Photography: Moments Captured
When Noah Grieves was back in high school, one
of his teachers converted an old janitor’s closet into a dark room.
More than black-and-white film developed in that small space.
Grieves’ interest in photography also flourished, and today, brides and grooms who choose him for their wedding photography experience his passion for capturing their treasured moments.
“I have a really good understanding for photography and a good appreciation for it,” said Grieves, owner of Ark Studio in Petoskey. “I’m very good at posing people, because of my art history background. I like to do a lot of classical posing.”
Another trick of his trade: A mid-wedding slide show of what’s happened so far. While guests are enjoying dinner, Grieves takes time to download the day’s photos to that point on his laptop and quickly edits them down to around 30. He then sets up a screen and plays a slide show of the ceremony and arrival at the reception.
“It gives those people who didn’t go to the ceremony the chance to see some of what they missed,” said Grieves.
It also gives a bride and groom a preview of the beautiful
photographs they’ll receive from Grieves and his assistant, David
Hopper, in the weeks to come. For Ark Studio, it’s part of presenting a
representative portfolio to prospective couples.
“I would advise people to make sure the person taking the photographs has a good portfolio,” Grieves said. “They should hire someone who represents their style and personality.”
Often, that “click” between photographer and client is obvious during the first consultation. At that point, the budget should also be discussed; Grieves offers several options, particularly with the current economic environment in mind. “The economy is definitely cramping people’s budgets,” he said. “We try to customize packages to fit people’s needs.”
One new option Ark Studio is offering goes against the grain of many photographers: He will shoot the entire day, and give the bride and groom a complete disc of all photos, to have developed on their own, to download and send to friends, or even to copy in their entirety to family.
“That’s something people are looking for, because of the economy,” Grieves said.
For those who hire Grieves to do the selection and editing, options are also available for various packages. He also offers a unique photo album with a brushed steel, engrave-able cover. “Nine times out of 10 when they see the wedding album, they fall in love with it,” he said.
Inside, photos are printed directly onto the pages, allowing for creative touches like panoramas across entire spreads carefully culled from a day of memory-making.
“We feel it’s necessary to be there for the full day,” Grieves said. “You don’t know when those special moments are going to happen.”
Getting the shots
Whereas Grieves recollects the early lessons of a high
school teacher, Randall J. Scott has been on the other side of the
classroom, teaching middle school computer classes in Cheboygan.
During his summers, however, he has operated his photography business, R.J. Scott Photography, based in Cheboygan, and has also developed his reputation for time and attention to the moments that matter.
“I had an eye for it,” Scott said, of shooting his first wedding for a friend a decade ago. “The next thing you know, you’re doing weddings all summer.”
As his teaching career winds down toward retirement, Scott said he plans to boost his photography business to a year-round clientele who prefer his photojournalistic and traditional style combination. He continues to train annually with seminars hosted by the respected Great Lakes Institute of Photography in Traverse City to stay on top of trends and ideas for memorable photographs.
“(Couples) will want some posed, traditional shots,” Scott said. “And every time you look around, there are potential pictures. (Photographers need to) stay focused and be looking for those moments.”
Scott said building a relationship with the couple before their wedding day is paramount.
“I like to meet with them, preferably at my house in my
kitchen with coffee or at a restaurant. You’ll know in a hour or so
whether you’ll want this person involved in your wedding,” Scott said.
Part of that photographer-client relationship means having the photographer present for all the big moments. Scott said he attends the rehearsal ceremony and gets to know the key players (moms, dads, friends) and scouts out what he’ll need for the Big Day.
“By the time I show up on Saturday, I know all the names of everyone,” he said. “I feel like I can get better pictures that way.”
Through the reception and into the night, Scott stays on-hand to capture the best shots that brides and grooms will remember forever.
“I’ve been married for 38 years and have three children. With my experience, I see things differently, moments in time that should be captured, that are priceless” Scott said. “Celebrate life. Grab your sister and dance with her, get a photo with your grandparents. These are the moments.”
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