Edward John Photography » Portraits

Mistakes and Opportunities

admin — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 03:18:46 +0000

I’ve heard people refer to mistakes as opportunities. Seems corny at first, but when you really think about it the word opportunity in this case does have a deep meaning. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s our willingness to learn from them and try again that keeps us going. If we didn’t make mistakes then we wouldn’t appreciate the things that we have. A mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve, and I welcome them. During a wedding there is no time for a mistake, so making them ahead of time is where our core value comes in as a wedding photographers. The quality of our service depends on it, and the value received for all of our services can be measured by the amount of opportunities we’ve created and learned from. I carry my camera with me everywhere so that I can make mistakes with it. Mistakes that are really opportunities in disguise.

I recently had the opportunity to photograph Erin again in her wedding dress. You know that rockin’ wedding dress with the purple stripe going down the train? I had been studying up on a new feature of my camera and I needed to test it out on a willing bride in a white dress with bright sunlight overhead. So I contacted Erin and asked if she had boxed up her wedding dress yet. Luckily she hadn’t. Erin and her mother came to the Meadowbrook Mansion a few weeks ago to capture some bridal portraits before the dress was locked away in a box. The test shots were successful and the mistakes/opportunities were made. I’m extremely pleased with the things that I’ve learned and I’ve already used the techniques in several family portrait sessions since then. It’s a subtle difference in a small amount of photographs, and most of you may never notice. But I know and that makes all the difference in the world. My goal is to make my next shot be the best one I’ve ever taken, and these opportunities help me to achieve it.

Baby Devin – Infant portrait

admin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:52:57 +0000

Baby Devin joined us in this in this world a week ago and I had an amazing opportunity to capture him at three weeks old. No flash, no surprises, just natural sunlight and some parents that love him. These new parents have no idea what is ahead of them, and that’s the most amazing part of it all. I had a great time listening to them talk about their experiences at the hospital and all of the new things they are learning already about parenthood. We had to take a break from shooting due to a gift in the diaper, and dad was the one that took the baby away to change him. This boy has some amazing parents and he has no idea how lucky he is.

I’m an award winning photographer!

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:49:16 +0000

I was nervous. Not sure why, the decision had already been made and the envelopes were in Reggie’s hands. Reggie, the executive director of the Orion Art Center. I submitted three pieces to the show last week and was hoping for at least a repeat of last year’s honorable mention. The theme was “Images of summer,” and I had three of my favorite images of summer submitted. There I was with my wife and children waiting for the names of the winners to be called. The first honorable mention name was called. Not me. The second honorable mention name was called. Again, not me. I could feel my face getting warmer. Third place went to the most beautiful black and white photograph of two children’s faces just above the water wearing goggles. Not me…..again. Second place went to a photograph by the amazing artist Bill Dwyer of some sandals on the beach. Yes, bill is not me. I immediately thought, no, it couldn’t be me. Then Reggie told a story that sounded very familiar about the photo contest and a particular conversation that we had had in the past. She called my name and a ribbon was placed on my photograph. It was me. I am elated beyond belief and excited to be honored amongst such amazing photographic talent. Here is a photograph of my award winning photo:

1st Place!

Here’s me with my award.

Lake Orion High School Senior Photos – Justin

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:03:27 +0000

Meet Justin, a Lake Orion high school 2010 senior. We met the other day at the Canterbury Village in Lake Orion for some great outdoor shots. Justin is going to film school next year and maybe we’ll see one of his movies in the near future.

Lifestyle Portraits in Rochester Park with Jacob

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:36:41 +0000

Lifestyle Portrait Session with Jacob at Rochester Park

Meet Jacob, a curious 1 1/2 year old that loves to play with rocks, water, and anything outdoors. The Rochester municiple park was the perfect place for us to capture him where he is the most comfortable. I spent two hours photographing him while he explored the world around him.

We tried as long as we could to stay away from the river because that’s where he tired to go first. Jacob loves the water and rocks. After a run through the grass and some playing in the playground, the shoes came off for an exploration of the river.

I had an amazing time meeting Jacob and following him as he explored the world.

Rainy Day Portrait Session

admin — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:59:13 +0000

Last week we had some untimely rain right in the middle of the rain delay retake. We made the best of it and it turns out that rain and overcast skies bring out the richest colors.

Kelly and Samer at Meadowbrook Mansion

admin — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:20:47 +0000

Meet Kelly and Samer. He’s a member of the Detroit Pistons flight crew and she’s a pre-med student. Together they make the most charming couple and we had a great time exploring the grounds of the Meadowbrook Mansion today.

I’ll begin with the last shot of the day. It’s my absolute favorite.