Mike Richards Photography - International Wedding Photographer

CLOSING THIS BLOG DOWN!!!

2008-10-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

Okay all, I am closing this blog. I am reopening a blog under my own URL, www.mike-richards.com/theblog. Swing by the new blog as it is running and let me know what you think. This will be my last entry on this blog and by the end of the year, it will no longer exist.

~PLEASE VISIT~

www.mike-richards.com/theblog

Thanks all!

Wedding ~ 10-18

2008-10-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

What a day! I had the honor of shooting a GREAT friends wedding yesterday and it was such a blast! I have gone through about the half the wedding and I got some great stuff! I can't wait for David & Stacy to get back from their honeymoon so we can go through the photos.

Well, for now, I leave you with just one...

Wedding ~ 10-12

2008-10-16T17:10:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots from the wedding I shot on 10-12 with great friend and fellow photographer Robert Loparo. The wedding was in Mt. Dora, Florida on a lakes. It was absolutely beautiful. As always, please let me know what you think.

Sunday Fun Shoot!!!

2008-10-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

So I was invited to a Sunday fun photo shoot with some other photographers. It was great to get out and have the freedom to just shoot! The gown was supplied by Formal Oasis, be sure to check them out if you are looking for a dress! Here are a few of my favorites from Sunday's shoot.

Yes, that is a train coming!!!

Yes, that is a panther!!!

Please let me know what you think!

Two Weddings this Weekend!!!

2008-10-05T13:22:00.001-07:00

Wow, what a busy weekend. Had a solo wedding yesterday that was absolutely beautiful! Then today I shot second for a friend and fellow photographer, Robert Loparo.

I am so happy that Lisette and Paul contacted me to shoot their wedding on Saturday. I received word that they needed a photographer on Monday of last week so I gave them a call and after a great meeting, they booked me. They had a wedding photographer already but due to some problems, they were forced to find another photographer and I am so happy they choose me. They are a super sweet couple that have so much love for each other.

For now, here is a little teaser. Enjoy!

Three weddings...

2008-09-30T05:12:00.000-07:00

I have shot three weddings since my last post and I might have two this weekend. One is a definite and the other I just found out about yesterday. ...man its been really busy! I will post up some pictures later of the last three weddings.

But for now, I have to post a new picture of me and David Jay. I have never been to Europe and when I told DJ that, he told me that I would love it so we booked a flight to Paris. When we landed, we did the normal tourist thing and picked up a couple of berets. Of course DJ being a HUGE "Prince" fan, he bought a Raspberry Beret. Well, its nice to be home, that's for sure! Paris is great, but I hate flying!

...oh yeah and DJ made me watch some crazy cartoon about a skunk while we were in Paris?!

Textures...

2008-09-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to try out textures for a long time now. So, tonight I decided to see what I could do. Please let me know what you think of these two shots.

Weekend at Daytona!

2008-09-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

What a nice, relaxing weekend with the family. The wife, mother-in-law and my beautiful daughter headed to Daytona for some R&R. I took the D3 out for a little test of what it could do and man I am more and more pleased each time I press the shutter!!!

Here are a few of my favorites from yesterday. I decided NOT to use second light on these and to be honest, I am more than pleased with the results this camera produces.

My wife wrote our daughters name in sand and it made for a great picture!

In great TN Moutains with DJ!!!

2008-09-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, so after the final stop of the Free To Succeed Tour, David Jay and I stepped outside for a quick picture in the TN Mountains! God it is beautiful here! ;)

Me shooting...

2008-09-11T07:40:00.001-07:00

This one will be quick. A new friend took a great shot of me this past week at a photo shoot. I really like the picture so I figured I would put it up. This is just the way I love to shoot, comfy jeans, t-shirt, Chuck Taylor Converse, Boda Bag and my Nikon D3!

You can find more pictures by going to Dawn Haas.

Nikon D3

2008-09-08T08:29:00.001-07:00

Well, as most of my photographer friends know, I have switched from Canon to Nikon more times than I like to admit. In a previous post I mentioned how I had switched from Canon to Nikon because I loved the ergonomics and colors the Nikon produced. Well what some of you don't know is that I switched back to Canon to get the greatness of the 5D.

Well like most things in life, the 5D didn't live up to its reputation! I found the 5D slow, to have poor controls and the weather sealing well, I should say, a lack of weather sealing.

Since I shoot weddings and sports, I decided to try the 1D Mark III by Canon. Wow, what a great camera it was but still, I wanted the ergonomics and colors that Nikon produces. So a few months ago, I sold the 1D Mark III and went back to Nikon and bought the D300. After a couple of months I got the itch for the D3. And so what do most people do when they have an itch...they scratch it?

So off to the local stores I went...I needed to see how great the D3 really was. I also needed to see why Nikon charges so much for it.

The whole time, drooling as I drove to my local camera store. Thinking, is it as good as they say? The 1D Mark III was good but I mean, it wasn't life changing. I pull up at Colonial Photo and Hobby in Orlando, FL. I get out and first I think, I am going to try Nikon's new camera the D700 along with the D3.

I walk in the store and up to the counter I go...nothing stopped me, not even the beautiful Think Tank bags (which I currently own). Wiping the drool from my mouth I ask to see the D700 and the D3. I wanted a side-by-side comparison of the two. The D700 with the grip did feel really nice in my hands, it felt solid, the controls were much like my D300 so they were quite familiar.

Then I grabbed the D3, pressed the shutter button and floated off into photography bliss! If you have ever held a DSLR in your hands, then grabbed a D3, you should know what I am talking about here. The sound of the carbon fiber and kevlar shutter was so pleasing to the ear. The sleek black curves are so sexy! The controls are well laid out and easily accessible. The viewfinder...oh the viewfinder!!! Full 100% viewing of all full-frame (FX) goodness!

Then the final nail in the coffin for the D700...DUAL CF card slots of the D3 vs. the single slot in the D700! If the D700 was geared towards wedding photographers and the like, why didn't it have this feature? As a wedding photographer it seems like a must! Immediate back-up of all those beautiful files!

So, a week or so later, I received a beautiful gift in the form of a D3 from my wife Lauren!

Below are two pictures, one is a picture I took at a recent session with the D3 and the other is a picture of my new love.

What a weekend!

2008-09-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, can you imagine...me hanging out with David Jay again!!!

Its like I just woke up from a dream. I asked David if he had plans and he said that he wanted to hit the theme parks and asked what would be a nice relaxing park to just hang and maybe have a drink. Well of course the answer is Epcot!

I am sooo tired, earlier I searched for the hidden bus then headed to Epcot. Here is a picture that some tourist took of us...looks a little weird but oh well! ;)

He also invited me to come to TN for the last stop of the Free To Succeed Tour!!!!! ;)

Meeting David Jay!!!

2008-09-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, so in a previous post I listed my favorite 5 photographers. Four of these photographers I thought I would never have the pleasure of meeting until this past week.

David Jay was coming to Orlando for the Free To Succeed Tour. I immediately bought tickets and scheduled the time off of work. About two weeks ago I decided that it would be a great idea to throw an after-party for the tour stop and a day after photo shoot.

I asked Kevin from KevinKeelan.com if we could throw the party at the studio and he of course said, YES! He then helped with the planning and definitely made the planning a pleasure. I then contacted people on a forum known as OSP and let them know of my idea and so many wonderful people jumped right on the opportunity.

I contacted David Jay on the forum with my idea and he responded that it sounded great and that I needed to contact his assistant. After speaking with his assistant Crystal a couple of times it seemed promising that he would come but I know he is a busy man so I didn't really expect it.

The night of the tour was amazing, in the four hours I spent at the seminar I learned so much...it was so intense and just what I needed. I walked up to David Jay and asked if he was coming to the party and he said, OH YEAH! WOW, David Jay coming to my party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well since he was traveling by bus he needed a ride to the party which we were happy to provide. At the party it was amazing to chat with someone I look up to so much in wedding photography. David is not only an amazing photographer but he is an amazing person. So non-arrogant, so friendly and so willing to provide all of his trade secrets...so I guess that aren't really secrets then, huh? :)

Sadly at about 2 am I had to take David and his wonderful girlfriend Alley back to their bus. :(

I had always told my wife that one day I would meet David Jay and it was more than I ever expected!

David, if you read this THANK YOU! You are truly and inspiration and I can't wait to come to California to visit!

Oh by the way DJ, can't wait to start traveling the world with you! ;)

WOW...what a weekend!

2008-08-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Saturday I had a wedding that started in Orlando and ended in Miami. The wedding was a little different because we did not shoot any getting ready shots or ceremony. After the ceremony is when we started shooting. This was Robert Loparo's wedding and I got to shoot second, something I really love!

Then on Sunday, we drove home from Miami and I had an engagement that afternoon. I will be posting some pictures of this amazing couple in the coming days. But for now, I will give you all a little teaser.

WOW, what a sunset!

Where have I been?

2008-08-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

Well the last couple of weeks have been crazy. I like to take a few weeks out of the year to focus on future bookings. In the past two weeks, I have been talking with a bunch of brides and really started to focus on booking the 09 year, which is going well. I do have a wedding this weekend that is sure to be amazing, they always are. Then back to my normal shooting every weekend schedule for a couple of months then a short break in November, then heading on a cruise at the end of November, then back for another wedding in December to round out the year.

I recently met with Central Florida Bride about some advertising but haven't decided if that is the route I want to take for advertising next year or not.

Check back next week for some updated photos. After the wedding on Saturday in South Florida, I have an engagement session on Sunday and hopefully some free time to head to the Florida Professional Photographers tradeshow on Sunday.

Getting Married in 2009?

2008-07-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

If you are getting married in 2009 and want to get the most out of your photography budget. Then book Mike Richards Photography for your 2009 wedding in the month of August and get a FREE engagement session with an online proofing gallery (a $350 value)!!!!

I always suggest engagement sessions to couples for a few reasons.

1. Gives us some alone time to get to know each other.
2. In this session I find out what you like and don't like.
3. Shows you what I am looking for in posture and position to help you look your best on your big day.
4. Use the photos to make a great guest-signing album for the reception.

Remember, this offer is only valid if booked in the month of August (2008), so call today to set-up an appointment. I look forward to hearing from you!

Mommy Daughter Shoot

2008-07-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

Well today my wife asked if I would take our daughter and her to the park for some family portraits. Of course, I said YES! Here are a few of her favorites from today.

Beautiful Bride in a Beautiful Garden!!!

2008-07-27T06:18:00.001-07:00

So yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Robert and Lyndsey in Port Orange, FL. These two are absolutely gorgeous and what a great time we had. The groom made me feel very comfortable and was really up for anything which allowed for my creativity to run! The bride looked absolutely beautiful and when I found out that we were heading to a garden to do the intimates, I got very excited. As I was shooting this beautiful bride, I kept looking at my camera thinking, WOW, this stuff looks amazing. Here are a couple of the shots from the garden. All of these pictures were taken with second light.

Let me know what you think!

Wedding 7/19/08

2008-07-20T15:38:00.001-07:00

What a nice relaxing day I had today! I was able to just relax for once and catch up on some much needed sleep. I was up til about 2 am last night, just getting home from the wedding and doing my normal back-ups.

Here are a couple of my favorites from the first batch I went through. Feedback always welcome!

Wedding 7/12

2008-07-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, what another amazing wedding! This is why I love what I do! I came away from this wedding with some amazing stuff and the feeling of love was everywhere. I shot this wedding with Robert LOparo.

Here are a few of my favorite shots!

Home from St. Augustine

2008-07-06T16:40:00.000-07:00

Well we are back from St. Augustine. We had a blast! We stayed at St. Francis Inn in the room named Miss Lily's room. This room is supposed to be haunted and we only encountered a few strange things...like my flip-flops ended up way under the bed, which we don't "think" we did. My wife's curling iron became unplugged when it shouldn't have. But that was really it.

We went on a ghost tour that was far from scary. We had some great beers at some local pubs but we truly enjoyed the fireworks on the 4th at the harbor in St. Augustine.

Here is some funny pics we took while on the trip.

Enjoy!

Wedding 6/28

2008-06-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hey all, so I am back after another amazing wedding with Kevin Keelan. It was a beautiful wedding with an amazing reception. We got into a bit of a down pour when we left the ceremony on the way to the reception. Our gear was soaked and so was Kevin!!! lol I took a few minutes and picked out some of my immediate favorites.

Let me know what you think!

K2 Breakthru Workshop

2008-06-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

Kevin Keelan of K2 Breakthru Workshops is putting on another workshop for late July. I definitely recommend going to this workshop if you have the opportunity. Kevin is the master of perfect exposures in my opinion and he is an amazing teacher.

Kevin's Blog

****EDIT****
Well it looks like the workshop was postponed. Not only is Kevin an amazing photographer but he is also a devoted Chrisitan. Kevin is actually on a mission trip as I type with his son and his church.

My prayers are with you, Kevin Keelan...may the lord bless you.

Another Wedding

2008-06-19T16:57:00.000-07:00

This wedding was shot a couple of weeks ago with the amazing Kevin Keelan. I was really busy and didn't have a chance to put them up online but here are a couple of my favorites. Please let me know what you think.

Wedding Last Weekend!!!

2008-06-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

I shot second at an amazing wedding with a very good friend, Kevin Keelan! We had a blast shooting the wedding and we both got some amazing shots! I am actually planning to blow a few of these up.

The wedding took place here in central Florida. We shot hair & make-up all the way to the exit at the reception. Please let me know what you think of the photos! Oh yeah, all of these were shot with second lighting...god, I love second light!!!

Home from Disney...

2008-06-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Well I just home a couple of hours ago from a resort in Disney and man was I tired. I took a little nap with my daughter who was so tuckered out from the weekend. She really loved "It's a Small World" and keeps singing it.

Top 5 Photographers...

2008-06-13T06:28:00.001-07:00

Okay, so last night I was sitting with a fellow photographer and we were discussing who was our idols in wedding photography. To be honest, I had never really thought of this but there are so many people out there that are amazing and deserve the credit.

I know my opinion really doesn't mean squat but either way, here is my list.

David Beckstead - http://www.davidbeckstead.com/
David Jay - http://www.davidjay.com/
Bebb Studios - http://www.tyingtheknot.net/
Ed Pingol - http://www.edpingol.blogspot.com
Kevin Keelan - http://www.kevinkeelan.com

These are in no particular order, they are all amazing photographers.

On a different subject, I took some time off from the blog and the site to manage some stuff with the business but everything is where I want it so I plan to update the site and blog often. This weekend I am headed out to Walt Disney World here in Orlando, FL. It is my first weekend off from shooting in a long time so the family and I are staying at a resort and we plan to hit Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.

Check back later.

;) mR

Long time....no posts!

2008-05-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

So, it has been a couple of weeks since I have posted. I told myself that I would not neglect my blog but I have been so busy. I recently shot two weddings, both outdoors, one on the beach and the other on a lake. I will post some shots up of those weddings in the coming days and I have another wedding this weekend.

I decided to try and play with some functions on my camera and I am liking the results. Here is a picture of my beautiful wife that I took during testing...it turned out so well, I figured that I would post it.

Sarah & Matt - part two

2008-04-22T16:53:00.001-07:00

Here are a few more pictures from Sarah & Matt's wedding.

Is tomorrow D-Day?!?!

2008-04-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am not usually one to believe rumors but for some reason there is one rumor that I am afraid I believe and I will know for sure tomorrow whether I fell for just another rumor or not.

The Canon 5D has been out for a few years now with no replacement, this is weird because camera companies, including Canon, put new bodies out every 18 months on consumer models and 36 months for pro models. Since the 5D is considered a pro body, it is due for a replacement.

I found this link not too long ago and I have read so many people talking about whether it is true or not. Last year there was a log of talk about a Canon 7D or the other name for the same product was 5D Mark II. I believed it was going to be named Canon 5D Mark II but now I am thinking that Canon 7D will be the name as I seen a post on a forum about a UPC code for the Canon EOS 7D.

Here is something interesting that I discovered today. Now, this was not found on any forum, this is just my crazy head playing with numbers. The release date is April 22nd, the date of availability is June 2. Now follow this...

4/22/08 = 16
6/02/08 = 16
_____________

They are the same...weird.

1 + 6 = 7 (7D?)

_____________

Another coincidence? We will know tomorrow.

Mike

*******************************************************************

Update: it is now after midnight so officially it is the 22nd of April here on the east coast of the US. No sign of the 5D yet...I think it is a huge hoax!

Sarah & Matt

2008-04-19T21:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, another amazing wedding today. It was a very emotional wedding and I believe there was more to it than just wedding day emotions. The bride and bridesmaid, again, were a blast! I have only been through the first card of pictures and I have already found a few that I love.

Im 28 today...WOW!

2008-04-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

Well today I turned 28 yrs old. I had a nice relaxing day with the family and my daughter has been singing happy birthday to me all day...its very sweet. Of course for gifts I got cash, per request and I have already spent it in my head, now I just gotta make my orders!

Anyway, I made a cute video of my daughter singing happy birthday...

Katja and Kyle

2008-04-13T11:28:00.001-07:00

What a cool wedding! Katja was a blast to hang with for the day and a real pleasure to shoot. Her and the bridesmaids hung out at this really cool house and had so much potential for photographs. I didn't get much of a chance to hang with Kyle but he was a great guy and he cried at the wedding...it was a very emotional wedding. Here are a few pics. Also, this was the first wedding back with Canon! Man I am I happy I made the switch.

The switch is complete!!!

2008-04-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I decided last week to make the switch from Nikon back to Canon. I received my 5D body and grip today, along with two lenses, a 24-70 2.8L and a 70-200 2.8L. Friday I should receive my 30D backup body, 100mm Macro 2.8 and dual 580EXII flashes. Then my next order should contain a 15mm Fisheye and a 50mm 1.4.

I shot with the 5D moments ago and I used 1600 ISO because I knew that wasn't something I was not comfortable doing with the Nikon! The results at 1600 was amazing!

Blogging from my iPhone

2008-04-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

So I got an iPhone today and I wanted to see how well it works for blogging and I actually love it! It looks like my Canon gear should all be here this week and I am very excited. Well that's about it for today.

Go BODA Baby!!!

2008-04-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I recently picked up a Boda Dry while I was at Photoshop World. I wore it for almost a whole day carrying a 70-200 2.8, 50 1.8, SB800, batteries...basically a days worth of gear; plus of course what was hanging around my neck. I can NOT believe how comfortable and evenly distributed the weight was.

If you are a photographer that carries more than one lens or currently shoots with two bodies. Well put one of your bodies back in the case and only carry one body and all the lenses you need. The Boda Dry offers completely one-handed operation and holds everything you need for a days shoot.

GO BODA!!!

Photoshop World in Orlando, FL

2008-04-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

Well I am currently sitting in a lounge at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida attending the Photoshop World conference. So far it has been a great conference and I have two classes left, which are the two I am most excited about.

During my time here I have decided to go back to Canon. I had the opportunity to hold and shoot a Canon 5D again and with words of the 5D Mark II coming out in the fall, I am going to make the move. I am getting the following equipment hopefully in the next week.

Canon 5D w/grip
Canon 40D w/grip (this will probably be my sports camera and just a backup to the 5D)
16-35 f2.8
24-70 f2.8
70-200 f2.8 IS
550EX Flash x 2
1.4 Converter

I am getting ready to head into the last tech expo to speak with more vendors. I am also going to swing my Canon's booth and shoot the 5D again just for fun!!!

Nikon 10.5mm Fisheye Review

2008-03-31T08:28:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I have decided to write my first review. I have chosen to write a review on a lens that I am not too thrilled about; the Nikon 10.5mm DX Fisheye. I picked the lens up from Ritz Camera here but you can also get it here and here for a little cheaper.

My first thoughts, man its wide! I took a few shoots and could not believe that my feet were actually in the shot if I looked through the view finder...I actually had to hold the lens away from my face in order to not have my feet in the shot. The fisheye is nice but a little less dramatic than I thought it would be; unless of course you are within inches of the subject.

Mounted on my D300 it is light and though a little loud while zooming it is fairly quick. The 2.8 aperture is nice as it allows plenty of light in, even in dimly lit rooms. The 2.8 is a must for this lens because it is so wide, you really can't use flash.

My problems with the lens is that it is too wide, I prefer a 14mm fisheye if you must have one. Also, as I stated above, it didn't have as much of a dramatic effect as I was hoping for.

All and all it is a great lens for receptions, parties and events that you want to add something different. The biggest problem I have is that for a fisheye, you really need to be close to someone's face to get a really unique picture.

Darcy & Ahn Vu

2008-03-30T21:06:00.001-07:00

This wedding was a lot of fun. We were able to go out to the golf course and just sort of walk around and it allowed me to catch some great moments between the new married couple.

Rachel & Johnathan

2008-03-19T04:47:00.001-07:00

This wedding took place on 3/15/08 in Oviedo, Florida. For most of this wedding I used my 70-200 VR lens and was able to get some great shots. The full church shot was take with my 24-70. All of these photos were straight out of the camera, no real adjustments in photoshop with the exception of color correction. Thank you Nikon!

Equipment list...growing!

2008-03-16T16:36:00.001-07:00

Well my equipment list is growing! After the last wedding (3/15), I realized that there are a few things that I "must" have! I ordered an Alien Bee B800, more pocket wizards, 13.5' Calumet light stands and Vivitar 285HV's.

I can't believe how busy this wedding season has been this year. I have so many weddings lined up, I can't see a break but I LOVE IT!!!

My Wedding Bag?

2008-03-12T12:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have been asked what bag I carry to weddings and why. Well, I currently carry a Tamrac Cyberpak 6, which is a backpack style carrier. While it is comfortable and roomy, I have decided to switch.

Recently I ordered a Stanley tool box from Amazon. I learned about a similar tool box from a fellow shooter. The great thing about this tool box is that once you line it with foam, you have a mobile (pull behind) camera storage unit that holds everything! The one I purchased has a top unit that will hold my D300, D300 bracket, 24-70, 70-200 and an SB-800 flash. The first drawer will hold my pocket wizards, Vivitar 285HV flash units, screw drivers, cleaning equipment and just about all the extra little things needed. The next set of drawers will house AA batteries, camera batteries, memory cards, wires and so on. The final compartment at the bottom will hold my Alien Bees, all back-up equipment and extension cables.

Mounted to the side of the tool box will be two Calumet 13.5' air cushioned light stands and a tripod. This should be everything I need for a wedding! Oh yeah, and I can remove the top part of the tool box to stand on to shoot formals!

I also have a Tamrac belt with Nikon lens bags that I wear during weddings. Makes for quick access to things like lens, flashes, batteries and cf cards.

Family?

2008-03-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

One thing I haven't talked about is my family...how can you get to know me without hearing about my personal life?

Well I have an amazing wife that is very supportive. We have been married for almost 7 years now and been together for over 12 years. She is caring, loving, sweet, fun and a great mother to our wonderful daughter!

Our daughter Hannah will be turning 2 years old on the 23rd of March. I can't believe how much Hannah means to me and how no matter the day I am having, just her smiling and happy way brightens my day. There is nothing better than coming home after shooting a wedding where everyone is so happy, and seeing my daughter so happy to see me and her mother right behind her!

I am a lucky man, thats for sure! God has blessed me with a beautiful, loving wife and a piece of heaven we call our daughter.

Nikon, sweet Nikon!

2008-03-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I shot Canon for a long time. I loved Canon and most of my Canon work was studio but I did shoot a lot of my portraiture with Canon. I loved the selection of lenses, the availability of accessories and I loved the wheel (Canon users will know all about that)!

But I made a switch about 3 months ago to Nikon. I don't know the real reason for my switch but I think I just wanted to try something new. I got the D300 as I mentioned in my first blog, along with a few amazing lenses. It was a little hard to get used to the controls but the ergonomics were easy to love. The controls are second nature and now, I don't miss the wheel at all as I first did. The switch in lens mounting was the biggest hurdle. I tried to put the caps and lenses on the wrong way for a solid 2 months and now I find that I am beginning to mess up on my Canon stuff...lol Just goes to show how little I use it.

The D300 is amazing, it focuses well in low light. Its responsive, its durable, its comfortable and best of all, I do very little post production in photoshop. I love Nikon's 24-70 2.8 lens as much as I did on the Canon version.

Canon makes some amazing equipment and their primes...well if you know anything about lenses you know that Canon's primes are amazing! As for zooms (the type of lenses I prefer), Nikon I think has an slight edge. When purchasing lenses and putting myself way in the hole, I knew there might be a day I could afford the amazing D3, so I didn't get any DX lenses. I hope to have the D3 someday and then I will get a 14 fisheye; I believe it is a 14.

I have only one complaint with Nikon, their poor higher ISO performance. This has plagued Nikon since they started making digital SLR's. I HATE the noise reduction on the Nikon and the noise is only a stop better than that of the D200 and we know the D200 wasn't great in the high ISO department.

Robert Loparo

2008-03-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to shoot with the photographer that shot my wedding almost 7 yrs ago, Robert Loparo. It was a beautiful wedding and man did I ever get some amazing shots.

5 Weddings in March!!!

2008-02-24T07:22:00.001-08:00

For the month of March I have 5 weddings to shoot and I am meeting with a client for a wedding in May, March is going to be a busy month!

I picked up my back-up body, a D200 with grip. I hope I won't need it but if I ever do, I'll have it!

Second wedding with Kevin Keelan!

2008-02-20T07:41:00.001-08:00

Well after having a blast shooting with Kevin on Saturday, I headed out for another wedding. This wedding was the complete opposite of the previous wedding, the other wedding was in a large church, hundreds of people and 22 people in the bridal party. This wedding had 14 guests which included the BRIDE and GROOM!!! It was also outside in the hot and blazing Florida sun next to a backyard pool.

The additional flash lighting we used really helped to remove the harsh highlights and shadows that the sun was producing. Without the additional lighting (K2 Lighting on the Go), I don't think the pictures would be anywhere near as good as they turned out.

First wedding with Kevin Keelan!!!

2008-02-20T07:35:00.000-08:00

Well this past weekend I was invited by a fellow photographer to shoot a wedding. The wedding was in this beautiful church in downtown Orlando. There was 10 bridesmaids and 10 groomsman and couple hundred guests. We weren't allowed to enter the church during the ceremony so we had to shoot from a balcony at the back of the church.

The reception was in a poorly lit ballroom. The lights (or lack there of) would have been really challenging had it not been for the additional flash lighting we set-up throughout the ballroom. After 6 hrs I had taken over 700 photos and the other photographer had taken about the same.

At the end of the wedding Kevin asked if I would like to join him the following day (Sunday) on another wedding, of course! I learned so much from Kevin and his K2 Lighting on the Go!

First Blog

2008-01-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new blog for Mike Richards Photography. This is my first blog and will probably start out a little dry and boring...sort of like my mood today.

I guess the only real news I have besides this blog is the fact that I bought a new lens last night that is scheduled to be here tomorrow. I ordered a Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 lens from BHPhotoVideo, it is my first order with B&H but so far it has been very pleasing.

I currently shoot with Nikon equipment. My equipment includes:
- Nikon D300
- Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 (on its way)
- Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 VR
- Nikkor 50mm f1.8
- Nikon SB-800 Flash
- Manfrotto Tripod

Well, thats about it for the day...see, dry and boring.