Wow, have we been keeping busy! This NEXT week is going to be awesome… taking a little trip to Virginia Beach for one wedding and then to the mountains for another!

Recently someone asked us, “So what is a RAW file anyway and what makes it so much better than JPEGs? Do you give RAW files to your clients?”

When you first turn on your camera, it’s almost always set to automatically take pictures in .jpeg format.

Lower end, consumer cameras only shoot photos in .jpeg and only give you the option to choose the quality of the .jpeg you want to produce.

DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and some higher end point-and-shoots have an option to shoot RAW rather than JPEG.

When we are shooting with our digital cameras on jobs though, we shoot RAW. No exceptions. 

The image on the right was initially overexposed… from one moment to the next, the sun came out from behind a cloud so the light coming from the window became much brighter. Shooting RAW allowed us to save the exposure and the highlights when Allie gave us this gorgeous smile, so that it looks no different from the image on the left which was exposed correctly. 

What is a RAW file? 

For a lot of people, it doesn’t matter what it is. Not everyone “needs” to shoot RAW. It’s basically a little folder of uncompressed, or “RAW,” data. It’s information that hasn’t yet been turned into an image (or image file). That’s why when, if you ever try to shoot in “RAW” mode on your DSLR and then transfer your images to your computer, you cannot open them to view unless you have a special editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.

Because it’s “raw” and uncompressed, it retains all of the information that reached your camera’s sensor, making it very easy to save highlights (or the bright areas) in post processing. That’s our favorite part about shooting RAW – being able to maintain greater “dynamic range,” which is basically the scale of different shades of light from white to black. Finally, RAW files maintain their quality and can be edited and re-edited without a loss of quality. JPEGs lose information each time you edit them – even if you rotate them, I’ve heard. RAW files are through and through just far more flexible.

So while not everyone “needs” to shoot RAW, if you’re a professional or even a serious amateur, you can see why it’s the better option.

Shooting RAW DOESN’T mean:

Shooting RAW does NOT mean not paying attention to your exposure settings. Do not, do not, do not go on a serious shoot and say, “Well, I’ll fix that later.” You should try and do everything to get your exposure right in camera. As flexible as RAW files are, it’s still possible to lose your highlights or underexpose, making either a harsh, white image with tons of lost information or a dark image which can be corrected but get’s extremely “noisy” (noise = ugly digital grain) in the process. Also, trying to get your settings right “in camera” eliminates tons of time in post which could be spent doing better things! Like watching soccer, eating sushi or getting out in the real world (what we like to do in our free time).

Look at it this way: 

A raw file is bigger, clumsier, takes more time to transfer, cannot be printed directly, usually looks slightly flat and needs a bit of sharpening. But that’s because it is what it is – it’s an unfinished product, and a far superior file than a .jpeg. It gives you more creative control with which to produce the final result.

That’s also exactly why, although we offer “digital negatives,” we don’t offer our RAW files. If someone sees our photos and loves our style, but wants to have RAW files to edit themselves, then they’re not really getting our style are they? You wouldn’t go to a restaurant, order the house special, but ask that it be brought out for you to prepare yourself, right? What was the purpose of going to the restaurant then? 

We hope this helps!

<3 xoxo, Michael and Carina

PS: If you have a question about photography, please leave a comment, send us an email at info@www.michaelandcarina.com or drop us a line at our Facebook page.

Virginia Wedding Photographers | Hampton Roads Wedding Photographers | Williamsburg Wedding Photographers

]]> http://www.michaelandcarina.com/q-a-thursday-raw-vs_jpeg_virginia_wedding_photographers/feed/ 0 http://www.michaelandcarina.com/hampton-roads-wedding-and-engagement-photographers-personal-walk-in-the-woods/ http://www.michaelandcarina.com/hampton-roads-wedding-and-engagement-photographers-personal-walk-in-the-woods/#comments Sat, 21 Sep 2013 02:15:16 +0000 michaelandcarina http://www.michaelandcarina.com/?p=6797 A little bit of fall, a little bit of love, a little bit of us…

…we love taking walks in the woods with our little dog August…and I love getting love letters from my husband

<3, Carina

Virginia Wedding Photographers | Hampton Roads Wedding Photographers | Williamsburg Wedding Photographers

I have been looking forward to this time for an entire year. My “little” brother, Jonas, has been a big part of my life ever since I was seven years old. We traveled together, studied together, went through thick and thin… now he is 16 years old and actually taller than me.

It was the hardest thing for me to hug him good-bye in August 2012 when Michael and I moved to the United States after living in Europe for 4 years. I knew I would miss him the most. That’s why as soon as we found a good deal, we got a ticket for Jonas to come visit us this summer. He has been working towards this vacation all year too…he will actually graduate from German high school next summer… *so proud*

After a few more “car adventures” (yeah…that is “positive-talk” for expensive repairs), Michael and I got a rental car to pick up Jonas from Dulles airport. We ate rice cakes on the way – a family tradition And I was so excited to finally see my brother again. I was wondering how he would like our new home, what he would think of our apartment, our job, our new “American way of life”. I couldn’t wait to introduce him to all of it.

Then…Thursday night he finally arrived. First thing we did was buy him some Starbucks. Yup, welcome to America, bro!

We spent all Friday discovering D.C. – the gorgeous marble city that I think is pretty similar to Rome. We saw all the monuments and two museums; the Air and Space Museum and the Natural Science Museum. We loved seeing the dinosaur bones. My brother was blown away; after all he used to be a HUGE dino fan! We also saw the White House, the Capitol,…we walked from place to place – by foot. It was great! At any given opportunity, we hung our feet in the water/pools. My brother was impressed by it all. One of our last stops on our D.C. tour was the Lincoln Memorial. That place is really special to Michael and I. Yes, it has a lot of history etc. but it also has a special meaning for our love story. In August 2007, when I was 17 years old (yikes, just 1 year older than my little brother now!!!), Michael asked me to be his wife on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial after a romantic summer day spent in D.C. Being there brought back a lot of memories and I am super excited to have nice pictures of us there now (thank you, Jo! he has become a pro at photography!). It was also really great making new memories there with my brother.  This place will always be special to me.

The next day (after a few more “car adventures”), we drove through the Virginian countryside towards our new home listening to John Denver and Johnny Cash. We made a few stops on the way, taking pictures by awesome signs and cars, feeding some hungry stray cats and eventually hitting up a superstore. We really wanted Jonas to experience it all

He is having a great time here in America, noticing all the little differences between the two countries, Germany and America. He loves American hospitality, music and BBQ and he is excited to dive even deeper within the next weeks.

I am over the moon. Within these few weeks, I want to show my brother why we love living here and savor every moment together. These memories will last forever. That’s why I am so thankful for these photos…they are much more than travel snapshots…they will remind us of these wonderful times spent together.

Here are some highlights from the past few days…more to come soon!

We photographed their engagement session in Colonial Williamsburg, one of our favorite places around. Amber and Dustin made a whole date-day out of it, which we think is a great idea! (wink wink to all our future couples haha)
The rustic feel ties right in with their vision for their big day. And what time of the day could be better to shoot in than golden hour?

After seeing how amazing you guys are in front of the camera, we can hardly wait for your wedding! Amber, you will make a stunning bride!!!

Richmond Wedding Photographers | Virginia Wedding Photographers | Williamsburg Wedding Photographers

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Virginia | Richmond | Williamsburg | VA Beach | Yorktown | Hampton Roads | Engagement + Wedding Photographers | Michael and Carina Photography

Portrait of a Georgia Minister / Kodak Portra 160

We were driving back from Florida when we turned off of I-95 into the little town of Horse Stamp, Georgia. We met this pastor there. He asked if he could bless our car before we continued on our way. I said sure, if I can make your portrait. -M

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The fine art approach isn’t a model that needs to be mimicked. It’s a framework, a mind-set. – Jose Villa

Film Blog

A lot of people seem to be talking about “film” in the photography world at the moment, and it seems almost as if serious photographers have collectively, almost subconsciously, started to drift back towards a medium once passed off as being as outdated as vinyl records.

After a few months “fiddling” with it… we begin to understand why…

Now, first things first..
We are not “film photographers…”
We are not “digital photographers…”
We are photographers…

We photograph people. We photograph weddings.

Cameras are our tools, the means to an end. They are (expensive) pieces of equipment put in our hands, and left alone they are completely void of creativity.

As a tool, digital cameras offer almost limitless possibilities to photographers. With our DSLRs and “fast” lenses, we can photograph scenes in next to no light even without the aid of off camera flash (though it helps!). With a few 16GB cards, we shoot several thousand photos easily before popping one card out and putting another in.

But that said…

There is just something about film… maybe about the experience of film… that we just fell in love with.

Hours spent searching for inspiration in 2012 eventually led us to purchasing Elizabeth Messina’s “The Luminous Portrait.”

Her book is now what we call our photography Bible.

It approaches photography from not so much a technical point of view, but a person’s point of view.

She spends multiple chapters, beautifully adorned by her work, reinforcing how it’s less about the camera, the technical stuff, the settings, the complications, and more about 2 things – connecting with your subject and connecting with the good light.

It’s a fantastic read whether you’re into digital photography or film… but there was one aspect of her personal workflow that appealed to us. By shooting only film, and properly exposing the film, she has more time to connect with subjects whether than constantly changing settings, or worrying about how to edit something out later.

We simply had to give it a try.

Shooting our first rolls of film was exciting and expensive.

No, film is neither fast nor cheap.
But we love working with it. The patience it demands, the understanding, the pause you have to take before you release the shutter.

Just looking through the viewfinder of our Contax, you can create a picture so beautiful it makes gives you butterflies in your stomach. The viewfinder is massive and you can see the depth of field change in real time. With fingers on the focus ring of the gorgeous 80mm Zeiss glass, we watch subjects melt in and out of focus.

With our first wedding of the “season” coming up next month (May 2013), we can hardly wait to incorporate this newfound love into our workflow.

If you’re interested in trying out film, consider these completely from-our-experience, non-scientific tips. Again, based only on our first impressions.

 Exposure: You seem to be able to capture a wider spectrum of color when shooting film. The chance of getting blown out highlights and shadows without any detail is lower than when shooting digital, and if you know anything about your exposure, it’s actually almost impossible. This is especially helpful, as when you put a roll of film in, you have to commit to the film speed of that roll.

Metering: Don’t rely on the metering system in your camera. Use a lightmeter, or even a light reading app, and expose for the darkest area of your subject. Don’t worry about highlights in the sky as you would with digital. You can push the film a bit further than digital cameras – there is more room for over- and under-exposure. This is probably the most important difference between the two. After a while, you memorize what exposures work best in which light situations.

 Time: Yes, film makes you wait for the results. The tension grows and the patience (also of the subject) is tested. But film has a major time advantage for photographers: next to no time spent on editing. If you know your techniques and settings your pictures will return to you the way you would try to make them look after hours spent photoshopping or in lightroom. We always feel like it is Christmas morning when we find our lab’s “Scans are ready” message in our inbox. By the way, if you shoot film you should check out Indie Film Lab – they are amazing.

 Feel: There’s something rustic and artistic about shooting film. You feel like you’re part of something important, like you’re creating history. There’s a nostalgic quality to it that helps create a greater emotional investment in what you are creating. Okay, maybe that’s a bit exaggerated but that’s just us.
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Money: Shooting film will cost you. From purchase to scan we pay about $22 per roll. One roll has about 16 pictures (on 120mm film). Unlike with digital, ever time we release the shutter, we are spending money. Imagine shooting weddings at this rate. If you shoot film you professionally will need to consider adjusting your pricing to make sure you’re not making loss. And since there are no “re-runs” and no “chimping” with film it really makes you think twice about the image you’re about to take. Is it perfect? Is it worth it? Is the focus right? Are my settings spot on?

We are so excited to be blessed with the opportunity to create unforgettable images with so many amazing couples using a combination of new & old techniques. We are looking forward to capturing memories and fleeting moments on professional DSLRs throughout the wedding day until deep into the night, but we are also very eager to bring this “film” approach to our wedding photography and wedding portrait process.

Hope you enjoyed this little update into our “film journey…” Maybe we can inspire someone else to try it out themselves…

Jasmine & Damian /fujipro 400

Morgan & Mark / Kodak Portra 400

Early morning in Horse Stamp, Georgia / Kodak Portra 160

Portrait of a Georgia Minister II / Kodak Portra 160

Carina & Aicha / Fujipro 400

Jasmine & Damian / Portra 160


Jasmine & Damian/ Portra 400

Aicha / Fujipro 400

Nic & Aicha / Fujipro 400

Nic & Aicha / Fujipro 400

Nic & Aicha / Fujipro 400

Curious little squirrel / Fujipro400

<3

If you’d like to contact us with an inquiry for your wedding or couple session, send us a message at info@www.michaelandcarina.com, or call 757-401-2551. 

Virginia Wedding Photographers | Hampton Roads Wedding Photographers | Williamsburg Wedding Photographers

(these links return you to our homepage!  

If you’d like to contact us with an inquiry for your wedding or couple session, send us a message at info@www.michaelandcarina.com, or call 757-401-2551. 

Virginia Wedding Photographers | Hampton Roads Wedding Photographers | Williamsburg Wedding Photographers

(these links return you to our homepage!  

Christmas and Holiday Blog

This was our first Christmas back in the States, not counting last Christmas, when we were just “visiting.”

We’ve been really busy lately so we were happy for a break! That said, we’re kind of happy to get back to shooting too! We have a few shoots coming up this week, a wedding in a week and a half, and three brides to meet with in the coming month.

WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here’s what we’ve been up to the past few days. We hope all of you had a blessed Christmas holiday and/or whatever other special time you chose to celebrate!

This year we joined Michael’s brother and cousin to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Mike’s brother’s family surprised our chihuahua, August, with a Santa costume this year (which he got reeeeally excited about!). Thanks also to Kristine French Makeup Artistry for the toy! It’s his favorite now… aside from our socks!

The beautiful daughter of a friend whom we haven’t seen since 2008. The last time I saw this little girl she was an infant. Now she’s a photographer, and an artist to boot (note her right hand)!







Our cats love to get in on the action!

We are so excited about for each and every wedding and portrait session to come in 2013. We are also excited to  meet and network with a bunch of new people in 2013.

See you there!

We recently completed a series of bridal editorial style images which we can’t reveal (completely) until next year.

Tomorrow we are shooting for our ad with Hampton Roads Wedding Planner Magazine! We’re excited to work with some very talented models as well as Kristine French Makeup Artistry and High Voltage Hair at Lee Hall in Yorktown.

We were also recently contacted by a brand new bridal show to be the exclusive wedding photographers there! But more on that later…

Also finished up two weddings way ahead of schedule and preparing for another in a couple of weeks, getting bills paid, meeting with two brides this week – - – one thing we have not done is decorated the house. At all. Our apartment looks like the middle of January although it is the middle of December. Which is kind of sad. And must be remedied. However, we did celebrate our 9 year anniversary this past weekend and pigged out on German Christmas Lebkuchen (gingerbread cookies) – AWESOME. 

Here are some samples of portrait sessions we’ve had in and around the Hampton Roads area over the past couple of months.

Each portrait session with us is unique and strives to capture your character in a stand out image. Contact us at info@www.michaelandcarina.com or at 757-401-2551 if you would like to schedule your portrait session today. We like to shoot on location, but as it is winter, indoor arrangements can be made in Yorktown and Virginia Beach.

April at the Wedmore Place in Williamsburg, VA. Kirstie Fals Makeup Artistry and Spring Wiley styling really took this bridal photography session to the next level!

These  bridal portraits were taken last month (October 2012) at the beautiful Williamsburg Winery. Kirstie Fals Makeup Artistry and Spring Wiley provided makeup and styling,  flowers were provided by Williamsburg Floral, cake was provided by Sara at the Courthouse Cake Company.