The Top Photography Trends for 2016

Your wedding photos are lasting memories of your wedding day. It's important that you put thought into who will capture your day and how you are going to do it. You want your photos to have not only a lasting impression but truly capture the emotion of every moment. If you aren't sure where to start, how about starting with this year's top photography trends! We’ve got you covered with Brides Magazine’s photography trends for 2016!

Aerial views are in!: Drones Photographer Manny Carabel of MTC Photography says that drones "gives you the vantage point of capturing images of things, people, and places you may not be able to get by standing in one spot". However, he does warn that the quality of the photos may not be as professional as handheld cameras.

10 Things You Should Know About Drone Wedding Photography

Back in time: Film Photography Remember when photos were developed instead of digitized on a computer? That’s the idea behind film photography. According to photographer Kristin La Voie, the "film renders light, color, and tones differently than digital images. Typically, they're softer, more flattering — and have a more painterly feel than the vivid, crisp digital photos." These images are achieved by developing the photos using analog cameras and negative film.

Fit for the stars!: Editorial Style Shots Who doesn’t want wedding photos that are fit for a spread in Vogue! As NewYork-based wedding photographer Amy Anaiz says, editorial shots "create portraits of the couple that have a visual impact because your eyes are drawn to their deep expressions and deliberate placement — similar to what you see in magazines." In order to accomplish these looks Amy says that the photos should capture beautiful and flattering light, pay close attention to detail, and be clean images.

Poof!: Smoke Bombs Smoke bombs are probably a new trend that you may not have heard of! According to photographer Jenevieve Purcell, who uses this cool photo effect, her clients are amazed with the process and its uniqueness.The cool effect is achieved by literally dropping colored smoke bombs in the shot! How cool is that!

Timeless: Black & White "With an increase in vintage-styled weddings over the last few years; black and white photos are predicted to increase alongside." Who doesn’t love the sleek and timeless appeal of a black and white photo? You cannot go wrong with incorporating a few black and white photos in your photo repertoire.

Oh so natural!: Less Filters “Thanks to Instagram, photography filters have been all the rage. However, in 2016, Brooklyn-based wedding, engagement, and family photographer Ben Deibert believes that brides will seek a more natural, real editing style of their photos, allowing their beauty to shine through with natural, simplistic editing and lighting.”

One last thing…. Well speaking of Instagram, while having filters for your photos may not be “in” this year; hashtags definitely are! Creating your own hashtag for your wedding events will allow your guests to further participate in your big day and it creates an online album of your wedding. You and your guests will be able to browse photos from the wedding simply by clicking on the hashtag. Be sure to come up with your own unique hashtag for your big day and encourage your guests to use it!

Source: Brides.com

How NOT to Take Photos at Your Wedding!

I am all for creative wedding pictures. In fact my favorite photos are from couples that make sure their personalities shine through. HOWEVER these photos may be stepping across that fine line of creative and trashy lol. Take a look at some of the best of the worst wedding photos after the break.

For the full gallery check out: http://t.co/LiokYIInYQ. Enjoy!!!

RECAP: Howard Theatre's 2nd Annual Gala and Benefit Concert

On Friday, April 19th I had the pleasure of attending Howard Theatre's 2nd Annual Gala and Benefit Concert. It was the “Who’s Who of the D.C. Music and Political Industry” and a great event with amazing performances by nationally recognized artists.

Inside the Howard Theatre guests were greeted by glamour and classic chic! The event decor was beautifully put together with blue uplighting, luxurious soft green table clothes, purple accented flower centerpieces, programs, and menus.

The menu was delicious and prepared by Food Network Star Season 8 Finalist, Chef Malcolm Mitchell, who lives in Washington, D.C. and added a healthy twist to his soulful recipes, which was a great compliment to the evening’s theme.

The evening was not only designed to raise funds for the Howard Theatre Restoration but celebrations of remarkable entertainers who have helped redefine the music industry. This year’s gala concert was filled with heartfelt tributes to honorees Chaka Khan, Dionne Warwick, and Valerie Simpson, who all had a personal connection with the historic establishment.

In addition, an impressive group of chart-topping recording artists including Marsha Ambrosius, Yolanda Adams, BeBe Winans, Lela James, Jaguar Wright, Kenny Lattimore and Sheila E. were just a few of the artist that lent their beautiful voices and talents for the performance tributes to the evening’s honorees.

Watching the many performances was definitely the highlight of the night! But just being in the presence of so many great and influential individuals was incredible! Check out more pictures taken by Insana Collins here.

Adam + Renee's Engagement Photos: Laughter Meets Love!

Adam and Renee met in college at Salisbury University in the fall of 2003. Introduced by friends, the couple did not officially have their first date until February 2004. One thing I found so cute about their story was that Adam (being the jokester that he is) told Renee that he would fall in love with her because of her hair (which is gorgeous!!!) which she probably gets from being Chinese Jamaican. A great friendship grew and Adam continued to make Renee laugh and find more reasons to love her.

Since Renee is from Miami, the couple decided to make a trip and Adam made the necessary arrangements to pop the question! Adam found the perfect lighting + got down on one knee in front of Renee's family to propose. He said a few sweet things, she cried (a lot), her parents and brother screamed, and passersby clapped + cheered.

These two are getting married this weekend in Rivera Maya, Mexico and wish nothing but the best for this beautiful couple! Congrats :)

#Favored Facts:

Adam is a Wine Enthusiast + loves to cook (check his intagram @ad_renaissance)!

Renee loves dance + photography! 

Photo credit: CKJ Visuals 

Chris + Jay Ell's Engagement Photos: Norfolk...Where It All Began!

 

Its always special witnessing the happiness of a dear friend. And today is no different as I share the gorgeous engagement photos and love story of Chris and Jay Ell (my college gal pal who I adore)! Last night the couple unveiled their much anticipated wedding website and it goes without saying these two were meant for each other! Im also excited to be in their bridal party of close friends & family.

The couple pays homage to Norfolk, Virginia, the city where they both were raised and eventually locked eyes first as they attended Poplar Halls Elementary School. How cute right? But this isn't your average local girl meets local boy and become an item...right away!

As they grew up, their distance became greater, and interactions even less. Chris attended and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University while Jay Ell joined myself and most of her bridesmaids at George Mason University! After four years of great memories at George Mason Jay Ell headed back to Norfolk in order to plan for graduate school in Richmond at VCU, Chris' Alma Mater. But as fate would have it months later, the two rekindled their friendship which grew into a serious relationship and will become a holy matrimony in the presence of God, their family, and friends on October 19th 2013. 

Love you guys and cant wait to celebrate your beautiful new beginning as one!

Photo Credit: Brandon Mitchell Photography 

Real {Ethiopian} Wedding: Yonas & Fasika Sunset Bridal Photoshoot

What a better way to start this snowy week than with a sunny gorgeous wedding photoshoot I came across this weekend! This lovely Ethiopian couple decided to have a photoshoot 2 days before their wedding in Ethiopia. Can I just say the desert backdrop is simply amazing on both the bride & the groom's skin! They are glowing!

I know that might sound strange, but more and more couples are actually going this route inorder to capture amazing photos since the day of the wedding is usually packed with family activities. And if your nervous about having your groom seeing your wedding dress before the wedding you can always schedule the photoshoot after your nuptials to still keep it a surprise for your big day!

When I saw this sunset photo above the city of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia there was something that screamed "Lion King" in every royal sense! I love how this couple chose to embrace their culture and showcase the beauty of the African desert and forest so naturally. Kudos to the photographer and Yonas & Fasika for being such a beautiful couple!

Interested in having your wedding or engagement featured? Just complete the submission here.

Photo credit: Nashville Photography Group (Loved these photos!)