Stavros Panopoulos

Stavros Panopoulos:  There have been many events that were funny, although the bride and groom’s opinion may differ, but one stands out that I think all can agree on. I was photographing a newlywed couple in Central Park after the wedding and Steven Tyler of the band Aerosmith walks in to photo bomb the shot. Everyone was delighted. The bride gave him a kiss on the cheek and he went on his way.

BJ Enright:  Oh man, you wouldn’t believe the number of times I get asked to do shots, drink, or dance with guests. I love parties, and I used to DJ weddings before I became a photographer – but I never drink on the job and I’m always much more interested in capturing moments and taking photos. I mean, of course I want to blend in with the crowd – but not that much!

Jennifer DelCastillo

Jennifer DelCastillo:  One funny wedding moment for me centered around the father of the bride. All day he was very pensive, stern, nothing made him crack a smile or really emote anything. During the wedding portraits he always gave a serious expression, never smiled. Later, during the father-daughter dance, I really wanted to get a great shot of him, hoping for some expression in this special moment with his daughter. As I was shooting I forgot I was on a small step and moved an inch, tripped, and fell on my knee. It hurt pretty badly but when I looked up the father was laughing uncontrollably at the fact that I’d tripped. Something about it gave him this beautiful glowing smile that I’d been waiting to see all day, and I finally got a photo of him smiling with his daughter because of it!

Kari Otero:  As with any event, by the time the reception rolls around the crowd knows who I am and I don’t shy away from building great relations with family and guests alike. The smiles tend to be a bit wider and the enthusiasm greater when taking pictures. This includes on the dance floor and one night I stepped back a bit too far, landing in the band. I popped right up and waved my hands in the air as if I had just created a new dance move. The crowd threw their hands right up with me and continued to dance the night away.

Tim Waltman:  Hmm, it’d have to be between running out of gas on the highway or being stuck in an elevator with all of the groomsmen for nearly an hour. However, both of these things weren’t exactly funny until a few hours later….

Timothy Waltman

Video by 5th Avenue Digital: http://vimeo.com/66319330

Watch it and smile!

Stavros Panopoulos:  This is an easy one:  Central Park.  You and the couple have everything you need — ponds, bridges, fountains, fields and trees.  Not only that, but there are always some costumed characters and performers to play off the couple in pictures.

Jennifer DelCastillo:  In places that have a special significance to clients or their relationship, like when a couple says they want to shoot at a certain park or venue because it’s where they first met or where they had their first date.  I find it inspiring a bit photographically, it adds emotional value to me, and it starts to build the foundation of telling the overall story.

BJ Enright:  My absolute favorite location for an engagement session is near the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge.  Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights are two neighborhoods full of so many amazing spots.  I really love taking portraits in the hour before sunset — you’ve just got all this gorgeously back-lit Manhattan skyline, bridges, waterfront, brownstone apartments, and old buildings and structures that make for a really timeless location.

Kari Otero:  I honestly think every nook and cranny of New York has amazing photo potential.  Just add a couple crazy about one another and you have iconic and timeless photo opportunities.  Central Park is always post card perfect and the way the light hits those cobble stone streets in the Meat Packing District is pure magic. Although I often suggest my favorite locations, couples tend to gravitate towards the neighborhoods that suit them and it always shows in the pictures.

Tim Waltman:  I would switch it up and try to find beauty in a location some may overlook, like a rustic warehouse or in the middle of a forest somewhere. I’ve always thought it would be fun to shoot an engagement session right in the couples house.  It’s so much more personal, the couple would be much more comfortable, and the result would be very unique and personal.

Here are some of the kernels I took away from my participation in the Women Presidents’ Organization 2013 International Conference:

1. Women are starting to understand the power they have in numbers. They are mentoring each other, empowering each other, and creating businesses that are making a difference in their communities and in the lives of other women.

2. I am lucky to have heard Linda Applegate a few times as the head of the OPM program at Harvard Business School. Every time I hear her lecture, even if I’ve heard the content before, I hear something new. This time, I heard the term pivotal growth, and I think that’s the stage we are now in at 5th Avenue Digital.

3. Barbara Barrett is an incredible force of nature (I recommend you Google her) who has done everything from running for governor of Arizona to flying Top Gun-type planes and training to go to outer space as an alternate astronaut. She lives a fearless life and is authentic in her belief that she can do anything she puts her mind to.

4. In an intriguing workshop led by Thaler Pekar, about using the Heart-Head-Hand approach: lead with a really good story that tugs at emotions; back it up with facts; then go in for your ask.

5. Charles Barnard taught a fascinating workshop on sales strategies that really work.  I enjoyed hearing his techniques, in particular was the way he asks for customers’ input by saying, “We are a feedback organization…I’d like to know where we stand.”

6. Marshal Goldsmith is a favorite from a few years back. This year he reminded us of the 20 questions he uses everyday to help propel him forward.  By repeating the same questions, he’s able to get a quick read on his priorities and how well he’s accomplishing them.

7. Dallas has some pretty wonderful restaurants.  It was my birthday while away and my ladies took me out for a few fabulous eats.

8. Don’t eat before getting on a Mechanical Bull.

9. Best way to get conference guests to visit all the sponsors is to make a contest where all those who get stamped by all the sponsors get entered to win a free vacation for 10 people in Anguilla.

10. There is nothing better than being in a hotel with 800 fierce women from around the globe. The WPO has grown to include Canada, Peru, New Zealand, South Africa, Turkey and Great Britain.

Visit http://www.womenpresidentsorg.com/

How would you describe your signature style in five words?

My style is: artistic, fun, creative, spontaneous, photojournalism.  My favorite photography expression is:  “Fortune Favors the Prepared Mind”  which is perfectly illustrated in my photo of Alex and her veil blowing.  I set her up with her bridesmaids on her street and all of a sudden a strong wind came up and I clicked.  But everything was in place already, location, lighting….and I got lucky..because I was prepared!!  Call it photographer’s luck, whatever.

What’s been the best innovation in your industry in the past 5 years?

That is where digital has been such an amazing tool for wedding photographers.  I started out shooting film, and was dragged into the digital age, but once I learned it I loved it.  You get to check so quickly if you are there technically, and then you’re free to forget the technical, just be creative.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

What I love about weddings is that you never know what to expect when you walk into the brides house or hotel room.  Yes, the structure of the day is always the same, but the people and locations are new, and you have to be on your toes both creatively and technically.  There’s no time to stop the clock and say “Oh, could we try that shot again?” because things are moving so fast.  I love the spontaneity of weddings…you can only plan so much, and then you have to let it unfold.  You need a really good feel for detail, and be fast and unobtrusive.

How do you keep it together when the stress is on?

I don’t get stressed out…unless I’m stuck in traffic!  Otherwise, I just try to go with the flow.  Yes, the day is intense and we never stop moving, but it’s a creative challenge and I actually thrive on that part.  Sort of like being on a mission – whatever gets thrown my way, I’ll find a way to complete the job.  And it is SO rewarding!!

Whose work have you admired over the course of your career?

I don’t look at tons of other wedding photographers’ work, but I do keep up with new trends and read a lot of photography magazines, and I take seminars, often from Joe McNally who shares his techniques and his wit.  My two favorite photographers have always been Arnold Newman, the master of the environmental portrait and Irving Penn, a classical master of simplicity.  I’ve also attended a few of Denis Reggie’s shooting seminars and keep his words of wisdom close by:

1) Thou shall always use natural light when possible,
2) Follow, don’t lead, so things unfold naturally, and
3) Focus on the reaction, not the action.

 How has the industry changed since you started?

Digital changed it all.  Everyone with a digital camera and computer know-how calls themselves a photographer these days…but they are not all artists.

How has the economy affected your industry?

The economy has brought prices down about 25% since 2005.

If you had to change careers, what would you do?

I have no other skills so I can’t change jobs!

What was the first event you photographed when you knew for sure: ‘This is what I want to do’?

The “This is what I want to do” moment for me was when I was traveling in Nepal 5 years ago. I got to meet many amazing people and take tons of photos while hiking in the mountains. One day it just hit me that I didn’t ever want to stop taking photos.

What job or person gave you your first “big break”?

My big break moment came when the salon where my sister works – Arrojo in Soho – asked me to photograph 25 fashion bloggers who came to get makeovers.   After that job I was asked by a big fashion designer to do her e-commerce and the ball has continued to roll.

How would you describe your signature style in five words?

The five words to describe my style are:  quite, moments, fun, classic, dynamic.

Who or what inspires you the most?

The person I work with, the location and the type of lighting I have to use inspire me in a new way at every shoot I’m part of.

Name three things you enjoy photographing most.

I love photographing people, things that inspire me in the moment and nature.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is getting the “Thank you so much! You did an amazing job!”

Whose work have you admired over the course of your career?

Throughout my career I have been inspired by my close friends who are also photographers. The jealousy I feel when I see their work pushes me to work hard to create images that push me past my limit.

Name three favorite NYC outdoor venues.

My three favorite outdoor NYC venues are: DUMBO Park, the Highline and  Central Park.

How do you keep it together when the stress is on? 

I keep myself together in stressful times by pressing forward and adapting myself to the situation. Everything always works out!

If you had to change careers, what would you do?

I would never change my career…. but if I absolutely had to I would want to be involved in music somehow.

Personal vacation destination: city, country or beach?

My personal vacation destination choice would be the country, in the woods. Camping was a big part of my childhood.

Enlarged Screen—Our monitor is twice as big, so you can see yourself better.

Photo Preview—See what your photo will look like before it prints.

Retake Option—If you don’t like how your photo looks, you have the option of retaking it.

Color or Black-and-White Print Customization—You’re no longer limited to color or black-and-white prints.  You can choose how you want your photo to print, so you can get some prints in color and some in black-and-white. You get the best of both!

Customized Screen Graphics—Put your logo or brand message on the screen, so it’s always front and center for whoever uses the YouBooth.

Green Screen Interface—Incorporate green screen technology to customize your background and reinforce your branding.

More Background Choices—In addition to the standard white, we now offer silver or gold backgrounds as standard options at no additional charge.

As before, our Social Media Portal works seamlessly with the YouBooth, enabling instant image sharing via email, Facebook or Twitter.  You still get full-size 4×6″ prints almost instantly, a technician who serves as Host for the YouBooth, plus a web gallery of images that can be downloaded and shared, and a DVD of high resolution images, all backed by our attentive Customer Service and Support.

Click on these links to see more about our YouBooth and Social Media Portal.