Gary Masters- Wedding video and photography Blog

Wedding Photography and Video in Jamaica - Slow Season Deals!

2011-12-15T22:03:00.002-05:00

WEDDING COVERAGE SPECIAL DEAL: Jamaican Residents, January & February Weddings only! - Video and photography package J$60,000.00! Non Residents U$1,000.00! Travelling fees apply for some venues. Contact us through our website.

Black Friday Special Wedding Package Deals

2011-11-25T05:45:00.002-05:00

Greetings!
Destination Weddings in Kingston, Ocho Rios or Montego Bay Jamaica - U$1,500.00 includes video and photography coverage.

Jamaican residents: Contact us for your super-special rates NOW!

RIU Weddings in Jamaica-No more outside vendor fees

2011-09-26T10:44:00.003-05:00

We so love covering weddings at the Riu Hotel in Jamaica that we will now save our clients the headache of paying outside vendor fees to have their wedding professionally covered. There are some conditions, but we have come to realize that the huge outside vendor fees charged by some venues have caused some couples to settle for less than fabulous wedding photography and video coverage. We will be adding other hotels such as SANDALS, BREEZES, SAN SOUCI and other venues to this program so ask us about your venue before going with the hotel's photo shop for coverage of your special day.

This is NEW! Spread the word.

RIU Ocho Rios Jamaica Wedding

2011-08-28T22:29:00.004-05:00

Tanya and Lee were wed yesterday in beautiful surroundings at RIU Ocho Rios. Tanya and Lee's wedding was planned in six weeks and was executed flawlessly despite the fact that they both live in the USA. We all had a ball and yes we have the pics to prove it! I'm just posting one shot that I particularly love.

BTW: Tanya's Dad is awesome with planning and details. He is the first father-of-the-bride that I have seen so involved in the wedding, hats off to you Mr. Henry!

RIU Ocho Rios is a fantastic place to get married, the grounds are spectacular, the beach awesome and the staff happy and happy to help. I have so enjoyed the weddings I have covered there that I have booked a week-end there for myself and my family.

2011-08-15T23:25:00.004-05:00

Just a quick update. Its late and i'm still recovering from video and photography coverage of a week long series of events for one of my large corporate clients which ended last night.

Life is generally busy. the recession seems to be fading (note I said seems to be). My wife and the children are great and my brides are happy. For now, all seems right with my world. the future is bright and I have lost weight as planned. More wedding postings to come soon. (I hope)

I will need to tell all about Suzanne's wedding. She is just an amazing person who made an amazing entrance to her wedding and stunned her groom!

William & Kate wedding coverage package-Jamaica

2011-04-30T09:12:00.003-05:00

Personally I was awed at the coverage of the wedding ceremony of William and Kate. I could not find the video cameras, let alone the videographers! That was the ultimate in unobtrusive wedding coverage. In the church I could not find the photographer either! Fascinating! this is how wedding coverage should be.

In the real world however, budgetary constraints and wishes of the couple usually do not allow for this kind of coverage. We are however offering a package which makes an affordable approach to this kind of super-discrete coverage. Its our William & Kate special package.

This package offers discrete video coverage using at least 3 video cameras. A wireless microphone on the groom and formal attire on our team is already standard operating procedure for us. Two experienced, professional photographers also formally attired round out our coverage team. Images chosen by the couple will be presented in our High-End photo books, while the video will be presented on authored DVDs with motion menus and scene selection options(these are already standard on our DVDs).

Already our team receives numerous positive comments on our unobtrusive style of wedding coverage and our formal attire. For years we have been using minimal and cool lights at the ceremonies we cover. With this wedding coverage option we intend to raise the bar once again, providing unmatched wedding coverage for discerning couples. View our website and give us a call for a no obligation consultation.

Do you really enjoy your job?

2011-03-01T15:00:00.002-05:00

Do you really enjoy going work each day? Do you like what you do? Do you like your boss? Do you do it just for the money? I've been thinking about this as I recover from my Flu-Like symptoms (my wife reminds me"its not the Flu as you have no fever") which have been persisting for more than a week now. You see, I only work at stuff that I find fun. I have had about 14 different jobs during my lifetime. When it was no longer fun, I moved on. I recently started a new business and it has paid back my entire initial investment and then some, but i'm not sure I want to work this hard anymore. I have a problem with careless staff, lazy staff, the ridiculous excuses for doing dumb things, the attitude. I'm not sure I want or need the stress.

The recession has helped me to live on less. I don't really need that million dollar kitchen renovation or the new C-Class Mercedes that I was all set to get(although they would both be nice) I have grown to enjoy my 20 hour work week, working with the kind of clients I want to work with, shooting weddings at locations I like shooting at, spending time with my children in the afternoon and taking my afternoon naps...

Of course it could just be that i'm not feeling well right now and i'll be back to my usual driven self in a couple of days. we'll see...

2011-02-03T03:39:00.002-05:00

Its been so long since I last posted. Two reasons: First, I got a Blackberry and so don't even turn my PC on some days. Second, the sheer volume of work. It is now 3:41 AM and I am actually editing a wedding video that should have been finished yesterday. (waiting for it to render now)

The Landscaping Division of my new business has also been keeping me busy(I need to shoot some images from our last project to upload) There is a lot of work out there!

We are all well (Stephanie has had a fever since Tuesday night but its under control) and life is good. (Rendering has finished. Back to editing.)

Will blog again soon. (I hope)

Hurricane Tomas-The non-event & The Milano Wedding

2010-11-08T09:19:00.007-05:00

So as I suspected it would be, Tomas was much ado about nothing. Very little rain, no wind, and I am stuck with the task of moving ten heavy bags of sand to the back of my house.

The wedding on Saturday was a beautiful but taxing event. The minister was almost an hour late(the one time the bride was actually ready on time), he called the bride the wrong name during the ceremony (actually I think it was during the blessing) and we had to shoot in the rain. It was a light drizzle, however the rain kept getting into the lenses of the cameras causing us to wipe frequently. This will make editing the video an unspeakable headache as my hankerchief will be seen frquently blocking the view of the couple!

Lisa & Robert were a fun couple to work with, no worries at all. Their bridal party was made up of easy-going, fun people. Mainly from the USA,(I think they all were) the groomsmen consumed generous amounts of Red Stripe Beer and beef patties to get themselves ready for the ceremony.

The locations used for the ceremony and the formal portraits served to remind me that the recession had totally bypassed some addresses as there were no hints of recession to be found anywhere near these homes. I will include a shot or two. I returned home vowing to purchase some orchids and revamp my water feature with new plants and more Koi.

All in all it was a great event, and we wish Lisa and Robert all the best in their life together.

Now I must get back to sorting their wedding images. BTW, the rainbow at the ceremony was just unbelievable.

Now We Wait - Tropical Storm Tomas Draws Near

2010-11-04T12:46:00.002-05:00

So now we wait. I bought ten bags of sand today for use in encouraging water from the road to bypass my house this time. They are awaiting deployment near the gate. My standby generator is gassed up and ready.

I have an outdoor wedding booked for Saturday so this storm has exactly one day to pass. The venue looks fantastic at this point.

Personally I feel this will not be nearly as bad as Tropical Storm Nicole was recently. The fact that the country seems to be in the best state of readiness I have ever seen reinforces this view.

I am busy learning a new video editing program as I have gotten tired of throwing money at the editor I have used for years. (talk about trying to teach an old dog new tricks!) This is hard work!

I will keep you updated on the happenings as long as I have power and internet access.

Tropical storm Nicole hits home

2010-09-29T23:32:00.004-05:00

Some pics I shot earlier tonight when water from the road invaded my house. All these shots were taken standing on my lawn. The first two shots are of the road just outside my home, the last two shots are of my driveway. I fear the clean-up will take weeks. 8 inches of rain fell in 10 hours today. I think another 8 fell tonight alone! I think all the fish in my water feature have swam away as it was flooded out. I'll keep you posted!

2010-09-07T16:10:00.004-05:00

So after two trips to my Dealer in Florida my video editing machine seems to be back online. I say seems, as it seems to be acting up already and I re-installed it on ly Monday this week! We will see how that goes. I was charged U$500.00 for the dealer's tech department to spend 5 hours working on the machine only to have them say they cannot fix it, it needs to go to the manufacturer who charged another U$400.00. Anyway enough of that. My projects are backed up and I have some serious work to do.

By the way, I booked my hotel on hotels.com and I will always. It was a one night stay in Florida as I was just dropping off or picking up my editor. This trip I got a nice room with a desk, executive chair, cable TV, King bed, breakfast and newspaper in the morning for U$41.00 plus tax, total U$45.00. They had a pool, excercise room and internet area with free use of the computers. Plus a free shuttle to and from the airport!

I could not believe how nice the place was when I got there as I had greatly lowered my expectations due to the price. It was also close to all the places I needed to visit.

I met a guy on the plane who said he had 11 children with 9 different mothers. My mouth fell on the floor! I ensured that he left with my card as he should be having weddings in the family at some point.

Its back to school time, Jonathan and Stephanie did well last term and are adjusting to their new teachers. I have added pics from their last prizegiving. Stephanie was Top Girl and Jonathan got a medal for academic excellence and five other awards.

Accident scenes Holiday week-end in Jamaica

2010-08-04T22:17:00.004-05:00

Drove to Montego Bay twice this weekend past. The driving on the road was deplorable. Passed 4 accident sites on the way. Here are two. The car on its top is a JUTA taxi which usually carries tourists. Someone immediately tried to scratch the JUTA off the trunk and was about to remove the licence plates when I took this shot.

Masters Weddings - New coverage options

2010-07-26T09:18:00.004-05:00

Although the recession is allegedly over in the USA, its not quite the same in Jamaica and the feedback we are getting is that although many brides wish to have us at their wedding, cutbacks have caused them to rethink the decision.

We are therefore introducing a less expensive video & photography package in our signature line called the Deluxe Lite. This applies to weddings of Jamaican residents living in Jamaica.

Use the contact page on our website to get information on whether your wedding qualifies for this special package.

Wedding in Jamaica - Giovanni and Peta-Ann

2010-07-15T15:23:00.003-05:00

Peta-Ann & Giovanni have been in love from school days, I think. Well anyway for a long, long time. As a testament to the power of modern technology their pre-marital councelling sessions were held with Giovanni overseas and Peta-Ann and the minister in Jamaica with live video conferencing via Skype.

I found this couple really relaxed around each other and a lot of fun to be around.

Again I feel blessed to have such wonderful people come into my life and wish for them every success in all their ventures and adventures.

i phone 4 short film

2010-07-06T09:03:00.001-05:00

The following short film was shot and editied entirely on the new i phone 4. Simply amazing.

"Apple of My Eye" - an iPhone 4 film from Michael Koerbel on Vimeo.

Jamaican Wedding Video

2010-06-25T12:30:00.004-05:00

Jamaican Wedding video. I'm trying out a new video share service. Please take a look at one of our videos.

Excelling at Wedding Videography Part 2

2010-06-17T10:18:00.007-05:00

Now that you think you have the technical competence to videotape your first wedding you need to think about equipment. In my humble opinion a basic kit would include the following:

1. A good camera. (the latest trend is using a DSLR to shoot video. I am old school on that; I use a DSLR to shoot stills and a video camera to shoot video, but its up to you). Be sure to check the low light performance of the camera you are considering buying, as the days of roasting your clients with 300 and 500 watt lights are long gone.( or so I thought; I recently saw a videographer with a 300 watt light on his camera standing 2 feet from the couple. Needless to say, they were all sweating profusely) Modern cameras give remarkable images with minimal light. I often use no additional light for my ceremony coverage and if I do need light I use a 10 watt cool light on my camera. This ensures no discomfort for the couple.

2. A firm tripod. Ensure that the tripod you use is made to hold the weight of the particular camera you are putting on it. I use commercial grade Manfrotto tripods with fluid heads as they are fully adjustable and give no camera shake even with heavy cameras.

3. Lights. Your use of lighting at the ceremony should be minimal, however at the reception venue it is OK and usually necessary to use brighter lights. Get professional lights mounted on a light stand. If you use a very bright light mounted on your camera you will likely make it very uncomfortable for anyone to whom you direct your camera. If you have a light on a stand, raise it above eye level and point the light slightly downward. If you keep it a practical distance from your subjects they will be able to see comfortably even when the light is directed toward them.

4. Microphones. Your audio capture is as important as your video. Get a wireless lavaliere microphone for the groom to wear so that you can capture the vows without the external noise at the venue(sneezing guests, crying babies etc.). At the reception you can use either wired or wireless microphones for the toasts if they will all speak from a podium. I do not ususally plug into the DJs mixing board for audio as most of them will introduce unacceptable levels of hiss and distortion into the feed.

5. Miscellaneous Stuff. Extra tapes(unless you use a tapeless camera), Gaffer's tape(to tape over your cables to avoid a trip hazzard), a surge protector, batteries, microphone cables etc.

I started out renting my equipment from another videographer and you may be able to do the same. (sorry, currently I do not rent equipment)

You will also need an appropriate outfit (a good suit is prefered), clean and comfortable shoes, decent bags/protective cases for your equipment and a pleasant demeanour.

Next we will look a bit at your actual coverage on the wedding day.

I have posted a shot of myself in the very early days.

Excelling at Wedding Videography Part 1

2010-06-09T08:45:00.004-05:00

Greetings to all! Now that I have a bit more time on my hands (I thought someone told me this was a recession-proof business...ah well) I am turning my attention to a project which I have wanted to work on for some time, helping aspiring wedding and corporate videographers and photographers benefit from my experience.

I will speak mainly to those aspiring to the lofty calling of covering weddings, capturing the actions and emotions of what may well be the couple's most important event. Let's start with videography(I can hear the collective sigh from the photographers. Don't worry, we will get to photography eventually)

Before you even buy your first camera you should have fixed in your mind why you want to do this and what you wish to accomplish ie, how great do you really want to be. It may be just to earn a few extra dollars, as was the case when I started out as an apprentice, rolling up wires and carrying tripods and lights many years ago, or it may be to create beautiful wedding movies, family heirlooms to be enjoyed and treasured by your clients, my current motivation. As you can see, it is OK for your motivation and goals to change over time, but if you are not passionate about your craft, you will never excell at it.

Learn the basics. When I started out the internet was nothing like it is now, a global resourse for knowledge and training. I was actually the first wedding videographer in Jamaica to have a website, and I paid dearly to have that privilege. Now there are tons of websites with tips and advice for videographers. Make use of these. In Jamaica there are courses at CPTC and Carimac which didn't exist in my earlier days, to train videographers in the art of shooting and editing. I had to do it the old fashioned way, learning first by experience, being called fool and slow and stupid by my boss.

I have found training videos and going to seminars in the USA a great help in honing my skills and I strongly recommend these avenues of learning.(be careful, accept information from those actually making a living at wedding videography)

After learning the theory, what next? Try to tag along with an experienced professional on a couple of jobs. Offer to work for free, just to get the experience. For the wedding videographer our job can be one of the most stressful experiences. Commercial shooters of advertisments get numerous re-takes, sometimes doing one 10-second shot ten times. We do not have that luxury. If we miss the vows when they are said, we are sunk! Observe how the professional moves through the wedding day and learn from him or her.

My next post will go into what to do when you think you are ready to shoot your first wedding.

2010-05-03T15:45:00.003-05:00

"My mom always told me that happiness was the key to life.
At school they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.
I said “happy" and they told me I didn’t understand the question.
I told them they didn’t understand life."

I read this quote today and reflected on how few people are truly happy these days. So much anger, so much divorce, so many financially challenged individuals.

Could we perhaps slow down the frenetic pace at which we live and take the time to focus on the truly important stuff? How about the things and people that truly make us happy? How about doing things that we are really passionate about? I recently added some Koi to a small water feature I have at home and enjoy watching them especially at feeding time.

Now while there is not necessarily any financial benefit to this excercise, I feel such diversions add to the quality of life we enjoy. (of course cooling out on a personal yacht or in a vacation home in Aspen would be preferable, but getting to that level is a different ball game entirely)

Find a diversion. What is the point of working yourself to death only to pay bills? Where is the fun in that? Think about it...

The simple life

2010-03-29T14:56:00.003-05:00

For some reason I decided to cut my lawns instead of going into office this morning. After completing the necessary activities, like taking the kids to school and checking my e-mails(yes, I still do that the old-fashioned way, on my computer, as I do not have a blackberry or I-Phone) I donned my cap and headed out into the yard...

After completing my first lawn at about 9:15, I sat on my home-made bench which is anchored to my Mango tree, and in the shade of my Mango tree drank my first glass of ice cold water. I listened to the birds singing in the trees, enjoyed a cool breeze that passed through the Mango tree and smiled as I remembered all those people hard at work in their offices. This, is why I do what I do, I thought, and smiled some more.

I was jolted back to reality by the gargantuan sneeze of a pedestrian on the street nearby and as I headed inside for some more water I felt that at that moment, despite everything, my life was perfect...

www.toppindesignz.com

2010-03-21T08:28:00.003-05:00

One of my brides has started a company to cater to brides. her website is www.toppindesignz.com She is really a fantastic person to deal with with an eye for detail and the unusual. I encourage anyone getting married to visit her website.

You can view some images from her wedding on the Knot here.

Anniversary Reflections

2010-02-16T09:28:00.004-05:00

As I approach my 14th wedding anniversary I have been reflecting on the changes and experiences we have seen as a couple. We have had our ups and downs together but I feel that our view of marriage as a permanent bond has helped us work successfully through stressful situations.

As I consider the couples I have the privilege of working with, my best advice is this: forgive each other, try to make each other happy and realize that you are both different and will never be exactly alike. My wife still hopes that someday I will learn to cook more than eggs, rice and porridge. I still hope that someday she will learn to edit video as well as I can; until then, she cooks and I edit. Life is all about compromise.

I wish all my couples long and happy marriages, I thank my wife for loving and supporting me these fourteen years and I thank God for his blessings and the principles in the Bible by which I strive to live.

Gary Masters thoughts for 2010

2010-01-08T10:25:00.003-05:00

At the begining of each year I take a little time to reflect.(emphasis on little as there are tons of work waiting.) With all the turmoil of the past year(my condolences to Tiger Woods), many seem to view 2010 with some trepidation.

While this is understandable, I feel it is both unnecessary and counter productive. Live with moderation, think creatively, and recognise a higher power in the universe, that is my suggestion. I you have difficulty with thinking positively, read a book on the subject. Start by writing down all the reasons you have to be thankful, and use this as your launching pad for making 2010 your best year yet.

I wish to thank all my clients for availing themselves of our services during this past year. I wish all my brides and grooms and their families health, wealth and happiness as they make their lives together. I wish to thank my fantastic wife for her unwavering support and hard work in making our company a success. I wish to thank God for the health, strength, creativity and other numerous blessings he continues to bestow on us.

I wish to thank my parents for the education and background they gave me. I always had a very stable family life growing up, and I have inherited my Dad's disdain for mediocrity.

I pause here to mention a photographer, Collin Reid, who in my estimation is the top PR photographer in Jamaica today. My mentor in many ways, Colin shares everything, his experience, his trade secrets, his time and his cash. I seriously treasure our association and thank him publicly for all the valuable insights he readily shares with me.

As we move forward, remember that our life is what we make it. Don't sit down cursing your life, your boss, your government or the economy and getting depressed, do something. I genuinely enjoy my life and my lifestyle, my job and my family and resolve to continue to do so regardless of the economy, the government or bad-minded people(and there are plenty of those). May you be similarly blessed...

Life's Lessons(Colin Powell)

2010-01-08T10:11:00.002-05:00

My wife sent me the following e-mail this morning which is attributed to Colin Powell. I think it is an excellent way to live. While not easy, it is how I live my life. I share it here for your benefit:

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that dont help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that dont increase you will eventually decrease you.

Consider this: Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person.

Don’t follow anyone who is not going anywhere. With some people, you spend an evening. With others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights.

"A mirror reflects a man's face. But what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate- for the good and the bad. BE NOT MISTAKEN! This is applicable to family as well as friends. Yes, do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family- for they will always be your family. Just know that they are human first and though they are family to you, they may be a friend to someone else and will fit somewhere in the criteria above.

"In prosperity, our friends know us. In adversity, we know our friends." "Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them." "If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, develop the habit in little matters." - Colin Powell

Micas and Kevin

2009-12-29T21:25:00.003-05:00

Micas is somewhat a perfectionist, yet she was surprisingly calm at her wedding. She seemed to forget about everything else and concentrated on marrying the man she loves, Kevin. Kevin seems to be a laid back kinda guy, enjoying the enchantment of the day. Oh, I almost forgot to mention; Micas is stunningly beautiful. But then a picture says a thousand words (or something like that)...

2009-12-29T15:26:00.002-05:00

Giveaway for January 2010 - Photography or videography for 1 destination wedding in Ocho Rios or Montego Bay Jamaica - couple pays transportation cost of U$200.00 that's all! images on CD or video on DVD at no cost. Send info with date, a photo of both of you and why you think you should receive this gift.

Safiya & Andre - Gary Masters at Large

2009-11-16T11:06:00.013-05:00

I've gotten several calls and reminders that i've overlooked my blog for too long. Sorry about that, but with the recession coming I'm working a lot harder to ensure that I put away enough for a rainy day. I suggest that you do too!

I'm posting shots from Safia and Andre's wedding. Here is proof that opposites attract! They complement each other perfectly! They are the force behind Pastry Passions in Sovereign Centre And Manor park in Kingston Jamaica. Simply fantastic cakes chocolates and other exquisite delights. I carry the kids there all the time.

Back to the wedding; There was absolutely no evidence of any recession at this wedding which was celebrated at the fabulous Strawberry Hills resort & Spa. This, I suspect, is the kind of wedding every little girl-and apparently some big girls too-dreams of. The food was awesome and plentiful, the bride looked spectacular, the wedding cake was a peacock, the couple's first dance was hot, the father/daughter dance almost brought tears to my eyes and the bride's sister was a trip!

Safiya’s philosophy is just fantastic: “There is no room whatsoever for mediocrity in the pursuit of greatness. Never become complacent.”

We wish them both health, wealth and happiness.

Shani & Arty Wedding Slideshow

2009-09-24T09:02:00.001-05:00

Masters Weddings at the Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa - Jamaica

2009-08-31T18:04:00.005-05:00

Jacqueline & Derek flew all the way from the United Kingdom to be wed in Jamaica. The wedding was held at the fabulous Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa 3,100 feet above sea level in the world famous Blue Mountains.

(BTW-the hors d'oeuvres were out of this world! I will look for my list, yes I had to wite them down, and post when I find it. That chef is awesome to put it mildly)

Another fantastic couple, they were both easy going and a pleasure to work with. all the best guys!

Masters weddings on vacation

2009-08-17T13:22:00.007-05:00

I took what my wife told me was to be our first non-work related vacation in 13 years. I feel every child should go to Disney at least once so I carried the family to Disney in Orlando. Stephanie, Jonathan and even my wife Zahra enjoyed themselves immensely. They even went on outdoor rides in the rain.(fanatics) We also went to the Wet 'n Wild water park, Chuck E. Cheese etc. Perry Ellis, Brooks Brothers, Best Buy, Sunglass Hut, those were the highlight of my trip!

Oh, by the way I came back more tired than when I left. A vacation with a 3 year old & a 6 year old does not lend itself to much rest. We stayed at the beautiful Westgate Palace Resort which has an excellent gym. I worked out every day of the week except one.

My Job is like a vacation to me, honestly I realy love every aspect of my work. Its great to be back.

2009-07-23T07:16:00.003-05:00

I "borrowed" these quotes from someone's facebook page. I think they hit the nail on the head regarding how we should approach life. Its how i try to live:

Burn the candles, use the nice sheets. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special!
Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
If you don't ask, you don't get.
Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

I'll never forget my Soap-On-A-Rope; was saving it for a special occasion years ago and thieves broke into my house and stole it!

2009-07-13T07:54:00.001-05:00

Shani & Arty-More to come.

Stephanie Masters Graduates

2009-06-25T21:51:00.003-05:00

With pomp and circumstance befitting royalty, Stephanie & a bunch of her 3 year old schoolmates graduated from Rainbowland. Stephanie seemed quite bored with the talking parts of the ceremony, but participated with requisite gusto in the singing sections. Stephanie is loved by her teachers & schoolmates and now moves into another chapter of her life. Big brother Jonathan enjoyed the moment with his mom as part of the large audience.

I wholehartedly recommend Rainbowland as one of the greatest places to send your little ones to start their schooling. The teachers shower them with love, the education is excellent, the mix of students is fantastic (and all the teachers speak the queen's english), the other parents are quite nice (regardless of the fact that many of them are obviously seriously rich). I think its the best start you can give your little ones.

Masters Weddings - Jacqueline & Don

2009-06-10T11:36:00.005-05:00

The wedding of Jacqueline & Don proved once again that recession or no recession love will continue to be celebrated in fine style. This wedding was first class all the way; from the decor at the chapel & the Jamaica Pegasus, to the attire of the bridal party, to the helicopter that transported the couple from the ceremony to the reception.

Another fantastic couple who were a pleasure to work with. Thanks for the honor of covering your wedding guys, we wish you all the best for the rest of your lives together.

Sheri-Ann & Allan-Ritz Carlton Jamaica

2009-05-01T17:36:00.006-05:00

It was perfect, just perfect. The gentle breeze, the ocean waves, the strings of the violin, the notes of the saxophone, the couple. Everything was perfect. Karen & Marsha of the Ritz Carlton were attentive to every need of the bride & groom and were fun to work with.

I liked Sheri-Ann & Allan from the very first time we met. They are just so cool & easy-going its unbelievable. (They also have a HGTV type house with a killer view and I'm an HGTV addict) The food at the Ritz was awesome and the cheesecake was almost decadent in its lovliness.(can I say that about food?) Anyway, it was a great wedding of a great couple who we wish all the best.

PS. On a sad note, Sheri-Ann's Dad passed away since the wedding. Our sincere condolences go out to the Sheri-Ann, Allan and the family.

2009-04-23T09:49:00.002-05:00

There was singing , there was dancing, there was laughing, there was crying, there was kissing... and this was all at the cermony. Kandise and Oronde were wed in fine style. The chapel was excellently decked out, the bride was beautiful and her dress came with the designer who ensured it was correctly fitted(talk about taking service to new heights!) The reception which followed at the Caymanas Golf & Country Club was a similarly elegant affair. The groom's choice of music was right up my street. We wish you all the best guys!

My motivation

2009-04-23T08:51:00.006-05:00

To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It's at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy.
-Henri Cartier-Bresson

I saw this quote on Mike Colon's blog today and it captures the essence of my feelings about what I do. My work stopped being just a job years ago. Its a constant adventure where I compete against myself vigourously, aiming every day and every wedding to top my previous best. For me this is the essence of living and growing. The intelectual stimulation I receive from wedding photography & videography mutes the problems and stresses of everyday life.

Everyone should be this fortunate. Everyone should have this much fun. How many people work a 21 hour day(OK take out 1 hour for part of a 007 movie and 1 hour with the family) and go to bed with a smile on their face beside a beautiful(albeit sleeping)woman?

Life is really what you make it and it doesn't necessarily take a lot of money(although having a lot of money does help) to have a fulfilling life. The fact that you can have two people doing the same job making the same amount of money with one loving it and one hating it proves this.
Ask youself;how do I see what I do for a living?

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

Destination Wedding Special - Jamaica

2009-04-17T09:57:00.001-05:00

Destination Weddings in Ocho Rios & Montego Bay - limited run special package - http://tinyurl.com/dynykj/info3/

Secret of success - in nine words

2009-04-02T02:36:00.003-05:00

Secrets of success-9 words. Thanks Becker.

Passion-Hard Work-Good-Focus-Push-Serve-Ideas-Persist

Go to the video link for a 3 minute explanation. This was passed on by a friend.

Wedding in Jamaica-Rose Hall Resort-Montego Bay

2009-03-30T14:52:00.005-05:00

Selena & Daniel had a romantic wedding at the georgeous Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Montego Bay Jamaica. Selena was really fun to work with and Daniel was laid back and cool.

Their wedding planner Charline was amazing. She organized everything and somehow managed to teleport herself between the three different locations on the property that were used for the different aspects of the wedding. (Did I mention that she has a great sense of humour? She has.)

The property is outstandingly beautiful, the staff efficient & friendly and the food...(shhh! the food was out of this world. My wife & I had a table to ourselves with all the Cranberry Juice we could drink)

We drove our faithful backup van as our main van is in the shop and in honour I've included it in one of the photos(I'm loyal that way).

Now if I can only find another client getting married there so I can go back...hmmm....

Stephanie Masters sports day

2009-03-27T13:05:00.003-05:00

Stephanie had her first sports day today. She turned 3 years old yesterday and she won her event in grand style. In a brief thank you speech she thanked her school for giving her the opportunity to excell, her mom for the practice races at home and Jonathan for racing with her as part of her training...(just kidding, she's barely three.)

Although being the smallest of the bunch, and lacking the asistance of an aerodynamic hairstyle, Stephanie was waaay out front from the start of the race, reminiscent of Usain Bolt's thrashing of his opponents. Unlike Bolt however she did not ease up at the finish, but rather pressed home her advantage widening the huge gap separating her from her rivals.

On hand to witness the spectacle were her Mom, Dad, Grandma, and scores of other well-wishers.

Wedding in Montego Bay Jamaica

2009-03-27T01:34:00.004-05:00

The whole family was in Montego Bay last week for the wedding of Cory & Shernett. For the first time I can remember, both sets of parents were late and kept the bride and groom waiting. (I recall one where the bride's father went drinking with the boys the night before and was still drunk the morning of the wedding. We were all kept waiting as they gave him multiple cups of black coffee so he could walk the bride down the aisle, but that's another story)

It was a great wedding with plenty guests, good food and oh the table the food was on caught fire! For real.(Anyway that's another story)

I've added some shots of the family and the couple. (By the way, only two of the children and one of the wives pictured above are mine)

Masters Weddings at Pegasus Show 09

2009-03-22T21:11:00.004-05:00

Last week-end was the Pegasus Bridal Show;Jamaica's largest annual show for purveyors of wedding related products & services. Its always a fun-filled event for me as I enjoy meeting with both prospective brides and my colleagues. Its a pleasure to note the shock expressed at our rates by visitors to our booth and the change in expression as they come to understand the benefits and superiority of our services. I had two satisfied brides and one satisfied mother-of-the-bride providing impromptu testimonials regarding our service and the quality of our work.

I didn't shoot a lot of images but i'm uploading a few from the show.

Ps. (Both the gentleman and the young lady shown are as yet unmarried and can be found wandering around at the Pegasus:)

Ps to the PS. The young lady is really nice, a bit tall, but nice otherwise. The guy... well the picture speaks for itself...

Simone & Stanley

2009-03-04T22:20:00.003-05:00

There was no hint of rain, but a rainbow formed overhead while we were shooting after the ceremony. Talk about a sign! A very relaxed bride, with a really super Mom and a cool groom. Welcome to Jamrock Stanley! A star studded lineup of guests attended and the wedding got mention with photos on the social page of one of our top Newspapers. We wish you all the best guys. It was a great wedding.

Tameka & Chris

2009-03-04T22:07:00.003-05:00

What can I say about the wedding of Tameka & Mr. Personality(A.K.A. Chris)? One thing I can say is that Tameka will be constantly entertained. Chris was Just estatic about getting married and enjoyed his wedding day. The Garden of Eden shot was my favourite. Something about the bush I guess.

Donnie Cox-The passing of an Icon

2009-02-20T15:08:00.005-05:00

Donnie Cox passed away this week. He was an Icon on the Jamaican photography scene, the epitome of what a truly professional photographer should be. He was a gentleman. If only more of my peers would emulate men of his calibre, but alas being gentlemanly and chivalrous seem to be considered outdated, yes, so passe. I heard a joke at a wedding that if you see a young man opening the car door for a young lady it means either the car is new or the lady is new. (I know we now have central locking and all, but I still surprise my wife every now and then by opening her door.) Sorry, I digress.

I do love the gentlemanly thing. No apologies. I love wearing my suit to cover weddings, I love holding the door open so others can go through. I believe in doing random acts of kindness. Being kind to someone you don't know, expecting nothing in return. Being kind for no apparent reason with no ulterior motive. I think its a great way to live. Donnie Cox was like that. As newcomer to the business I could ask him anything about the business of photography. He was a giving person as I think we all should be.

The shots are from the wedding of his lovely daughter Kelli, which I was honoured to cover.

Brides on mastersweddings.com-real brides

2009-02-12T15:08:00.003-05:00

Greetings all! Due to work pressure and my house project, I've been a little tardy in blogging but I've been meaning to address something for some time now.

I wish to advise that all the photographs on my website are of actual weddings and were shot by either my wife or myself. No models were used, all the brides are real brides on their wedding day. I'm constantly surprised to find that people think the brides are just models posing for the camera. Yes they are beautiful people, but it is all real. Real couples, real weddings, real action and I really enjoyed working with each and every one of them. I will post some more pics soon.

Regards,
Gary

2009 will be your best year yet!

2009-01-02T19:32:00.004-05:00

Greetings to all! A fabulous year has ended and an even greater one begins. Yes I know of the gloomy predictions but I firmly believe those famous Quotes "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." ~Theodore Roosevelt and "Whether You Think You Can or Can't, You're Right"--Henry Ford.

Life is phenominal, but our thoughts and our focus need to be managed in order to create for ourselves that phenominal experience each day. Stop believing the naysayers and the predictors of doom. Most of them are paid handsomely for what they do. What do you want your life to be? Paint a detailed picture in your mind, write it down on paper, put in the details, read it often, believe that it not only is it possible but that it is a certainty and will happen exactly as you see it.

I made no resolutions for this year as i've been working on all my goals from last year. I know exactly where I'm heading and I know exactly how to get there. Learn how to ask the universe to deliver whatever you want and it will. Over the last year I've been learning the secret of doing this and it is so unbelievably awesome that when I told my brother-in law about the results he was simply blown away.

I again want to thank all my fantastic clients for their business, my hot, loving and supportive wife for her love, hard work and support, my two beautiful, well behaved children for the joy they bring into my life, my parents for not giving up on me during the teenage years and the universe for smiling on me and my family in so many ways.

I pledge to continue raising the bar as it pertains to my photography and cinematography, to continue to treat each and every one of my clients like a celebrity providing an unmatched experience in client services and to be an even better person each day I live. I love you all, go forth and conquer in 2009!

2008-12-08T16:34:00.003-05:00

Some side images from recent weddings. By the way, what do you have to be thankful for? Think about it... there is more... think harder, list them on paper and say thanks for each one everyday for a week. Remember, your attitude and not your aptitude determines your altitude. Whatever you do, treat it as if its the most important job in the world. I know mine is!

If you've lost your job recently consider working for yourself! Become a wedding photographer. Its great work with regular cake and good food at some of the best establishments. You get to dress up a lot and meet nice people and listen to great music and sometimes good jokes. and shhh! you actually get paid to do all this. Anyone wishing to get into wedding photography drop me a line, I will be happy to help. The young lady above was a guest at the wedding of Michelle & Errol last week. I blog about that wedding in my next post but she so wanted to see herself I just had to post her photo:) The vendor outside the Emancipation park(a favourite spot for newlyweds) was quite peeved about sharing a good vending tree with the sign. The person walking away is my lovely wife after she had purchased a bottle of water from the illegal vendor. Life goes on...

Gary Masters at Large

2008-11-17T17:44:00.004-05:00

This weekend I was again reminded that I have the greatest job in the world. On Saturday I covered the wedding of Threesha & Howard, a splendid affair coordinated by Marguerite Anderson of Petals & Promises fame. Apart from the beautifully decorated chapel, the coordination between the violinist, the saxophone player and the pianist and the fact that the rain held up just in time, the bride was in her element. Threesha is 240 volts of pure electricity perfectly moderated by the totally unflappable Howard. Together they are a wonderful couple and we had a fabulous time working with them. I have never seen a bride dance that much at her wedding and the cake tasted fantastic. All the best for the future guys!

After about five hours of sleep I headed off to meet Sherri-Ann and Alan for a save-the-date seaside shoot. Another fantastic couple who will be getting married early next year. Trust me when I tell you I've never seen such a sparkle in a bride's eyes when she speaks about her wedding. Over a fabulous breakfast of Fish, bammy & festival after the shoot she told me all about it with Allan filling in essential details along the way. At the end of a great session I employed all my driving prowess trying unsuccessfully to keep up with Allan's V6 Honda Accord as he 'flew' back to kingston. I look forward to working with you both.

Again I give thanks for the life I have, I wake up each morning with a smile on my face attributable in no small part to the fact that I wake up beside my lovely wife who supports all that I do. Considering the tumultous times in which we live I feel specially blessed to have all I need and much of what I want. I'll try to add some more pics later.

2008-10-11T07:37:00.002-05:00

Sometimes you get an e-mail that makes you smile. A bride to be who subsequently booked with us sent this e-mail which chronicles her visit to a bridal show earlier this year in which I participated. It is e-mails like this which motivates us to do do our best for every client:

"Hi Gary,

It was a lovely Sunday afternoon and I visited the room. Looking high, looking low, looking for 'the one'.

My prayer preceding that day, "Lord, let me know when I've found the one you'd have me be with. Confirm it in my spirit and let there be absolutely no doubt in my mind." I continued my search around the room and saw several bidding me to come... I couldn't help but go in to take a look for I was, after all, on a mission. I saw the effort... or was it a lack thereof?... I thought to myself, even I could do a better job than that... is that all they have to offer? They are all competing, hoping I will choose them, but how can you effectively compete and offer with flaws? Not one, not two... the search continued, it wasn't any of them, no not one.

Then the last invitee I entertained, woo, how lovely, how significantly a cut above the rest... A 5X7 album with perfect pictures and to top it all off, the best formatted DVD I've ever seen!! Not to mention Kelly's Love Story! I said, "Hallelujah! I have found the one!" I'm a 'photo te-te' (nicknamed a paparazzi) so only the best is good enough.
It was the Beautiful Brides & Mr. Tux's wedding show @ the Hilton in Feb 2008. I wasn't even engaged, I was there as a Chief Bride's Maid assisting the Bride but I have been planning my wedding from high school days, adjusting the list & events as time passed and I was not satisfied with the services I had seen over the years hence my search for 'the one'. In due time I knew God would provide the man and the date and so He did. Whohooo!!

Therefore, you are cordially invited to provide video & photography services for me (Name removed) and my fiancé at our wedding ceremony and reception on (Date removed) 2008, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Kingston . Ceremony begins @ -. & Reception/Party @ -
Kindly review my invite & RSVP asap . Thanks mucho!"

Brides, choose wisely!

2008-09-29T14:29:00.008-05:00

I'm a positive person and do not like making negative posts, and I try not to bad-mouth other professionals, but something happened at a wedding I covered on Saturday that made me feel compelled to warn brides about what I see as an unfortunate trend.

My Saurday wedding was at the picturesqe Tryall Club, possibly one of the most beautiful locations in the Caribbean. The couple will have not even one image in their album of them in those exquisite surroundings all because of their make-up artist. (For the record.....this stylist/make-up artist was NOT referred by Tryall) Recently I have done several weddings which have run seriously late due to the make-up artist and or hair stylist running late. I think it is apalling and selfish of these professionals. The make-up artist for another wedding I did was one and a half hours late and arrived with a big smile on her face! Amazing! The bride's Mom was seething with rage.

I know there are really professional make-up artists and hair stylists who are always on time, but I must list hair and make-up professionals as the number one cause for brides running late for their weddings. By the time the vows began on Saturday it was night. As it was an outdoor wedding the minister was happy to have some light from our video camera to read the vows and was in sore straits when we changed angles.

Brides, please be extra careful when selecting the professionals for your wedding. Get references. Ask, "were they on time?" in addition to whether or not they did a good job.

Understandably I feel that every bride deserves an album filled with beautiful images, It really hurts me when, due to no fault of her own, a bride is forced to settle for less than her rightful due. I'm posting a shot taken before the wedding on Saturday.

first night wedding

2008-09-07T20:55:00.004-05:00

Stacy & Orane's wedding on Jamaica's north coast last week was my first night wedding. They both flew into Jamaica from New York just ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Gustav. Due to the storm the wedding was changed from Saturday to Sunday, then the bride's maids were unable to get into Jamaica until Sunday evening and then it started raining during the outdoor ceremony! Wow! After all that tey will surely have a smooth marriage. All the best guys. I worked with super cool Brian Nejedly who did the photography while Zahra & I handled videography duties. We had a hair-raising drive to get to the wedding. I'll upload some pics shot along the way. (that's not my car in the shot BTW)

Awaiting Tropical Storm Gustav

2008-08-28T21:08:00.004-05:00

More hype than rain and wind so far. We are all safe inside. Internet service comes and goes so I'm typing as fast as I can. My family and vehicles are all safely inside and windows boarded up. Trying to stay safe. I hear it will get worse tonight.

37.10 New WORLD RECORD-Jamaica

2008-08-22T10:02:00.004-05:00

I feel so good its hard to do any work today! This whole week i've accomplished very little workwise, but that's the beauty about the fantastic life i'm privileged to live. I thank God every day. I can work when I feel like, weed and water my lawn when I feel like, play with my children when I feel like, take a nap when I feel like and watch the Olympics when I feel like it. How great is that? Congratulations to the Jamaican team.

A word about Usain Bolt and the unfavourable comments about his behavior: Just shut up, please. Sorry, that was four words. We are by nature a very expressive people and I think he is being rather restrained considering his history making achievements. Usain...YOU DA MAN, YOU DI BEST BY FAR.

Asafa's problem is all in his mind. His ability and talent are intact, but he has some sort of mental block that needs to be worked out. We still love him though. The girls... can we turn back time and make both them and the American team not drop the baton? What? You don't believe in time travel? I guess you also believe that earth is the only planet with intelligent life on it! You sound just like my wife. Where is your sense of adventure? Anyway its all good. I'm an artist and we cannot aford the luxury of being considered totally sane. That's just so passé:)

I'm actually trying to get some video editing done now so be good, be happy and give thanks for every day and the blessings you enjoy.

August 08-What a Month!

2008-08-18T22:59:00.010-05:00

Greetings All! Our new website is up and running. Its been a couple of weeks of pure stress I assure you. After more than a week of trying to get it to work with the hosts of my previous website with them having me upgrade my service to a bigger server(and more money), someone finally said Oh! I know what the problem is. Our servers do not allow you to have audio or video on your website, its against our policy. Wow! that must be the best kept secret in the company because tech help surely do not know about that policy.

All that aside our site is live, please let us know what you think of it. It is a flash site and if you have an older computer without the latest flash player you will need to download it(for free-there's a link on the first page of the site) or you will not be able to view the site. Sorry. View Website here. Many thanks to Timco and the guys & girls from Blu.

At mastersweddings.com we've been busy. So Many weddings, so little time...Lesley & Martin, Shereen & Kevin, Patricia & Charles, & Althea & Maurice. Can you believe these were all this month, with more to come! This weekend gone I worked with a really great photographer Michael Chen. Real easy-going, really knew his stuff, does fantastic photography. Give his website a visit. He shoots with Nikon equipment but then nobody's perfect:) His assistant Cia (pronounced see-ya) was really special.

I've posted some pics from some of these weddings along with recent shots of Jonathan & Stephanie. Enjoy!

How could I forget... I picked both the Olympic 100 meters winner and the miss Jamaica world winner this weekend. I'm posting a shot I took of Brittany Lyons a couple of days before the contest finals. She is a real sweetie.

The secret of life

2008-08-04T10:05:00.002-05:00

I've decided to share a bit of my philosophy with you today. It all comes down to a simple word "BELIEVE". This has worked so phenominally in my life that I want you to try it. The majority of people go through life without achieving their true potential because they fail to believe they can do it.

When I was robbed at gunpoint I complied fully with the robbers' demands and handed over my very expensive 600cc motorcycle. I was shot, at point blank range for my co-operation. I was told by a Urologist rated as #2 in the caribbean that due to the damage internally I would never be able to have children(at least not the old fashioned way). This happened in 2000. My son Jonathan is 5 years old and my daughter Stephanie is 2 years old. (and I got them the old fashioned way):)

While I was in hospital for one of my 4 surgical procedures (you have a lot of time for pondering & reflection when you're in hospital)I decided that I wanted to change my business model and shift to a more upscale clientele. Today this where I'm at. Despite having to close down my business for a couple of years while the doctors patched me up, my wife and I decided about two years ago to start looking for a house to buy even though we did not have enough money to afford the kind of house we wanted in the kind of area we were determined to live in. Last year it became a reality.

Set huge goals and believe, deep down that you can attain them. I believe the almighty wants us all to be happy and live meaningful lives. Health and wealth begin with a state of mind. You can have both if you believe and work in harmony with your belief. Give thanks for the blessings you now enjoy and expect more to come into your life. I do every day. I have the most fabulous clients any wedding professional could work with, I have an amazing wife who is a tower of strength and who encourages all my endeavors no matter how far-fetched they seem, I have two beautiful, well behaved and intellegent children and I have a job that's like a vacation every day. I've learned to focus on the positive aspects of my life and I find it just keeps getting better.

Smile every day. Do the happy dance. Be a magnet for good things by radiating good happy thoughts. Work on your relationship with the Almighty. Be a genuinely good person. Don't mess too much with your hair:)

Gaylon & Carlton's Wedding-mastersweddings.com

2008-07-30T07:45:00.006-05:00

How could I not blog about Gaylon & Carlton's wedding! Gaylon lives in the USA and Carlton lives in Jamaica. We shot video & photos in restaurants, at the beach and at Devon House (a kind of park). I think this couple complement each other perfectly, she is always excited and full of life and energy and he is laid back and cool. Thanks for having us along guys, we had a blast!

My new workflow is allowing me more time to get in touch with my artistic side as can be seen from the wedding images posted. Let me know what you think.

Natalie and Terrence Wed

2008-07-15T11:23:00.002-05:00

Just a few images from Natalie & Terrence's wedding on July 5, 2008.

Gary Masters Reflections

2008-07-15T10:37:00.006-05:00

Two nights ago I watched ths movie with Adam Sandler, I think it was called Click.(I know, its old and I'm late) Anyway, he had this remote which he used to fast forward through some stuff in his life and end eventually the remote took over. He achieved fame and status and money, but he missed most of his life, his kids growing up, hid dad dying, his wife left him, real sad. The movie had a great ending but it caused me to look at my life carefully.

I'm a driven and goal oriented person, and because I so totally love my work its nothing for me to work a twenty hour day(the energy drink Red Bull really works!). Of late I've been taking off some time in the afternoons to spend with my children, and i've now vowed to ensure that I spend even more. My new workflow allows me to be current with my work, keeping up with all the weddings and get some time off.

Since the begining of this year whenever I have weddings out-of-town I carry the baby sitter and we all check into a hotel near the wedding the day before the wedding so we stay together as a family almost every night.

Life is so fast paced now that families are falling apart from the speed and the multiple demands and stresses of life. Hug your kids more, hug your spouse more, take some time to slow down every once-in-a-while. I would rather be poor with a happy family and an excellent relationship with my kids than rotten rich with a broken family & children out of control.(of course ideally I would love to be rotten rich with a happy family:))

OK i've got to get back to work now...

Stephanie Masters first day at school

2008-07-09T06:33:00.003-05:00

Monday this week was stephanie's first day at school, there was no crying as Stephanie said good-bye as soon as she exited the van. She went to her teacher with hardly a look in my direction. I had cleared my schedule for the morning, getting up early to get stuff done in the office as I envisioned spending much time trying to calm her down. No such thing!
Everybody loved her. She ate all her lunch and was playing quietly when I went for her. Sigh. No more baby girl.

Jonathan is all excited about going to collect his baby sister fron school.

More of Gary Masters Weddings

2008-06-25T14:38:00.005-05:00

Ann-Marie Wyss is one of the top designers in the Caribbean when it comes to wedding decorations. I'm constantly amazed by her work. I'm including some shots of her work from a recent wedding. You can drop her a line at everybloomingthing@cwjamaica.com.

The view at the top is from the Richmond Hill Hotel in Montego-Bay where Bridgette & Cavel were married. The view is awesome. Grace & Gale Elmore were the perfect hosts.

My baby girl starts summer school next week as a precursor to pre-school in September. I will take some photos soon for upload.

Jonathan got another trophy for Academic Excellence this year. We are quite proud of him. He is reading up a storm and taking good care of his cat Mystery.

What in the world has Gary Masters been up to?

2008-06-18T14:37:00.003-05:00

Since I last posted, my assignments have been as varied as they have been interesting. I have done weddings in Montego-Bay & Mandeville, I did some work in some inner city communities for the Ministry of National Security( its really sad how some people are forced to live) and I went to the tip of Jamaica to get some shots of a lighthouse.(I will go into detail about this one at another time as this was a genuine adventure).

I'm posting some shots from two of the weddings a shot of the lighthouse and a shot of a public bath from the inner city(the side of Jamaica we don't often see).

I have so much more to tell you but i've gotta run, deadlines, editing etc. I will post again soon.

2008-05-07T17:46:00.003-05:00

Dolreen & Vaughn were wed in Ocho Rios Jamaica last week-end. The bride was remarkably cool considering that the make-up person was over an hour and a half late! That aside though, the ceremony & reception went well, the bride cried, her dad cried and the groom was just cool throughout. There were some killer toasts with no shortage of references to the current Cuban Lightbulb Scandal. The reception was held at the fabulous Jamaica Grande Hotel and there were a lot of guests(I didn't count but it was plenty plenty). All the best guys it was great working with you both.

This week-end my assignment included covering a peace & love concert near Montego-Bay. A young female fan of one of the performers in a single leap reached onstage and into his arms while he was singing! I will leave the details sketchy as the client was not amused! I will however upload a shot along with some from the wedding.

2008-04-18T20:11:00.003-05:00

I've run out of excuses for not blogging for such a long time so i'll just get to it. I'm uploading some pics from Kadria & Brian's wedding. Fun is their middle name. She is a medical doctor and he...well apart from the fact that he drives a very fast car(Mitsubishi Evolution 8 I think) I am unsure what he does for work... oh yes I remember now, he works for a government agency(obviously one that pays very well). As the images show we had a blast with their portrait session.

I'll upload my new video demo real soon. Video should finally be coming to my website soon. My developer says he should be finished sometime next week.

My roofing project is finished.(did I say this before?) I have a brand new roof that hasn't leaked(hurricane season will give it a real test), I thank God and my clients for their help.

My son Jonathan has a new cat whom he named "Mystery". He has an explanation for the name but I don't recall it now. If we could just get Stephanie to stop picking the cat up by his neck all would be happy.

Masters weddings at Hilton Bridal Show

2008-02-25T10:53:00.002-05:00

The first bridal show of the season in Jamaica-Beautiful Brides & Mr. Tux sponsored- was held at the Hilton Hotel in Kingston. It was a truly fabulous afair with hundreds of brides and grooms coming through. This bridal show has established itself as the premier show each year and we are happy to be associated with it.

I wish to personally thank all those who visited our display area for their kind words and interest. We booked a repeat customer (we covered her first wedding and she is now getting married again) and for the entire show our area was empty for maybe ten minutes tops. It was so busy I took not even one photograph the entire day! I didn't even realize when the show closed as I still had a couple showing our wedding video and explaining the benefits we offer long after closing time. I had a lot of fun.

My asistant told me of a couple where one wanted to come over and speak to us. The other said "Dear as you look at how they are set-up and the pictures on display you know they are expensive". (it may have been the fact that of all the photographers & videographers there I was the only one in a suit).

I will get back to all who left questions & e-mail addresses this week. I promise.

Inspiration from Gary Masters, Ron Dawson, Philip Knight, Donald Trump

2008-02-18T14:01:00.005-05:00

Ive been listening to a Ron Dawson CD, he is co-founder of Cinematic Studios, and he said something I thought i'd share with you because it is so profound. It was about FEAR and how it can keep us from reaching our potential. He uses it as an acronym for Follow-Everyone's-Accepted-Routine. Doing the accepted things, the safe things, the things our peers and family expect us to do. If we do this we will never step out of the box and do things differently, we will never take a risk or be different from those around us. Fear keeps many people in a job they hate because they say "it pays the bills". Fortunately I was fired years ago by a vindictive boss who then shut me out of my industry. I'm now sorry it hadn't happened sooner because now I have a 100% enjoyable career, touching people's lives and sharing their joys. Some of us need a kick to get started really living to our full potential. I've driven cars and motorcycles at over 100mph, I rode Jet Skis, I've flown single engine Cessnas and been shot at point blank range by criminals. (thank God I got most of this done while I was much younger and lived to tell the tale, I live a much calmer life these days-I worry about my son though, I hope he is nothing like me in this regard.)

My encouragement is as Philip Knight of Nike fame says "Just Do It". Don't be afraid to follow your dream. Donald Trump said "nothing great in the word has been accomplished without passion". Be passionate about everything you do, and you will be unstoppable.

I'll post some pics from this weekend's events soon.

Jonathan Masters is Number 1

2008-02-15T21:11:00.003-05:00

I don't know what sports day was like when I was 4 years old, but sports day at my son's school today was the most disorganized bungling i've seen in a long time. Then to make matters worse, after having Jonathan sitting for about two hours in the holding area beside the track in anticipation of his race, they cancelled his race! Now I would have none of that.(sometimes you just have to put your foot down) I let the official who scrapped the race know that my son had been told he was going to run, waited patiently for hours, and he was going to run. (that's the summary of what I told him. I actually said a bit more.)

So the race was reinstated and Jonathan ran with all his might... and won. He came home with his first-place ribbon, he was happy & I was happy. Whew! what a day.

I'm shooting in Mandeville Jamaica this weekend. Its a quiet and cool part of Jamaica with a slightly slower pace of life than the big cities. I enjoy the variety my job gives my life. This is really the greatest job on earth. Do you feel that way about your job? Post a comment & let me know. As soon as I get some time I will upload some slide shows, I promise. For now Jonathan's pics will have to do. There's also a photo of Stephanie my daughter & Zahra my wife.

2008-02-13T00:53:00.004-05:00

Just reposting our 2007 Jamaican Wedding Video Demo by request. Be sure to double click the play button.

Masters Weddings at Master Your Craft Seminar-Miami Florida

2008-02-11T10:28:00.000-05:00

Last week Monday (Feb. 4) I flew back to Miami for the Master Your Craft Seminar with The great Mike Colon & Bob Davis. These are two guys at the top of their game. Mike Colon's wedding photography coverage starts at U$20,000.00 (yes twenty thousand) and he recently covered Usher's wedding. Bob Davis shot the weddings of Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks and Eva Longoria Parker of Desperate Housewives fame. He is also Oprah's personal photographer.It was just awesome learning from these guys how to do what they do capturing awesome images and giving their clients an awesome experience while doing it. As everything learned is put into practice at Masters Weddings, our brides will definitely have an advantage in the wedding day coverage we provide. I'm adding a shot of myself with these two Titans of wedding photography. Mike Colon is on my left.

Masters Weddings at Orlando Wedding Videography Seminars

2008-02-03T20:15:00.000-05:00

Orlando was a blast. Inspiration and creativity ran wild. With full days of seminars & workshops dedicated to the art & business of wedding videography most of the days, I was like the proverbial kid in a candy store. Each year I attend the seminars I learn more and more. Our brides have the advantage of highly polished productions which incorporate new techniques each year.

By mid to late February we will be the first to offer the cinematic style of wedding videography in Jamaica. My friends Joshua Smith of Cinematic Bride & Chip Goolsby of Canon Video inspired me to push the enveloppe to offer wedding video movies unlike any availabe in my market. By late March we will be offering these through our Tampa office in Florida also.

I stayed at a time-share my wife & I own for the first time since purchasing it about 6-8 years ago and it was fantastic! I'm uploading some pics of the jacuzzi in the master bedroom, a shot of the pool area outside and one of Josh, Chip and some others of us at lunch during the conference.

Tomorrow i'm off to Miami for the Master Your Craft wedding photography seminar with the ultra-cool celebrity wedding photographer Mike Colon. Talk about starting the year off with a bang!

2008-01-18T03:26:00.000-05:00

Well I didn't make the January 15 editing deadline but i'm close. The reroofing of my home took a little more of my time than I had anticipated. I'll be attending wedding videography workshops & seminars all next week so i'll have an update when I get back into office.

I take this opportunity again to thank all my wonderful and beautiful brides, their husbands and my other clients for their support during 2007 and 2008 and to wish for all a great 2008. May all your dreams come true, may you have happy marriages and may you continue to be blessed. I'm adding some more shots from Diana & Dwight's wedding and one of the roof replacement on my house. That is not me in the photo.(Just making sure)

2008-01-06T03:23:00.000-05:00

Another great wedding with another happy ending...or begining depending on how you look at it. Diana & Dwight were my first couple for 2008 and they started my year off with a bang. We darted in and out of the rain to get the images for the portrait session but the sun eventually came back out and all was well.

Diana was coiffed by celebrity stylist Dexter Pottinger, decor was handled by Dorette Douglas, who did a fantastic job in very limited time, Ade Beckles of Heavenly Concepts was the wedding coordinator and Pauline Milwood of The Mona Visitors Lodge coordinated the reception. Rising Star Lenya Wilks entertained.

The reception was held at the Mona Visitors Lodge, a popular wedding reception venue in Kingston situated on part of what used to be a sugar plantation in the early days. The ruins provided an excellent backdrop for photographs and the gold room was fully decked out by Dorette Douglas and her team.

Dianie and her FCIB posse were in the house, but those pics will follow in a subsequent blog as I really must go to sleep now.

2008-01-02T23:24:00.000-05:00

Saturday December 29, 2007 came & went. I got so many requests to cover weddings on that date I wonder how many got married last Saturday. Anyway I digress. The wedding I covered was of Shellion & Richard and was held at the breathtaking Tryall Club on Jamaica's North Coast. Anyone planning to get married in Jamaica should definately consider this location. The view, the food, the service, the location, all first class. Coordinator Paula Scarlett-Grant worked well with Herbert Baur in ensuring that all went well.

We had so many breathtaking locations for the portrait session we ran out of light. The wind took the bride's head piece into the ocean but a young swimmer retrieved it and all was well again. Happy Honeymoon guys!

2007-12-26T16:24:00.000-05:00

One of the best Groom's replies I've heard in a long time was given at the wedding of Natalie & James last Saturday. The wedding reception was held at the fabulous Strawberry Hills property, nestled in the picturesque Blue mountains some 3,100 feet above sea level. Tanisha Henry-wedding coordinator extraordinaire-ensured that everything ran perfectly.

2007-12-25T16:56:00.000-05:00

Thanks for all the calls and good wishes while I was recovering from God-knows-what. My doctor hasn't said what it was(I don't think he knows for sure) but it knocked me into bed for the better part of two weeks. I'm glad to be back and I had a fabulous wedding on Saturday that I will post some images from in my next post.

My 4 year old son Jonathan made the principal's list this term with a 91 percent average as a follow up to getting the top boy trophy in kindergarden for last year. (he so takes after his mom) He often asks to say prayers for the family at the breakfast table and my 1 year old daughter Stephanie always chimes in with "men"(short for Amen) at the end. They are two of my greatest blessings from God.

My first seminar for wedding photographers & videographers will be some time late February or early March next year. I feel its time that I help others in my industry the same way others helped me to become successful. I think this will be the first seminar of its kind in Jamaica. Stay tuned for details.

Its amazing how much work backs up in two weeks. I'm putting in some serious overtime to catch up with my editing etc. I have a goal for all outstanding 2007 videos to be ready by the latest January 15, 2008, December weddings included. (that would be something) I'll keep you posted.

Neil & Nicole

2007-12-03T10:36:00.000-05:00

A simple & elegant wedding, touching toasts and a peek into the honeymoon suite. Someone made our bride late and she was sure the groom was going to leave the church. He didn't though & all was well. I was invited to the honeymoon suite, or did i invite myself...hmmm, any way I was there for the first time in recent history and I have the pics to prove it.

Lorie-Ann & Damian

2007-11-15T15:29:00.001-05:00

It rained cats & dogs at this wedding.(its just an expression folks:) But our hot couple made the most of it. The picture says it all, i'll say no more about that. But the bride informed me that the honeymoon went exceptionally well(I didn't ask her to elaborate). And please don't get me started talking about the bride's maids... whew! What a wedding, what a couple, what a bridal party!!! Before I get into trouble let me just say I thank Lorie-Ann & Damian for inviting me to their wedding and I enjoyed it tremendously. All the best guys, and all the best to the bride's maids as well.

Weddings 07 Slideshow

2007-11-09T23:27:00.000-05:00

My new Slideshow. Let me know what you think.

Norell_Lee & Dwayne

2007-11-05T15:21:00.000-05:00

Norell-Lee & Dwayne had a fantastic wedding on October 20. The bride's Mom who does wedding cakes professionally, created a fabulous cake for the occasion.This is an affable couple. Real comfortable with each other and everybody else. Norell-Lee was just totally happy and real easy to work with. Working with this couple reminded me that I have the best job on earth. All the best guys. I've uploaded some pics from the event. My ultra-talented wife Zahra did the shot of the two glasses totally without my knowledge. She is such a pleasure to work with.

Jamaica wedding video demo

2007-09-23T08:37:00.000-05:00

Click below to view my video demo. Now I know how to do it I will try to upload previews of current weddings from time to time.

2007-09-22T06:27:00.000-05:00

Greetings! We've had so many interesting weddings recently and met so many interesting people. I covered a wedding last month where the minister who was giving the couple councelling claimed he was in love with the bride and wanted her to call off the wedding! I am not kidding. This was a first for me. (names will not be posted to proptect both the innocent & the guilty:).

Anyone thinking about getting married at Jamaica Grande Hotel in Ocho Rios I can recommend it as a great location with an excellent wedding team. We covered Lorraine & Damion's wedding there about two weeks ago and I worked along with Brian Nejedly a really cool photographer from Ocho Rios. We had a great time.

I am not really in touch with the who's who in Jamaica right now so often my indicator of how important my clients are comes at the ceremony when I see how many photographers from the press are present. This is what happened with Rachel & Greg's wedding(I'll try for the first time to upload a video clip) This wedding is beyond explaining. Awesome does not even begin to describe the job done by Maureen Capleton of MC Decor (MC Decor - Maureen Capleton Tel:876-926-0129). Mr. Binns, the master of ceremonies was the ultimate upscale MC, tasteful, witty and really a pleasure to listen to. (This has all come back to me as I edited the wedding video this week). The guest list of about 400 included political heavyweights, leaders of commerce, top entertainers and a generous portion from the upper echelons of society.

Last week we covered a wedding with a chineese theme for a bride and groom Annis & Dayne ne, who were not even remotely chinese! It was beautiful though, with decor by Allison Watson. This is one those couples I really enjoyed working with. They are both really easy-going cool individuals that i wish all the best & every success in life & marriage. The Gold room at the Mona Visitor's Lodge was beautifully decorated for the event. The bride's maids were something else... I'll leave it at that! (and post a pic)

I type very slowly. It's now 7:14AM and I started at 6:30. It feels like i've been at this forever.

I'll get to Theresa's wedding next time. Just to say it was a fabulous affair with the reception at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville.

Click the play button below to view a clip from Rachel & Greg's wedding.

We Survived Hurricane Dean!

2007-08-21T23:35:00.000-05:00

We survived Dean! Some zinc lifted from my roof & we had some water coming in but my family & I are all ok. None of the equipment got wet and electricity was restored tonight. Tomorrow i'll start putting the office back together and reconnecting all the equipment so work can resume by Thursday or Friday this week.

Thanks for all your prayers & good wishes. My inlaws were not as fortunate. I'll post some pics. (The first two are of my inlaw's house. The last one is my backyard into which my neighbour's trees fell.)

2007-08-19T12:32:00.000-05:00

Hurricane Dean is almost here. Just some rain & a little breeze where I am. See Pics. (Taken from my carport)

Waiting for Hurricane Dean

2007-08-19T08:01:00.000-05:00

We're all waiting for the arrival of hurricane Dean. The shopping areas & business district are under cerfew(police Lockdown) untill after the huuricane has passed. If I have internet & electricity and internet I will post some pics.

Gary

2007-08-03T21:01:00.000-05:00

All my weddings this summer were fabulous affairs. Of special note was the catering by Lorraine fong (catering_by_lorraine@yahoo.com) who seems to be at all the a-list weddings, decor by Ann-Marie Weise, one of Jamaica's most gifted decorators and planners, Maureen Capleton, another A-list wedding planner & decorator, and Marguerite Anderson of Petals & Promises fame ( wedding planning, tuxedo & gown rental, decoration etc. etc.)

We had way too many weddings this summer and plan to accept less weddings for the winter season & next summer. You know what they say about all work & no play! (no, actually it makes Jack a rich boy:) I have a great wife, two fabulous kids and a new house to enjoy. God has been really good to us as a family and we thank him for his blessings and all our clients for their support.

2007-07-20T12:32:00.000-05:00

I'm back!!!! Cable & Wireless has done it again. My internet service has been down for a whole week!!! My apologies to all our clients and prospective clients for the inconvenience. We will be switching to Flow in hopes of averting such a disaster in the future.

For all clients awaiting uploads of their wedding images, we will be working around the clock to deal with the backlog. (service is still schetchy so it may take a while)

Our new e-mail address is mastersweddings@gmail.com

Overdue posts will be up between now and Monday next week.

2007-05-16T05:41:00.000-05:00

Its about 5:30 A.M. I've been woking since a little after 4 this morning (talk about work load!) I have so much work to do I decided to.... you guessed it; Stop working for a while and post to my blog(does that sound logical?) Anyway, i'll make this quick as i'm in the middle of editing a wedding.

I just came across some images from a Jamaica Tourist Board reception I covered earlier this year at Mr. Gordon Tewani's residence ( he owns Tropical Jewellers and a host of other stuff including some prime real estate. Follow the link to read his fascinating story.) Also present was Aubyn Hill ( at NCB he was reportedly earning over one million US$ per year. I hear he tends to get straight to the point no beating around the bush. I like that. Many people become hypocrites because they are afraid that giving an honest opinion will cause offense.) I've included Photos of both of them along with a shot of Mr. Tewani's daughter (just couldn't resist) and his pool area. (I'm reliably informed it is lit like this year round. In December it is even more spectacular.)

Have you read the book Rich Dad Poor Dad? I'm just getting around to reading it. Great so far. two differing points of view: Poor Dad-Money is the root of all evil. Rich Dad-The lack of money is the root of all evil. You decide. I will keep you posted as I read on.

I must get back to work fully now, i've been rolling across the room back and forth between the duplication station and this computer as i'm also completing a dvd duplication job. Thanks for reading.

2007-04-25T18:07:00.000-05:00

What a fantastic life this is. With all the hateful, negative and bad-minded people out there (some of whom I deal with regularly) I give God thanks for my life, my absolutely fantastic wife, my two adorable children, my talent and the most fabulous wedding clients anyone could have. Really! I have no bad experiences, no difficult clients, no clients I hide from, none of that stuff. I really do love every aspect of my work and enjoy each day thoroughly. Anyway, enough about me.

I had two really great weddings recently Dr. Gail Webster and Dr.Wayne Henry wed amidst friends, dignitaries and family in a beautifully decorated UWI Chapel and an exquisitely decorated ballroom at the Hilton Hotel. (Photos attached) Decorations were done by the talented Dawn Leyow. Rochelle & Damion were wed in a simple but elegant ceremony in the newly built Hellshire Kingdom Hall with the reception at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

I am currently streamlining my workflow to reduce the turnaround time while increasing the quality of output. Please feel free to let me know of any changes you would like to see on the website. Just today i visited the website of Andrew Clarke, a super talented wedding photographer I met in L.A. at a seminar. Check out his website for some really cool wedding photography; it takes a while to load but its worth the wait.

A.J. & Justin's Wedding Pt. Charlotte Florida

2007-04-09T20:31:00.000-05:00

Florida was cold this past weekend. I wore gloves, a jacket and a woolen hat when out in the night on Saturday. A.J. & Justin's wedding on Saturday was a blast! they are a really cool couple who seem to get along with everybody. They joined the guests in dancing up a storm at the reception and the bride's mom cried (yes I saw) during the first dance. I'm posting some pics of the couple.

My friend Tim was in Jamaica shooting a destination wedding this weekend. Sorry I wasn't in Jamaica Tim. Anyway I'm sure you had a great time as always. See you soon.

I'm glad to be back with my family. I really missed them. I must be getting old, I was only away for three days. I flew Spirit airlines and the service was excellent both ways. I have always had good experiences with spirit, unlike Air Jamaica who cancelled my return flight from LA the last time. The Spirit planes were clean the service was friendly & the Orange Juice & Cranberry juice was good. Everywhere except WalMart was closed on Sunday. So much for my new siuts & sunglasses, but otherwise it was a great trip. Special thanks to Jim, Ruth, Alexis, Peter & Xavine for making the trip what it was.

Bridal Show season

2007-04-03T14:03:00.000-05:00

Bridal show season is about over for now with the Pegasus show this past weekend. It was a blast! My whole family came to help me pack up. (I'm posting pics of the kids at the show) My wife is just the best. I just want to thank all the prospective brides & grooms who visited my booth. I appreciate all the positive feedback and got some good laughs.

As the first wedding photographer to offer Coffee Table Books in Jamaica, guests would leave my booth & ask other photographers at the show about their Coffee Table Books. One by one those photographers came to my booth to ask me as they had no idea what a Coffee Table Book was!

I have been practising principles learned from the great Mike Colon involving customer service & branding and my customers really appreciate the difference between my company and the competition. Thanks Mike.

Someone left a beautiful comment on one of my posts that was most encouraging. Thanks a million. When you're on top you make an easy target, but thanks to God I keep dodging :)

I'm posting a photo of an ardent follower of my blog & websiteNorell-Lee & her Fiance Dwayne. Thanks for your interest and commendation.

I'll try to post some pics from my Florida wedding this weekend as soon as I get back.

2007-02-22T08:49:00.000-05:00

Shaggy, Tony Gold, Jenny Jenny, Lady Saw, Ity & Fancy Cat, Iceman, Voicemail, Red Rat, One Third, Nikeisha Barnes just to name a few of the Jamaican celebrities that were at Rising Star Chris Martin's party Tuesday night. The party was planned by the lovely Diannie Gordon and there was food galore. Shabba would have been pleased with the quantity & quality of the girls in the place. I'm posting some pics.

2007-02-08T02:05:00.000-05:00

Its been a rough two months (December & January) especially dealing with some backstabbing individuals determined to besmirch my character.(on a personal not business front) Thanks to God their motives have come to light and many now see them for who they are. I must thank the many individuals & especially my wife who stood by me and encouraged me during this time. I'm closing that chapter and moving on.

2007 has started with a bang! Venus & Serena Williams are in Jamaica & one of my corporate clients gave me the assignment to cover their arrival and some of their activities while here.

I just found out that some of my images were published in the October 2006 issue of the UNESCO Courier. Just google UNESCO/Gary Masters & the links should come up.

My little girl Stephanie has taken her first unassisted steps. She is now 10 months old.

I read a quote repeated by Mike Colon one of the greatest wedding photographers on earth and it really inspired me " You have no competition because there is only ONE of you on this earth. Embrace that fact and let it carry you in your art, your business, and your confidence!"

Never put a cap on your dreams. Its amazing how many ordinary people have done extraordinary things just because they believed they could do it. Remain humble but be confident in your abilities and proud of your achievements. I listened to an interview with the guy who is the basis for the latest Will Smith movie; this guy went from sleeping in public bathrooms to being a multimillionaire. Through it all the love he had for his son was so touching it was amazing. His drive to succeed took him right to the top of his game.

Always strive to be at the top of your game whatever it is. Dont let the pay or lack of it hold you back. If you wash cars for a living, be the best car washer that ever lived. If you are a secretary strive to amaze your boss every day with your excellence(even if he doesn't seem to notice or appreciate it). Always remember: Your attitude determines your altitude!

2006-12-18T17:54:00.000-05:00

Slideshows are here! I'm still testing so bear with me. I'll try to insert the link here. I can't seem to get it to turn off so just turn off the music when you are finished watching. I'm off to cover an assignment now but i'll work out the bugs later.

2006-12-11T21:11:00.000-05:00

Our Florida wedding two weekends ago was a blast. The bride & groom were so in love they were just really into each other. They were really fun to work with and they really enjoyed their wedding. Here's wishing Alexis & Adam many years of wedded bliss.

I'm posting a couple of pics.

I got some new toys. Now i'm really shooting like the stars. Did I mention that our new albums were out? We now have something really special for our Florida & Jamaican brides. Its all about keeping a couple of jumps ahead of the competition. Now if only I could decide what outfits to wear to my 2007 weddings hmmmm...

2006-11-28T23:41:00.000-05:00

Wow, a whole month since I last blogged! This really is bad. I will do better, I promise. Anyway before I dash off to Florida for what should be a lovely wedding I'll post some pics from a recent engagement session & wedding. We're doing so much here, with our new albums now out. Our brides are just beside themselves with excitement. If you are a prospective bride, schedule a consultation to see what all the buzz is about. We are really taking it to the next level for 2007. Its going to be our greatest year to date. Check back for more updates.

While on the engagement shoot a n old man with an even older motorbike came through selling fudge(icecycles-I'm not sure of the spelling)so we asked for his bike & shot a few with it. I think they came out just great. Let me know what you think.

Gary

2006-10-25T08:25:00.000-05:00

Here are some photos taken in California in September at the Pictage workshops. Our instructors were some of the biggest names in wedding photography, like Denis Reggie, Joe Bussink, Mike Colon, & David Jay among others. In the the first image i'm seen with Denis Reggie & Joe Bussink. In the last photo I'm getting personally tutored by the incredible Jessica Claire www.jcsphoto.com(thanks Tim)

2006-10-24T23:45:00.000-05:00

Zofia was born at about 10:00 PM. I'm an uncle tonight.

I was thinking about my life just the other day & I could not identify one real problem that I had. I give God thanks for the life I enjoy.

I promise I'll post some recent wedding shots soon.

2006-09-18T15:42:00.000-05:00

The Pictage Partnercon held in Los Angeles California was the place for all Professional Wedding Photographers to be September 6 & 7. The seminars & workshops covered all aspects of the wedding day from capturing emotion to producing outstanding images and managing workflow. I had such a blast being immersed in it all, being taught bysome of the top names in the industry. People like Denis Reggie, Mike Colon, David Jay & Pepper Nix to name a few.

Wedding coverage in Jamaica will never be the same and my brides will continue to have access to products & services not offered by anyone else on the Island!

As soon as I can track down Timco to get my pictures I'll post them here. Stay in touch.

Gary