Photography is...

Today I had a real nice discussion about photography with a girl who is interested in the art, as well as with the two mentors who introduced me to the idea of becoming a professional photographer in the first place. It got me thinking about what photography means to me and why it is I do what I do.

Of course, the answer isn't simple but I'd like to think I've narrowed down a few key factors.

1. Photography is a means of enabling people to hold on to memories forever. Memories are a huge driving force behind what I do. With a photograph, we can remember a moment long after the day it was taken. I've noticed that I don't remember events as well if I didn't take pictures there. Conversely, those events that I have taken photos of are well-established memories that will not soon be forgotten.

2. Photography is a record that we existed. For some reason, I am fascinated at having hard-copy evidence (outside of a birth certificate and social security card) that a person existed. Perhaps this is because when I was younger, my grandma would look at old photos with me and tell me all kinds of stories about people in my family I would never get the chance to meet. I often find myself telling family members who are a little camera-shy the following : What is going to happen when you die and your great-grandbabies are curious about who you were and what you looked like? To me, it's important to have something to say "Hey, I existed and this is my story." And I believe that photographs can do just that.

3. Photography is telling a story. Sometimes, words cannot aptly express the emotions or thoughts of an individual. When words fail, photography is a great alternative. Oftentimes I can look at a photo and from it I can gather all sorts of information -- how a person felt that day, what the weather was like, who is important to them, what makes someone happy, what makes them uncomfortable, etc. They say body language is more telling than spoken language--and because photography captures this, it is only natural that it aids in showing a more complete picture of individuals.

4. Photography is a mirror. By this, I mean to say that while I may be photographing other people, places or things, I am actually showing my audience what is important to me; what sorts of things I value or hold in high regard. Naturally, my eye wonders towards things that I like or see some special value in. What's being depicted in my photos isn't necessarily a reflection of the subject; rather it is a reflection of me. (Not to get all Freudian on you though....teehee!) As the great photographer Richard Avedon once said, "My portraits are more about me than they are about the people I photograph."


I'm sure I could go on and on about what else photography means to me, but it would be boring to most of you folks, I'm sure. These four elements though are what constantly drive me to continue this jouney I'm on--to not let the pressure of a get-rich-now society dictate my next move in life. A month or so ago, an adult (who shall remain nameless but whom I believe expects me to not succeed in my photography endeavors) asked me if I regretted my decision to go this direction in life. My best, simplest answer? Heck no. I'm in this for the long haul.

And we have a new logo!

Last night while doing my usual internet dilly-dallying, I had the urge to re-design the logo for my photography. The logo (which I also use as a watermark for all my photos) was originally this:

My great friend Cheryl LeBlanc from Muncie designed the logo for me, right around the time I was starting to think about making a fan page for facebook. I couldn't have been more pleased with the results of her creativity. The design was simple, elegant and definitely added a touch of class to all of my photographs. So I definitely want to thank Cheryl for helping me start my business off right!

Because it's been a few years, I thought a little change could be a good thing. At some point I thought about asking Cheryl to design me a new one (cause I knew she would make it perfect) but I realized that she's a busy lady. So alas, I decided to start making my own. The result? This :

I am actually quite content with the way it turned out. I have always loved the script-y fonts used as watermarks and think that while it's a little fancy, it's still simple enough. And I can't help but feel like it looks classy!

Perhaps my favorite part is that it still represents my "AB Photography" days (hence why the A and B in my name are bigger), while also offering more information to any person who sees a photograph with the logo. Before, I was a little concerned that if a person was wanting to look up more information about my photography, they wouldn't be able to find me. Why, you ask?

Googling "AB Photography" does not come up with information about my work. However, if one were to search "Alivia Bryak Photography," the power of the internet (and the fact that I have a rather unique name) brings the person right to all the information they would need to contact me. And as a photographer who primarily gets jobs through word of mouth -- this is important!

Overall, I believe the the switch to this new design was a good one. Although I will definitely miss my original watermark. Perhaps I will be able to find uses for it elsewhere. Any ideas?

Happy Shooting!

AB

Jenny + Edgar | Wedding [Sneak Peak!]

This past Friday (June 22nd) I photographed Jenny and Edgar's beautiful wedding at Fiesta Palace in Merrillville, IN. This was the first time I've photographed an event at this venue, but it is definitetely one of my favorite shoots to-date.

This was also my first time photographing an outdoor wedding. Any photographer who tells you that they aren't nervous while shooting an outdoor wedding is either lying through their teeth or they simply don't care about their own photography! You see, so many factors can alter the way photos look while outside. Above all, weather is the number one contributor to stress.

It is a common misconception that a bright, sunny day is the best kind of weather for photo-taking. I've heard some variation of this phrase time and time again from people : "There's plenty of sunlight, so the photos will be easier!" In actuality, the more direct sunlight there is, the harder it is to take quality photographs. Direct sunlight means harsh shadows on faces from not only trees and standing structures, but also from people's own facial features! What ends up happening is parts of the face will be super bright and sunny, while others will be cast in shadows. How do I counteract this? I know my camera settings inside and out, and change them accordingly.

The photos from this particular wedding turned out way better than I could have ever hoped for!  The sun and standing structures were in just the right position to create the least possible amount of shadows. The above picture is definitely one of my favorites from the ceremony. (Who doesn't find it adorable when a groom feels like he's won a prize with his bride?)

The amount of love these families had for each other was palpable throughout the entire day. I particular loved capturing this photo of the bride and her sister (who was also the maid of honor) prior to the ceremony.

Just as heartwarming was the father-daughter dance, which was full of smiles and laughter from both parties. While I love capturing the bride and groom together, this moment between father and daughter is also one of my favorites to capture.

Something I always, always, alwaysss strive to photograph are the little details that the bride and groom have put so much time into. From the wedding cake to the color scheme; to the table decorations and wedding band selection -- these intricate details are important to preserve.

All in all, I had a wonderful time helping these two capture their special day through my photographs. I am so lucky that people want me to share in such an important moment in their lives. After every wedding, I can't help but feel close to not only the bride and groom, but also their friends and family who were in attendance. Perhaps there is something that rings true about the idea that photography connects people in a transcendent way--it allows me to see things in others that they, themselves, may never have noticed otherwise.

Congratulations, Jenny and Edgar!

Happy Shooting!

AB

Welcome to the new blog for Alivia Bryak Photography! 

I've seen many photographers use a blog throughout their work as a means to communicate with clients, as well as people who are interested in their photography. Needless to say, I really liked the idea and now have made my own blog!

My aim through this particular blog is to not only showcase my work to clients but also let others get a feel for the kind of person I am. It's my belief that in order to really connect with a photographer, you've got to feel comfortable with them--and I'm hoping that this little corner of the blogosphere will help do just that! Simply put, being comfortable with your photographer means higher quality photographs. So get to learn a little bit about me. I hope to provide you with a laugh or two throughout the journey. 

Additionally, I'm a photographer who fully believes that the more people learn about and value photography, the better this business will be. I have never believed in keeping things a secret. Where's the fun in that, anyways?! If anyone asks me how I obtain a certain look in my photographs or has any kind of technical question, I will always try to answer it to the best of my ability. I try to keep in mind that I wouldn't be where I am today if the people I talked to shut me down. So this blog isn't just for potential clients -- it's for fellow photographers, too. :)

That's in for my first post. I apologize if it's a little wordy, but I tend to be that way so just bare with me.

Happy Shooting!

AB