All Hail Our Machine Overlords

No, this isn't a post about the rise of digital cameras.

I am primarily a wedding, event, and portrait photographer, but once in a while it's fun to step way outside that and do something really different. 

This past week was one such chance. I periodically photograph machines for a family friend's company. They make custom and small batch machines for small manufacturing companies. (This time, many of the machines were for screen printing.) It's an interesting challenge - the machines are very cooperative subjects, so I get to spend a lot of time refining the lighting and set up.

They're also a lot of processing on the back end, since I don't actually own any 10 x 30 foot white backdrops. I take 5-10 photos, moving my backdrop along the back of the machine, and combine them later into one single photo. 

They come out pretty handsome, I'd say.

We've Moved!

This past Friday, my girlfriend and I moved into a new place!

We're still in Vernon, CT, and I will still be working all around New England.

Now just a bit more unpacking to do and things can get back to normal around here...

200

On my birthday this January, I decided to do a photo-a-day project. It's not my first (I actually completed one in 2011) but it seemed like a good way to make some work through the winter doldrums and to experiment with some new things. On August 2nd, I hit 200 days!

Our cat doesn't look sinister at all... I don't know what you mean...

Some, like the above, have been taken while experimenting with my primary work camera, but not many - the 5D is big, heavy, and most importantly, expensive. So I like to leave it where it's safe most of the time.

Instead, I took the approach that the best camera is the one that is always with you, and bought a Canon S110. I've previously owned two S90s (and broke both of them), and love this one as much as I loved those. They're small, light, and extremely capable. Best of all, with a little reshuffling and a wallet downsizing, the S110 fits in my pants pocket. I literally carry it everywhere.

I'm so glad I do, because there are so many photo opportunities that I would miss out on if I had to rely on my cell phone. (It tries, admirably, but it can only do so much...) 

It's been so much fun. I love breaking it out to catch sudden moments (so many sunsets, as well), and it's cheap enough that I am willing to take it places it might get damaged.

Like in a kayak.

It's also been a great motivator to experiment with new things, try out new angles or new techniques that have subsequently made it into my professional work. The project (and the surprisingly good macro system on the S110) prompted me to add a macro tube for my professional gear, which in turn provided a few days worth on photos as I systematically photographed every tiny thing in our apartment. Now I'll be adding shots like the one below to all my future weddings.

But the best part, by far, has been all the photos I love, photos of loved ones or special occasions, that I probably wouldn't have bothered to take if not for the looming daily deadline motivating me to get my camera out and just try it. See what... happens.

You can see all 200 (and counting) in my Flickr gallery. At this point, I doubt it will be a year-long project. Rather, I'm planning just to make it a part of daily life indefinitely.

I recommend it, even if you just use your cell phone. Even if you aren't the best photographer. It's like a quick, daily journal entry that will make you look more carefully at your world.

Kim and Mike Tee Off

It's a testament to the quality of the couple and their friends and family when a wedding goes quickly. It means I'm having tons of fun, things are running smoothly, and everyone's having a good time. 

Kim and Mike's wedding flew by.

Prep was a blast, everyone calm and relaxed. And the full Catholic ceremony that followed was bubbling with barely contained enthusiasm.

So you can imagine what a blast the reception was.

It was my first time at the Connecticut National Golf Club, a surprisingly roomy space in Putnam, CT with a phenomenal staff (Thanks, Jen!) and beautiful grounds. Which you reach by golf cart. Swanky.

It was a fabulous night of dancing, great music, games, and tons and tons of great photos. And maybe the most energetic group of grandparents and great aunts and uncles I've ever seen.

Congratulations, Mike and Kim!

A Rambunctious Renewal of Vows

Last Saturday, I photographed Heather and Rob renewing their vows after 10 years in front of their friends, family, and two adorable kids.

I always love renewals. Partly because they tend to be more laid back and relaxed affairs, which this one definitely was. 

But also because it's great to see people deciding they still want to be together. There are no practical reasons to renew your vows. It doesn't get you a better deal on insurance, or make filing your taxes easier, or get your great aunt to stop pestering you about settling down.

You only do it because you love each other and want to make sure everyone knows. And, I guess, because it's a good excuse to throw a sick party.

Destination: Florida... MA.

I haven't done a ton of destination weddings, but I jump at the chance whenever I get the opportunity. They always turn into fun, extended trips and often produce some of my favorite photos. I've been to Montana, North Carolina, and this past Fourth of July, I went to Florida.

The town in northwest Massachusetts, that is.

I was there to photograph a wedding for a good friend's sister. It was also a chance to give my girlfriend some second shooter experience. (She's previously filmed wedding videos with me, but this was her first run at photos - she knocked it out of the park.)

And, this was my first army wedding! Besides the dapper uniforms, army weddings come with a bunch of great traditions, and it's great to see the bonds between servicemen.

Heather and I were exhausted, but we took advantage of the local sights on Sunday. It took us something like five hours to drive the 30 miles from Florida to Interstate 91. It's an interesting part of Massachusetts that I've never really explored before: The scenic Deerfield River, a handful of Native American-themed tourist traps, Glacial Potholes, and the awesome Bridge of Flowers.

Good way to spend the Fourth, I reckon.

Being a Second Shooter

Last Saturday (July 11th, 2015) I was second shooter for a wedding with The Terrible Child Photography.

Before that, my last time second shooting for another photographer was July 21st... 2012.

So it's been a while.

I can't lie, it was weird.

It was weird photographing the guys during prep. It was weird photographing cocktail hour. Most of all, it was weird having to constantly remind myself, "That's not your job, that's Mike's job, just focus on your job!" I've gotten used to everything being my job, or at least my responsibility, apparently.

All that said, it was a lot of fun and a beautiful wedding at the Candlewood Inn. Plus, I got to leave a bit early, which is a nice perk.

Still, I'm looking forward to being in charge of myself this coming weekend.

Four Years (and a New Website)

On June 14th, 2011, I walked into the Town Clerk's office and filed my Certificate of Adoption of Trade Name. With that, Zack Wussow Media became a reality. Since then, I've photographed fifty-nine weddings: Big, elaborate affairs and private elopements, first marriages and vow renewals, young couples and old, gay and straight. 

Honestly, I didn't expect Zack Wussow Media to be a day job. I formalized my business because I had the chance to photograph a couple weddings and needed to be able to report the income to the IRS.

I quickly changed my mind, though.

I've always loved photographing people. My last two years of college were filled with studio portrait projects and figure drawing classes. I carried my camera with me as much as possible to photograph my friends and family.

This is what sold me on weddings. They're full of people, dressed to the nines, excited and happy, and best of all they go into it expecting to be photographed. For anyone who enjoys candid photography, weddings are as perfect a venue as possible.

But, of course, merely liking something does not make it a successful business. It takes hard work, skill, a bit of luck, and, maybe more-so in weddings than most other professions, great customers. The last one, especially makes me happy; I love it every time someone comes to me on a referral from a previous customer.

In those four years, a lot else has happened: I ran a Tough Mudder, moved in with my girlfriend, filmed a few music videos. All along, Zack Wussow Media has grown and changed.

I felt like it deserved a (belated) birthday present.

So enjoy the new site. And the photos. And the blog. 

Lets see where the next four years takes us!