I have had the pleasure of photographing Tom Sugrue several times for the press and most recently for his last 2 books-Sweet Land of Liberty: The Forgotten Struggle For Civil Rights in the North andNot Even Past: Barak Obama and the Burden of Race. Tom and I became acquainted in the 90’s while serving on the Board of Directors of West Mt. Airy Neighbors, where I followed his presidency as the 5th female President of the then 40 year old organization. I admire Tom for his accomplishments as a historian, his wonderful writings and research, but mostly as my friend! You can read more about Tom and his work on his website.
When I photographed Tom for his most recent book, I decided to get out of the studio and show him in a natural setting, with the wonderful wissahickon schist stone we Mt. Airyites enjoy as part of our homes and environment.
When I first met Monica and Tony, Monica mentioned that she loved the colors fuchsia and pink. I recall her beautiful hot pink mittens and shoulder bag from our engagement shoot at Longwood Gardens, as well as the colorful flowers in the conservatory that day. Well, she didn’t let me down!! What a wonderful way for me to kick off the busy wedding season, being able to photograph such beautiful aromatic flowers, and a beautiful bride and groom as well! I almost didn’t notice how hot it was on May 1st. 90+ degrees – in May!
The wedding was held at The William Penn Inn; flowers by The William Penn Inn florist.
I love the personal touch of the slot machine – a favorite of Tony!!
Tony’s best man was his father Vernon and Monica’s maid of honor was her sister Nicole. Destiny and Antonio were fabulous as the flower girl and ring bearer.
Many thanks to Misty Dawn for helping capture so many wonderful images! Enjoy the slideshow of the party!
A new look for Laurie Beck Photography! After many years of having 3 different websites (commercial, wedding and fine art), I have decided now is the time to bring them all together under Lauriebeckphotography.com It seemed only fitting to use one of my small handmade cyanotype prints as part of my new look.
With the opening of my new studio earlier this year, I am making a conscious effort to go green – restoring our old stone garage into an energy efficient studio, with a planned green roof! Using recycled and environmentally friendly packaging and soon to be introducing eco-friendly wedding albums, I hope to reduce the carbon footprint of my business.
I look forward to sharing my new space and work with you soon!
As I gear up for the start of the busy wedding season for 2010, I look back at my wedding images from the past year. I pick out a few images that I have either loved from the minute I made the first edit or ones that grab me now that the weddings are over. I am usually taken by the memory of what was going on when the image was made or by some quality of light or mood it now evokes. I wanted to share some of these and also tell you about why the are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!
Emily and Judah had a wonderful wedding at The College of Physicians. They we joyful and full of love from the minute they arrived. I shot B&W film for them and this image made at the end of the wedding reminds me of shooting available light at concerts when I was in college.
I just love the look of this quiet moment.
The first time a mom sees her daughter in her wedding dress is always emotional. I love to looks on both Emily and her mom, Jennifer’s faces.
Sara was my first bride in early January 2009 (so early my copyright still says 2008!) and our plan was to take formals on the art museum steps. I love to use available light for formals when ever possible. It is so flattering. But, it was about 5 degrees and once we arrived on the steps, we couldn’t feel our fingers! Sara is such a beautiful bride that I knew I was going to be OK no matter where I photographed her. We went to Cescaphe Ballroom and found the most beautiful window light. Perfect fit – a beautiful bride in beautiful available light!
What can I say? Sara and Shawn were so happy after they got married and I love that Shawn’s buddy got out of his seat to say congrats. I often find myself smiling behind the camera as I am taking these kinds of pictures.
I must say that this is one of my favorites and I have to give credit to my second photographer Debi Parker Keating. I laugh every time I see this image. Debi has moved on to Washington DC and I miss working with her. Thanks Debi, for all your great work while you were in Philly.
Many wedding photographers second shoot for each other and it is a tremendous opportunity to push yourself and learn from others. Since the main shooter is focused on the formals and working with the bride and groom, I can look for the fabulous light and other moments. I shot this while working with Heather Fowler.
Jen is a commercial client of mine at Abington Memorial Hospital and I was so honored when she and Chris asked me to photograph their wedding. I love the joy of the tender kiss on the cheek in this shot, both from Jen and Chris, but also from the guests.
OK, this one just makes me laugh! Kat, a teacher, and Matt were married on a Thursday and that made me love them right away because I was married on a Thursday and my husband is a teacher! I have another Thursday wedding this season and I think it is great that brides are now looking past Saturday to choose a date.
I saw the light on the wall while I was shooting Kat and Matt to the right of this scene. This is not the kind of shot you can plan on ahead of time. Photography is loosely defined as an image created when light falls on a surface. I am constantly looking for the nice light when I am shooting. I consider this to be one of those successful accidents!
