Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Jeremy & Bryan; Married. ---- Kara Baker Boston Area Wedding Photographer

I believe in Fate. I don't believe so much in coincidence. I am a member of a photography message board online. It's been slow lately so I don't check in very often. One day a few weeks ago, I checked in and saw a message saying something to the effect of "I know it's a long shot, but are there any Boston wedding photographers out there?" I was the only one to answer the post. A mom was looking for a photographer to capture her son's wedding to the man he loves and all parties live out of state (mom from Texas and grooms from Washington State).

I was a little nervous at first. I had never shot a same-sex wedding before. I didn't feel like I knew quite "how to do it." I posted on another professional photographers message board and they all encouraged me and explained to me that "love is love." Period. You capture two people in love in the same fashion you would capture any other two people in love; regardless of sex, gender, age, race, etc. Love is love. And these two boys exuded love.

I was happy to help bring their day together by picking up their flowers, getting their wedding cake delivered to me, and bringing everything together for them at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston. It was a GORGEOUS day with lots of sun (we all know how I hate shooting in sun!). I did the best I could and ended up with some beautiful captures for the grooms to last them a lifetime and Mom was happy too. As long as every one is happy, I can conclude that I did my job well, and nothing makes me more happy :)

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Introduction to Photography Online Class-- Taught by Kara Baker

Hi Everyone,

I've seen so many people recently purchase new DSLR cameras-- and even more posting photos on FB from their DSLRs and I am willing to bet that 95% of them don't know much beyond that little green square (otherwise known as "auto mode"). Sure, even on auto and with a kit lens, your photos are going to look superior to many of those taken with a point & shoot, but why not do one better and learn HOW to USE your awesome tool?

I've heard SO.MANY.TIMES. "Your camera takes great pics!" Would I ever go up to a chef and tell them "Wow, your stove makes great food!?" No. Why and how is photography any different?

I've decided to try my hand at teaching an online class geared for beginners wanting to learn how to use their camera and take really great photos. My class will teach about the different modes in which you can operate your camera, you will learn about exposure, composition, lighting, different types of photography, and extra gear and accessories that are options for your camera.

This class will be 12 weeks long to accommodate such a wide range of topics and so that we can move at a slow enough pace that we will not lose anyone. I will create a space for us on the web where I will post lessons, assignments, and where students will share their photos and assignments. Lessons and assignments will be posted Mondays and students will have one week to post their best work from the week!

This class will begin Monday, May 7th and will run until Sunday, July 21st. I am limiting the number of students to 15 so that everyone gets equal attention and so we can keep it as intimate as possible for a web class. I am changing it to the first 15 people to email me will get into this first session of classes. If this class is a success, I will be happy to re-run it and re-run it again. I look forward to teaching you in the future!

The class is $120 ($10/week). Please email me at kara@karabakerphotography.com by Monday, April 30th if you'd like to be included in this first run of my Introduction to Photography Class!

Best,
Kara

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Liz & Rob: Married!

I was so happy when Liz asked me to be her wedding photographer. Liz and I went to high school together and although weren't exactly 'friends.' we were always very friendly. Liz is the type of person every girl wants to be like; she's likeable, hard-working, successful, and did I mention gorgeous?

My heart sang for her when I first met Rob during our engagement session last year. He definitely seems worthy of such a girl. What a sweetheart and true gentleman he is!

The day was lovely, filled when tender moments and true fun. They chose the Topsfield Commons as their wedding venue and had their ceremony at the church across the street. This was my first time working at the commons and it was a pleasure. The coordinator, Johanna, was extremely helpful and kind to both myself and my second shooter. I'm excited to be going back there to shoot another wedding in July!

I've tried to narrow down my favorites from the day to an acceptable amount-- enjoy them!