Thursday, December 11, 2008

Look Around

Marketers are doing a great job at convincing us that our photo equipment is outdated and it's time to upgrade - from pros with their full-frame DSLRs to amateurs/hobbyist with their point & shoots. But is it really necessary?

It's more about learning and fully maximizing your equipment's capabilities. This topic is one of the most debatable issues in the digital photography world - so instead of hearing my perspective (I merely brought it up), I 'd rather showcase some of my work!

A great thing about shooting weddings is that there's always so much going on - just look around. These shots were from a wedding a few weeks back at the Old Mill. For anyone that's been there, you don't need me to tell you that as charming as it is, it's also as dark and dimly lit as any venue out there!

The first image was shot using the 24-70 (zoomed out) @ f2.8, 3200 iso, and the second one with the 50mm @ f1.4, 3200 iso. BTW, I added more noise to the second image - I just prefer it.

Now back to pondering what "new" equipment is needed for next season!




Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Project

There are a few reasons why I started this blog.  Partly to showcase my other work, share a few thoughts, and keep clients up to date...
  
From the moment I started though, I made a conscious decision not to divulge much, if any, personal information.  Not only because blogs like mine are an "open" public forum, (though 90% still prefer to comment via email and not directly on this blog) but simply put - it's just not my style or nature. 

That's why all I can say is that I'll finally be starting a very personal photo project I've been planning for a while.  

I will share some info though - my new website (and blog) URL will be posted pretty soon!!!


Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Print Me

As I was going through my archives, I came across or should I say rediscovered  (since I forgot they existed), a bunch of images in a folder titled "b+w, to be printed."  I know - what an uninspiring/non-descriptive title.

People assume I must have many of my own prints framed and hanging throughout my place. Just ask my friends about the empty frames hanging on the walls!


Friday, November 7, 2008

Umbrella

While watching the news earlier today, the meteorologist informed the viewers that there's "possible" wet weather on the way, and "we should have our umbrellas ready."  (Mind you, this is one of the only jobs where you can be wrong 100% of the time and not worry about getting fired!)  Can't think of anymore - are there any?

Therefore, with the cold & unpleasant weather approaching/already here - perhaps this photo of umbrellas is more to your liking!    


Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Starting Early


I heard this quote earlier today and I thought I'd share it. "The true lens of the camera is your own heart" - Yousuf Karsh.

It made me realize that my favorite photographers, including the few weddings photographers who inspire me, are all trendsetters in one way or another. So shoot in your own style and capture moments that excite you!

BTW, I've noticed that a lot of wedding guests are now bringing their own cameras! 

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Happy Birthday Deb!

Anticipation

Some of my favorite shots are usually when all eyes are on the "centre of attention".  This moment creates an opportunity to capture some great reactions.  The moment the bride enters, everyone forgets about everything - including the quiet photographer with his camera.     

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Sights and Sounds

My brother-in-law Rob (from Digital Samurai) did a great job capturing the sights and sounds from our weekend break.  He just posted this cool short video, so check it out.


Monday, October 13, 2008

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Curiosity

I'm up late at night (or should I say early morning) editing.  I just felt like sharing these two shots from one of my summer weddings.


Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Getting Ready

We're heading up to the cottage for the long weekend. It's a Thanksgiving tradition that our friends and family always look forward to.  It's also a well needed break... well, sort of. I'll be driving back to shoot Marika & Nick's wedding at The Old Mill, and then straight back to the cottage. Check back next week! 

I also wanted to share with you this shot that Jenn captured of the bride last weekend - I just love it!

Monday, September 22, 2008

E + C - Wedding Slideshow

I just put together this little slideshow and uploaded it to VIMEO.  It's a great site that I discovered from another Toronto wedding photographer.  You can upload and view true HD! Hope you guys enjoy it.  Let me know what you think.

To view in full screen HD click HERE


ERIN + CRAIG (07.26.08) from Jim Kalianiotis on Vimeo.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Sunset Ceremony

Two words come to mind when I think of the first time I met Steve & Marianne - cool and relaxed.  We got along immediately and I knew we'd work well together.

Their sunset ceremony & reception were held at The Royal Ambassador a few weeks ago.  (I know, I'm not the best at updating my blog.)  Anyways, we had an amazing time shooting their day - here are some of their ceremony shots. 









Greek Wedding + 500 Guests = Great Party!

My first conversation with Helen & Manny started off something like this:  "Describe the theme of your wedding day." Their response, "OK... an awesome party!!!"

That's exactly what it was.  Everywhere I looked, there was always something going on.  Here are some shots from their beautiful day.

Check back as I'll be launching my new site in the coming weeks.








Tuesday, September 2, 2008

VIneyard Wedding

I had the pleasure of meeting Jonathon & Amanda earlier this year. They're a really cool couple and Jenn & I had a great time shooting their wedding a few weeks ago at the Legends Estate Winery. Here are some shots from their day... Enjoy!



Thank You For the Best Photos Ever!

Besides being given the huge honour (and responsibility) of capturing a couple's wedding day memories, the perks of this job are great. You do what you love; you're the boss; you're surrounded by 'happy' people celebrating a truly joyous occasion; and when you're finished at the end of the night, you even eat some wedding cake.

Then one day, you check your email and you see this:

"Alex and I celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary on tuesday and I had to thank you again and again for capturing those memories so beautifully. I've looked at them throughout the year but never as closely as we did last week - They are so perfect!

Thank you again for doing such a wonderful job.
Sia, Alex & baby Elias"

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

What a Weekend!



The pics (above) are from Erin & Craig's wedding which took place on saturday at The Cutten Club. The heavy rain and (even) hail stopped in time for a beautiful outdoor ceremony.

The following day, Jenn & I shot Lara & Marco's wedding at The Manor. I wish I had more time to post more images - both weddings were really special!

As of July 30th ...

I'll be away for two weeks on assignment. I will be checking my emails regularly and will try to respond within a few days. Many thanks in advance for your patience. Upon my return it will be full steam ahead for August with weddings on the 16,17,22,24,30. This is an exciting summer season.

Thank You
Jim

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Monique & Sherif

Just a few images from the wedding I shot two days ago. It was my first Coptic Orthodox wedding. The ceremony was filled with rich traditions, ancient customs and true beauty. Check back next week as I will be shooting two weddings this upcoming weekend.


Friday, July 18, 2008

Rehearsal Without a Priest

Yesterday evening, I attended the wedding rehearsal of Monique and Sherif, a great couple whose wedding I will be shooting this coming Sunday. Their family and friends were all in attendance ready and excited to start the rehearsal except for the priest who surprisingly was in another city. Without hesitation, the brother of the groom took charge and led the rehearsal very successfully! This event is going to be a lot of fun and I am looking forward to shooting it.





Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Birthday Ritual

Today I heard the most intriguing birthday ritual/right of passage. Imagine spending your 21st birthday under the stars at ancient Delphi. If you find yourself travelling to Greece - Delphi is definitely worth exploring. It is an awe inspiring ancient site surrounded by Mount Parnassus. I captured these images last year. If you are a fan of the movie 300 - then you will recall the scene where King Leonidas consults with the Oracle... well, this is the place.
Enjoy your upcoming trip Kosta!



Jessica & Ryan

These are two of my favorite shots from Jessica and Ryan's wedding on Lake Simcoe. It was a beautiful day and an emotion filled event. The father of the bride had tears of joy during the ceremony. It was really special to share in their happiness.



Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Happy B-Day

Happy Birthday to the most amazing woman I know.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Unguarded Moments

While I was editing some images this evening, I came across two shots that "brought me back" and made me relive the moments when I captured them. Call it what you want: Documentary, Photojournalism, Candid... however "these" types of photographs have this powerful ability in depicting genuine and unguarded moments that can "truly" tell a story.

I've heard that documentary photography, "isn't that hard." I'm not going to discuss this - my answer is pretty obvious. The challenge though, is to take pictures of sensitive, loving, fun, exciting, and emotional scenes and moments without altering them in any way by the presence of yourself or a camera. Now that, is a bit harder than it sounds!