Looking for the best photographers?

The results have just been released for the Winter 2004 photography contest of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA). For the bride and groom that are studying and selecting a wedding photographer, this is a MUST SEE web site. It features the work of excellent photographers that specialize in what has become known as Wedding Photojournalism.

The WPJA is a professional organization composed of photojournalists and wedding photographers from around the world. What sets the members apart in the industry is their candid, documentary approach - a distinctly artistic vision toward wedding photography.

The Wedding Photojournalist Association grants membership to the most talented professional wedding photographers in the industry focusing solely on using their photography skills in documenting weddings. The WPJA organization upholds strict guidelines for membership and this is visually obvious when you see the level of work presented in the Winter 2004 Contest.

As a professional, I am proud to be a member of this notable group of photographers and honored to have received a Fourth Place recognition in the 2004 Winter contest under the category " Sequential ".

Step into a realm of wedding photography like you've never seen before. View all of the contest winning photos at:

Wedding Photojournalist Association

Wedding wine.

Planning a Montana wedding and providing your own wine? The word is spreading fast about the latest (and most tasty) little wine cellar in these parts. The Gourmet Cellar in Livingston has got the most amazing selections of national and international wines, cheeses and unique beer.

The Gourmet Cellar carries over 300 wines, in all price ranges, from Spain, France, and Italy along with many South American, South African and Australian selections. And, of course, there is a wide variety of wines from California and the Pacific Northwest.

But there is so much more that just wonderful wines. I have a hard time staying out of this place!

Say CHEESE! (but not for the camera) The Gourmet Cellar offers many domestic, imported and artisan cheeses such as Cypress Grove's Humbolt Fog, Mt. Tam triple-creem from Cowgirl Creamery, and the chesnut leaf-wrapped guernsey cow's milk from Sally Jackson. They also have a diverse selection of specialty foods and great brews like Chimay and Samuel Smith.

So, wedding or not, I just thought I'd share a local secret about one of the best little shops in town.

And, while I'm on the subject, if you are a connoisseur of fine wines there are two other places you must visit. In the Paradise Valley pay a visit to the wine cellar at Chico Hot Springs. If you're in the Big Sky area, you cannot miss the wine cellar at The Rainbow Ranch. Both of these fine establishments serve intimate dinners in their wine cellars and host some of the most beautiful weddings. Ask for Colon Davis at Chico or Patrick Hurd at the Rainbow and tell them Larry Stanley referred you. Enjoy!

A great idea.

Planning a Montana wedding from San Francisco must be challenging. One of the couples I am shooting for this summer has got the right idea about how to share all the important information with their families and guests. It's a simple and beautiful website with answers to FAQ's (frequently asked questions) already online and ready to save them time on the phone and answering email. Complete with directions, travel tips, accommodations, clothing tips, meet the wedding party, the families, RSVP and get ready to have the time of your life in Montana; it's all there. Whether you're planning a wedding out of state or right in your own backyard, this rocks! Just a great idea I wanted to share with you bride's-to-be. Compliments of Tania de Sa Campos.

How do you get it done? Everyone has a web savy friend. Friends love to do favors when it's wedding time, so put them to work.
How much does it cost? Relatively nothing compared to how much time and trouble it will save you.

Tania and Kyle's website

Summer trends.

It's interesting to see how from year to year couples seem to prefer certain days of the summer as the "ideal" time to get married in Montana. I'm curious about what drives this decision. Last year it was August that I had the most demand for wedding photography; sometimes receiving as many as 8 serious inquiries from couples that were interested in my services for one particular day. This year it's July and specifically the July 4th weekend. Between myself and my Associate Photographer Lauren Brown, we have 5 weddings booked in the 3 day period of July 1st throught the 3rd, and it wouldn't surprise me if we both book the 4th as well. Surprisingly, no one seems to be too interested in August as of yet, having several Saturdays still wide open. So, if you're having a hard time finding an excellent photographer in August, give me a call. August is a beautiful time here in Montana!

How do you see it?

Have you ever seen a situation where a simple series of events occurred amongst a number of individuals that required each person to explain what just happened? A good example of this would be a fender bender where 3 or 4 individuals are interviewed by the officer to determine exactly what occurred. Usually no one has exactly the same story. Where am I going with this? ... well, I believe we all see things a little differently. And what does this have to do with weddings? The answer: Choosing the right photographer for your wedding.

When asked what is the single most important criteria when choosing a photographer, my answer is this.

First of all, after establishing your budget for photos and finding a handful of photographers in your range, look carefully at all their photos. Look at as many photo sample books or portfolios as they have available. Be open to how the photos make you feel. Some will be quite polished, posed and commercial looking, while others will be more realistic to the event. You may find that a photographer has a knack for capturing humor and feelings in his photos. Others will look like they were taken from the pages of Martha Stewart Wedding. And then after seeing them all, determine who's photos speak to you personally.

The chances are, you will find someone who perceives life in a similar way and therefore captures moments that are more meaningful to you. These will be the photos that move you.

Of course there are other considerations that fall in order according to your values. Personality, experience, and reliability are certainly important considerations.

How do I see it? My personal view is defined in a simple phrase. Beauty... as it occurs naturally. I see my work as one that looks for and captures the beautiful moments that arise in every aspect of life. The celebration of the union of two people in marrage is full of this imagery in a very natural way. The dynamic energy of idealism and love, the hopes and dreams of the couple, family and friends, all of this makes the day pregnant with possibilities.

How do you see it?

Sunday at the Woodlands

A brand new wedding venue in Bozeman Montana has opened it doors and is already becoming quite popular as a beautiful place for weddings in 2005. The Woodlands, created and owned by Chuck and Elsa Campbell, hosted their first Bridal Show last Sunday. Snow fell outside while hundreds of visitors viewed the new indoor facility and met excellent wedding vendors from around the area. Wine tasting was compliments of The Gourmet Cellar of Livingston.

You can view photos of The Woodlands at MontanaWoodlands.com.