In the world of photography, there's a certain magic that comes from the unexpected. Those moments that you could never have anticipated, that take you by surprise and result in some of the most memorable shots. There's a unique thrill that accompanies these instances, a joy that keeps me perpetually enchanted with the art of capturing life through a lens.
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For me, some of the most cherished moments are the ones that are completely unplanned. The spontaneous laugh of a subject caught off guard, an unforeseen background that adds a touch of serendipity to the frame, or the sudden unveiling of a person's uninhibited personality - these are the instances that truly enliven a photograph. They open up new avenues of creativity, inviting us to explore beyond our initial plans and preconceptions.
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And it's not just about capturing the unexpected that happens in front of the lens, but also embracing the surprises that come with the journey of being a photographer. I've always had a camera in my hands, from my childhood days of passionate picture taking with disposable point-and-shoot cameras, to my more mature years of fostering this passion into a profession.
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The decision to make photography more than just a hobby, to study the craft and make it a source of income, was an unexpected twist in my life's story. But I embraced it, I embraced the uncertainty and the challenges that came with it.
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I encourage each of you to embrace whatever form of expression feels true to you. It's about being unapologetically authentic and daring to step out of your comfort zone. It's about acknowledging the unexpected and using it as a tool to enhance what's already there. Because in photography, as in life, it's the unexpected that often leads to the most beautiful results.
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So, here's to the unpredictable, the unplanned, and the unforeseen. Here's to the moments that make us smile, that make us feel, that make us connect. Here's to the art of embracing the unexpected. And, above all else, let photography give you the freedom to face the world as you are. Be bold; be daring. Be you.

Embracing the Unexpected in Photography

The months leading up to a wedding are a significant time in one's life. It's a time filled with excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a little bit of nerves. One of the many decisions you have to make during this period is whether or not to have an engagement photo session. Here are the top five reasons why it's a great idea.
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1: An engagement session allows your chosen photographer to get to know you as a couple. They can learn what makes you laugh, which poses work best for you, and how to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. This means you'll get a set of photos that truly represent you. Perhaps even more important, the engagement session allows the photographer to get a sense for what will and won't work for your photos when the wedding day comes.
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2. Consider your engagement session as a "trial run" before the big day. It will give you a chance to see how your photographer works, and it also allows you to become familiar with being photographed professionally. Moreso, this is a low-stress (and often fun) way to experiment with interesting and unique photos that you might not be able to get at the actual wedding.
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3. An engagement shoot offers more flexibility in terms of location. You can choose a spot that has a special meaning to you, which may not be feasible on your wedding day due to logistical reasons. When it comes to "the big day", it's rare for the unique locations with stylized sceneries to be close or at the wedding venue. With an engagement session, you get to pick a location that means something special and personal to you.
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4. Personalize Your Save-The-Dates: Using a photo from your engagement session for your save-the-date cards adds a personal and unique touch that your guests will undoubtedly appreciate.
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5. Memorable Keepsake: Above all, an engagement session leaves you with a set of beautiful, professional photos, commemorating this unique time in your lives together. These photos can be displayed in your home, shared with family and friends, or perhaps even used in your wedding decor. Let's face it, an engagement session is more than just a photo shoot. It's a chance to create and capture memories of this special time, to get comfortable with your photographer while capturing the bond you share with your partner, and to have a set of unique and meaningful images that you'll cherish forever.

The Top Five Reasons to Schedule an Engagement Session

A common question asked by clients is "What should we wear to our family photo shoot?" It's a valid concern as the outfits play a significant role in the overall aesthetic of the photos. Here are my tips to help you dress appropriately and stylishly for your upcoming family shoot.
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Firstly, I would advise against wearing bright colors or busy patterns. These might distract from the primary focus of the photograph--your family. Instead, opt for more neutral or pastel shades. These colors work well with most backgrounds and help to create a cohesive look in group photos. Moreover, avoid clothing with logos, graphics, or text as they can draw attention away from your faces. Solid colors or subtle patterns are the way to go.
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You could consider coordinating your outfits to give a sense of unity and harmony within the family. This doesn't mean you all need to match exactly (I normally recommend against wearing the same outfits), but rather stick to a similar color palette or style. Remember, the overall goal is to highlight the bond and interactions amongst family members, not the clothing.
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Comfort is key, so choose outfits that make you feel good and at ease. After all, the best photos are the ones where clients are relaxed and can be their authentic selves.
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Lastly, don't forget to consider the location and season of your shoot. For outdoor shoots in cold weather, layer your outfits to stay warm while still looking stylish. For warm weather or indoor shoots, light, natural fabrics look great and will keep you cool. Preparation is the key to a successful photo shoot, and that includes planning your outfits. Follow these tips and your family shoot will not only be a fun, memorable experience, but you'll also have beautiful, timeless photos to cherish. Remember, the main focus of the images should always be your family's love and connection.

What Clients Should Wear to Their Family Shoot: A Guide from a Professional Photographer

Photography, like any other art form, is heavily reliant on perception and perspective. There are times when the most unexpected elements can enhance the beauty of the shot, giving it an added depth and dimension. This was the case during my recent engagement photo session, where the seemingly disruptive presence of a crowd in the background turned out to be a blessing in disguise. On the day of the session, the engaged couple and I selected a vibrant, public location bustling with people. When we arrived, the couple and I agreed that we'd love to get shots at the 9/11 memorial, but noticed the constant presence of people. How would we possibly get a shot without distractions? Eventually, I decided to give the spot a try once the crowd was at the far end, and the outcome was surprisingly beautiful. As the couple took a stroll between the reflective walls, their distinctive personalities shone like beacon lights through the chaos. The multitude of people in the background, going about their day unaware of the romance unfolding, added an unexpected layer of color, dimension, and life to the photos. As the colors from the bystanders bounced off the walls, they created beautiful reflections that painted a unique canvas behind the couple, adding an element of surrealism to the scene. The blurred figures in the background, in a way, depicted the real world &ndash; chaotic, unpredictable, and full of life, while the couple represented a calm and playful oasis through it all. Their love story was unfolding in a real, live setting, making it even more relatable and touching. What I learned from this experience is that, sometimes, what we initially perceive as distractions or disruptions can actually enhance the beauty of our work. In this case, the presence of other people, far from ruining the shot, added a distinct charm to the pictures, creating a vibrant backdrop that contrasted beautifully with the couple&rsquo;s calm demeanor. The engagement photo session was not just about capturing the couple's love story, but also about embracing the unpredictability and beauty of life. It was about understanding that love can bloom even among the chaos, and sometimes, that chaos can make the story even more beautiful. This experience reinforced in me the belief that photography is not just about capturing the subject, but also about capturing the mood, the environment, and the unexpected elements that make each shot unique. It's about finding beauty in the most unexpected places and turning it into a work of art. So, the next time you find yourself worried about potential disruptions during your photo shoot, remember this story. Instead of viewing them as obstacles, consider them as opportunities to add a unique touch to your photos. Embrace the chaos, and let it add color to your canvas. After all, the beauty of life lies in its unpredictability, and the same holds true for the art of photography.

The Unexpected Beauty of Chaos

"I had always thought of myself as unphotogenic until I saw the beautiful pictures that Brian took. The shoot was so much fun, and I plan on doing another shoot with him in the future."

Sandra

"Brian did such a great job, not only with the photos but with making us so comfortable in front of the camera! We can't stop looking at our pictures."

Jeff and Kendra

"I was thrilled from start to finish with my photo shoot with Brian Feller Photography. He was creative, professional, and absolutely hysterical during our shoot. He made my family and I feel so comfortable. We had an amazing time during the shoot and are in love with the photos he took. I will cherish them forever. I highly recommend this company!"

Cara and Francisco

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Welcome to my Family Collection package! This offers one hour of photography coverage to capture the joy of your family. This package includes 30-50 photos delivered to you in an online gallery, making them easy to share and store. The Family Collection package is perfect for immediate families, and we're happy to discuss options for adding extended family to your package.

Family Package

Let me capture your special moments with my "Portraits" package. I can provide you with expertly crafted photos that will bring your memories to life. With this package, you will receive one hour of photography coverage, ten to thirty fully-edited photos, and an online gallery. The gallery will make it easy for you to share your photos with friends, family, and even potential employers.

Portraits Package

Create unforgettable memories with our comprehensive Engagement Session photography package. Our skilled and experienced photographer will document your special occasion with one hour of dedicated photography coverage, ensuring every precious moment is captured.
This package promises a collection of 30-50 high-quality, fully edited photos that display the raw emotion and joy of your engagement. Our photographer's keen eye for detail and artistic touch will ensure that your photos are not only stunning, but also a true reflection of your unique love story.
Is this a surprise proposal? We're experts in covert operations too! Let us know in advance and we'll help preserve the surprise and capture the priceless reaction of your significant other. 
We understand how important this day is to you, and we're committed to providing a service that exceeds your expectations. So why wait? Inquire today and let us be a part of your journey in love. Your beautiful memories are just a click away!

Engagement Session

Capture the unique personality and charm of your beloved pet with our Pet Portraits package! Tailored to ensure a relaxed and fun experience for both you and your pet, this service includes 1 hour of dedicated photography coverage. 
Our experienced photographer will work with you to create a collection of images that truly reflect your pet's character and spirit. Whether it's the playful nature of your dog, the calm demeanor of your cat, or the exotic beauty of your parrot, we are committed to capturing those special moments that you'll cherish forever. 
Included in this package are between 30 and 50 fully edited, high-resolution photos. These images will be carefully curated and edited to bring out the best in your pet, while still maintaining a natural and authentic feel. 
To ensure your total satisfaction, we also offer a free pre-shoot consultation. This meeting allows us to understand your vision and expectations, discuss any specific requests you may have, and get to know your pet to make the actual shoot as smooth as possible. 
After the session, you'll receive an online gallery where you can view and download your pet's portraits at your convenience. You can share the gallery with friends and family, and opt for prints, canvases, or other items if you wish. 
Our Pet Portraits package is more than just a photoshoot; it's an opportunity to create lasting memories with your furry, scaly, or feathered friend. Don't miss out on this chance to immortalize the special bond you share with your pet. Inquire today to book a session. We can't wait to meet you and your pet!

Pet Portraits

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The Blogging Corner

Embracing the Unexpected in Photography

The Top Five Reasons to Schedule an Engagement Session

What Clients Should Wear to Their Family Shoot: A Guide from a Professional Photographer

The Unexpected Beauty of Chaos