When I’m not being a Wedding Photojournalist: Published in Climberism Northeast Climbing Magazine

Tooting my own horn here but I’m proud of my rock climbing photography!  I had a couple of rock climbing photographs from an area in Harrisburg, PA,called Governor Stable that published in an article in this months Climberism Northeast Climbing Magazine.  Props to a fellow rock climber, Seth Derr, for writing the article!  Take a look and see what you think!

PDF:  Climberism NorthEast Climbing Magazine Jan-Feb 2012

Online Link:  http://issuu.com/climberism/docs/ice-climbing-issue?mode=window&backgroundColor=%23222222

As always thanks for reading!

DV

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Wedding Photojournalism: Post Wedding Work: Wedding Books

Just wanted to share my feelings on a company that is making a difference in not only my business but most importantly my clients lives.  The name is Finao and they make wedding books.  I am really proud to hand over the vision of someones wedding book when it is handmade by Finao.  I have a 2 year old and have no time to put together a wedding book by hand.  I am happy to outsource this to Finao.  I have used other companies in the past and the quality of the Finao product is spectacular in comparison.

The first thing I noticed right off the bat is their thick sturdy pages.  The other companies I used their pages would warp a bit, especially with the bigger books.  It makes for a heavier book but turning the pages of a Finao and seeing the photographs sitting flat is a huge plus.  The second thing I noticed was how nice the creased page is.  Previous companies I used were notorious for the seam changing colors but Finao‘s does not do this.  They give you the option of a cut seam as well which is shown in the example but I prefer the creased seam.

They also offer three different print options.  You can choose in-house which is top-notch or use either WHCC or ProDPI for a bit more coin.  The quality of the covers is excellent and they offer a huge assortment of options from leather to cow friendly to even earth friendly.  The wrapping of the book is all recycled material and looks really nice.  They give you the option of getting a designer box but I have not ordered one since I make my own covers for my books.  It’s really awesome a company takes the time to think about their footprint on this earth.  They take pride in being one of the greenest album companies out there…feel free to look at their list of how they stay green HERE as this post would get super long if I listed it all!

One of the biggest advantages to using this company is that it is IN THE US of A!  I used to get on the phone with other book companies in Europe and it was a pain in the butt trying to talk to someone during my office hours with a big time difference. I have had a couple minor issues and Finao reps were super quick on the phone and sending info via email to make sure things got taken care of.  An obvious advantage to buying from a company in the US is also the turnaround on getting the book in my hands is never more than 5 weeks which makes my clients super happy when they get it sooner than they expected.  Also it is just plain satisfying to be giving my business to a company in the USA.

I took a couple of photographs of the details of one of my clients books with my macro lens to show how much attention to detail this company puts in to give a superior product.  I see my clients books and have a hard time handing them over since I want them for my own!  Take a look and don’t forget to check them out at Finaoonline.com

Hope you enjoyed this reading and that it helped you in either making the decision to book me as your wedding photographer based on my awesome taste in wedding book companies or you are a photographer trying to find the perfect album company and needed a little nudge from a fellow photog to send you in the right direction.

Thank you Finao for being the perfect compliment to the level of service I provide for each and every DV Photographer couple.

Thank you for your time and feedback!

DV

Visit the official website of Danielle Vennard Photographer to view more moments, read more about why I photograph for a living and why I may be the right photographer for your wedding day

Contact me for 2012 availability!

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Wedding Photojournalism: Mary Beth + John’s Wedding on Veteran’s Day at the Harrisburg Hilton

Mary Beth and John are two of the sweetest people I have had the pleasure of meeting.  Within 10 min of meeting them they opened up to the story of their relationship and the details of their forest trail, 4th of July, proposal.  It’s true that love will find a way in sometimes the most unlikely of circumstances.  Spending a couple hours with these two made it is obvious that they are soul mates.

They set their wedding date unknowingly on Veteran’s day.  It was a great coincidence for them as both their father’s served our country as well as Mary Beth’s son who is currently serving.  Even though their day was suppose to be about them they dedicated part of their reception to honoring their fathers as well as all those who serve our great country with a slideshow and a moment of silence.

I have never seen a couple more into dancing than these two.  They were the last ones off the dance floor at the end of the night.  For weeks John had been taking his Friday lunch break to meet Mary Beth at the dance studio.  They put in time with a choreographer who worked with them on creating a special first dance.  Their work paid off as they never missed a beat.  It was certainly a special thing to present their guests with a bit of a show instead of the typical slow dance.

A huge thanks to my great friend and mentor, David Toth, for being my co-pilot for the day.  He did an awesome job all around from the details of the reception room to the  ninja-esque portraits he was able to grab without them knowing the camera was on them.  Co-pilot forever!!  Thanks Dave!

One side note for all photogs out there.  Do you carry any kind of emergency kit for unexpected snags?  Well I do…though after this wedding I have a couple things to add.  One would be a bleach pen…obvious in it’s importance.  Two would be dress closure hooks.  I ask all those seamstresses out there to thrown in an extra set for every bride.  It is a little bit tense when you get to the part of the day when the dress is being put on and the mom or bridesmaid goes to secure the back of the dress and the hook is missing.  Luckily, I had my needle and thread on hand to make one…though not my best work it somehow was able to stay intact the whole night.  phewwww……..

It was a pleasure to capture your wedding day, Mary Beth and John.  Thank you for having trust in David and I to get the job done for you.

Without further ado I present to you the selection of the best moments of the day.

Photo by David Toth

Photo by David Toth

Photo by David Toth

Photo by David Toth

Venue:  Harriburg Hilton

Dress:  Alfred Angelo

Hair:  Elissa from Dillsburg

Florist:  Blooms by Vickery, Ron – http://www.bloomsbyvickrey.net/camp-hill-florist/Wedding-Flowers

Cake:  PA Bakery – http://pabakery.com/

DJ:  Adam DiCarlo, Mad Hatter Productions

Thank you for your time to grab a glance at the wedding photography put forth in this post.  If you see something that strikes your heart muscle and wish to express it please by all means leave it below in the comment section.

Contact me for 2012 availability!

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Visit the official website of Danielle Vennard Photographer to view more moments, read more about why I photograph for a living and why I may be the right photographer for your wedding day

New Updates to my Website: About Pages added; Wedding Book Example Layout added

I wrestle with whether I should put too much time into my “About” pages on my website because I wonder if anyone ever reads them.  I decided for my own cathartic benefit I needed to say what I needed to say.

The “About Danielle” page is much more than a series of adjectives labeling who I am.  I do define myself with a handful of nouns but then I address what each one means and how it relates to being a professional wedding photographer.

The “About Wedding Photojournalism” page is simply explaining, to the best of my ability, the definition of what it is all about.  The purpose for this page was to clarify the style since the word “photojournalism” seems to be thrown around as a buzz word.  Wedding Photojournalism is very particular style of wedding photography and definitely needs to be understood up front by all potential brides and grooms as non-intrusive and non-directive.  In short, we aren’t going to do a 2 hour posing session in the middle of your wedding day.

A “Wedding Book Example Gallery” page was also uploaded to get an idea how I design my books.  Every single book is built from scratch.  I do not use templates, funky edges, patterns, borders or overlays.  I prefer a crisp clean look that shows the best of the best moments in a narrative that lays out couples true wedding story.

I invite you all to take a look at the new additions.  Being an artist, I am always open to constructive criticism so don’t hesitate to speak your mind by emailing me directly @ danielle@daniellevennard.com or leaving your comments below.

Thank you as always for taking the time to check out my thoughts and images!

DV

Visit the official website of Danielle Vennard Photographer to view more moments, read more about why I photograph for a living and why I may be the right photographer for your wedding day

Contact me for 2012 availability!

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Wedding Photojournalism: Kate + Tony: September 10, 2011: Water Works, Philadelphia

Having a wedding in Philadelphia can always be tricky planning with a town that is so busy all the time.  It can be even trickier when  the day of the wedding is on the most popular day to get married this year (9-10-11 sequence).  Kate and Tony did it just right with planning everything in or around the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge.  Having it all in one place made for much more time spent having and sharing moments for this couple and their guests.

They had a first look at the gazebo in the Azalea Gardens across from the Water Works.  We took the group formals there which gave Kate and Tony the opportunity to relax and mingle with their guests at the cocktail hour. (I always suggest a first look to my couples who are interested in a less traditional schedule.  It also allows for any “furry family members” who may not be allowed to the attend the wedding be a part of the day as well. – one particular photograph below illustrates my point )

The ceremony commenced outside under the Pavilion and the Cocktail hour continued around the corner on the Riverside Veranda.  The Engine House made for an intimate space to host their reception.  The Water Works is a very unique venue that offers many separate spaces to choose from for having a wedding.

Thanks to my co-pilot, Mary Veterano of Mary Meghan Photography for helping me provide a complete documentation of their wedding day.  It was a pleasure working with you again Mary!

Appreciation also goes to Sophie, the event coordinator/owner of the Water Works, for providing Mary and I with the best Salmon I have ever tasted.

Thanks Kate and Tony for trusting in Mary and I to document your wedding day!

Take a look at my favorite moments below.

Photograph by Mary Veterano

Venue:  Water Works Restaurant and Lounge

Flowers:  Nature’s Gallery

Band:  Gina and the Corner Boys

Thanks as always for visiting my blog to view moments of the latest weddings, engagements or events that I have had the pleasure of documenting.  Remember to send the couple some love by posting your comments below!

DV

Visit the official website of Danielle Vennard Photographer to view more moments, read more about why I photograph for a living and why I may be the right photographer for your wedding day

Contact me for 2012 availability!

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Engagement Session: Andrea & Brian: August 20, 2011: Philadelphia, PA: Boathouse Row & Art Museum Area

When Andy (Andrea) told me that she wanted to do her engagement session in Philadelphia in front of Boat House Row I had to laugh a little bit.  She doesn’t row, neither does Brian.  She doesn’t frequent Kelly Drive much, neither does Brian.  I asked her what drew her to that location and she simply said “because I like the yellow boat house.”

The only plan for the day was to drive down there from West Chester, PA and get one shot in front of Boathouse Row (across the river).  To get this shot required us to be on MLK blvd.  Anyone who knows Philly knows they close it down to traffic a couple months out of the year.  We parked at the Philly Art Museum and walked all the way around to this one spot I located with Google Street View (I love that view!).  In the end this location was actually before the road closure.  However the adventure warranted lots of great moments from locations we never would have found if we were in the car.

Andy and Brian were totally into the session which made it easy for me to get great moments.  As a wedding photojournalist I do struggle with trying to portray engagement sessions in my style.  I never once posed them; they just did what they did and I kept shooting.   It was pretty cool being able to spend so much extra time with my clients (now friends) before the wedding day.  They are already so comfortable with me photographing them that their wedding is going to be just as awesome come next September.  We did do a mini session back at her place because of one particular member of the family they wanted photographs with, Sophie, their fluffy, white, rambunctious, with excellent manners, puppy dog.

Andy and Brian thank you so much for being such cool, laid back people and for letting that day just happen without a worry in the world!

Take a look at my favorites from the day and if you find yourself ooooooing and awwwwing then let Andy and Brian know they made some beautiful moments by adding a comment below.Ok, I know this is a posed/directed shot which is totally not photojournalistic at all but I get points for the adorable puppy (Sophie) right??

Thanks as always for checking out my latest adventures in the world of capturing real moments with real people!

-DV

Visit the official website of Danielle Vennard Photographer to view more moments, read more about why I photograph for a living and why I may be the right photographer for your wedding day

Contact me for 2012 availability!

To see all the latest moments captured by Danielle Vennard Photographers become a fan on Facebook

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Engagement Session: Laura & Adam at the University of Delaware: July 31, 2011

Laura and Adam have become great friends.  It’s no wonder because they enjoy the same passions I do, running and rock climbing.  Laura is full of encouragement as I constantly update my Facebook page with my latest trail running stats.  She is a seriously dedicated runner, taking after her father, as a marathon caliber runner.  I’ve had a couple climbing adventures with Adam outside on the real rock and inside on the walls of the Delaware Rock Gym.

Laura and Adam met on the campus of the University of Delaware.  Specifically they met in the same spot that my husband and I met, in the UD Rock Climbing Gym.  When they requested an engagement session I knew we had to get back to that climbing gym for a couple of photos.  (I also take any chance I can get to do some climbing )  We hit up the gym first seeing as it was one of the hottest days of the year outside.  Following they treated me to lunch at the local Home Grown Cafe.  We continued with the shoot as we walked up the green to the arches, the library and fountain area.  It was pretty hot so we headed back to the Brew Ha Ha coffee shop to get something cool to drink.  They enjoyed a couple of games of checkers and then we all hung out and talked about one of our other addictions, the HBO series, The Wire (highly recommend! It starts a little slow but stick with it for 3 episodes and you’re hooked).  All that talk about the show I went home that night and my husband and I finished off the last episodes in a 3 hour marathon after the little one went to bed.

Besides all that talk about The Wire we did managed to get some moments.  Take a look at the selection and show the couple some love with a comment wishing them all the best for their wedding on March 31, 2012!

Thanks as always for checking out the latest work from Danielle Vennard Photographer!

Don’t forget to show the couple some love and leave a comment below!

Maybe you are thinking about an engagement shoot but not sure if it’s for you.  With an engagement session from Danielle Vennard Photographer it’s all about having fun.  Real moments happen with real situations.  What do you and your fiance enjoy doing together?  I would climb a mountain to get your photographs and if you don’t believe me just ask Laura and Adam!

I look forward from hearing from you all!

DV

To see all the latest moments captured by Danielle Vennard Photographers become a fan on Facebook

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Visit the official website of Danielle Vennard Photographer to view more moments, read more about why I photograph for a living and why I may be the right photographer for your wedding day

Contact Danielle Vennard Photographer for 2012 availability!

 

Co-piloting: Raquel & Chris 2011-02-11

A wintry day in February I drove about 3 hours to meet my good friend, Dave Toth at a secluded castle in Northern Jersey.  I’m bouncing around a mountain road and totally think I am completely lost when I come around a turn and find myself right in front of the Skylands Manor.  The Skylands is part of the the New Jersey Botanical Garden at the very top of the state.  It is one of those places you walk around and try not to let your jaw drop wide open.  One of the biggest rules of wedding photojournalism is that the focus is always about the people and the emotions, not the place.  Having never been there before I had to get over the awe of it fast and get to work.  It helped that Dave had me start out with shooting some details.  I moved on to shoot the groom, Chris, and his groomsmen.  His gift to his groomsmen were a pair of black Chuck Taylors and cuff links donned with a professional baseball team logo based on their favorite team.  As always Dave lets me take the reigns on the ring shot.  There was an infinite amount of environments for me to put the rings and I got incredibly lucky as the one that ended up taking the cake was the very last place I set up the rings, the cherub.  Back to the reception I will be honest it was a lot of work.  There was a very intensive videographer who seemed to be in middle of everything most of the night.  I found myself constantly adjusting my settings based on what he was doing.  At one point his light was so intense that I just turned off the flash and went high ISO to see what I could get. The black and white image of the couple below is a result of taking that chance.

Here are a couple details and moments from the day

Thank you to David Toth for having me a part of his team that day.  To see where my style of wedding photography has evolved from please take a moment to give David some love and visit his website at:  http://www.davidtothphotographer.com

Thank you readers for your time and love.

DV

P.S. If you enjoyed the post and appreciate the work then don’t hesitate to hit that little “Share” button or the “Like” button at the bottom of the post.  If you are so bold maybe even post about it on Facebook.  Speaking of Facebook have you “Liked” my fan page?  If not then click on the Facebook button below to be directed to the official Facebook fan page.  What about Twitter?  Are you following me?  If not then click the Twitter button to be directed to my Twitter page.  My official website can be accessed by hitting the DV button below and if you would like to contact me directly then click on the email button.

Wedding Photojournalism: Leeann & Paul: June 18, 2011

Leeann and Paul were married at the Pizzadili Winery in Felton, Delaware.  These two love their music and of course loved to shake it on the dance floor.  DJ Mike Warren had everyone up out of their seats almost the entire night.  He is a very interactive DJ and comes prepared with special dances to maintain maximum participation.  This makes for great reception photos and lot more fun to photograph when there are so many more opportunities for great moments.  The pic I chose to headline above was during their first dance.  It was perfect timing with the light going down in the background making for some really spectacular colors.  This wedding was even more special since my husband’s parents were invited and so great opportunities to snap a few shots for them presented themselves throughout the night.

It was also a very special day for my co-pilot, Mary Veterano.  She has been shooting photography for awhile but had never had the opportunity to photograph a wedding until this one.  She was a huge help and gave my clients photos that were right in line with the style of wedding photojournalism they had asked for.  She has great instincts at not just composing the shot, but also with composing a series of shots needed to tell the story of the couple that day.  She has a great attitude and personality that I know will take her even farther along with her great images.  Her photos are credited below.  To get to know Mary a little more please visit her blog and show some love:  http://www.marymeghanphotography.com/blog/

There were a lot of moments I wanted to post but had a hard time deciding on the cream of the crop.  Check out our efforts below and let Mary and I know how we did by leaving a comment below.

Photograph by Mary Veterano

Photograph by Mary Veterano

Vendors:

Venue:  Pizzadili Winery

DJ:  Mike Warren

Hair/Makeup:  Upper Cut, Dover, DE

Florist:  Jen Mor

Baker:  Sandra Felton

Thank you as always for reading!

DV

P.S.  If any of these photos evoked some sort of feeling, memory, or you would provide helpful criticism then by all means add your comments below.  Also don’t forget to go over to Facebook and check out the latest posts of new and recent photos by Danielle Vennard Photographers.

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Wedding Photojournalism: Carmen & Gary, June 4, 2011

Carmen & Gary were married at Cristo Rey United Methodist Church in West Grove, PA.  They followed it up with a reception at the Days Hotel in West Chester, PA.  It was a pleasure to capture this intimate but memorable wedding.

I couldn’t have done it without my two co-pilots…yes two.  Chris Pedrick, an experienced wedding photographer, was there to make sure I didn’t forget anything during the getting ready and ceremony.  I have noted two of his outstanding photographs below.  Donna Walker, a photographer who is soaking up the wedding scene like a sponge, came along to add some very valuable moments to her portfolio.  I am hoping that I exemplified the best wedding photographer role model I could be for her that day.  One of her photographs, and in my opinion, probably the best moment of the day is also credited to her below.

Thank you to both Chris and Donna.  I very much look forward to photographing with the both of them again.  I appreciated the effort as much as I appreciate their down to earth and good-hearted nature.

Thanks for reading!  Feel free to leave a comment below, visit my website (hit DV button), contact me (hit email button), Like my Facebook Page (hit Facebook button), and follow me on Twitter (hit the Twitter button)

DV