ENGAGEMENT: STERLING & GARY

One of the coolest things about my relatively new photography business is seeing clients become friends and friends become clients. The latter might be slightly more exciting because I don't ask friends to become clients. I don't want anyone to feel compelled to hire me to in order to maintain a friendship or because they feel bad for me—I'd prefer to be hired based on skill and confidence in having an enjoyable wedding or portraiture experience. I know that I'd probably have more professional success if I was pushy about closing the deal and really solicited everyone I know, including friends and family, but that's just not me. Plus, it's really exciting when friends ask me to shoot their weddings.
Gary was one of the first friends I made after moving out to DC from Southern California. He's super smart, quick-witted and has abs of steel. Sterling is the perfect match for him intellectually, but is clearly a lot prettier than he is. Don't tell Gary I said that. (For some reason, I get really truthful when I'm talking to the internet) We took some engagement photos in preparation for their upcoming wedding in January. These photos were taken in what felt like the dead of winter, absolute frigid digit-numbing conditions, but Sterling and Gary light up every frame.
Also, I will answer the question on everyone's mind: Yes, all of my friends are extraordinarily good looking.

PHOTOBOOTH: CHRISTMAS PARTY

The good people over at The Grove throw an epic Christmas party every year. This year was no different and the theme was "silver & gold." So for the 2010 photo booth I built a background that included a ton of individually wrapped gifts (all in silver and gold) that looked like a wall of presents. And judging by the evidence above, the guests had a good time with it.

I have been working on making the photo booth better, stronger and more portable and now feel like it's ready to add to my current offerings for weddings and events in 2011. The remote triggering is wireless, giving guests control over when the photo is taken and there is a monitor showing them immediate feedback. Also, the background can be customized a million different ways to complement the event's theme or color palette. As guests leave the booth they can pick up a card with the web address of the site they can download their photos from. All the photos from the Grove can be seen here:

http://ndonner.smugmug.com/Photo-Booth/The-Grove-2010

If you are interested in having the Photo Booth at your wedding, party, or event contact me for prices and availability - info@nicholasdonner.com

PORTRAIT: HOLLIE

This week I finished building an epic new background for my photo booth—which you will see on the blog next week after I put it to use at The Grove Christmas party. After taking a few test shots in the booth I decided to take my flash and my model (Hollie) outside to see how much power the flash could put out in comparison to the sun. With a speedlight set up behind an umbrella camera left, it produces a neat effect when combined with the backlighting of the sun. And I think the lens flare (from shooting almost straight at the sun) adds to the warm and sunny nature of the images. I don't mean for it to sound complicated. Let me break it down: Pretty girl + pretty light = pretty picture.

PORTRAIT: VIENS FAMILY

A few weeks ago an organization called The Last Well held a fundraising gala dinner to raise some money to help with their mission of solving the clean water crisis in the nation of Liberia. Over 10 years, they plan to raise enough money to build wells so ALL 3.5 million people in Liberia have clean, safe water. Clean water is an easy and relatively affordable way to increase the overall health and productivity of a country. I have been a supporter of this organization from the beginning so it was my pleasure to donate photographic services to their silent auction—which was won by the Viens family! We spent an afternoon taking some shots in nature, which was perfect because they love the outdoors.

PORTRAIT: LEWIS JOSIAH

The smiles on mommy and daddy's faces say it all: elated to start a family, proud of their healthy son, and that every sleepless night taking care of Lewis has been completely worth the sacrifice. The baby was born on October 21 and 9 days later I was able to meet the family to take these newborn photos. After the shoot was over I was allowed to hold Lewis and it was one of the coolest experiences I've had in a while. Like his parents said as I was leaving, it's so crazy to hold such a little guy and to think, especially when he opens his eyes, that he is a person, with a personality, and will grow up to be totally unique. And I'm completely blown away by the miracle of new life and so blessed to be able to share in the joy of my friend's growing family.