T16:10:00.001-04:00

It's hard to believe that nine years have passed since that fateful day. It will always feel like it was only yesterday for many of us. Ever year, I make it my business to head into lower Manhattan to pay my respects. Kaci came with me for the first time this year; she has never seen the Towers of Light in person before. It was a pretty clear night; really lent itself to a photo opportunity. I situated myself in front of the Brooks Brothers building on Church Street to take this shot. Nikon D700, 14-24 @ f/16, 1 second time exposure, ISO 2000, 0.0 EV. The camera was mounted on a tripod and triggered with an MC36 remote release.

Trip to Seattle

2010-09-12T16:01:00.002-04:00

Taken on the Pike Place Market pedestrian bridge that leads to the garage. Had a great, clear shot of Mount Rainier. Nikon D700, 70-200 @ f/6.3, 1/1250, ISO 100 -5.0 EV. Did a little light editing in Photoshop CS4.

Entrance to Pike Place Market. Nikon D700, 24-70 @ f/5, 1/500, ISO 200, -2.0 EV.

I've never quite seen anything like these before! Some kind of ornamental pepper thing. Eh, it looked cool to us! Nikon D700, 24-70 @ f/4, 1/320, ISO 200, 0.0 EV.

Don't get me wrong...I love Alaskan king crab legs...but DAMN! 25 bucks a pound! Then again, it's quite fresh - a welcome reprieve from the frozen stuff we have here on the Eastern Seaboard. Still...damn! :-) Nikon D700, 24-70 @ f/4, 1/320, ISO 200, 0.0 EV.

If you've never been to Pike Place Market, it's hard to even attempt to describe how big this place is. First time I went to Seattle, I kind of expected it to be something like Grand Central Market. Um...not exactly. This place is seriously unlike anything I've seen before. I snapped this shot of Kaci strolling through the inside marketplace. A little post processing in Photoshop CS4 and voila! Nikon D700, 24-70 @ f/2.8, 1/125, ISO 800, 0.0 EV.

And, of course, the trip to visit the family wouldn't be complete without a photo of the family. It was a wee bit chilly when this was taken - thank you to everyone for putting up with me while I composed and shot this! Nikon D700, 24-70 @ f/4, 1/250, ISO 800, +2.0 EV. I added a little fill light by using an SB900 on camera in manual mode at 1/64 power (I believe).

Wedding photography - special deal!

2010-08-04T08:58:00.003-04:00

For a limited time, Brian Cesario Photography is offering a fantastic deal to anyone planning a wedding in 2010 who has not yet booked a photographer. This super saver package includes:

Full day of coverage
One photographer
DVD with high-resolution images and print rights
Choice of one 11 x 14 framed enlargement print
Password-protected online gallery

The price of this package is a modest $1,199. Visit us online at http://www.briancesariophotography.com to view our portfolio. Contact us at www.briancesariophotography.com if you are interested in booking!

Wedding photography - Common Questions, the basics

2010-07-27T06:24:00.000-04:00

I actively participate in a number of discussion forums on Wedding Wire, Bridal Tweet, and other wedding websites. In my discourse with brides around the country, there are some common questions that arise when it comes to choosing a photographer. I often get asked, "How do I know if I'm getting a good deal?", "Is this too much?", and "What should I ask a photographer?". And of course, my favorite question, "Oh God, it's really gonna cost THAT much?!"

In this blog, I'll attempt to answer the most common questions brides have asked me. If there's anything I've missed, feel free to shoot me an e-mail at info@briancesariophotography.com.

Here we go!

Q: What kinds of questions should I ask a wedding photographer when I'm meeting with them for the first time?
A: I would ask the following at a minimum (not necessarily in this order, of course)...

How many weddings have you shot previously? And how many weddings have you shot as the primary photographer?
Do you have liability and indemnity insurance?
Do you have backup equipment in case of malfunction?
Do you guarantee your presence at the wedding?
Do you have backup photographers in case something precludes you from covering my wedding?
Are you a registered business within the state? Can you provide me with a copy of your certificate of incorporation?
Do you have experience shooting in low light situations?
Do your packages include a disc with the images? If so, will I be able to print the images on my own?
Do you charge for travel?
When will we receive the final album?

Fort Tryon Park

2010-04-20T20:03:00.000-04:00

Kaci and I headed to Fort Tryon Park a few weekends ago to scope out some cool spots for an upcoming engagement shoot. If you've never been to the area, I highly recommend it. The park is beautiful; you'd really never know you were in New York City, let alone the borough of Manhattan! I shot these using a Nikon D700, 14-24 2.8 (except the shot of the garter snake...I used a 70-200 2.8 for that shot). Enjoy!

Happy New Year, everyone!

2010-01-02T11:13:00.000-05:00

So, it's a new year...a time to start fresh...a time to make resolutions that, hopefully, will last longer than a few days or weeks. I know I havent' been actively updating this blog over the past several months, but my resolution is to add new posts (with pictures!) more regularly this year. Hope everyone had a great and safe New Year celebration...looking forward to the good things that 2010 has yet to bring!

Got the D700!!!

2009-08-17T18:31:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone. Sorry it's been so long since I last wrote. As always, too much to do and not enough time to do it all. Sheesh...

Anyway, good news...I got my D700 last week and I am loving it! Shot two weddings this past weekend, and it did wonders for me with the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. Also a really good match for the 60mm f/2.8 micro Nikkor.

It did not take me very long to get used to the full frame sensor at all...not a very steep learning curve. It also does very well in low light with high(er) ISO settings. In all, I am very pleased.

Only problem now is that my rolling case is too full...can't fit another thing in there! Guess I'll be getting the Think Tank Airport Security next!

My gear

2009-07-30T09:52:00.000-04:00

I get comments from guests at weddings about my equipment. Some want to know why I favor Nikon over Canon. Some want to know why I use the cameras and/or lenses that I do. Others want recommendations as to what they should buy (note to other budding wedding photographers: avoid answering these kinds of questions like the plague). And still others just want to know, "What's in the bag?". Well, here we go. Below is an inventory of what equipment I use, how I use it, and why I bought it in the first place. I'll post an image of my gear later on.

Camera Bodies

Nikon D300 (primary camera). This is a great camera...seriously. It is very sturdy, fits comfortably in my hand, and is a real workhorse. It's got a 12 megapixel sensor, and shoots up to six frames per second. For a pro-level DSLR, it was surprisingly easy to learn. It has live view (essential for those shots where looking through the viewfinder just won't work). I bought this camera last year, as I was looking for a good pro-level model that was...well...affordable. I usually use this camera for portraits and close-ups. I usually mount the 70-200mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4, or the 60mm f/2.8 macro on this camera.
Nikon D200 (secondary/backup camera). I got this camera this year, seeking an upgrade from the D60. Ironically, even though I consider this my "backup" camera, I end up taking more shots with it than the D300...weird, I know. Anyway, it's a great camera. I find myself doing processional/recessional shots with it, table shots (shudder), and candids on the dance floor. Normally, the 17-55mm f/2.8 lens lives on this camera body, although occasionally I'll use the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6.

Lenses

I want to start out by saying that I only use Nikon glass, as I feel it is the highest quality and very durable...a must for wedding and event photography where your equipment gets used A LOT. I also put UV filters on EVERY SINGLE LENS. My logic is this: I'd rather replace a $20 filter than a $2000 lens!

18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom. This lens came with my D300, and it really is a great all-purpose lens, despite its floating aperture. I find it is best suited for walkaround and candid shots. Definitely not a good low-light lens, though. And I wouldn't dare use it during a ceremony, especially if flash photography is not permitted.
17-55mm f/2.8 wide-angle zoom. I like this lens for two main reasons. First, it's very fast...the constant f/2.8 gives me excellent shots consistently, even in houses of worship that are dimly lit and when I can't use a flash. Secondly, it's a DX lens - perfect for use with my camera bodies which have crop-frame sensors. I use this lens for everything from candids to posed portraits.
50mm f/1.4 prime. This is a great portrait lens, and highly suitable for low-light photography. This is my default lens for portrait station photography and night photography.
70-200mm f/2.8 zoom. Need I say more? :-)
60mm f/2.8 macro. I bought this lens to do detail shots. It's great...and cheap. Also doubles as a good portrait lens. Nice and fast with beautiful bokeh. Can't complain.

Flashes & Other Accessories

Nikon SB-800 speedlight. My workhorse flash at the moment. I bought this unit because it offers a good range of control over light output, plus it has a PC terminal and a power cord connector cable. Nikon SB-600 speedlight.
Nikon SB-600 speedlight. This was my first flash...bought it when I got my D60. Not the most sophisticated, and can't connect to a PocketWizard or a battery pack, but it is insanely versatile and a really powerful light source. Can't give it up.
PocketWizard Plus II transceivers (x2). I use these bad boys with my SB-800 when I want to do some off-camera lighting. I usually mount the flash on a monopod, held in place by Kaci (she's pretty good with figuring out where to put the light source for optimal results...I should give her a raise).
Nikon SD-8a battery pack. For use with the SB-800. Really useful when I need to shoot at high speeds with a flash. Cuts recycle time in half, and fits in my shirt pocket.
Custom Brackets Digital PRO-E camera bracket & Nikon SC-29 off-camera sync cord. Great for shooting portraits. This setup helps me keep a flash (either the SB-600 or SB-800) centered high over the lens while the camera is rotated vertically for a portrait. I've experimented with this at a few weddings for the step-and-repeat shots during the processional. I've been pleased with the results.
SanDisk Memory cards. I use a mix of Ultra II and Extreme III CF cards. I carry mostly 4 GB cards, but there are a few 2 GB cards in there as well. I try to break up events into segments, and shoot each segment on its own card. That way, if anything happens to a card, I would not lose all of the images. I keep all of my cards in a Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket. It's a great little card wallet...I highly recommend it to all photographers.
Giottos Rocket Blower. This is a great tool for getting dust and dirt out of the inside of a camera body. It really forces a lot of air out and cleans mirrors and sensors quite well.
Batteries. I use Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable AA batteries for my flashes and the SD-8a. They hold their charge for quite a long time and recharge quickly. I always keep a huge supply on hand and ready to go. And, of course, I keep at least three extra EN-EL3e (original Nikon) batteries for the cameras.

So...what's on my wishlist for the future? Lots of things! I really want to purchase a full-frame camera in the not-too-distant future. If I could really have it my way, I'd go with a D3. But, in reality, I will likely go with a D700. I really wanted to purchase another SB-800 flash, but the few that are available are retailing for over $800 USD! Ouch!! So, I will likely purchase an SB-900, which would be a good match for the D700. I do want to purchase the elusive 24-70mm f/2.8 and the easier-to-find 14-24mm f/2.8. I might also go for a 10.5mm fisheye lens, too. We'll see. I'm also eyeing the Quantum Turbo SC battery pack for my flashes. Whew...that's quite a shopping list...guess I'll have to stay gainfully employed for a few more years.

Welcome!

2009-07-30T09:37:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone. Welcome to my own little space on the World Wide Web. Well, actually, one of my spaces (can't forget the website...I think Kaci would kill me if I did). So, this is my first blog...but it seems a lot of photographers have one, so here I am! In the weeks and months to come, this page will fill up with some of my work that hasn't been posted on my regular website. I welcome your feedback and comments.