“BROOKE CHRISTL — I CHALLENGE YOU” !

I recently spent a week in Chicago at a workshop learning some new techniques from Jerry Ghionis, one of the top 10 photographers in the world.  It was a privilege to learn from Jerry…and learn I did.  We went over so many things in 5 days that I was near short circuiting from information overload – LOL.  I am excited and ready to take my photography to the next level….but it will have to be done over time.  I will have to break the comfortable flow I have and exchange it for pushing myself beyond my comfort level.  It will take practice, practice, practice, to learn to see things in a different way, move things in a different way, and find that perfect sweet spot in the light each and every time.Jerry was correct when he said “ A pose without emotion is still just a pose”. I want to really concentrate on improving the emotion captured in the images I take.  I want it to ooze from each image, so anyone looking at them can feel the love I see between two people immediately.  Sometimes….this is not an easy task.  With many destination weddings here in Myrtle Beach, I don’t always get the opportunity to know and understand a couple as well as I would like to.  I have to strive to find a way to make that happen.  If I can understand better where they are coming from, then I can better recognize that special moment, the glance, the tiny knowing smile that two people in love share, and capture it.So.  I would love to tell you that these images were all my creation, my posing, my lighting…but I cannot tell a lie 🙂  The truth is, many of these images were taken right over Jerry’s shoulder as HE was posing, lighting and maneuvering his subject to the perfect spot.  He is a master!None of these pictures have been retouched or altered in any way.