Having the right idea is the most important part of a tattoo. A close second is finding the right artist. Neither Brooke nor I are big into tattoos so we thought searching for the right artist would be difficult. Turns out, finding Cole was really easy. Fast even.

Cole was recommended by some friends and he has a great portfolio. Brooke wanted a realistic honey bee…behind her ear! It was clear Cole could really make the tattoo shine. Meeting Cole for the first time was awesome. He truly is a great and very funny guy. Not to mention, he is in Lakewood as well. Cole is also part of the team behind Classic Tattoo Cleveland located on Lorain near Westlake and North Olmsted.

Needless to say, Brooke is very happy with the results. Something tells me this will be the first of a few tattoos for her. Personally, I love the tattoo. It is very fitting for her.

I really enjoyed coming along to watch and photograph the experience for her. Then again, I had no choice. If someone is sticking your wife with a needle, you need to be there. The pictures may seem like a departure from my normal wedding photography work, but taking portraits of various subject matters helps to keep me engaged.

P.S. – I am next on deck for a tattoo

P.P.S. – It will be a chicken and strangely, it has meaning

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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Have you ever had a day where everything seems to go your way? I had one not too long ago. Ethan and Jamie were recommended to me by a fellow photographer. That was a good start. Then the Ethan and Jamie hired me to photograph their Cleveland wedding. OK, getting better. Then they gave me complete creative freedom! I nearly had a creative orgasm on the spot.

You might remember that Ethan and Jamie are a creative couple. After all, they created an amazing wedding announcement. Not only that, they are both have a sense for photography and knew what they wanted. Lastly, they really liked my native style and gave me freedom in my work.

So what did I do? First, I incorporated Polaroids in the form of a 1970’s SX-70 instant camera (more on the Polaroids in a future post). Next, I bought new lenses for my digital system so I could create the look I had in mind. Finally, I worked hard to push my creative style in new directions.

I have said it before and I will say it again – I LOVE my clients! Here are some early results -

This next photograph is one of my all time favorites. I think it might make the cut for the wedding portfolio -

Great idea – serve a midnight snack at your wedding reception. Jenny’s Ice Cream is a great choice.

That is all for now. As I mentioned, the another post is coming that will have the Polaroids from the wedding. It is definitely worth checking back for those.

P.S. – Ethan’s brother, Jeremiah, kept me in stitches all day

P.P.S. – Jamie and Ethan, have a great honeymoon in Kenya (lucky!)

P.P.P.S. – Last one. Did I mention we’re having a BBQ and y’all are invited?

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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Holds more than you think - the soft-sided Think Tank Retrospective 20

What it’s not

Before I discuss all the great things the Think Tank Retrospective 20 does well, you have to understand what this bag is not supposed to be. If you confuse the purpose of this camera bag, then you will be disappointed. However, if you understand the niche this bag fills, then you will be elated. Well, very happy at least.

The Retrospective line of camera bags (in sizes 10, 20, and 30) are not general purpose camera bags. Nor are they good bags for travel or storage since they lack reasonable padding or secure zip or clip closures. The Retrospective bags are not great at carrying laptops with cameras. Lastly, while they hold a lot of gear, they are not intended to hold everything a professional photographer needs.

Carrying capacity for the Think Tank Retrospective 20 - D700 with grip, D300, 70-200mm f/2.8 with hood reversed, 24-70mm f/2.8, 14-24mm f/2.8 with hood extended, SB-800 speedlight, spare batteries, memory cards, rain cover, iPhone and car keys with room to spare.

So why are they so special?

The Retrospective bags fill one niche really well – they are the perfect “shoot sack” for working photographers. I cannot tell you how perfect this bag is for comfortably carrying a moderate amount of gear nearly all day long. With the right gear loaded, the Retrospective 20 sits comfortably on the hip with the strap across your shoulder. The strap is built tough, but more on that later.

If you must stuff the Retrospective bag full, have a look at the picture above. The Retrospective 20 can hold all of that photography gear with room to spare. YES, two camera bodies with one grip and three fast lenses. However, I recommend carrying less in the Retrospective 20. In fact, I am wary of the larger Retrospective 30. Carrying too much in either bag is uncomfortable and wears on the shoulders regardless of the excellent strap. For my purpose as a wedding and portrait photographer, the Retrospective 10 is a little small. Then again, I just carry too much gear.

So, simply put – a perfect bag to load up with gear you need access to quickly and often. Perfect for working wedding or portrait photographer, especially when working on location. Definitely not designed to be a travel bag. For travel and storage, move your gear to a well padded and secure bag and simply take the Retrospective 20 along for on-location duty.

Comfortable capacity for the Think Tank Retrospective 20

With gear reduced to what I really need, as seen above, the Retrospective 20 wears well and feels comfortable across one shoulder. However, you can still see that it holds a lot. Leaving out the extra camera body and knick-knacks gives me the right gear and comfort level, especially with a camera and lens in hand leaving the bag partially empty.

If you typically just work with two lenses, say a fast normal and telephoto zoom, then you may be able to get away with the smaller Think Tank Retrospective 10. Personally, I like a little more space in case I need to squeeze in extra gear. Also, all three Retrospective bags can hold an iPad or small laptop in the outer-back zipped pocket. Keeping something large and ridged in this pocket makes it sit uncomfortably on the hip. Leave the laptop or iPad a travel/storage bag.

Spacious internals of the Think Tank Retrospective 20

Retrospective 20 filled with a comfortable gear load - One camera with grip, three fast lenses, speedlight and accessories.

Packed up with a comfortable load, the bag does not wear very “thick” at the waist. My arms move comfortably around the bag when I am walking distances. The bag can slip behind the thigh and stay put while walking – much more so than a single camera hanging from a rapid strap. It simply stays at my back and does not flop around much.

Features make the bag

Features will make or break a decent bag. Fortunately, Think Tank does features better than any other professional camera bag company. I also own the Think Tank Airport Security and have looked at Think Tank’s entire line-up. They all come with thoughtful and useful features, including the Retrospective line of bags.

Retrospective 20 camera bag inner front pocket with the closure flap tucked away for "silent mode"

First, the inner-front pocket seen above has the right amount of well-sized mini pockets. The pockets are great for holding the typical small accessories a professional photographer needs. You can see the Think Tank label in the picture above. That is a flap to secure the inner-front pocket closed. If you don’t want the loud velcro RRRRIIIIPPPP during a wedding ceremony, the flap will secure to the side leaving the pocket open. In fact, all of the velcro flaps can be put into “silent mode.”

The inner-rear pocket of the Retrospective 20 features a zipper closure with a soft cloth pull tab.

The inner-back pocket is one deep well and secures with a zipper. Grabbing the zipper is made easy by the large cloth pull attached to the zipper head. The cloth pull is nice since it won’t scratch or wear photo gear inside the bag, especially LCD screens.

Dual "speedlight" pockets are included on each side of the Retrospective 20 camera bag.

Each side of the bag has a pocket that secures with a velcro flap. These two inner-side pockets seem tailor made to hold speedlights, even the giant Nikon SB-900. The flaps can be secured so the pockets stay open in “silent mode.” Even though these pockets seem designed for speedlights, I prefer to keep my speedlight in the front-outer pocket. This leaves more room inside the bag, enabling fast and easy lens changes.

The best feature - silent velcro. In the velcro in one position the top flap secures. In the other, the velcro won't engage. Brilliant!

Above you can see what I mean by “silent mode”. This is the main flap that flips over the top to secure the entire bag closed. On this flap, you can secure the velcro in “silent mode” so that it does not seal when the main flap is shut. This feature enables silent access to the bag, especially nice during wedding ceremonies. For a wedding photographer, this silent feature is a real dream.

I mentioned at the top this bag is not for general purpose storage and especially not for traveling. The main flap only secures with the velcro. There are no clips or zippers and little padding. Because of this, I do not recommend the bag for gear storage or travel. I use the Think Tank Airport Security to house my lighting gear and a well-padded LowePro backpack for camera gear storage or travel. If you recognize the Retrospective 20’s on-location niche, this should not be an issue. Think of it as a bag supplement.

Then again – bags are like crack to professional photographers. We can never have enough bags.

Comfortable strap - the Retrospective 20 has a well padded and adjustable strap which features anti-slip rubber pads on the bottom

Built tough - the strap anchor points on the bag continue down the sides and under the bottom for security

The last feature worth mentioning is the strap. Again, it is very well designed with the professional photographer in mind. The shoulder pad has three main features. First, it strap pad is thick and provides all day comfort. Second, the bottom of the pad has anti-slip silicone nodules to keep the strap securely on your shoulder. Last, there is a strong friction fit between the pad and the strap. Thus, the pad will not slide out of position on the strap, but the pad can be moved to your desired position.

As for the strap security, just have a look at the last picture. The strap anchor points on the bag are nuclear-strength. Strap webbing continues down the side and across the bottom. In short – this strap will NOT come undone.

Some other nice features:

• A second top strap handle for carrying the bag in your hand
• Available in black or “pinestone” (a soft gray-green)
• Outer-side pockets to hold, um, stuff
• Big outer-back pocket large enough to hold an iPad
• Comes with a weather-sealed rain cover, which can tether to the bag
• Has a lanyard for your keys
• Strap can be easily adjusted for taller or shorter people
• Comes with a couple extra dividers, but you really don’t need them

What’s the downside

Certainly not the on-location niche. However, here is a short list of possible improvements -

• Including a clip on the main flap in addition to the “silent” velcro would give extra peace of mind.
• The bottom of the bag could use a little more padding. I certainly would not want to drop the bag by mistake, even from a short distance.
• The cost – at $159 the price is steep. Then again, professional photography bags from any company are not cheap.

Do I like it? Yeah, you can have my Retrospective 20 when you pry it from my cold dead hands.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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Bailee and Aaron’s friends and family – find all the wedding images here

Bailee and Aaron had managed to reserve the Cleveland Botanical Gardens on a Sunday. Not only that, but their wedding was held in early June. The gardens were in full bloom. The rose were red, the violets were blue, Aaron love Bailee its true. On my scouting trip to the gardens the day before, I realized just how special their ceremony would be.

You’ve gotta believe too! The forecast said rain, rain, rain all week. However, by the time we stepped into the Cleveland Botanical Gardens for the big event, the skies had cleared and it was just another beautiful sunny wedding day in Cleveland.

Here are a few of my favorite photographs from the ceremony and reception -

I absolutely love the photograph above of Bailee dancing with her father. The expression on his face is so priceless. Not to mention, he is genuinely a nice man. Funny too! By the way, one last wedding tip for the photographers. If you ask your subject to wave their hands in the air, give them a sound effect. Weeeeeee!

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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Click image for a larger preview, if you dare!

We’re having a BBQ Y’all!

We may live in the north, but I am from a southern family. We hold to certain traditions, including summer BBQ. This ain’t “grillin’ out”. This is an honest-to-goodness BBQ featuring pulled pork, corn pudding, mac ‘n cheese, beans and greens, and beer, beer, beer. Do you know us personally? Do you follow me on Facebook or Twitter? Are you a wedding client? Then y’all are invited. Complete details after the jump…

When?

Saturday July 31st starting at 2:00 PM. Dinner will be served at 3:00 PM

Who?

Personal friends, work acquaintances, people who follow me on Twitter or Facebook, and certainly current or past wedding clients of H Squared Photo.

Tell me more?

OK, that wasn’t a question, but I know what you meant. Here’s more -

• We’re smoking enough pork shoulder to feed an army. We’re also making corn pudding, greens, beans, mac ‘n cheese and more
• Families with kids are welcome
• We will have a photo booth to capture all the crazy pictures
• Are you local to Cleveland? Do you have  a Weber grill? We need loaners!
• Do you have a cooler? We need those too!
• Chances are someone will embarrass themselves, starting with me.

What do I need to do?

Now that was a question. It’s simple -

• RSVP is sincerely requested – use the Facebook Event page, call 216-526-1675 or email Hunter [at] HSquaredPhoto.com
  
• BYOB. If you need beer, there is a great mini mart around the corner
• Can you bring a side dish? Great!

Seriously, that’s all?

Again, not technically a question but we’ll let it slide. Yup, that’s all. We would love you to join us. After all, look how much work we put into the flier! I nearly lost my eyebrows

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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Ethan and Jamie's engagement by Aubrey Trinnaman

I have said it before and I will say it again – my clients freakin’ rock. They are some of the nicest and most creative people. You have to check out what Ethan and Jamie created for their wedding announcement. They both work for a major technology company and have a serious creative streak. The video below is their wedding announcement.

Now that is how you get some wedding attention with style. As a wedding photographer, I absolutely love the stop-motion video. Not to mention the creative scrabble usage.

Take a moment to check out their engagement photos as well. The photos are by Aubrey Trinnaman, an amazing San Francisco fine art and wedding photographer. I love Aubrey’s California style.

Are you getting married and need ideas? Have a look around and come up with something creative. It seems certain formal aspects of traditional weddings are fading. Consider something a little outside the normal.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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Screen shot credit Professional Photographer Magazine, article by Allen Murabayashi

The package waiting for me at home could have been a surprise, but PhotoShelter kept me informed throughout the process. In the end, I was expecting the two glossy copies of Professional Photographer Magazine nestled inside the padded package. Nonetheless, I am thrilled to be published in this month’s issue.

Read or download the complete article

PhotoShelter had contact me to see if I use Google Analytics and SEO. After a short discussion, I was invited to participate in an article about how photographers successfully market themselves online. One short interview later and I was published. I have certainly worked very hard marketing my business online, which is like having a second job. In just a year, traffic on my site has tripled and my business has doubled.

Still though, it is not all about marketing. My two central pillars remain exceptional service and excellent photography. Marketing is just a necessary chore.

Take some time to learn more about Professional Photography Magazine, or the article’s author, Allen Murabayashi. By the way, Allen is also the head honcho over at PhotoShelter.

P.S. – Allen has the looooongest bio I have ever seen, but it is humorous at least. I dare you to read it all.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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While I am a Cleveland wedding photographer, Molly and Justin’s wedding was held in Columbus, Ohio. I volunteered to help a dear friend of mine shoot the wedding in Columbus. After all, my friend shot my wedding, so I had to help. Molly and Justin looked beautiful that day, the weather was grand for early May, and the venues could not have been more gorgeous. For those that are interested, the wedding reception was held at the Columbus Athletic Club in Columbus, Ohio.

Enough said, here are some of my favorite photos from their wedding -

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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Wilson was just a little nervous though. You can tell from the panting. If a dog pants and “smiles” a lot, then it means some nerves as they adjust to new people and places. After a while, Wilson settled down and we had a great pet portrait session. As it turns out, I really had some hidden gems in the stacks of photos.

What really matters is that Rachael and Mike are really happy with their pet portraits of Wilson. They even made the images their screen saver at work! Now that is saying something. Below are my favorites from the session in my Cleveland studio.

By the way, Wilson is a mutt and he is beautiful. I think he is a mix between Boxer and Shepherd, but I am not certain. I am a big supporter of adopting dogs from rescue organizations. My Doberman, Moxie, is a rescue and so is Wilson. Both are proof that you don’t need a breeder to get a great dog. Need a good pet in Cleveland? Try Second Hand Mutts. They are a great organization. Recently they did an amazing job of rescuing an abused Doberman named Scramble. He has a loving home now and is in great health.

Just thought I would throw that out there. Take care y’all!

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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Where are the photos?

The photos from the competition are here. The photos are being hosted by Royal Arts Fencing. From the site, you can view all 800+ photos, order prints and share images to social networks.

How do I find specific photos?

I know, there is a lot to sort through. To help make the hunt easier, I did my best to keyword each photo with the names of competitors. Here is a quick way to find photos -

1. From the Royal Arts Photo site, locate the “Search” link in the upper left and give it a click
2. Enter the name of the competitor and search
3. If you competitor was recognized and keywords added, you will get results

However, the keyword search is not perfect. If your competitor did not have a name on their lame or pants, then keywords were likely not added. Try browsing the photos and looking for something familiar – like the color of shoes, gloves or a patch on the lame.

But I still have questions!

Then just contact me anytime. I am happy to help!

Next for me is a more in-depth blog article regarding the competition. Check back soon for my favorite photos and a re-cap of the fencing weekend. You will get to see the photos again in a whole new light. I promise!

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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