One from PSD

Nikon D90, ISO 400, AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G at 18mm, f/5.6 @ 1/1250. No flash.
Nik Viveza, Nik Tonal Contrast.

In April I attended a workshop conducted by the "PSD Experience," in which they brought together a number of mentors and presenters in the style of After Dark. The fact that it was in Norfolk made it irresistible.

I mostly attended sessions, as there were presenters on marketing and on DSLR video, in which I have a keen and abiding professional interest. I did do on a couple of shoots, one led by David Beckstead, who has a stunning style when it comes to wedding photography. (He conducted a one-day workshop the following day, which I really wanted to attend, but could not due to the press of other business. My loss.)

Beckstead brought his model onto the streets of Norfolk of posed her in a way that led to some unconventional bridal poses. A little post processing helps to dramatize as well.

In honor of Fathers' Day . . .

Here are two images of happy dads! Happy Fathers' Day, everyone!

FA new Squidoo Page

Still trying to learn how to spell Web 2.0.

Let's see if I can enter this:
Impact Photography page link on Squidoo

Looking for wedding photographers in Virginia Beach or Hampton roads? See our latest at http://ping.fm/PIX0a
and our home page at impactphotopro.com

More from Stephanie and Kyle's wedding

More from the recent wedding of Stefanie and Kyle in Charleston, SC. It was a real privilege and pleasure to have been there, and to watch the wedding of a young woman who I have known from infancy.

The first kiss at the altar.

The first dance at the reception, Marriott Charleston.

Yes, I know I may be prejudiced. Not sure I care; but I have never seen a bride as flawless and as beautiful as my best friend's daughter on this day.

David Ferraro is the principal of Impact Photography, a Norfolk, VA based studio concentrating on weddings, events and portraiture. The studio website is www.impactphotopro.com, and David's blog is www.impactphoto.blogspot.com. If looking for the finest wedding photographers in Virginia Beach or Hampton Roads, be sure to speak with David.

Stefanie and Kyle, Charleston, SC

It was my distinct pleasure to attend the wedding of Stefanie Labash and Kyle Ryan in Charleston, SC last weekend. Stefanie is the daughter of one of my oldest and dearest friends. I've known this young woman all of her life, so it was a wonderful moment to be able to share her wedding with her .

Here is Stefanie dancing her first dance with her father. Anyone who knows Chris knows that absolutely nothing, NOTHING, ever comes between Chris and his children. So it was with great pride that he walked her down the aisle and presided over the proceedings.











And here is the expression of a proud father dancing with a perfect princess. Every father should wear an expression like this at such a moment!

Miss America-- who knew?

Caressa Cameron poses with Naja McFarland before Saturday's event.

I was asked to cover an event at ODU on Saturday, the third annual Conference for Girls and Young Women. It was a remarkable event. 

The keynote speaker was Caressa Cameron, the Virginia Commonwealth University student who became the 2010 Miss America. I wasn't sure what to expect from her as a speaker, but found myself blown away by the power and immediacy of what she had to say.

Miss Virginia and Miss America.

This event was attended by about 400 young women from the neighborhoods surrounding ODU, and Cameron held them in rapt attention.

Her remarks included the importance of positive action to achieve their goals, and the need to disregard the many negative messages in the media and society at large. She talked about the importance of choosing friends wisely, the dangers of boys, and the importance of keeping your own self interest in mind. One story that I recall was about being an eagle surrounded by chickens. A chicken, cameron said, would on its best day only fly six feet above the ground. If you are an eagle, and hang out with chickens, you too will not realize that you can fly higher, and that you were born to soar.

Inspirational stuff. I wished that the young women in my life had been on hand to hear her.

Workshop topics included sessions on healthy eating, body image, financial literacy and dream jobs. It was interesting to see how well attended the financial literacy sessions were.