RedCoatMedia

melissa and dan – columbus botanical gardens wedding sneak peek – {atlanta wedding photography}

admin — Sun, 20 May 2012 01:00:21 +0000

Last weekend, I had an amazing time second shooting for MPC Photography. Here is a quick sneak peek of two of the images from the weekend. More to come!

running nerds 5k – {atlanta sports photographers}

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:54:16 +0000

Wow… have we been absent that long?! We have been busy and promise to catch up!

Here are a few of our favorite shots from a recent 5k. Thanks to the motivational words of Tes at Running Nerds 5k, there were many first time 5k’ers. Congratulations to everyone for an amazing race!

film – {atlanta lifestyle photographers}

admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:02:17 +0000

For Christmas, Scott surprised me with a Leica M3 film camera and the 50mm f/2.0 Summicron. We were both curious about film and decided that a used rangefinder would be perfect for street photography. When we first took our new setup out, one exposure out of 36 was in focus. We chuckled when we imagined the expressions on the Wolf Camera person. We were ready to send the lens and camera to Guy Lazarus (the famous Leica repairman) when we realized that the Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron has a near focusing range for macro shots. We had accidentally set our lens to near focus, which caused all of our shots to be out of focus. Boy – did we miss the luxury of chimping on the digital screen? Did we mention this camera is manual focus only? Actually, this camera is all manual… from shutter speed, aperture, focusing, winding the film. It forces the photographer to slow down and think before pressing the shutter button.

So, far, we are loving our Leica. We won’t get into a debate here on whether film is better than digital. Film is nostalgic and invokes a romantic emotion. And we definitely love film. We love it so much that we are already researching our next film camera. Scott needs one too.

Looking at the images below, it’s hard to believe that our camera is over 50 years old and the lens is almost the same age. All but the first image was shot with the Leica M3 on Kodak Portra 400 film.

melinda and sean – savannah wedding – {wedding photography}

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:41:53 +0000

I had the opportunity to be part of Weddings for Warriors in Savannah. Through the efforts of Jim and Becky Byous, many volunteers, and vendors from in and out of town, Weddings for Warriors is able to give free ceremonies and vow renewals to active US Military personnel. What a great way to honor our servicemen!

The wedding day started with the ladies getting ready at the American Legion Post 135. With large picture frame windows and hardwoods, the place is a dream for natural light photography.
Typically, on the wedding day, I already know the couple. However, I first met Melinda when she was getting her hair done.
Below are a few details on Melinda’s dress. I took advantage of the windows for Melinda’s bridal portraits.The following images show how behind every soldier is a beautiful strong wife, holding down the fort.Melinda and Sean had their vow renewal at First Baptist Church.

A few couple portraits near the church.

We gathered at the Mulberry Inn for cocktail hours. I grabbed a few more images of Melinda and Sean before the reception started.The couples were led in a march to the Morris Center by Rick Buckley, a bagpiper. I confess I got a little teary eye watching this march.

Each couple was introduced under arched swords. How amazing.

Then danced to At Last by Etta James.

Each couple was gifted a wedding cake by Sandra Fitzsimmons.

After dinner, the dancing started!

And yes… more kissing!

Melinda and Sean – We wish you many years of happiness. Thank you letting us be a part of your day.

Please visit Redcoat Media’s facebook page to view more images from Wedding for Warriors! Click here

Many thanks to the following vendors for making this day gorgeous!

Coordinators: Becky and Jim Byous
Ceremony: First Baptist Church
Reception: Morris Center
Hair/Makeup: 40 Volume
Officiant: Rev. Barnes
Cake: Molly Stone and Sandra Fitzsimmons
Flowers: Kiwi Fleur, Annette Jones Floral, other wholesalers
DJ: Diamond Dave Gibson of VIP Entertainment

and more…. Will add names as I get them!

Ada and Mike – Bonnet House Wedding, Fort Lauderdale, FL – {Wedding Photography}

admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:56:47 +0000

We fell in love with the images from Ada and Mike’s wedding. The ceremony and reception were at the Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In 1895, Hugh Taylor Birch purchased the 4000 acres property and later gave it as a wedding gift to his daughter and her husband, Chicago artist Frederic Clay Bartlett. Frederic contributed the colorful beautiful sculptures that are found at the Bonnet House. The Bonnet House was given to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 1983 and since then, has been used for special events like Ada and Mike’s beautiful wedding. The below images are a small sampling of the artwork found on this property.

From their engagement session, we knew that Ada and Mike’s wedding day would be amazing. We expected unique details to blend their personalities together. They did not disappoint.

Check out the fall theme with the Peruvian touches.

A few getting ready shots….

Early in the afternoon, the Bonnet House blessed us with great lighting. Below is a shot of Ada on the balcony.

The abandoned cigar factory provided a moment of inspiration. Scott used his negotiating techniques to get the biggest cigars from the smoke shop around the corner.

Ada and Mike opted for a first look.

Scott captured this first look picture.

A few portraits around the Bonnet House.

Some fun beach shots. The Bonnet House is across the street from the beach. We captured these shots just a few minutes before the downpour!

Luckily, the rain stayed away long enough to have an outdoor ceremony.

The ceremony was filled with lots of laughter and a few tears (from the photographer also!).

Onto a fun night of dancing!

The Peruvian dancers came out to show us a few moves!

However, Ada and Mike’s family and friends had many moves of their own!

And of course, they were whisked away in pedicab. No other way to do it in Fort Lauderdale.

We were so thankful to be a part of Ada and Mike’s wedding day. We were deeply moved by their love, their family, and friends.

Many thanks to the following vendors for making Ada and Mike’s wedding day beautiful!

Venue: The Bonnet House
Hair: Amanda Lynn and Co and Nicole Friona
Makeup: Daniela Veiria
Videographer: James Rocourt
Cake: Not Just Cakes by Patty
Flowers: Karma Goddess
Officiant: Father Joaquin Perez
String Trio: AA Musicians – Suite Strings
DJ: DJ Lucky
Dancers/Entertainment: Luis Arma
Tents: Platinum Tents

Roadtrip to Asheville – {Atlanta Lifestyle and Travel Photographers}

admin — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 23:57:06 +0000

Asheville was named America’s happiest city in Eric Weiner’s The Geography of Bliss. The drive to Asheville curves through mountains and valleys, offering a view into a blissful life. Once we arrived in Asheville, the streets offered many interesting images. We stumbled into history in the making with the Occupy Asheville peaceful movement.

Images of the silver lady.

And street performers.

Asheville is also home to many amazing restaurants, like Tupelo Honey Cafe. We waited an hour and a half for a booth; however, the homemade biscuits were worth it. Seriously, go there now.

We also caught great moments between friends.

I also made a guest appearance.

This one gives me a chuckle.

When visiting Asheville, you must go to the Biltmore. The estate is the largest private residence in America. Finished in 1895, it has 250 rooms!

On our drive back, we had to stop by Goats on the Roof. And yes, there are truly goats on the roof!

Yay – another moment captured!

Normally, this image may get cut; however, the expressions were great and we kind of like the goat behind Jason.

Fiona and Dan – Family Portraits {Atlanta Family Photographers}

admin — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 06:35:39 +0000

What happens when you combine a British gal with a Montana cowboy? You create a beautiful family.

Shooting together, Scott and I capture two perspectives for the same location. My image on the left. Five seconds later, Scott captured the image on the right.

Scott and I took the following at the same moment. Scott’s capture on the left. My image on the right.

Tire swing sets bring a smile to our face. The playground hasn’t changed from when we grew up.

I love love love the colors in this image.

Oh – she’s such a model.

Mom and daughter making a secret pact.

To end, a fun picture of the whole family, including the new golden retriever rescue, Lola!

Black Friday – {Atlanta Lifestyle Photographers}

admin — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 23:33:09 +0000

We love the tradition of Thanksgiving and for the last 2 years, we have been cooking everything ourselves. No more going to the store and buying a precooked meal for us! We usually start cooking on Sunday night and by Thursday we have a magnificent feast. We love how the house fills up with the aromas of fresh herbs and the sweet smell of cinnamon wafting through the air. We even make pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin!

With all that good food comes a few extra pounds the next day. While the shoppers flood the mall for Black Friday, we hiked Sope Creek with Adams, our lab. Yes – he’s made a couple of appearances on our blog. Here’s a link to his last guest appearance: Dog Days of Winter.

Today was warmer than the last time he made his appearance. Allegedly a water dog; he has an uncontrollable fear of water. However, today, he plunged in with no restraint (except the leash).

Walking along the trail, I noticed how the leaves were glowing in the sunlight. With these images, I tried to capture the colors present in winter.

Below is what’s left of the Marietta Paper Mill, incorporated in 1859! It’s hard to imagine paper was printed here as late as 1902.

And of course, we had to end with a few more images of Adams.

Happy Thanksgiving – {Atlanta Lifestyle Photographers}

admin — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:18:51 +0000

I’d have to say, it doesn’t get much better than this. There’s a bird in the oven, lots of food in the fridge, and Pandora’s cranking out some pretty decent tunes (Otis Redding, Amos Lee, Ben Harper… they just keep coming). Outside, light was streaming behind trees projecting through the morning mist. I grabbed the the 5DmkII, slapped on the 24-105, and shot some images of the woods across from the house. Our neighbors probably get a kick out of us. Randomly, we can be seen, running out, camera in hand, shooting obscure things. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Dawn and Jason – Family Portraits {Atlanta Family Photography}

admin — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 16:14:51 +0000

Remember Jack from this session? He’s growing up fast and practicing his smiles (and expressions of serious contemplation). Hmmm….do I want the Gerber Nature Select Chicken with Rice… or Chicken Noodle?
With a family this beautiful my job seems too easy.
Scott and I love working together. With two shooters we can display different perspectives of the same moment. I shot the left image and Scott captured the right. It’s amazing how the same thing can look so different from another angle. I could digress into a whole, the lens is a metaphor of life but we need to move on…
Dawn is a rockstar. Creative and ready to try anything, here she is sitting in an old bathtub in an antique yard.

Aww more smiles!
Take a look at the right image. Even at this age, father and son are adopting the same mannerisms. Elvis, or is that Billy Idol?
Another one of Scott’s image.

We had the best time hanging out. It’s always fun when interests collide like this. I wasn’t sure if we’d ever finish with Jason and Scott ogling all the antiques and artifacts. I can’t wait to capture the next chapter in this family’s life!