So, I recently finished shooting and editing an amazing wedding!  The ceremony was sufficiently tear-jerking, the weather was absolutely gorgeous, and there was enough crazy dancing at the reception to warrant a Motrin in the morning (maybe two).  And there to document it in timeless images for future generations to cherish and enjoy were myself and colleague/friend Martin Kim.  We each started our day at 10:30 AM, navigated to four different locations, and wrapped up at 11:30 at night.  Thirteen hours each of hauling thousands of dollars of equipment, evaluating lighting situations, coming up with creative poses, and desperately trying not to miss those precious moments that come and go in seconds.  It is grueling and stressful, but for some reason, I love it.  For some reason, I don't mind spending hours visualizing the shots I want to get or spending endless hours on my feet standing, squatting, bending, contorting -- doing whatever it takes.  You know what it is?  I think it's the chase.  Photographers are like drug addicts, trying to get their next fix, their high on pride and satisfaction of capturing the moment perfectly.  Each accomplishment has to be topped by the next one.    

In a sense, we are all chasing after something of some sort - whether it's love, happiness, success, the next promotion, or even the next Saturday you get to sleep in.  It could be anything.  So, what is that thing you're chasing after?  And if you know what it is, how badly do you want it?  Don't waste any more time, and go get it!

Martin Kim took this shot of me when we were testing the lighting over these pews...turned out to be a really nice setting for some couple's shots.  He has a keen eye for lighting, so he was a great colleague to have as a second shooter that day.  Check him out at www.martinkimphotography.com.

~Karen