Another great year

I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of my 2011 wedding clients. It was an absolutely amazing year! This year I was able to travel all over North and South Carolina working with some of the best clients a photographer could ask for. I wish you all a very happy holidays and may your best years be ahead of you.

Best of luck,
Mykal

Here are a few of my favorite images from the year:

 

  

Their story through engagement portraits

I really enjoyed this shoot! Sally, the bride-to-be, had an idea to shoot inside the classroom her and Drew, her fiancé, had class in in college at Clemson University. The classroom is in one of the oldest buildings on campus which has kept its vintage look (<--I believe from the 1900's). They sat in the actual seats they sat in during that class and we went with it. I had the idea to shoot their engagements more like a story. FYI, Drew did not propose through a "circle yes or no" note, obviously... he text it... just kidding.

Amy & Ross

It was such a pleasure working with Amy & Ross on their wedding day. From Amy and the girls getting hair done at Wilson's on Washington to Ross enjoying a beer with his buddies at the Carolina Ale House. You can usually sense a little bit of nervousness out the bride and groom, especially on the day of the wedding, but I didn't sense it with them -- they were ready as they could be!

I've Been Selected for the Bride's Choice Awards 2011

Mykal McEldowney Photography, LLC has been chosen to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards^™ 2011. This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate quality and service excellence in the wedding industry.

International Portrait Award

So excited to announce that my portrait of Katie Sholler-Dusel won 11th place in the WPJA (Wedding Photojournalism Association) International Q3 Contest for Lit Portraiture. Here is the image that won!

 

3 quick tips for great holiday photos

No matter what camera you are using, great photos are always just a shutter click away. Here are a few tips to make sure you capture your setting, family and friends at their best!

1) Everyone knows two things about kids - they move a lot and they're short. So, with kids I always suggest bending those knees and get down to their level. Instead of standing up and making them look up at you, try capturing them as they're opening a gift - not posing them yet getting a more candid photograph. A general rule of thumb is to make sure your camera is no higher than 5 inches above their eye level.

2) If the subject you are photographing doesn't move, use a tripod and not your flash (If you don't have a tripod, set your timer - frame your shot - prop your camera on a book and press the shutter button). Taking images of Christmas lights, trees and decorations will look MUCH better if you use your tripod. Make sure to set your camera to the "Landscape" setting - sometimes it looks like a mountain. In most to all other cases, use your flash.

3) Try not to pose every photo you are taking- step outside the box and try a different angle. Its the digital age people, its OK to make mistakes. Shoot shoot shoot!

If you're having trouble capturing that perfect photo at any of your gatherings, please feel free to shoot (no pun intended) me a quick email at mykal@mykalmphotography.com or text me at 864.293.4065 - I'll respond asap with some tips!

Happy shooting!! Post your favorite photos on my facebook wall, I'd love to see - just click HERE

A Photographers Holiday Wish List

Because the equipment a professional photographer uses is so expensive, I often get asked by friends or loved ones -- what gifts can you really get a professional photographer? I decided to help out all of the spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends, friends, parents of photographers with a quick list of cool, affordable gifts for photographers.

1) Cameras come with boring advertisement type shoulder straps so why not create a Custom Camera Strap - prices tag $25-35, head to www.phatstraps.com










2) Yes everything is digital now but most photographers still like to shoot film every once in a while. That is why I suggest a HOLGA - price tag of $50, head to www.holgacamera.org for more details.







3) Photographers need to sharp and on their toes constantly. A nice cup of coffee is a nice why to jump start the energy needed, hence this gift. The Canon Lens Mug - price tag $75-400, head to www.canonmugs.com






4) Life is full of shortcuts and we as photographers like them too. For art photographers, adding special effects to photos is a daily ritual. Well, the people over at Totally Rad Actions have created the shortcuts we all crave. Purchase Photoshop actions, price tag $150.00, head to www.gettotallyrad.com/





5) Wearing your camera daily sometimes rubs holes in your shirts, with this idea, you can still sort of wear your camera without the wear and tear. Check out thits Camera Strap T-Shirt - price tag $20, head to http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/photojojo-camera-strap-tee/

6) Passing along info from computer to computer has never looked so cool. Check our this 4gb Camera USB Drive - price tag $20, head to http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/camera-usb/






7) This is just fun right here and I bet your photographer doesn't have it. A 35mm camera that spins a complete 360 degrees for epic panoramas. The 360º Spinner Pano Camera - price tag $145, head to http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/spinner-360-pano-camera/

Isabel & Richard | Greenville, SC Wedding | October 18, 2010

Working with Isabel and Richard was awesome. SOO down to earth, easy going and kind. I arrived to Twigs Tempietto to find Isabel already getting her hair and makeup done by amazing local artist Katie Cotton. I have worked with Katie on a previous wedding and I'm amazed everything with her work, plus she is very friendly and quick.

Now, for brides and anyone who has every helped a bride get into a dress, you know how hard it is to latch those button things (and excuse my lack of dress terminology) on the back of the dress. Let me say this, you should hire Isabel's sister, she was amazing! I've seen people use those tools to help get the loop around the button but nope, she just used her fingers. I actually had to tell her to slow down so I could get some pics, ha!

Well, after the 8.9 seconds it took Isabels sister to button her up, the ceremony got started. The pastors, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl and finally the ring bearer passed down the aisle. I looked up at Richard to see his reaction and you could see a tear (of happiness of course) as Isabel walked down the aisle herself, with her dad in arm. The ceremony was beautiful.... I think.... The ceremony itself was all in Spanish and let me say my 1 year of high school Spanish did nothing but teach me how to say "hello", "goodbye" and "my name is Mykal." The whole time I had camera up, waiting for something to happen. Who knew when that kiss was coming.

One of my top 5 "Beautiful Moments at a Wedding EVER" came shortly after Richard walked his wife down the aisle. When Richard was young he and his family lost his mother. So, Isabel set up and hid a memorial for him that they walked to, alone, after the ceremony. I know I am supposed to be a fly on the wall, capturing moments but this was so sad and emotional. A beautiful moment and I praise Isabel for thinking of doing something so kind.

After making a few photos of this moment I stepped away so they could have a moment to themselves. After, we got all of the wedding party together to do some portraits. Richards brothers are characters - I'm just gonna throw that out there. Ha. A blast to work with these guys (and of course the bridesmaids too).

The night continued with heavy h'ordeuvres and when finished Richards oldest brother had a few words to say before the cake cutting. Both Richard and Isabel shared a tear during his emotional speech.

Before they knew it (as I reminded them earlier in the day) the day/night was coming to an end quickly. The people in attendance lined the hall and got ready to wish them well.... with bubbles. I will say that getting hit in the face with birdseed isn't near as pleasant as bubbles (much softer). I loved the fact that no one stopped blowing the bubbles after Richard and Isabel passed them as they headed to their car. EVERYONE chased them, blowing bubbles at Isabel even in the car. So much fun!

I truly enjoyed working with Richard and Isabel and both of their families. I wish them the best of luck in the future!

*To check out more of Isabel & Richard's Greenville, SC wedding photography, head to http://www.mykalmphotography.com or CLICK HERE.
**We also did a separate shoot with just them in their wedding attire, CLICK HERE to view the shoot.
***If you like what you see, please, become a fan on Facebook - CLICK HERE TO BECOME A FAN

Studio shoot with Paw Paws USA

Just wanted to share a quick pic. Anne Nutter, owner of Paw Paws USA and client of mine in Greenville, SC, asked to do an in-studio portrait session for her upcoming catalog. She rounded up a "puppy" which turned out to be more of an adolescent but still very cute. The pup did about as well as a pup can do, as far as holding its attention -- I think this shot turned out great!

To check out more of Anne's Greenville, SC studio photography, head to http://www.mykalmphotography.com

If you like what you see, please, become a fan on Facebook - CLICK HERE TO BECOME A FAN

The Cook's Station offers Gift Registry

During a photo shoot today at The Cook's Station in Greenville, SC I saw that they now offer Wedding and Gift Registry services.  I wish they would have had this option when I got married, this store has everything you can think of for the kitchen - gadgets, pots, utensils, etc. Just thought I'd pass this info along to all of you brides and grooms - to - be.

Go check them out at www.thecooksstation.com/wedding_and_gift_registry.php
For more information on Mykal McEldowney Photography, CLICK HERE 

Eric & Katie | Greenville, SC Wedding | August 28, 2010

Talk about a perfect day. The church, the trolley, the reception - all just simply amazing. The day started off as usual, everyone arrives and the portraits are started. If you've never been to Christ Church Episcopal it is a very beautiful church. High cathedral ceilings and tons of history. We started shooting Eric with his guys first then moved to the girls. Katie and Eric wanted to get their party portraits done before the wedding so after they could get to the reception fast (you'll see why later).

After the party portraits (which you can see more of here) everyone headed back into the church, the ceremony was getting close. I will say this. I work with lots and lots of brides and most to all of the time they are always nervous. Maybe Katie was but to me she seemed cool as a cucumber (did I really just type that?).

 Christ Church is very strict, which I think is kind of a good thing, about their photography. There could only be photographs taken from the balcony and only during certain periods of the service. I have heard stories and have been to weddings where photographers are walking up behind the pastor, using flash, etc during the ceremony. To me, this is very distracting and it takes away from the couples moment. So, good for CC for keeping it about the couple.

After the ceremony it was time to head onto the trolley. They had the trolley stocked with champagne for all. Such a great idea to get people from one place to another - especially in a city with little public parking.

Once the trolley got us to our destination, we met up with Alexandra Barham, wedding planner/coordinator with Upstate I Do. She did such an amazing job decoration the Wyche Pavilion, the location of Katie and Eric's Greenville, SC wedding reception.

Once the happy couple made their entrance, cut the cake and had their first dance it was time to dance. There were definitely some dancers at this party, one specifically being Erics brother. Wow, what a dancer.

One of the coolest trends I've seen lately is having a photobooth with props at your wedding. Katie and Eric had just that and it was a hit. If you're interested in having that for your wedding CLICK HERE.

Before the night was over, Erics brother made a great speech before the couples last dance. It was such a great moment.

After the last dance, the couple made their way through a sparkler tunnel. These weren't your normal sparklers either, these things were HUGE.

Such a beautiful night in Greenville, SC. I loved every second of working with Katie and Eric, as well as both of their families. I wish them the BEST of luck in the future. To check out more of Katie and Eric's Greenville, SC wedding photography, head to http://www.mykalmphotography.com or CLICK HERE.
If you like what you see, please, become a fan on Facebook - CLICK HERE TO BECOME A FAN