The bf/Stop


Owned and operated by David and Kassandra Beckstead, [David Beckstead](http://davidbeckstead.com/) is fast becoming one of the premier wedding photographers in the world.

###What is your primary camera body?

I use 2 – Canon Mark II’s on my body at every wedding.

###Two lenses you use the most

16-35 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 IS

###Do you shoot RAW?

Not at this time.

###How would you describe your photography style?

Mostly documentary with a push to go as artistic and creative as possible.

###Do you normally employ assistants or 2nd shooters?

My wife Kassandra shoots all weddings with me. She uses a 20D and 5D.

###What do you remember about your first (or one of your first) wedding?

I remember it was a perfect day for a beginning photographer; overcast clouds with just the perfect amount of light at an outdoor wedding. You could not ask for it to be easier! I am not sure if I have had it that good since!! It gave me a little too much over-confidence for the next shoot. It also perked my interest in shooting more weddings.

###If you were getting married this year, who would you want to shoot your wedding?

[Maring Lifestyle Photographers](http://www.maringphoto.com/) or [IDC Photography](http://www.idcphotography.com/) or [mangoRED](http://www.mangored.com/). There are so many great photographers out there! And [Joe Buissink](http://joebuissink.com) would be on the top of my list also.

###What advice would you give to someone just beginning their career as a wedding photographer?

Push hard to create your own style! Learn from others, yet, be yourself. Buy the best gear you can afford; don’t skimp on cheap lenses. Spend time and money to hire a great web designer and help them create a perfect site for your style. Take less photography classes and take more business related classes. “Back-up” should be your mantra word at all times. Always challenge yourself to keep it fun and exciting!

Exciting news. BETA testers will be giving one last round of ‘tire kicking’ to the solution this weekend before we take [Photographer's Office](http://www.photographersoffice.com/) live. A big thanks to Nathan and Amber of [Holritz Photography](http://holritzphotography.com/) for considering us to turn their excellent idea into a reality.

We are all really excited about what is going to be the final product, and know you all will be too. If you haven’t already signed up to be notified when the site goes live, do it at [Photographer's Office](http://www.photographersoffice.com/).

Canon is running a [double rebate](http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000014461&tag2=contempora0b4-20) program until January 13, 2007. If you are looking to buy a [Canon 5d](http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-5D-Digital-Camera/dp/B0007Y791C/sr=1-1/qid=1161482720?ie=UTF8&s=photo&tag2=contempora0b4-20) or other camera or lens now is a great time to consider.


Owned and operated by Glen Durrell, [Glen Durrell Photography](http://glendurrell.com/) is one of the premier wedding photography studios in all of British Columbia.

###What is your primary camera body?

Nikon D2X.

###Two lenses you use the most.

70-200 f2.8vr, 50f1.4

###Do you shoot RAW?

No, jpeg fine, largest. Just have to bang on with exposure.

###How would you describe your photography style?

I would describe our style as fun and funky with a fashion bend.

###Do you normally employ assistants or 2nd shooters?

I work with my wife Cathi, who is the best stylist. I occasionally use assistants but not as second shooters.

###What do you remember about your first (or one of your first) wedding?

I remember feeling extremely nervous before the shoot and kind of euphoric after. Still get that feeling after. Not so nervous before now.

###If you were getting married this year, who would you want to shoot your wedding?

If I was to hire anyone in the world, it would be a three way tie between, Bruce Dorn, Jerry Ghionis and Yervant.

###What advice would you give to someone just beginning their career as a wedding photographer?

My advice is get as much technical knowledge as you can first, then assist with successful shooters to learn how to direct people.


Owned and operated by Jim and Roxanne Stone, [Shot by Roxy](http://shotbyroxy.com/) is fast becoming one of the most sought after studios in the South.

###What is your primary camera body?

Nikon D2X

###What two lenses do you use the most?

Nikkor 70 – 200mm VR f2.8 & Nikkor 17 – 55mm f2.8

###Do you shoot RAW?

Yes, 100%

###How would you describe your photography style?

80% documentary with a bit of fashion style and subtle prompting at times.

###Do you normally employ assistants or 2nd shooters?

Yes, my husband Jim and I are a team and we also have a third shooter at large events.

###What do you remember about your first (or one of your first) wedding?

One of our very first weddings was at Lake Tahoe and the beauty of the lake, the bride, the flowers, all the family and friends loving each other… I knew that day that this is what I wanted to do. I was nervous because they trusted me with such an important day and I wanted to deliver beautiful images. At the time, I was a sport (sailing/surfing) photographer as well as some commercial work on design projects, but this was different and more fulfilling to me.

###If you were getting married this year, who would you want to shoot your wedding?

Wow, that’s a tough one. We have so many amazing friends and photographers we respect that absolutely Rock! Of course we’d need at least a $100K to fund this…

Engagement Shoot: Jim Garner
Bridal Portrait: Bambi Cantrell
Bridal Preps: Jerry Ghionis
Groom Prep: Tim Ludvigsen
Ceremony: Tim Zielenbach, Matt Adcock, and Michael van Auken
Formals: Bambi Cantrell
Post-Wedding Bride and Groom about town: Yervant
Reception: Matt Adcock and the Cheungs
The Day after trash the dress session : John Michael Cooper

###What advice would you give to someone just beginning their career as a wedding photographer?

Make no mistake about it… this is very hard work. Invest in the best equipment you can afford and invest in Seminars with Bambi, Jerry, and Yervant. Study classic art and how the masters saw light.

On the business side of things, be prepared for late hours and long days. Invest in the very best web site designers you can afford because that is how the modern Bride often finds you and decides whether to meet you at all or book you.!

Its been a tasty week here. Today we setup our new [Keurig B-60 coffee maker](http://www.keurig.com/). I purchased one for home last month and have been raving about it since. It takes a lot for me to champion a product or service. The beauty of the Keurig is in its simplicity and design. The machine looks nice, there are only 5 buttons, and there is no way to “get it wrong”. In fact, after priming the machine initially, you don’t need a manual (much like good software).

Open machine, insert coffee, push button …


It adds style to our otherwise boring studio


Don’t think there aren’t plenty of options either – good coffee, tea, even hot cocoa …


Yesterday, Jeff received a couple [Luscious Living Sophisticakes](http://www.lusciousliving.com/) from [Doug Loneman at Loneman Photography in Montana](http://www.lonemanphotography.com/). They are pretty tasty and we haven’t even finished the chocolate one yet. Thanks, Doug, you rock.


Sending us Food is not only a great way to say *thank you*, but you may also get on the blog and score some SEO points.