Scott McNamara Photography :: Portland, Oregon Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer

Please visit my new blog!

2010-01-15T21:46:00.002-05:00

I will not be maintaining this blog effective January 14, 2009.

Please modify your bookmarks and RSS subscriptions and cruise over to my new site - www.scottmphotoblog.com.

Thanks!

Scott

Jennifer + Jason

2009-12-25T15:34:00.000-05:00

Even though the rain sprinkled on and off throughout the day, Jennifer and Jason's beachside wedding was awesome! Here are a few images, and more are over on Flickr!

Scott

Lisa + Chris

2009-12-25T12:16:00.000-05:00

Another day, another chance to shoot with friends!

I shot this wedding with my friend Jason from Concept Photography in Jupiter, FL. It was a wonderful wedding full of firefighters and family. Although the wind was whippin', everything turned out awesome!

Thanks to Jason for letting me tag along for the shoot!

Scott

PS. More on Flickr!

Lindy + Gerard

2009-12-25T12:10:00.000-05:00

Keeping up the blog while relocating across the country has been a lot tougher than I thought!

So, my apologies for the delays in getting these weddings uploaded.

So, way back on November 21st, I was invited to co-shoot an evening wedding with my awesome friend Chrissy from Vitalic Photo. Lindy and Gerard were married with their family from Louisiana. We had a blast and I am thankful for the opportunity to meet and work with them!

More shots on Flickr.

Scott

Vermont Senior Sesh #3: Meredith

2009-12-10T10:37:00.000-05:00

Meredith and I wandered around Burlington searching for the cool, hidden spots in this old school post-industrial city. Burlington is a great place riddled with 19th century brick warehouses and dark, odd alleyways that are a photographer's treasure chest. Check out some early shots from our shoot!

More over at my trusty friend, Flickr.

Scott

Vermont Senior Session #2: Abigail in Montpelier

2009-12-02T18:29:00.001-05:00

Today's senior session in Vermont was shot in Montpelier...we ventured around the state capitol and even got to hang out in the governor's office! We met some work horses, explored some old rail bridges and had an awesome vegetarian lunch downtown. It was a blast!

Scott

Kicking off Vermont Senior & Student Session '09!

2009-11-30T10:36:00.000-05:00

This week I will be traveling all over Vermont - from Montpelier and Middlebury to Burlington and St. Albans - Shooting students and families! Even though it is cold, gray and a bit damp out, the images will rock!

The first session was in Middlebury where we had an uber-quick session (the sunset was rapidly approaching). Check out Sarah's shots below and a few more on Flickr.

Enjoy!

Scott

Crystal + Brian's E Sesh

2009-11-24T15:54:00.001-05:00

So yesterday I ventured around Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral and Melbourne with Crystal and Brian for an awesome engagement session. We saw some manatees and dolphins (and some ants, unfortunately) and a really old tow truck (gives new meaning to getting hitched)!. I am so looking forward to their wedding March!

A couple more here on Flickr.

Scott

VIDEO: The making of a Trash the Dress Shoot

2009-11-13T14:02:00.003-05:00

Making of a Trash The Dress Shoot - Hawaii from Scott McNamara on Vimeo.
Music graciously used with permission from Natalie Merchant/Indian Love Bride Music (Synchronization license on file). Thanks so much Natalie & Megan! And of course a huge thanks to my awesome clients - Janice and Kevin and their best man aka the videographer - Chris Pun!

Check out Janice + Kevin's Wedding Slideshow

2009-11-01T19:11:00.001-05:00

Megan + Parker's Couples Portrait Sesh

2009-10-31T19:42:00.004-04:00

It's always cool to meet fellow Vermonters here in Florida - and even cooler when you get a chance to book a shoot with them. Megan and Parker are students here in Florida. I met up with them today for a couples portrait session and we wandered around Melbourne. We had such a great time (Coldstone certainly helped!!!). Thanks guys!

Here are some quick peeks and there are a couple more over at Flickr. Be sure to check them out!

Scott

Please Note effective immediately: I have a NEW phone number

2009-10-28T14:26:00.001-04:00

I have a new phone number, effective immediately: (503) 863-0303. The "321" Florida number is no longer available.

As always, my email address is still unchanged.

Thanks!

Scott

Laura + David's Beachside Wedding

2009-10-25T11:08:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was so much fun! Laura and David had a beautiful wedding at Pelican Beach in Satellite Beach, Florida. The weather was perfect (but a little warm). The Gator and Seminole rivalries dominated the evening but made for a lot of fun. The cake cutting power outage made things even more interesting!

Here are some early shots from the day. More can be found on my Flickr page.

Scott

Wow! 100 posts and look how far we've come!

2009-10-24T10:11:00.007-04:00

I realized yesterday that I posted my 100th blog post. I know for most hard core bloggers that this may be a weekly milestone. But, for us photographers, this is usually a longer process. I thought it would be a good chance to look back at where I started.

My first blog post here was only in September of 2007. I was offering some informational posts about how to choose a good photographer. I don't even think I had any followers back then!

My first wedding ever was shot in Alaska at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. It was for Leigh and Mike and below (based on metadata and time) was the very first wedding photo I ever took.

I know...it's not a stunner! In fact, the very first image I took is even out of focus and never made it to the client. It appears the bride was being reprimanded about something, curlers and all.

While looking at the last wedding I shot (Janice + Kevin in Hawaii) it is so surprising to see how everything has progressed - from my website and brand, to equipment, clients, and of course the 100th blog post. My actual last shoot was Michelle and Josh's trash the dress session, something that was never even on the scene back in 2003.

And, while I have now shot over 25 weddings across the country, I still get the creative butterflies in my stomach when I pull up to a venue. I still get that crazy awesome feeling when the bride and groom see each other for the first time, or when the father of the bride chokes up when he hands off his daughter.

Its a wonderful amazing incredible job to have and I am so thankful to all my clients (past and future) for the trust and faith they put into me for this most important of responsibilities.

Now I need to get ready for Laura + David's wedding today...

To the next 100 blog posts!!!!!

Scott

A wonderful message of Equality and Marriage Rights

2009-10-22T22:55:00.002-04:00

I challenge everyone to watch this and keep a dry eye. This man is a true patriot and I find it so refreshing to be inspired by this gentleman. For those fighting the good fight, keep it up!

Watch me in action: Raw video from the Waikiki fountain shoot!

2009-10-20T17:21:00.008-04:00

Trash The Dress: Waikiki Fountain from Scott McNamara on Vimeo.

This is some raw video (courtesy Chris Pun) of my recent trash the dress session in Hawaii. Janice and Kevin were awesome clients and we spent the day touring Oahu and trashing the dress bit by bit. Eventually, we ended up in this Victorian fountain at the base of Diamond Head in Waikiki. It was an AWESOME shoot!

Here is another video from earlier in the day on Oahu's South Shore:

More Raw Video: Shooting Janice + Kevin on a cliff in Hawaii from Scott McNamara on Vimeo.

It's Official! Scott McNamara Photography is coming to Portland!

2009-10-19T22:28:00.002-04:00

Yes, those pesky rumors are true! I am relocating the business to Portland, Oregon this December.

So, why you may ask? Well, for one we (my wife and I) simply miss the mountains and the wilderness. Since we have lived in Colorado, Alaska, Hawaii...well you get the picture. Florida is just a little too flat for us. For those who have lived in the mountains, you understand...there is just something to them.

Also we miss a strong outdoor culture. We have always taken roadtrips and backcountry trips to explore new places. Florida is just not the same in that regard. Amazing places like Yosemite, Crater Lake, Canon Beach and British Columbia will be just up (or down) the road.

From a business perspective, my market will be from Seattle to Southern California and Hawai'i. So, the move also makes good business sense too.

What this means for my clients - If you have a contract with me for a 2010 wedding, we have already discussed it! All contracts will be honored just like I live nearby. I will travel to Florida to cover all booked weddings.

For future Florida brides, all 2010 weddings will be commissioned as a destination wedding.

As always, if anyone has any questions, you can always contact me. My website will always have current contact information.

In constant adventure,

Scott

Michelle + Josh's Alternative Shoot

2009-10-18T01:10:00.002-04:00

While we did not "formally" trash the dress, Michelle + Josh ventured around Melbourne with me today to find some cool, alternative spots for some photos. They dressed in their wedding attire and we set out, eventually stumbling on an old, abandoned house off US1. The owner was an awesome woman that gave us some history (like the house was the first in Melbourne to have a bath tub and electricity) and even some literature. It was really cool to know the background on the house.

Here are some early shots!

Scott

Jennifer + Jason's Engagement Session Part 2!

2009-10-17T12:31:00.003-04:00

Jen and Jason were looking to introduce traditional elements into their second engagement session. We met and shot around the old Eau Gallie district in Melbourne (which has quickly become one of my favorite shoot locations). We emphasized the Sari, and in particular the Pallu and integrated it as a core to the images.

More can be seen at Flickr.

Enjoy!

Scott

Rachel + Ryan's Kauai H-Moon Session

2009-10-16T12:33:00.003-04:00

The day started with flight delays in Honolulu, then rain in Kauai. But once we began shooting, the rain stopped, the sun broke, and we had a wonderful time. Rachel and Ryan were in Kauai on their honeymoon after their wedding in Arizona. We explored Lihue and Kapaa, and all points in between (and had some good Jamba for lunch)!

Thanks guys for a wonderful time and I hope to see you again very soon!

Check my Flickr page for a few more highlights.

Scott

PS. Ryan...please work on the driving : - )

Janice + Kevin - Married in Hawaii!

2009-10-12T22:15:00.007-04:00

I know I put the TTD session before the wedding by posting some shots last night, but I just couldn't wait. I spent some time today, combing through the wedding images and wanted to share some early favorites.

Janice + Kevin had an awesome wedding that wove traditional Chinese pastimes with modern themes in a private estate on Oahu's North Shore. They had many family members and friends that traveled from Toronto and Hong Kong. It was a pleasure to work with everyone!

Check out a few images below - and as always - see my Flickr page for a few more.

謝謝周家何家讓我帶給您們美好的回憶。

Scott

(Thanks to Chris for the translation help!)

Janice + Kevin's Trash the Dress Session in Hawaii

2009-10-12T06:40:00.004-04:00

Only the best trash the dress sessions involve a forest park, a wild pig on a leash, dodging security guards and a huge old fountain. Today was one of those days. Janice and Kevin spent the day with me touring Oahu in search of "off the beaten path" shoot locations.

It was a blast and ended with them in a fountain in Waikiki where strangers crowded around and honked from passing cars.

Here are few sneak peaks - more can be seen on my Flickr page.

Scott

Orlando Bridal Shoot

2009-10-04T22:27:00.007-04:00

I was recently invited to tag along with some friends to shoot a "modeling" style session for a local wedding consulting group. They needed a bride for the shots and asked Kindra - one of their recent wedding clients - to attend. Lucky for me, in between shoots I was able to take Kindra to explore the area around Orlando and shoot around some really awesome spots.

The old train and architecture around Church Street was awesome!

Scott

Renee + Robert's Wedding

2009-09-20T11:05:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I had the privilege of shooting Renee + Robert's wedding at Patrick AFB here in Florida. The rain was the question of the day, but it stopped just before the ceremony, leaving everything in a glistening light and giving us some amazing clouds for shade and photos.

It was a wonderful wedding and the support of their friends and family was evident. From the candy bar (who mixed skittles and M&MS???!!!) to the self-catering and decorations, it was clear the roles their friends and family played.

Here is a sample of the shots from the day. More can be seen on Flickr or Facebook.

Scott

Private Collection Launched! Purchase my Nature and Wildlife Prints!

2009-09-14T21:30:00.007-04:00

Hello friends -

Tonight I have released my "Private Collection" (sounds fancy, huh?)

This is a collection of images from all over the country, from Alaska and Hawaii to California and New England. My wildlife gallery features grizzlies from Katmai National Park, Seals from Hawaii and Moose!

All items can be purchased direct from the site. I have selected print and gallery wrap sizes that would offer the best print size for your home.

To get to the gallery, visit my site at www.scottnmcnamara.com and click on "Client Access." There you will find the collection.

Check back often as I have 20,000 images to go through and upload!

Have a great night...

Scott

A commercial project in Las Vegas

2009-09-13T12:38:00.002-04:00

Just a small (yet dramatic!) departure from photographic wedding vows.

I was asked to cover a product shoot in Las Vegas for DRS Technologies, Tactical Division. With one day's notice, we were able to shoot various products at Nellis AFB and a shoothouse used by the LVPD, SWAT and Federal agencies. The shoot featured actual officers which was really cool and lended to the authenticity. Of course, the shoothouse is used for training with a strong smell of gunpowder, kicked in doors and - did I mention NO AIR CONDITIONING? It was 106 outside and much hotter inside.

Here are a couple of shots from the event.

Scott

Watch Tasha + Sean's Wedding Slideshow!

2009-09-12T22:16:00.000-04:00

Laurie + Robert's Beachside Wedding

2009-09-05T23:25:00.005-04:00

Tonight we held our breath that the huge rain/storm front would somehow miss the wedding. It certainly didn't look good. Guests claimed it was pouring on their way in, and thunder rumbled all around. But, just as the ceremony was to begin, the rain never showed. It held, just slightly onshore but far enough away.

Laurie + Robert's wedding on the beach was wonderful. It was cool and cloudy which was perfect. They were married on the beach at the Tides in Patrick Shores, and their reception was indoors.

Here are some early sneak peeks from today's wedding!

Scott

Evolution of Epicness

2009-09-04T00:56:00.003-04:00

I must admit that looking back, living in Hawaii was pretty spectacular. It is unfortunate the human condition of assumptions and taking things for granted. I only began to see the negatives there - traffic, cultural collisions, expenses, you name it.

But, perhaps the best thing I have from it all are the images.

As a wildlife and nature photographer of many years (only as a "hobbyist"), I hold a treasure trove of over 40,000 images. One of my favorite things to do is crack open my massive photo library and look at photos I took one year ago (or two or three) from today. It helps me look at life in slices.

While looking through my collection tonight, I came across some from a hike I took on the island of Kauai with my friend Nate. He flew in from Portland, OR and we both tackled the 22 mile Kalalau trail. This trail meanders along the Na Pali Coast. We did it in two days. It was a truly amazing experience.

I have also come to notice how Florida, while devoid of scapes such as these, holds its own beauty and uniqueness.

I want to share more of my photos with you - my clients and my friends - to let us all get to know each other better. While I am a photographer first, we all have fascinating stories we should be sharing.

I'll post some of these personal stories from time to time (it depends how good my espresso is I guess). Feel free to share yours in the comments, or just read and smile.

Scott

New pricing launched!

2009-09-02T06:56:00.004-04:00

Good morning everyone!

Today I am announcing a new flat rate package. This is framed on the same principles I have always based my approach on - simplicity and value for my clients. As I have always said, how can I document your wedding day if I can't be a part of the whole experience?

The new flat rate package includes:

- Full day photographic coverage
- All digital post-processing: every single image gets some love...
- All images on DVD with personal reproduction rights
- High and low resolution versions (low resolutions are formatted for Facebook, Myspace, etc)
- Custom designed DVD jewelbox
- One year Flickr Pro account preloaded with your wedding images
- Professional slideshow of your wedding day (with music) in iPhone, computer, and home DVD formats
- One three hour pre or post wedding photo shoot - engagements, trash the dress, you name it!
- Online, private galleries for ordering prints from my lab (if you wish)
- Travel within 100 miles of Melbourne, Florida

The items in red mark the major aspects of this new offering.

In addition to a flat rate local package, I have also announced a flat rate destination pricing strategy. No matter where in the USA (or when), you will only pay one flat price. Now, you don't need to worry about airline pricing trends, hotel value, or anything.

Of course a customized option is still available for those that are looking for something a little different.

What are your thoughts? Does this make things easier for a Bride and Groom in the throes of wedding planning (and budgeting)?

Tell me in the comments below!

Thanks

Scott

Jess Ellen + Adam

2009-08-25T21:17:00.004-04:00

Tonight we took some photos of my sister Jess-Ellen and her boyfriend Adam on their last night in Florida. Have a safe trip home to Vermont!

Tasha + Sean's Orlando Wedding

2009-08-24T23:57:00.006-04:00

It was so great to see Tasha and Sean (and Tia and Jayson!). They were married at Championsgate Resort in Orlando where they were surrounded by family and friends. With the exception of a close call with a vase (whoops!!!!) everything went very well.

Here are some sneak peeks from the wedding with many more to come. For more, see my Flickr page where I will keep adding images.

Scott

Trashing the Dress: New Smyrna Beach, FL

2009-08-17T23:18:00.015-04:00

I am sure everyone has heard the old adage "It takes a village to raise a child." Well, it can also be said that "It takes three photographers, one groom and a bride to trash a wedding dress." Yesterday I was invited by my friends Jason and Sara Martin of Concept Photography to cover a dress trashing session up North.

Lindsay and Kyle were super cool and we all had such a wonderful time!

We started out at the old Sugar Mill ruins, then made our way to the beach where the dress got trashed!

Thanks so much to Lindsay and Kyle and my friends Jason and Sara for letting me tag along.

Scott

View more on my photostream by clicking here.

Renee + Robert's Engagement Session

2009-08-15T23:05:00.008-04:00

I know the last few posts have been about harrowing encounters - a gator during a trash the dress session, and a shark during an engagement. But tonight was different. Renee and Robert met me in old Eau Gallie, where we stayed away from Ma Nature and her beasts. We found lots of hidden gems down old alleyways and beaten paths. We were soon surrounded by numerous police cruisers apparently searching for somebody (pretty seriously, too) which was a little unnerving. We also interrupted a photo shoot for what "appeared" to be an...um...adult-oriented crowd. So yeah. Florida photo sessions seem to be full of adventure!

It was a pleasure to work with them tonight, and I am really looking forward to hanging out with them and shooting their beach side wedding in September!

Scott

It's 3AM...do you know where your photographer is?

2009-08-09T09:52:00.008-04:00

I heard about this mystical place in Florida...where lava like rocks jut from the sea and cliffs line up along a breaking coast. I had to see it to believe it. In a state whose biggest hike is a set of stairs at the local mall, stories like this have to be tested. Fortunately, Jason and Jennifer were willing to risk a 3AM departure time to witness this place. We left Melbourne at about 3:30AM and headed South. We were rewarded. We spent some time under a full moon, chatting and watched the sunrise as the limestone features were slowly warmed by the sun.

While the cliffs were not really cliffs, Jensen Beach on Hutchinson Island is now a personal favorite spot in a state rife with flat, featureless beaches. What a great place. I am looking forward to sharing this spot with many clients in the future.

Jennifer and Jason's engagement session was a BLAST. I am looking forward to their wedding in December.

Scott

View more images from the day on Flickr.

Jen + Alex's Awesome E-session!

2009-08-06T21:10:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was a ton of fun. Only in Florida can an engagement shoot translate into watching a huge shark. While we were on a beach in Melbourne, a good sized shark was just off shore swimming around. Very cool. But is this a trend? Just last week a gator showed up in a creek where I was shooting a trash the dress session!!??

Anyway, the shoot with Jen + Alex was beautiful - late afternoon light in downtown Melbourne, then off to one of my fav fields and then a wrap at the beach.

Looking forward to your wedding in March Jen and Alex!!!!

Scott

Totally not wedding related!

2009-07-31T23:25:00.004-04:00

Tonight I was going through some of my old work - before the days of chasing brides and grooms around crazy weddingscapes. I spent time in New England, Colorado, California, Alaska and Hawaii capturing nature and wildlife images. Tonight I realized that exactly five years ago today, I was on one of the most amazing photo shoots of my early career. I was asked to shoot photographs for Katmailand in Alaska for their new website (I shot most of the panoramas on the interactive map). Over the course of many weeks, they flew me out to their various lodges to shoot the beauty and the bears of this amazing region.

There were so many bears, you soon grew complacent and they became fixtures on the natural, constant landscape. As I sit in my office in Florida, I would give anything to be in their presence once again.

Scott

Trash the Dress: Florida Style

2009-07-25T10:51:00.005-04:00

To many people (especially in Florida) a murky creek means snakes, mud, gators, and just plain grossness. To me, it is a photo studio just BEGGING for a pristine white dress. Yesterday, Shannon and Miguel granted my wish of shooting a trashing session in this small creek here in Melbourne. Just before the shoot however, we were greeted with the presence of a six foot gator (he was a ways away) but it was still unnerving to say the least. With Miguel dry on shore and on gator patrol, Shannon and I jumped in for some shots.

The hardest part of Trash the Dress shoots is picking which ones to put on the blog. I posted my top faves, and the rest can be seen over here on Flickr.

Enjoy!

Scott

The benefits of doing something different.

2009-07-25T09:50:00.003-04:00

I stumbled on this over the interwebs this morning, and thought I'd share. To some people, thinking differently is a cliche, for others a requirement. These guys pulled something off that is not only unique, but just very cool.

I hope this motivates all the couples out there that are in the throes of wedding planning to break open the ideas and plan something truly unique!

Scott

Natalie + Marc's Slideshow! (SPOILER ALERT!!)

2009-07-22T09:59:00.000-04:00

Good morning everyone!

Here is the slideshow from Natalie + Marc's backyard wedding in beautiful Portland, Oregon!

Teaming up on Heather + Harry's Wedding!

2009-07-08T22:28:00.006-04:00

Typically I am a lone shooter...I enjoy the intensity of "owning the moment" and not needing to keep track of another photographer. However, I had the privilege of covering Heather + Harry's wedding with Chrissy from Vitalic Photo a while back. To my surprise it was awesome having a teammate covering the event!!

I waited to post some sneak peeks out of respect for her client and to make sure they had seen everything.

So, the wraps are off!

Heather and Harry had a beautiful brunch wedding at the Moorings in Vero Beach. We had a blast on the golf course (even though it was pretty HOT) racing around in the carts.

Below are a couple of my favs from the shoot.

Scott

PS. Check out Chrissy's cross-post of the shoot on their blog.

Destination Wedding: Portland, Oregon

2009-07-03T13:57:00.009-04:00

What is better than a mini vacation to the awesome city of Portland? Combining it with a beautiful, family oriented wedding! I was so excited to be a part of Natalie + Marc's backyard wedding. The weather was incredible, the venue was amazing and the chickens were...well chickens (long story).

The wedding wrapped up with a beautiful dinner and dancing at the Siam Society in Portland. Music was provided by The Essentials - perhaps one of the most talented and fun cover bands I have ever heard. It is hard to take photos when even the photographer can't keep from dancing!

I am so thankful for everyone that treated me like a member of their family and for my wonderful friends that showed me a truly awesome time in PDX!

Here are a few sneak peaks of the images to come!

You can also see some raw HD video:
RAW VIDEO: Marc + Natalie leaving the Siam Society
RAW VIDEO: Marc + Natalie dancing to the Essentials

Scott

Shannon + Miguel's Wedding

2009-06-14T21:49:00.001-04:00

Melissa + Nate's Slide Show

2009-06-14T00:00:00.001-04:00

Melissa & Nate's Trash the Dress Sesh Pics!

2009-05-26T10:30:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, while enjoying the last day on Amelia Island, we piled in the Acura and drove around with one thing in mind - trashing Melissa's wedding dress. We started slow, cool shots against old walls and soon she was on the railroad tracks next to a diesel spill. We then ratcheted it up a notch and Nate and Melissa were soon in the sand and foam of a calm ocean. It was a GREAT shoot and I am so glad they had the courage to do something that is - at least until now - unheard of in their Iowa hamlet.

Enjoy!

Sneak Peeks from Shannon & Miguel's Wedding!

2009-05-25T20:21:00.005-04:00

Shannon and Miguel had an AMAZING wedding in Fort Pierce, FL this weekend. I am working on the images for their private gallery and they will be up by the end of the week (5/30). Enjoy!

What happens when pirates invate a wedding?

2009-05-24T22:22:00.002-04:00

OK, so today I shot Melissa and Nate's wedding in Fernandina Beach, FL and it was invaded by pirates! No joke. Quite a scene...

Here, the wedding planner negotiates with the pirates.

More news to follow.

Michelle & Josh's Slideshow

2009-05-17T11:16:00.001-04:00

This was such a fun, cool wedding. Please take a moment from your day to watch the slideshow!

Scott

This week's wedding special!

2009-05-15T12:32:00.002-04:00

I want to encourage all the brides out there that are thinking about finding their photographer. For any wedding booked this week, I will provide a free slideshow! These slideshows are set to music and every single one is unique! I will include an .mp4 version (for iPhone or other portable devices) as well as a DVD version for playback in any standard DVD player.

On the COVER of Space Coast Bride and Groom Magazine!

2009-05-12T07:35:00.004-04:00

Hello friends and good morning...

Space Coast Bride and Groom magazine (SCBG) is a great small town bridal mag serving the Space Coast region of Florida. I am so happy to be featured in the Spring 2009 edition! One of my most popular trash the dress images is on the cover, as well as writing and images in the feature article. It is a great magazine and I will have a small quantity to hand out to current and prospective clients.

If you would like a copy, please let me know. Otherwise they can be picked up at Barnes and Noble, and all wedding vendors in the region.

Check it out!

Scott

Michelle and Josh's Wedding

2009-05-10T22:17:00.006-04:00

Michelle and Josh were married on a deserted beach in Sebastian, Florida. There were only a handful of friends and family - not including the brown pelicans that would skim the water's surface behind them. It was a wonderful wedding and I am so thankful to the Herbold and Malyn families for their courtesy and for the opportunity.

We had a blast shooting on the beach and escaping at sunset. I am really looking forward to our dress unfriendly shoot once they get back from some tiny island in the Caribbean!

Have a blast guys and we'll get together once you are in Florida.

Here are some of my early faves.

Scott

My First Lomowall Project!

2009-05-02T23:21:00.004-04:00

So I always wanted a huge wall with pictures from our journey together. While living in Burlington, Vermont we lined a living room wall with cardboard and covered it with 4x6 photos. The result was, well, not as nice as I envisioned.

So, tonight I fired up the Canon i9900 and found a box of Kodak Premium Photo Paper (4x6) for $5.99. Half an hour later, and we completed our first lomo wall!

Lomo wall recipe:

two boxes of lomo clips (here)
six thumb tacks
60 4x6 prints (or whatever size, as long as they are all the same)
Best of all, it's VEGAN!

Clip them together as you wish. You will need a large, flat, freshly vacuumed area. Sprinkle in some patience as well, as the clips can be hard to use at first - they are snug and tend to bend the prints. Also, if each one is not lined up perfectly, you will have some bumps. After you can fix it all.

Learn more about this over at the Lomographic Society website.

We are planning on making an even bigger one for the living room. I'll keep you posted.

Kacey And Vincen't Wedding Slide Show

2009-05-01T18:25:00.001-04:00

New site is ONLINE!

2009-04-28T22:55:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone -

I am so happy to announce that my new website is online! It was a great project and I must thank Nathan Searles for his hard work and dedication over the course of the project. he is an amazing designer, and anyone looking for a new web presence should check out his work.

Key features:
- Randomized slide show on welcome page;
- Integration with a high-quality, award winning print lab;
- Proofing and printing in one place
- iPhone and mobile device compatibility

Please check it out and post some comments on your thoughts!

Scott

Site Offline!

2009-04-25T17:42:00.003-04:00

Hello friends -

The new website is just about ready! To keep all the servers happy, we decided to pull the site offline during the transition. The new site will be online tomorrow!

Please be sure to stop by tomorrow and check it out!

Scott

Nina & Stephen's Wedding

2009-04-25T11:23:00.004-04:00

What an awesome night. The sun was setting low in the park, and the river was calm. Everyone seemed to be having so much fun. Many, many thanks to Nina and Stephen for a chance to be a part of their magical evening!

Here are some sneak peeks into your images!

Scott

Kacey and Vincent's Wedding

2009-04-19T09:18:00.006-04:00

Yesterday was a great day for a beachside wedding. The breezes came off the water, and the steel drum player was the perfect touch. Kacey and Vincent wed on the beach at the Crowne Plaza Indialantic. Their friends and family were awesome, and we all had a great time.

Here are a few of my early favorites from the wedding.

Thanks so much to the Liddicott and Haugh families for treating me as their own for a day!

Scott

Sneak Peek of New Site

2009-04-07T07:52:00.001-04:00

Hello friends -

As I have mentioned, the site redesign is moving a long very well. Many thanks to Nate for his hard work and creative perspective.

I wanted to share a true "sneak peek" at where the site is headed. While there is not much to see here, keep checking in and I will reveal more and more as the project moves along!

Scott

Website Update

2009-04-05T10:16:00.001-04:00

Hello friends -

Just a quick update on the website. As you know, I am in the process of a complete redesign of both my site and the blog. I reviewed some awesome mockups last night from the designer and am super stoked with the results.

Stay tuned for the new site!

Scott

Miguel and Shannon's Engagement Session Part Deux!

2009-04-03T21:28:00.008-04:00

I had an absolute blast today hanging out with Shannon and Miguel around Orlando. They showed me some really cool parts of the city and we wrapped up the shoot with an awesomely vegan lunch at the Drunken Monkey cafe. I am so excited to shoot their wedding in May!

Here are my faves from the shoot today (more can be seen @ Flickr).

Scott

So.....why no new pics?

2009-03-23T19:15:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone -

Just a quick update on the blog front tonight. I am working on a complete site and blog refresh! The new site will be more intuitive for my clients and users with the ability to proof and order prints directly from it. The blog and site will be designed together for a more seamless appearance.

You may not see too many new pics until early April, until the new site goes live!!!

I'll post updates on the blog to keep everyone posted.

Good night.

Scott

New Books!

2009-03-08T11:35:00.004-04:00

I am so happy to announce that I will now offer these AMAZING books. There are a ton of options including cover texture, size, layouts, bindings, coating, etc. I just received my first demo book and am blown away by the image and book quality.

For clients I have booked this year, let's chat about weaving one of these into your packages. For prospective clients, be sure to ask about these and we can work something out.

Some key points:

Canvas print is an option. I have a closeup of the cover below to show the texture;
The lay flat binding is awesome - no image loss due to the binding bulge;
The book is handmade and very sturdy - will last forever.

I think you will be just as impressed as I have been with this book!

Scott

BACKSTORY: Pawning Watches?

2009-03-01T09:32:00.006-05:00

Cantrell Wedding: Anchorage, Alaska:

This is one of my favorite "PJ" style shots I have taken at a wedding. First of all, no one knew I was there, so it is truly a candid moment. Second, what he is "flashing" is unknown and based on the bridesmaids' responses, it seems even funnier. He was saying something funny about "anybody want a watch?" But of course it doesn't necessarily look like that.

Of course, this gentleman had no clue I was there or that I even invited the chance for this "double entendre."

Save the Dates

2009-03-01T08:30:00.004-05:00

OK, well I usually don't dabble to far out into the depths of design, but I wanted to create some save the dates for some clients. I had an idea in my head and, combined with our engagement session, the two seemed to work together.

I was pretty happy with the result, what do you think?

Front:

Back:

ShootQ vs. Tave - A Review of two studio management systems

2009-02-20T16:45:00.019-05:00

As some of my clients have known I have been searching for an online studio management system for a little while. I asked some to be my guinea pigs and they graciously put up with spam and confused stares.

My two options were ShootQ and Tave (pronounced Tav-ay). I would like to break from my typical short-n-sweet blog post and provide a review for my photographer friends out there. I identified some important characteristics and identified each accordingly:

INTERFACE:

To start things off, ShootQ is sexy. You get in and are soothed with a silky blue screen, chrome, and a coordinated color scheme. The interface has a lot of polish and the interface is designed with simplicity in mind. A gracious amount of white space makes the workflow seem clean and uncluttered. Corners are rounded. The tabular layout features the key components of managing a shoot - tasks, shoots, relationships, business, Q club (a peer network for photographers) and settings. The layout is pristine and very easy to work with.

Some of these menus seem a little hard to find just what you are looking for (where is the pricing tool again?) but with time you can figure it out.

For Tave, the interface is easily workable however is sterile and resembles some scary excel worksheet from college accounting (complete with Easter pastel colors). The grid layout on your home screen is well organized and without clutter - but again, it is all numbers and lines and colorful boxes of pastel spreadsheet goodness.

Interface win: ShootQ.

PRICING AND MANAGEMENT

With ShootQ you must play by its rules. You cannot shoot a wedding for free - I have to charge friends $1.00 to shoot if I want to do it for no charge. If you want to add a book in a package for free - you cannot have a zero in the equation. Packages are very confusing to put together especially if you are like me and include free shoots under one big package. You will be posting negative amounts to offset the positive amounts required by ShootQ. I also do not like the automated email feature and really wish a dialog would let you know that an email was about to be sent to a client, and allow you to cancel the send. If I just spoke with a client a minute ago, I really don't want an automated email going out that sounds like I forgot our conversation.

The relationships section also does not allow you to add new categories. Photographers are not an option, so my friends that I may second shoot for or ask to help me are listed somewhere in with the florists.

Tave's pricing is geared toward photographers. When you add a new product, the menu is relevant to photography - albums, prints, photography are some of the default options. And, it is hierarchical. You can have "books" at the high level then parent albums, coffee table book, or leather albums beneath it. With ShootQ's new product menus, you get item type (product/service), workflow, and categories as options (categories for weddings, portraits, etc). Tave's preset variables for things like albums already allow you to add price per page and add ons like binding types, material styles, or textures. I had products online in minutes. As with ShootQ, you can then bundle these into packages.

ShootQ did however score big points with the automated workflow. You can assign a standard series of steps based on your own customized work for shoots. I can create a "wedding" workflow, then list out all the steps I need to take to get the job done. Based on the dates, these tasks are entered into my upcoming calendar to make sure I get things done and stay on contract. I kept the automated emails out, as I felt this was impersonal, but it is a cool idea... just be careful of how you execute this. Tave is limited to tasks which is a good feature, but very basic.

Tave has a powerful ally - flexibility. I am able to change just about every menu in the system. From shoot (Tave calls them "jobs") types and billing terms to lead sources and vendor types (my photographers are no longer stuck in with florists). This allows a solid amount of tailorability for us photographers.

Tave also has a location in all client profiles to log (copy/paste) emails individually and also track upcoming meetings and phone calls. Very nice. ShootQ is missing these elements.

Pricing and management win: Tave. A little more substance to the pricing element of ShootQ, and this would be a harder call.

PAPERLESS CONTRACTING

With ShootQ, clients cannot see their contracts or other files you upload to their profile. Unless they sign their contract online, there is no way for them to view it through the client site. While the client sites are well laid out and designed, it does not really act as a communication hub for the client like I think it was intended. Tave is in the same boat.

ShootQ also freaks me out with online contract signing. It seems weak. There is no visible server logging or IP tracking to enforce a case if something ever did happen.

Tave is solid in the online contracting arena. They have built in a very cool way for photographers to have clients initial whatever parts of the online contract they want, in addition to the standard signatures (just type "%%" wherever you want initials). In addition, Tave tracks all kinds of information when the signatures do happen. IP address, server information, you name it. A much more rigid defense if it was ever needed. A nice security feature is that you cannot edit contracts that are in use. You must create and publish a new one. While this may be a time consuming process, legally and ethically it is a good one.

Paperless contracting win: Tave. The server and event logging combined with initializing and locking of contracts really puts Tave ahead.

EXTERNAL CLIENT SITES
Note: In the image, my site is green as I have not had time to configure my HTML. Tave allows you to make it look just like your own website. ShootQ does not.)

Tave's external client sites are very well designed. One area where Tave blows ShootQ out of the water is in your ability to really customize the client sites to look like your own. CSS and HTML (as well as Google analytics) can be modified, allowing your client site to mirror your actual gallery site. This means a transparent jump for your clients.

Tave does not allow the client to login and update key elements of their wedding like ShootQ does. I think this is a nice tool in the event an address, phone or email changes at some point. The client can login and take care of it, saving you time. Tave needs to step up and improve the functionality of the client sites.

Another way ShootQ has Tave in the corner was the use of a client code. This was just a series of alphanumeric digits that the client needed to get into their site. Tave relies on the old school User ID and password method. Not a big deal, but ShootQ's unique and user friendly approach is noted. Who needs more IDs and password combinations?

External client site win: ShootQ. Tave needs to think outside the booking box and deliver more continuous value add for clients through this medium.

CREDIT CARD PROCESSING

Both ShootQ and Tave support payment processor integration. Both seem to be about equal in their implementation but both get poor marks for ignoring Google checkout. Personally I cannot stand PayPal and would love an alternative. Photographers from hobbyists to full timers should be offered some variation in our options.

Credit card win: A Draw. A valuable feature, but some diversity and inclusion of Google checkout please.

PHOTOGRAPHER NETWORKING

A major shortcoming of Tave however is the external photographer network. ShootQ's "QClub" is a very nice way for photographers to share leads and establish relationships (but my non Q-club photogs had to be listed as florists). Unless they were ShootQ clients though, they could not be in Qclub. That's understandable but still a little frustrating.

Tave does have a networking tool but it seems to be aimed squarely at referral based business and not reaching out to photographers currently using Tave. This feature seems to be lacking the same level of detail and functionality seen through the rest of the tool. Hopefully plans are in the works to really beef this part up.

Photographer networking win: ShootQ. Their network is solid. They could have earned extra points if it did not require both parties to be members, but I understand.

iPHONE INTEGRATION

Another HUGE plus in working with Tave is actual iPhone integration. You can tap a number and it will call it, or point to an address for directions. The interface is buttery and a huge plus for photographers in the field. I now have a Tave icon right on my phone home screen.

With ShootQ, you must use your mobile safari to use the site just as you would on a computer. Reports in the forums also claim that it causes the browser to crash.

iPhone integration win: Tave, hands down.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Last and certainly not least, the customer service for ShootQ seems a little lacking. Although I did finally get a phone call, it was after many emails and back and forth until I could finally get a hold of someone. I was buried in automated emails with information I did not need (many were just duplicates form some bot somewhere).

Tave's customer service is exceptional. I was contacted promptly and properly with confidence and quick resolution. We used messenger as needed as well as very fast email exchanges. In addition, Tave launched (tonight) a new program called the Idea Bank. The Idea Bank allows member studios to suggest features, and other studios can vote on getting those features promoted. It is further evidence of Tave's commitment to the photographer and of their holistic, community approach to designing a successful product.

Customer service win: Tave. The CTO contacted me to make sure I was taken care of. The automated email spamming and robot on the phone calls got old with ShootQ - even though I was calling on a weekday and during normal hours.

PRICING

ShootQ is $39.95/mo for a studio.
Tave is $25.00/mo and offers a yearly price break during WPPI.

CONCLUSION

Shoot Q is very pretty and their attention to the workflow is evident. But the bugs and quirks in the system combined with an inability for me to adjust things is very difficult to work with.

Tave is the opposite. Not as pretty, but focuses on the photographer and making her/his life easier and more productive. You do not need to sacrifice the personal touch with your clients by using Tave - ShootQ encourages it through automated emails.

I look at these like cars...do we really need the inside of our business to be sleek and sexy - or the outside? Do automated, robotic emails help us look personable? Tave wins the battle for my business and has so far proven to be a significant value add. I do hope they continue down the path they are going and beef up the photographer network piece and apply a little more polish where it is needed.

What someone needs to do is take both of these tools and mash them up to build the ultimate studio management tool.

WISH LIST

Both of these guys are missing some pretty important things here:

Equipment Management: Make a section of your tool where I can enter my equipment and serials as well as insurance policy information. If my home burns down, this remotely-hosted source of very important information will be very important.

Shoot Locations: Why can't we keep track of our favorite shoot locations when scouting? Especially with Tave's awesome iPhone interface, you could take a snapshot as well as the GPS coordinates and save that spot to view later. Integrate Google Maps. Allow the photographer to suggest locations in the shoot details.

External file viewing: If we scan and attach a file, we should be able to make that file visible on the client site. Pretty simple and important.

What is Wedding Porn? Check out offbeat bride!

2009-02-12T21:46:00.001-05:00

It's not too often I feature other blogs here, but this is too good to pass up. For all the brides out there, this site is awesome! Check out "Offbeat Bride" here. Enjoy!

Scott is a recipient of the 2009 Bride's Choice Award from Wedding Wire!

2009-02-03T12:00:00.002-05:00

This came in this morning:

Congratulations! You have been chosen to receive a 2009 Bride’s Choice Award! This award recognizes vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility.

Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the company, the Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews. That means your past clients have spoken on your behalf and chosen you for this honor!

Thanks to my clients for their nomination!

Scott

Today's Engagement Session: Shannon & Miguel

2009-01-31T23:31:00.002-05:00

Today was a day of happy firsts. For me it was my first shoot with my 5D Mark II and my first shoot in Florida! For Shannon and Miguel, it was the first time (at least in a long time, we discussed it) that they had photos taken of (not by) each other.

These guys are such a cute couple and I am so thankful for the chance to spend the time we did today. I am really looking forward to their upcoming wedding in May and know we'll get some amazing images from that as well.

These three are my favs from today:

Thanks for an awesome day guys and I hope you enjoyed the coffee.

Scott

The 5D Mark II arrived tonight!

2009-01-28T21:28:00.004-05:00

I am so excited to have my new primary body - the new Canon 5D Mark II. This camera shoots in amazing 21.1 megapixels and even shoots high definition video! My 2009 clients can expect some incredible images from this camera this year.

New Series of Business Cards will be out!

2009-01-26T21:12:00.000-05:00

Tonight I ordered some cards. Not too exciting, huh? Well so many people enjoyed my varying designs on each card that I ran out prematurely.

I just ordered a second run with all new, fresh images!

So be sure to check out the new images once they come out in a couple of weeks.

Scott

Looking forward to my next e-session!

2009-01-24T11:19:00.004-05:00

I am very excited to be working with Shannon and Miguel this Sunday (tomorrow) for their engagement session in Melbourne. This marks my first shoot in Florida, since the move. I have scouted some amazing places and am really excited.

We'll shoot their second e-session in Orlando most likely the following weekend.

Welcome Shannon and Miguel!

Check back here for some samples right after the shoot.

Scott

New Print Advertisement!

2009-01-11T00:02:00.002-05:00

Hello friends -

My friend Nate has done it again! He designed me an amazing print ad for some local wedding magazines. All I need to do now is choose the right image for the ad.

Let me know what you think.

Scott

I am now on TWITTER!

2008-12-27T18:26:00.001-05:00

For anyone that REALLY wants to keep updated on my daily stuff, add me to your twitter list - scottmphoto.

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T19:35:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays to all my friends!!!

[Another] Site Refresh!

2008-12-20T23:07:00.002-05:00

Tonight marks the launch of my latest site redesign. I wanted to craft something I felt conveyed my creativity and lent itself to my images.

Natalie Merchant is gone, and I replaced her with a pianist I found online. Be sure to check out the music, it is great.

I also updated some of the content in the text sections.

Please let me know what you all think! Do you miss Natalie? Do you prefer a simpler look?

Scott

Scott is shooting for OneWed.com's "Best of 2008"

2008-12-02T21:34:00.003-05:00

Hello friends!

If you are a previous client, please submit a review of my services on Onewed.com by clicking on this link: www.onewed.com

Many thanks.

Scott

Update!

2008-12-02T21:32:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone....I am sorry its been sooooo long since my last blog post here on the wedblog. The move has been very stressful (a good kind of stress) and I am finally able to get back up and running.

So we are all set in Melbourne! Its a GREAT area and I am eager to start meeting new people, photographers, and couples!

Thanks for your patience.

Scott

Scott is taking photography to the mainland!

2008-10-17T16:39:00.001-04:00

Aloha friends!

Effective next Friday, I will relocating to Melbourne, Florida. I am looking forward to a new and exciting year-round wedding market as well as learning all the new great shooting locations.

I will still be available for any Hawaii-based weddings, however they will now be considered a destination location. I plan on serving all of Central Florida as a primary, with the East Coast as a \"driving destination\" location.

As always, drop me a line if you have questions or just want to chat!

Scott

Is there some BIG news in store for Scott?

2008-10-12T14:19:00.001-04:00

Check back here this week for full updates!

Scott

Way off topic - my trip to Kauai

2008-10-06T20:18:00.005-04:00

If you noticed, I have been lacking in the blog updating tasks as of late. I spent the last three days on Kauai with Melanie for our anniversary (awwww) and thought I would share some images with my blog friends. These are HDR images I took. Enjoy!

Now Featuring Natalie Merchant Music!

2008-09-25T19:37:00.004-04:00

I am so thankful to Natalie Merchant And her awesome staff member, Megan for granting me rights to use her music on my site. Natalie's music is some of the most pure, organic, rich music I have ever listened to. It brings me back to my younger days when my mom first sent me "Ophelia" with a note in scrawled in it: "Scottie I found this singer and think you would really like her!"

My site music is now exclusively Natalie Merchant!

Thank you so much!

New Asset Designs!

2008-09-20T18:16:00.006-04:00

Eryka and John's wedding was the first to use a new vendor (white House Custom Color) for the proofbook. I continued to try Aperture for the "coffee table book" publishing (I am addicted to a single interface for photo management and book publishing) and used jewelboxing.com for my hardware. Of course the jewelbox was designed by me and printed inhouse.

I am very happy with White House Custom Color - you cannot go wrong with their online ordering system, order status or overall customer service.

Book Review: Exposed

2008-09-20T18:05:00.007-04:00

Even though, for me shooting weddings is a passion..not a paycheck, we all need motivation from time to time. Sometimes its that constant rain for an outdoor wedding, or that overhead fluorescent lighting on the dance floor. Regardless, Exposed: Confessions of a Wedding Photographer by Claire Lewis is the perfect medicine.

The recipe for Claire's home brew is quite simple - sprinkle some personal metaphors and true stories of success and failure, add factual stories of clients and weddings that were either wonderful or scary and disastrous. Take this mixture and stir vigorously with a smooth, personal, intimate writing style.

After reading this wonderfully written, dynamic piece I found a renewed sense of passion for my own endeavors as a wedding photographer. I was able to take the chips in stride and embrace the wonderful clients I have come to know.

My only concern is when, exactly, the medicine will wear off...

What I am reading

2008-09-15T14:23:00.003-04:00

My world mostly consists of cameras, soy lattes, photoshop and my laptop. Sadly I often do not have the time nor the attention span to....oh wow look at that bird - um...to read a book. This weekend at a local bookstore, I stumbled across "Exposed: Confessions of a Wedding Photographer, a Memoir" and am really enjoying it.

I recommend this book to any brides to be, mothers of the bride, or other photographers! Full of laughs and great pearls of wisdom.

See it here at Amazon.

New Packages Announced!

2008-09-04T03:44:00.004-04:00

Hello Friends!

Based on input from clients and friends, I am now "officially" offering a structured approach to my wedding packages. To reflect the individual attributes of these packages, I have categorized them by the following:

The Minimalist (my current offering, unchanged)
The Archivist (Tailored toward multiple media formats)
The Curator (Aims more toward prints, framed art, and traditional prints)
The Bookmaker (Caters to those couples that wish to have their memories in books)

These packages range from $2,000 - $3,700 based of course on what is included. Each package maintains my full day shoot and free alternative shoot.

I hope these offer new clients the chance to customize a program that fits their wishes. Of course all packages remain fully customizable as needed.

Scott McNamara now on Martha Stewart Weddings!

2008-09-03T15:52:00.004-04:00

I am happy to announce that Scott McNamara Photography has now been listed on Martha Stewart Weddings! Please feel free to add a review to my profile by clicking here.

Many Thanks to the Villegas/Crossley Families!!!

2008-09-01T02:15:00.003-04:00

It was a true pleasure to be a part of Eryka and John's BEAUTIFUL wedding. Thank you all for making it such a photogenic event. It is always so great to see two people in love, surrounded by the support of their friends and families.

Again, thank you for everything!

Safe travels to all as you head back to California or wherever your homes may be!

Scott

Florence and Brian

2008-08-30T02:02:00.003-04:00

This past week I had the great pleasure to FINALLY meet Florence and Brian from California. Florence found me online and until this week we had never met. I wanted to offer them a variety of images, so we started at my secret field near Diamond head, then progressed to Chinatown, the harbor, then somehow ended up at a bar enjoying some cold Smithwicks and other irish brews fresh off the tap. Funny how that happens sometimes!

Thanks again for your time this week, guys - it was great to finally meet you. Enjoy the images!

Scott

What are my favorite photo buys from this year?

2008-08-28T13:44:00.014-04:00

I can't believe it is almost September...where has the year gone? Even though in Hawaii every day is just about the same, the flakes will soon be falling over most of the country (and even some spots here at home).

I was thinking last night about what photo buys I have made this year that have improved my photography. So, I am sharing this list with you! In no particular order....

#1: Totally Rad Action Sets (1&2) (Online; $279): These Photoshop actions are a real time saver and allow me to maintain a consistent style across my post processing. While I consider myself pretty solid in photoshop, to consistently get these results would take me a substantial amount of learning and time - something I would rather save for my clients and my camera. Be sure to check out Boutwell's magic Glasses, Slice like a ninja, and Oh Snap! for some great results.

#2: Apple iPhone 3G: (Apple; $299) I know, I know...allegiance to the iPhone is cliched. But oh well. This device not only allows me to stay in touch with my clients, but it allows me to reference shot lists while in the field, review flickr in real time for inspiration, upload live images from weddings to my blog, find directions to venues, and find the closest cafe for those photoshop nights. Its been a real life saver!

#3: Canon 24-70 2.8L Lens (B&H; $1,190): Wow. What a great piece of glass. I would say that this is probably the best wedding lens around and not too many people would disagree. With an appropriate focal length, fast aperture (for those dark reception halls), weatherproofing, and durable build this is a wonderful addition to my arsenal.

#4: Tech Field Bag by Jack Spade (Online; $198): This messenger style bag is a great addition to my man purse collection. Not only does it look clean and well designed, but it comfortably (and safely) totes my 15" Mac Book Pro, papers, pens and the typical office dork stuff. Whats nice though is that I can remove the laptop sleeve and drop my 40D (with vertical grip) and the 24-70 right in for some inconspicuous urban shooting. A dedicated pocket on front has a headphone port for tunes. Its very well made with an eye to design.

#5: House of Om Collections (iTunes; Various): All those nights sitting at my laptop working in Aperture and Photoshop require some solid music. Enter House of Om. This notorious label introduces us to the best in lounge/electronic chill in the industry. Artists like Mark Farina, Cajmere, and White Collar Criminals will keep those late night caffeine-induced works of art pumping out.

Stay tuned! I'll post more of my buys later this year.

Cheers!

Scott McNamara Photography Featured at Jewelboxing.com!

2008-08-22T05:30:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone - and sorry its been a while since my last post. I am currently sitting at the Ft Lauderdale airport, living off one hour (no joke) of sleep and looking at a long day of flying home to Hawaii.

During this week, I was asked by Steve Delahoyde of Jewelboxing.com (the vendor I use for those sexy cases) to be featured on their blog.

Check it out here.

Cheers!

Scott

More Jewelboxing Looooove!

2008-08-09T00:33:00.004-04:00

Another day, another jewelboxing project. I always try to make the design of these cases match the personalities of both the bride and groom and the wedding itself.

Today I completed a design for Sam and Ted, my latest clients.

Images with a similar color spectrum with my standard Interstate fonts and color toned elements.

Scott

That expensive, beautiful, vintage wedding dress? Yeah...we trashed it.

2008-08-07T16:45:00.008-04:00

The recipe for a trashed wedding dress? A newly married couple (in this case Sam and Ted), one photographer, a grassy field, one beach blended together under a beautiful sky and sunset. Oh yeah....a beautiful, white wedding dress!

Thanks Sam and Ted for a fun night! Check out my portfolio for the images from the shoot.

Scott

PS. A note to my photographer friends...never wear jeans to an ocean TTD session!

BACKSTORY: A Dirty Alley

2008-08-05T22:58:00.003-04:00

This is one of my favorite images from this shoot. We had discussed a few locations for our "alternative" shoot, and came upon this alleyway in Honolulu. The Bride and Groom have a strong faith, and of all the alleyways we found, this one had "Jesus Loves You" sprayed on the wall (you can barely see it to the right of the bride's dress, by her arm). We spent some time in this alley and came out with some great shots. Thanks Rebecca and Whit!

Information on new Hawaii State Permits for beach Weddings

2008-07-21T15:29:00.005-04:00

Well, this weekend the state sent shock waves through the local wedding industry by announcing enforced policy in terms of beach weddings. While the law has been 'on the books' for many years now, an announcement of strict enforcement was made. Whether this has any real impact on the number of weddings held in Hawaii is yet to be seen. However, I would like all of my future clients who may be planning a beach wedding to understand this permitting process.

First, the form must be completed and mailed/hand delivered to the state DLNR office. The form can be found on the DLNR website at: Link

Note the form requires some specialized, detailed information such as a tax map key, square footage to be used, and detailed attendee and time information. You can find tax map keys here.

Second, be sure to allow at least one week for processing of the form. Shotgun weddings may need to at least have a one week buffer!

Third, ensure the beach you plan to have your wedding is state controlled. According to this law, the county may control the sand between low water and high water mark. If you plan on standing between these sections, you may not need this permit, and you may need a county permit instead.

Last, be ready to pony up a fee of $0.10 per square foot of sand you plan on standing on. The minimum charge is $20.00.

So, once you have chosen Hawaii for your wedding and plan on a beach wedding, be sure the beach you want is either a state or county beach. Make sure the sand area you want is either state or county, and go measure the area you want in square footage. Complete your permit, and mail in your check.

With any questions, always call the State DLNR office at: (808) 587-0400.

Updated logo

2008-07-17T17:33:00.002-04:00

Many thanks to my friend Nate (www.nathansearles.com) for my delicious new logo!

BACKSTORY: Mary's mom passes the torch

2008-07-17T04:14:00.002-04:00

This was a shot I took at a wedding in Alaska, a few years back. I had been working with the family for quite some time and was with them all morning for bridal and groom preparations. I could clearly see that Mary's mom was a huge help and the ring leader for the wedding.

I turned and snapped this pic just as Mary's mom was handing her the bouquet, and it seemed as if that was it. That was her resignation of her daughter's youth...the turning point for her daughter's adult life. And, this seemed like the final detail on a perfect wedding.

It is one of my favorite images of the day.

BACKSTORY: A new Blogseries

2008-07-16T15:01:00.001-04:00

We all know firsthand the problems sometimes with photographs - the moment as you remember it just isn't captured on the paper. As professional wedding photographers, we have the luxury of seeing things only from one perspective and with an outsider's view.

I am starting a new blogseries called BACKSTORY, where I will choose an image from my portfolio, and share the story behind it.

Let me know what you guys think!

Scott

More Jewelboxes!

2008-07-16T14:47:00.001-04:00

I designed this set for a recent engagement project where we had multiple shoots over multiple days.

The final box was shrink wrapped.

Thank you so much Sam & Ted!

2008-07-13T15:40:00.000-04:00

You guys had an incredible wedding! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of it all. The VW bug was INCREDIBLE, huh? I thought for sure the MPs would have pulled us over (driving across a military runway in a convertible bug with a bride and groom, their photographer standing in the front seat). It was such a blast.

Best wishes for you guys. Enjoy Ireland!

Scott

A very good question...

2008-07-03T18:27:00.000-04:00

The other day I met up with some wedding clients to scout the location of their upcoming wedding. The bride to be asked me "Since you see all sorts of weddings, what are some things we should know?" Typically, I shy away from offering advice unless it pertains to photography. But I sure have seen some crazy things, and decided to offer a couple of points.

First, and most important - have contingency plans for everything. Identify the major components of your wedding day - ceremony location, flowers, band or DJ, photographer, etc. Then, establish a plan in the event something should happen. What if it looks like rain for your beach wedding? What if the DJ is in an accident en route to the wedding? These are, sadly, more common than you may think.

Second, rely on family and friends. Most people will enjoy supporting you on your wedding day. Don't feel bad about doling out chores (aka responsibility - brand it wisely). Have people be responsible for specific items - setting up the ceremony, follow up with the florist, make sure the DJ volume is OK all night, etc.

Last, have a good time. So much planning and stress goes into your wedding that it seems people forget to appreciate it. Take deep breaths, roll with whatever issues pop up and remember what the core of the day is really about - celebrating your love.