Getting ready for a Bat Mitzvah shoot

As I was checking out all my gear for this afternoon's shoot, I decided to take a photograph so you could see what I usually bring with me when I'm photographing a large event.

Canon 6D -- full sensor DSLR Canon 7D -- cropped sensor DSLR Canon 70D -- cropped sensor DSLR Canon 5D -- full sensor DSLR 70-200mm f 2.8 telephoto lens with image stabilzation 85mm f1.8 telephoto lens 50mm f1.4 normal lens 60mm f2.8 macro lens 16mm-35mm f2.8 wide angle zoom 24-70mm f2.8 wide to telephoto zoom 5 speedlight flash units 2 radio remotes 1 quantum flash Flash meter Video light CF and SD memory cards (about 100 GB total) Light stands, flash modifiers, umbrellas, etc. Altoids and Ibuprofen (not pictured)

In a perfect world, I spend the day before an event and/or the early part of the day of the event charging batteries, cleaning lenses and testing remote flash functioning.

Of course, in the real world it doesn't matter the gear you use or how often you clean your lenses, it's the results that count. Check out a few of my bar mitzvah photos here.

You can find more information about my passion for photographing people and events here.

Behind the camera at the Academy of Medicine

I don't post photographs of myself on my blog very often. But I liked the juxtaposition of this photograph my friend Manuel Llaneras took of me documenting dancing at Alison and Abe's Academy of Medicine reception with the one I was taking.

Wedding photographer taking photos at a reception

Wedding reception at the Academy of Medicine

Here's the photograph I was taking. If you look closely, you can tell that the two photos were not taken at exactly the same time, but it's still fun to study the differences created by perspective and angle of view.

C Brown Photo, Atlanta wedding photojournalism

Alison and Abe: The Historic Academy of Medicine

Alison and Abe, who told me in advance of their wedding that they are very low key and generally don't like being the center of attention, seemed to enjoy it for this one very special day. Their sense of humor carried them through the day, along with lots of love and laughter from friends and family.

Here are a few favorites, which I chose to tone in black-and-white. Alison and Abe at the The Historic Academy of Medicine just called for that classic look.

Bride and Grandmother before wedding

Blessing of the Rings

Alison Goodrich and Abe Ali Wedding at the Academy of Medicine

Alison Goodrich and Abe Ali Wedding at the Academy of Medicine

My friend and second shooter Manuel and I were privileged to work with all of these amazing vendors.

Wedding Planner: Amanda Dana of Ashley Baber Weddings

Caterer: Avenue Catering Concepts

Beverage Service: Complete Beverages

Ceremony Music: Allergo Strings

DJ Service: DJ Dez

Floral and Décor: ­Alvin Moore

Cake/Cupcakes: Gabriel’s Desserts

Photo Booth: ShutterBooth

More photos and a fun slideshow to come.

Looking for a photographer to take classic photographs at your wedding? Check out our website.

Alison and Abe: The Historic Academy of Medicine

Alison and Abe, who told me in advance of their wedding that they are very low key and generally don't like being the center of attention, seemed to enjoy it for this one very special day. Their sense of humor carried them through the day, along with lots of love and laughter from friends and family.

Here are a few favorites, which I chose to tone in black-and-white. Alison and Abe at the The Historic Academy of Medicine just called for that classic look.

My friend and second shooter Manuel and I were privileged to work with all of these amazing vendors.

Wedding Planner: Amanda Dana of Ashley Baber Weddings

Caterer: Avenue Catering Concepts

Beverage Service: Complete Beverages

Ceremony Music: Allergo Strings

DJ Service: DJ Dez

Floral and Décor: ­Alvin Moore

Cake/Cupcakes: Gabriel’s Desserts

Photo Booth: ShutterBooth

More photos and a fun slideshow to come.

Looking for a photographer to take classic photographs at your wedding? Check out our website.

Laughing at the altar at Northside UMC

Minister makes bride and groom laugh

Here's the second in our series of couples' favorite photos.

Taylor and John Pafford chose this photograph taken by Sharon McMahon. Sharon was hiding in a side door behind the altar at Northside United Methodist Church when she saw and snapped this fun moment.

Here's Taylor's explanation of why she and John chose this photo as their favorite.

This is our favorite wedding photo because it captures a genuinely funny moment towards the end of the ceremony. Following our vows, exchanging of the rings, and communion, Dr. Gil (our officiant) spoke to us privately, so that the congregation could not hear. He said how much he loved us and cared for us. He told us that he would pray for us as we began this journey together. Then, he looked at Taylor and said, "You look absolutely stunning." Then, he turned to John and said, "John, you look....well... I know you tried."

We thought that was such a funny moment and were thankful for a moment of humor to begin our lives as husband and wife!

Check out our wedding galleries here.

The deeper meaning behind ants in the dress

Bride inspecting dress

I've recently started asking folks to choose and describe their favorite wedding photo. The photo Elizabeth chose was one of my favorites, too. But it was the story behind Elizabeth's favorite photo that really blew me away.

Here's what she had to say:

"What you don't necessarily see in this photo is that we were looking for bugs - we had just come in from outside, and there were tiny little ants stuck in the organza of my dress."

"It's a great shot, and it's always the first of our wedding photos that people look at and say'Oooo, that's so gorgeous!'  It's come to symbolize for me what our relationship is like - a product of good luck, timing, detailed work, funny stories, and an overall experience that's breathtaking."

Ah, the power of a story.

Martin Luther King Day Parade 2015

My best man Manuel Llaneras and I headed downtown today to document the Martin Luther King Day Parade. Unfortunately, I was not as prepared as I should've been. The extra battery I brought for my Fuji camera -- the one that was on the battery charger and I assumed was charged -- was dead. So, after shooting less than 75 frames, I had to switch to taking photographs with Manuel's iphone.

On a positive note, before the battery conked out on me, I was able shoot the equivalent of two rolls of 36 exposure film, which is more than I shot on lots of newspaper assignments I covered.

Here are few favorites from my Fuji X100.

Martin Luther King Day Parade 2015

My best man Manuel Llaneras and I headed downtown today to document the Martin Luther King Day Parade. Unfortunately, I was not as prepared as I should've been. The extra battery I brought for my Fuji camera -- the one that was on the battery charger and I assumed was charged -- was dead. So, after shooting less than 75 frames, I had to switch to taking photographs with Manuel's iphone.

On a positive note, before the battery conked out on me, I was able shoot the equivalent of two rolls of 36 exposure film, which is more than I shot on lots of newspaper assignments I covered.

Here are few favorites from my Fuji X100.