My Apple display reads 1:45am in the studio. The canvas is drying, tools back in storage, things are wrapping up. It’s been a long process, years of dreaming, months of planning, and weeks of work. And it’s almost done. The finished product has taken form. I can visualize completion of the handmade marvel. It’ll take a trip to Italy and back. Yet the real story, the important story, will be told for generations.

I’m not talking about one of my favorite paintings by Christoforos Asimis. Or mastering my urban veggie garden. I’m talking about Hannah & Chris’ wedding album!

Hannah and Chris were married on June 23 and what an amazing day! Less than three weeks from start to finish, their album pre-design is complete and nearing completion to get sent to Arba, Italy for production. And I’m loving it! They chose to include a 9.5” x 13” album in their wedding package which is what most clients end up going with. Out of 600 completed images, they chose a whopping 230 “favorites” for their album. That’s a happy ratio in my book!

Click here to see the full design featuring 120+ pages featuring clean lines, vibrant light, layered compositions with genuine feelings.

When I first met Chris and Hannah, I told them my challenge is to create lots of amazing photographs. Yet with the album design process, their challenge is choosing their favorites. And with so many favorites, they’ve got a good problem!

Photographers: I’ve shared my journey into photography style in a past blog post on my evolution of style and lessons learned along with my tips on developing your own photographic style. But for me, it goes back to continue shooting with new tools and techniques with the final album in mind. The final print matters.

Lighting dark reception halls with two small flashes not only minimizes Photoshop post-production, but adds visual layers of interest to compliment dynamic storytelling.

No need for ultra-high ISO cameras when two  speed lights at f/8 at 1/4 seconds stops action and gives depth of field for context and atmosphere.

Same rules apply on the dance floor! Happy dance!

As my machine churns away at processing digits, I reflect on the Holstee Manifesto: Do what you love and and do it often. And I thank this sweet couple for being amazing to work with and allowing me to do what I love.