Its ok if it flares up

Hey Everyone,

Here's another GK tip! Early in my career I use to throw away images that had lens flare. This is when an outside source of light enters directing into the camera lens hitting your film or digital sensor causing star-like shapes that lower the overall contrast of your images. But now I go out looking for anything that can give me these unpredictable results. Most of the time I use the sun to produce flare but on multiple occasions I've relied on off-camera flashes to produce similar effects. Go out experiment, you might like what you see!

Powerful Message

Hey Everyone,

This week is a little different, instead of posting a photography-related subject I want to touch on something a little more inspirational. I good friend of mine sent me this link of Dr. Randy Pausch last speech regarding achieving your dreams. I really think this is worth watching. Life is beautiful; made to enjoy unfortunately sometimes we make it harder than it is. God bless.

http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=ithct48cqw

The Decisive Moment

Hey Everyone,

I was having coffee with a fellow photographer and he brought up a discussion he had with a couple that was referred by me. They had mentioned how they love the way I capture an image, this got me thinking about an article I read the other day on Henri Cartier Bresson (father of photojournalism). He coined the term The Decisive Moment

"There is a creative fraction of a second when you are taking a picture. Your eye must see a composition or an expression that life itself offers you, and you must know with intuition when to click the camera. That is the moment the photographer is creative," he said. "Oop! The Moment! Once you miss it, it is gone forever."

"Once you miss it, it is gone forever"

That really hit a cord with me! I look back at some of my images and if I had happened to press the shutter one second too early or late I would have missed the moment. It’s not something that you can study from a book but rather by practice. So the next time your at a party or GTG bring your camera and instead of taking the perfect picture try and capture the perfect moment.

Christine & Paul's E-Session

Hey Gang,

I first met Christine from http://www.halohair.ca/ a while back, she'd done a kick butt job on some past GK Bride's hair. I was super excited to work with this artist as well! Paul wasn't able to make our first meeting but through conversation I asked Chris "is he as hot as you" and she gave me her signature smile and responded "OH YAAAA!" Our shoot was super fun and just relaxing, its awesome when you get a couple that doesn’t freeze up in front of the camera. I can’t wait for the wedding!

Balls aren’t the only things that bounce

Hey everyone,

Because photography is a 2 dimensional media we rely on shadows to add depth to our photos. That’s why direct flash is bad! If you’re hitting your subject with camera flash dead-on you’re filling in all the shadows hence flattening your image, eliminating depth. But on the flip side no camera has the dynamic range of the human eye, meaning the camera sensor or film won’t be able to capture the super bright highlights or deep dark shadows at the same time.

This is where flash becomes handy, it narrows the gap between these extremes. But as explained above we don’t want to loose all detail with direct flash so instead we bounce it. By turning your flash head away from the subject you can reflect the light off a wall, mirror, door or even someone’s bald-head. Here are a few examples.

Direct Flash

Available Light (no flash) I like this one the best actually *LOL*

Bounce Flash (off a left wall) you'll notice how the shadows are slightly filled-in

Were all on the same team

Hey Gang,

Sometimes I hear about other photographers that get all cranky when their couples suggest a particular shot or trying something different. I agree that its no fun when you get a bride or groom that want to control the whole day from a photography standpoint but there's nothing wrong with working together. I’m SUPER proud to say that the following shots are collaborations between my couple's and me. So what am I saying?

To all you future Brides and Grooms come up with a couple of shots that fit your personalities/lifestyle and I promise you that these might be some of your favorite shots.

It rained all day but it was so beautiful outside when it stopped

Even as a little girl she always had a vision of dancing in her wedding dress

This photograph was inspired by the magazine ad she saw of the same designer dress

All day this groom was so excited to smoke some stogies with his boyz

Lets just say they enjoy a "friendly" game of poker *wink*

Every girl has her "secret garden"

This romantic couple wanted to see each other before the ceremony so they chose a location that was special for them. I just love, surprises so I thought how amazing would it be for the groom t0 turn around and see his gorgeous bride for the first time!

Tessa & Kyle's E-Session

Hi Everyone,

I met Kyle and Tessa last year at Brett & Christine’s wedding, Kyle was the best man while Tessa was the creative genius behind their wedding cake. We totally hit it off and I knew they would be the perfect GK couple. The engagement shoot was fun and relaxing, I really got to see how deep-rooted this couple’s relationship is. I cant wait to see you guys and I especially cant wait to try Tessa’s next master piece. I can only imagine what your gonna come up with girl!

Get off your butt and drag that shutter!

Hey Everyone,

Typically after I get the "safe shots" its time for Bass to play! The following images below are perfect example of playing around. The first image was shot at F2.2 1/40^th as you can see it’s a properly exposed/sharp image capturing the moment.

Now this image was shot at F3.5 1/8^th it’s a great illustration of dragging the shutter, this is when you use a longer exposure time to introduce movement to your shots which in this case is totally appropriate. One side note to mention I also lit the couple with flash, this helps freeze them enough to make out the image.

So go out there have fun and experiment, you might be surprised what you come up with.

Still Shaking my head

Hiya!

I took sometime out to reflect on last year and realize that I’m the luckiest photographer second to none! It’s almost not fair that I get all these amazing couples, ya their smoking hot but they all possess such fun/exciting personalities. This past year is full of memories for me that I will never forget! I asked my couples if they could put together a few words regarding their experience with GK Photography. I’m still shaking my head after reading these. I’m just the photographer; I'm truly the fortunate one to have you share your special day with.

To all my beautiful couples big ups and much love to you!

Bassem!!!

It was absolutely an honour having you as our photographer for our wedding!!! we couldnt have asked for anyone more talented or dedicated to capturing our day as you were... you really are amazing at what you do and our pictures definately prove it!!!
Thanks again,
Nick & Tiff

Bass,

It's surprisingly difficult to describe such an awesome experience!!! When my now wife, Laura said she wanted to go with you based on just your website, I was a bit skeptical and
when we showed up to your house and not a place of business I was even more. HOWEVER, after meeting you I was convinced you were the one for us. Putting all your trust in one photographer to capture all the special moments of the biggest day of your
life is not easy. You hear lots of horror stories and they can't help but weigh on your mind.

At the time of our engagement pictures, seeing you motivate us to be the best, most beautiful we could be was enough to convince us, our precious moments were in good hands. When both the bride and groom were tired of looking so good, your enthusiasm
and genuine love of your purpose propelled us on and we thank you for such beautiful memories.

That's what pictures are after all, lasting, beautiful memories of our day that defy words. You captured that for us at our wedding. Save for the bride and groom, Bassem was the name mentioned most during and after the celebration. Bassem, not "the photographer" because you took the time to introduce yourself to everyone and even make sure all we're having a great time. Your dedication, enthusiasm, positive attitude, perserverance for the perfect shot and love of what you do were contagious for us and our guests.

Your pictures are unique and eloquent, your packages are amazingly priced, your work is thorough and professional, but most of all your charisma completes the quintessential day in a bride and grooms life.

Bass professionally helps to ensure that the Bride is a princess and the Groom is her prince, every other guest is royalty and the day is absolutely devine.

Greg and Laura

Bassem!

As an artist you have a true vision and appreciation for beauty. As a photographer you have an amazing eye and sense of timing. And, most importantly, you truly did become a member of our family for one special day! Years down the road I can tell my children about "that time when cousin-Bassem chose to grab his camera for a photo-op rather than help extinguish the fire at Table 4" during our wedding reception! I know there couldn't have been a better person as our photographer, guest, and adopted family member at our wedding. Our pictures are amazing and capture the magic of our special day!

Thank
you for everything.
~Adam and Jennette

Hi Bass,

It is amazing when you find the perfect gift of love, and it is even more amazing when you find someone who can capture that unique connection you share. Bassem is the gift we were not expecting on our wedding day. He has a contagious warmth and happiness that flows through every photo he "snaps". There are many talented photographers and Bass is probably the most naturally talented that we've seen. But what sets Bassem apart is the person that he is.
Sincere. Modest. Outgoing. Caring. Passionate. Thank you, Bass, for sharing yourself with us.

Elizabeth & Max.

Hey Bassem!

I knew from the first time I saw Bassem's pictures at the Armenian Hall Bridal Show that I was in love with his FANTASTIC work! However my husband to be recognized my impulsiveness to go with my gut and made me meet with some other photographers (7 of them!) before I made my final decision. Sure enough, (just like I knew) we chose Bassem to do our Wedding. Let me tell you, I'm pretty sure our wedding was one of the hottest days of the summer and I can also tell you that no one has ever had as much fun taking pictures as we did in heat like that! Bassem rocked us and kept us going with creative ideas and fun shots! We had so many comments from our guests all night long on how Bassem didn't miss a beat and captured everything all day long. We couldn't have ever picked a better photographer to share our special day with us and to this day...almost a year later....I still get comments on how amazing he was. Thank you Bassem for helping to make our day and memories of it perfect!

Alex & John.

Hey Bassem,

We just got back from the cottage and recieved your package. We're speechless. The pictures are amazing. You captured all of it. The laughter, the crying, the joy and all the emotions. Not only did you take sooooooooooooo many pictures but it also took us hours to go through them. After each picture we'd reminis about what we where thinking and feeling at each moment. Its going to be so hard to pick, they are all amazing.

Thank you so much for having such passion for what you do. It really shows in the pictures and we are so grateful and honored that you shared it with us at our wedding. Everyone kept saying how great you were. Never taking a break. Always capturing each moment.

We can't thank you enough for your help in orchestrating such a fabulous wedding day. Your guidance in creating an intimate private meeting prior to the ceremony has allowed us an experience that was worth everything to us.

You have created such a comfort for us and all of our guests throughout the picture taking experience. Everyone loved interacting with you. And the pictures? What can we say, they are absolutely amazing! You truly captured the essense of our special day.

Thank you, with LOVE,
Eva & Franco

Love Franco & Eva

Hi Bassem,

"When it comes to your wedding, a day that you want to remember forever, finding the right photographer is one of the most critical decisions you have to make for the special day because if you find the right one, they will create a way for you to live your day over and over again through their photos! GK Photography (Bassem) was a true blessing. He managed to create lasting memories in each and every one of his photos. Because of him, we will always be able to re-live one of the most important days of our lives.
Corey and Jen.

P.S. He was so good that we couldn't wait to find another reason to use him again... so I guess he will have to set aside some time for our baby's first photos in the summer of 2008!!! "

Bassem,

There are no words to describe the creativity you used to captured the happiest day of our lives!!! All our photos are so unique and interesting! Our friends and family adored you just as much as we did! You were an amazing addition, you got along with everyone, your personality sparkles and most of all you made it all fun!!!! Many of our guests have inquired about you and your work. Your passion for your work shows not only in the photographs that you produce, but in the way that you work in person. You are so interested and excited and able to catch moments that no one else can think of. You were an amazing addition to our wedding day! Thank you so much!
Aaron & Katie
xo

Bassem,

It is obvious from your work that you are such a talented photographer. Your work is absolutely phenomenal, and your photographs speak to that fact. Not only is your work out of this world, but you are also such an amazing person! You were so much fun to work with at both our engagement shoot and on our wedding.

Our guests were totally amazed with you. Everyone was astonished at how you were prepared to do everything and anything to get that special shot…even if you had to crawl on the ground to get it!!!

Our experience with you has been wonderful, we are so happy that we were lucky enough to snatch you up for our wedding day! We could not have asked for a better photographer!

We only hope that other people are as fortunate to have you shoot their big day!!!

Sincerely,

Deanna and Jason

Hi Bassem

Let's see....were to begin! I had the privilege of meeting Bassem at my sister-in-Law's (Cheryl) wedding. So I had it easy I did not have to search for the perfect Photographer. When Cheryl had told me they found the perfect photographer I was excited for them, (at that time I was not to sure what made a good photographer), but I was taking notes....

There are a lot of qualities that Bassem possess that make him stand out above and beyond all others. First is his impeccable talent...that in it's self should be enough, but he brings so much! much! more. His keen, endearing and over-all friendliness, his ability to make you fell like friends, and that in it's self is a lot, it takes away the nervousness that you feel when someone you do not know is taking your picture.

He has an eye for what he does, he finds the beauty in everyone and it shows on every picture. When I had first seen the engagement pictures that he took I was hooked, I new that when I got married that there was no question as to who I wanted to capture my day!

The day of, all I heard was "wow! Were did you find him?", "I have never seen a photographer go all out" just for that perfect photo.... All day people would pay me compliments on how wonderful our photographer was, and that they have never seen someone take that much passion into there work, it was like he was part of the family, the love and endearment he placed capturing the beauty, love and sincere emotions, is beyond
words.....

The end result is that I have amazing photo's that I love to look at again and again....they tell a story of our day, and the love shared not only by the bride and groom, but by everyone.

There are two words, though they are not enough to express the appreciation, and sincere gratitude that we have for your love, passion, and creativity you show in your work.

Thank you!

Jennifer & Paul

Hey Bassem,

Edward and I we're soo happy we had picked you. We got so lucky! You made our day even more special! It's just amazing how you captured everything. We are so thankful for the beautiful memories you have captured for us. We have passed on wonderful words about you. I show my photos to everyone and they all say you have a magical photographer . We can't wait to use you again :)

Thank you so much, we really appreciated everything you did, you are so talented!

~~~ Kathy and Edward

P.S. We are expecting in Aug and can't wait to use you once again for our baby's first photos.

We knew from the moment we saw Bassem in action at our cousin’s wedding that he was the guy for us. We initially met Bassem at his home and were welcomed with excitement and open arms. He expressed his interest in being creative, unique and making our day so special for us. The decision was made at our first meeting to hire Bassem, we left feeling that he would in fact enhance our day. And that he did.

Every couple months Bassem would touch base, with special treats, and communication about the plans for the day. Our engagement shoot was a fabulous experience. He sure knows how to have fun, inspire feeling and be creative. We had so many pictures to choose from. It was awesome!

He gave us the idea of having our wedding photos taken in the afternoon before our evening candlelight ceremony. That experience was the one of the highlights of our day. It was romantic, intimate, emotional and beautiful, and Bassem captured every moment. We thank you so much for the experience, Bassem!

Step by step we worked through the itinerary with Bassem for our day. Organization and details are important when planning a wedding. Bassem was completely organized and accommodating.

Spending the day with Bassem was a blast. We had so much fun. He truly captured every emotion from our wedding day in our pictures. Every photo tells a story.

We were really looking for something special in all the professionals we hired to be a part of our wedding day. We certainly found that with Bassem. Bassem has a true passion and talent for photography. Our wedding photos are a constant reminder of our beautiful day and every emotion we shared. We feel so fortunate to have you as part of our wedding day.

Thank you Bassem!