Denver Wedding Photographer, Chad Morgan » Blog

Sandy.

admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:00:02 +0000

Aleena & Daniel. Denver.

admin — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Emily & Jeff :: Denver Colorado Wedding

admin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:09:11 +0000

I shot Emily and Jeff’s wedding last summer in Denver at the Parkside Mansion near downtown Denver, and I’m just now getting around to blogging it (I know, I know). I actually spoke to Emily today, and we had a really good chat after several months of playing phone tag. It was great to reconnect, and I’m proud to have been a part of their wedding. Emily and Jeff, I wish you the very best in everything you do!

Flowers: Plum Sage
Hotel: Magnolia Hotel Denver
Reception Venue: Parkside Mansion

Published :: Jaime & Jaime

admin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:21:34 +0000

Last week Jaime & Jaime’s wedding was published on the Luxe Mountain Weddings blog. Congrats to you two! And again, a shout-out to everyone involved, especially Heather at Calluna Events.

See the post: Patagonia Meets Anthropologie | Luxe Mountain Weddings Patagonia Meets Anthropologie | Mountain

Tip for Great Backlighting :: Photography 101

admin — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:54:56 +0000

A few months back, I posted a tip on creating a great shot no matter where you are, or what equipment you have, the safe shot. This tip takes a bit more skill and know-how. But with a little patience and practice, you will have a great deal of success. Not only can it help you in rough lighting conditions, it will become something you look for to create atmosphere and mood in your shots. It can add a great deal of warmth and emotion to your images!

A lot of times, especially as a wedding photographer, you’re stuck with the lighting conditions that are given to you, with no time to move people into better light. It can be very challenging and stressful to get the shots your clients expect when you’re faced with mid-day, harsh sunlight and no shade in sight. Backlighting your subject is a great way to get the shot, and avoid ugly shadows and overly contrasty images (side note: stop messing with the contrast in your images during post-production. It’s outdated–not that it was ever in–and makes skin tones look awful).

Here are my tips for getting great backlit images:

Place your subject with their back to the sun. The sun does not have to be directly behind them. Just watch their face and make sure you have nice even light on them. If the sun hitting their nose or cheek, move them a bit.
Unless you’re going for flare, make sure the sun is not hitting the front of your lens. This will disrupt the shot. Traditionally, flare is a no-no in photography. But, I don’t mind it, and sometimes employ it purposely. Again, practice will tell you when this will add or detract from the final image.
Expose for the subject! This is the most important piece of a great backlit shot. If you rely on your cameras sensor to tell you exposure, you’re gonna end up with a dark, muddy face. I can usually get very close to my exposure by spot-metering the darkest part of their face. From there, look at your histogram and adjust (another side note: if you’re not shooting manual, start. This will allow you to be in control of exposure, not your camera. I’ll address this in a future post).
If your camera has “blinkies” you can use these to give you an idea of correct exposure, too. Take a test image, and look for blinkies where the sun is hitting the back of your subjects’ head. Once that rim light on their head is blinking, you’re exposure will be very close to perfect!

As with any new skill, do not try this for the first time if you’re getting paid. Take your partner or kid out. Or, even a stuffed animal. Practice, practice, practice. When you’re confident in your ability, then you can utilize it on the job.

Here’s another shot of my little turkey–and a great example of backlighting. Right now, she’s sitting next to me watching scary kitty videos on YouTube. I do not like cats…especially scary kitties.

Hope this helps all of you. Please feel free to email me with questions!

Happy Holidays!

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 03:02:50 +0000

Wanted to share a few from a little session I did with my kiddo. I have no idea how I ended up with such a little knockout. Certainly doesn't get it from me...thank goodness. Happy Holidays to all of you!



Lyons Colorado Wedding :: Jaime & Jaime
admin — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 18:47:16 +0000
This was easily the hardest wedding I’ve ever had to shoot, due to my own circumstances. My wife, Nea ended up in the hospital a couple days before the wedding due to an exacerbation of her MS–ended up being a week-long stay. Leaving her there in the hospital to go shoot was very, very tough. Luckily, a couple of our very good friends were able to keep her company and make sure she was okay while I wasn’t there. Nonetheless, it was tough to be away when I knew she was in so much pain…and scared.
But, once I got to the venue and saw how beautiful everything was, and saw the Jaimies and how excited they were, I was able to focus and capture their lovely fall wedding. Jaime and Jaime have a unique and tight bond. You can sense that it’s them against the world. Amidst the chaos of the day, and being pulled in twenty directions, never did they seem like they weren’t on the same page with one another. I guess they’re kinda like those childhood friends that have a secret language, ya know? I guess when it comes down to it, they get each other. And they’re kind. It was an absolute pleasure to be there, and am honored to have been a part of their wedding.
And, I’d like to give a shout out to Heather at Calluna Events (and her whole staff). I’ve had the opportunity to shoot with Heather four or five times, I believe. And hands-down, she’s the best coordinator around. The whole day is perfectly orchestrated, nothing overlooked. And her whole team jumps through hoops to make sure the bride and groom (and vendors) are well taken care of. One of her assistants made a 1.5 hour round trip back to Boulder just to pick up a shirt. There wasn’t even a question about getting it done. As soon as it was mentioned, she had her keys and was ready to go. Love working with all of you!
Vendors Love:

Event Coordinator: Heather, Calluna Events

Venue: Planet Bluegrass, Lyons CO

Flowers: European Flower Shop
PS, Jaime and Jaime had the BEST reception band…ever. Check em out: Tunisia Band




The Morgans
admin — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:48:57 +0000
It’s been WAY too long since I last posted. Unfortunately, my blog has taken a back-seat to more important life events. But, I figured this was a good way to get things going again.
I found this image as I was scouring through old scans. This is half of my extended family–my Dad’s family–the Morgans. And, I figured it was a fitting pic for this time of year, with all the snow we’ve been getting. My dad is third from the left. Grandparents on the right. My aunt Tracey on the left, skis barely holding on. Greg and Andy the other two boys. I love you, Morgans.
Happy Holidays!




Anna Bé Bridal Boutique :: Trunk Show
admin — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:36:16 +0000
For all you brides out there that are starting to dress shop for your wedding, Anna Bé will be having trunk shows throughout October and November. My brides that come from Anna Bé are always perfection! We love, love, love Anna Bé!

 



Denver Colorado Wedding :: Jenette and Jon
admin — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 22:07:09 +0000
When I met Jon and Jenette last year, the three of us had an immediate bond. Conversation was easy, full of laughter, and authenticity…we all got each other. I was 40 minutes late to our initial meeting (something that never happens), and they didn’t seem to mind. Of course, I apologized profusely, and they felt my sincerity, understood, and quickly forgave me. Nevertheless, I walked out of there feeling like I had made new friends…and I have.
A couple months later, I got a call from Joanna (planner) with some upsetting and scary news: Jenette had been diagnosed with breast cancer, was going to have a double-mastectomy, and an intense and aggressive regimen of chemo. My heart sank. My wife has MS. So, I understand the pain, struggle, and heartache that comes along with a diagnosis. My initial thoughts were with Jenette and the life-changing events set before her, mentally and physically.
And then, I thought of Jon. On a personal level, know what it’s like to be the support system, and what it means to have the love of your life threatened with an illness, or disease. Nothing about their journey was going to be easy.
The wedding was moved from June to August, we shot their engagement the very next week after Joanna’s call (before she started chemo), and I kept them in my thoughts and close to my heart, checking in every so often to see how they were doing, and if I could help in any way. I could definitely tell things were getting tougher as the treatments got more intense. But never did their resolve lessen. Seeing Jenette and Jon on their wedding day, made me…a little misty.
When I saw Jenette a few weeks ago getting her makeup and hair done, I told her I was proud of her. And I am. Her smile was new and powerful. Jon, too, seemed “grown up.” They had a new confidence in each other, and a new outlook on their life. It was palpable…and amazing.
I’m so, so honored to have been a part of their wedding. I’m also grateful to give Jenette and Jon these images that will allow them to remember their wedding, and all of the wonderful friends and family that surrounded them.
Enjoy!
Venue: Denver Art Museum

Planner: Joanna Bailey

2nd Photographer: Amanda Forbes. Amanda, you rocked this wedding–amazing job!