This is probably my favorite photograph. That is a big statement since I have terabytes of photos saved. Why is this photo so great? Well, because it just happened. Maybe it is not technically amazing (whatever that means). I do not even remember the camera settings. These are my 2 children. The lighting was just perfect. Sun was setting. They were having fun. I think it says a lot. Big sister leading the way for her younger sibling. Love. A precious moment. It is great because I was there. I was able to capture a moment that means something. I will always look back and remember this day. That is what makes it a great photograph. It took me a long time to figure that out.

Nothing much to add to my blog in awhile. Too busy being a dad! Shots like this in a super dark room make me appreciate technology and the freedom to shoot with ease at ISO 4000 or greater. My little gal playing the violin. So proud!

My little one dressed as “Brave.” I love fall.

Lori and Matt were married at the Kinney Bungalow in Narragansett, RI. I love this shot. Take a look at my main site for more images.

http://chrisbilodeauphotography.com

Ask any pro why they choose the body they use and one of the first things you will hear is durability. Before I ever shot my first paid gig, I treated my gear like it was fine China. Well, after awhile you realize that the difference between getting a shot and letting one slip away is just “being there.” That means sometimes your gear gets banged up. However, I never expected my Nikon D3 to survive getting driven over by a car! …I cannot say the same for the lens

I was recently shooting a wedding and someone accidentally drove over my gear. They destroyed my 70-200 f/2.8 (what a horrible sound). My D3 was pulled and dragged under the car as the lens was trying to tear off the body. I caught the tail end of the incident, only to watch in horror as I lost over $4,000 worth of camera gear. The lens is now a sad looking paper weight. To my shock and surprise, I picked up the D3 and it still worked. Sure, it is pretty banged up, but it was actually able to limp to the end of the night and allow me to finish the wedding with both camera bodies.

D3 Damage Report:

1. Nasty Road Rash, I mean chunks of Magnesium Alloy are still left on the ground.
2. The F-Mount has slightly torn away from the body on the right (causing slight blur on that side shooting wide unless I compensate with an aperture of around f/7.1)
3. The Shutter Release/on-off system is a little whacked. I can tap it and it turns on. Thankfully, it stays on!
4. The Aperture wheel is a little tighter than before.

Other than that, it can still be used…at least until I have Nikon repair it. I mean, it works, but that is a loose definition.

Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 Damage Report:

DESTROYED

Overall, this is a testament to Nikon’s professional gear. Any other camera body would probably be in pieces. Sure, it has some serious battle scars. But, it will live to fight another day! Yes, I did lose over $2,000 and I still have to pay Nikon to repair the D3 so it is operating at 100%. But, the important thing was that I was able to finish the wedding. I was paid to do a job and, as a pro, you are expected to complete the shoot. The Bride and Groom deserve nothing less. The D3 allowed me to complete the job. This is why I will remain loyal to Nikon, even more than before.

Thank you Nikon. Thank you for making gear that actually lives up to the expectations people have, and then some.

http://chrisbilodeauphotography.com

-Chris

I love off-camera flash. Here is a little example of a shot that is so easy to get…and packs an “emotional” punch. I am 20 feet away from the speed light on a monopod with SB-900 held by an assistant. I am shooting directly at the light with the couple in the middle. You can actually see the speed light in this photo (top left). It creates a lovely haze. Simple and effective.

Ok, so I have not posted in awhile. Why? Well, I have had little to say. The camera world is quiet since the release of the D4 and D800. The light leak issue of the Canon MK III has been solved with electrical tape (LOL). The weather is nice and I have been shooting. Here is a photo of a lovely couple from a Maternity Shoot I did yesterday. I had a great time and made some new friends.

You can see more photos on my main site. -Chris