Does the changing definitions of art change the way you think about art? Seth Godin recently outlined many changes in his recent blog post – Now it’s ruined. How many times have we heard this?
- Photography is a cheat, the death of painting
- Photoshop is a hack, the death of photography
- Instagram filters are crap, the death of Photoshop
- eBooks are for losers, stealing the magic and majesty of the printed book
- Blogging is impermanent, the end of thoughtful word processing
- Tweeting is stupid, the end of intelligent blogging
- Video is too easy, a cheap shortcut that destroys the essence of film
- YouTube has no curators, the end of quality video
- Selling by phone is for losers, closers show up in person…
Seth argues that “Technology almost always democratizes art, because it gives us better tools, better access and a quicker route to mediocrity.” So in our case, it’s exponentially easier to be a decent photographer given all the great tool on the market today, but, in our opinion, it’s just as difficult to be a great photographer as it ever was. To be great, just as always, takes hard work. As Ashton said, “Opportunity looks at lot like work.” Seems fair to me.
Seth sums it up well “… all this ending is leading to more and more beginnings, isn’t it? It’s not ruined, it’s merely different.”
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We found this quote and feel it really captures our message:
“[Experience] is a matter of sensibility and intuition, of seeing, and hearing the significant thing, of paying attention at the right moments, of understanding and coordinating. Experience is not what happens to a man; it is what a man does with what happens to him.” – Aldous Huxley
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Although brides and grooms plan their big day just once, those of us who have spent some time in the wedding industry have tasted more cakes, sniffed more bouquets, and photographed more crazy dancing than we care to remember.
But this is good for you—and it’s good for us too. This gives us a certain perspective. We can tell you that a midnight round of vodka and Red Bull shots may not be the best plan at your reception. Or that hand-making each and every one of those 450 special party favors may not be worth the damage to your eyesight and relationships with those you roped into helping you.
And, because we’ve been around a while, we know more useful stuff! Such as what venues are up and coming in our area, what’s hot this season, and what you can do to choose the very best professionals, which will help make your day as smooth and fun as possible.
In addition to imparting our wisdom (because who can’t get enough of that?), we at Ocken Photography want to talk about what it takes to be a professional wedding photographer, why it’s important to hire someone who’s an industry pro, and what does experience have to do with it anyway.
We’ll be chatting with some of our favorite people to work with and telling you what they have to say. We’ll be sharing different perspectives, as well as our own, in a series of blog posts over the summer and fall, so plan to check back regularly for the latest in wedding trends and insights for all aspects of your blessed event.
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The Left Bank Jewelry and Bridal Finery – 1155 West Webster from 6pm-8:30pm - RSVP: [email protected]
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We all get lucky once in a while. (You’re feeling that way right now as you think about your partner to be, right?)
But you don’t want to leave things to chance when it comes to your wedding photographs. When the fanfare and wonder of the big day is over, your photographs will remain. Over time, they become your memories.
So on your one special day, it’s important to choose a photographer who’s already been down the aisle numerous times. Pick someone who’s prepared for (and even thrives on!) the pressure that comes with the just-happening-once joy of a wedding.
After years of photographing ceremonies and receptions of all sizes and styles, Ocken Photography has the knowledge, creativity, and quick-thinking poise under pressure to make sure your memories and one-of-a-kind moments are expertly captured, without disrupting the emotion and flow of your celebration.
Tell us about your wedding and how we can help
Check out a collection of our favorite photographs
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Every year I volunteer my photography services to document the CARTI Kids having the time of their lives. These kids have all received treatment at CARTI for cancer. Some are still being treated and some have rods in there backs. When I mentioned that to a climbing guide, he about flipped out. I think we changed some hearts with our visit to the Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. To see all the wonderful photographs I took go to the CARTI Facebook page or request a link from me at [email protected]]]>
]]>There are many reason to choose a photographer, so we outlined reasons for not choosing a particular photographer in a fun, funny and not so serious look at ourselves. Remember NONE of these applies to Ocken Photograph – we are happy to assure you your day will be documented to our highest standards. Thanks to Kyle Hamman at KBH Media for all his hard work - if you’re looking for great video, warm personalities and a wonderful person to work with, give Kyle a call!
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Thanks to KBH Media for all their amazing work – if you’re looking for great video, warm personalities
and a wonderful person to work with, give Kyle a call!
We love to show off what we do, so please take some time and visit our galleries and Facebook pages for Arkansas and Chicago. And be careful, we are totally doing the happy dance right now as we type!
Jon Lee and Chelsey Thompson married June 9, 2012
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When not working with brides, we really like to join forces with great partners like The Left Bank Jewelry, a wonderful little wedding boutique on Webster in Lincoln Park. Susan Metropoulos has a great collection that includes just about every bridal accessory you might dream of—and probably some you haven’t! And all with a wonderful French flair. Check out her lovely ad, featuring an Ocken Photography photo, in the current CS Brides on page 275. Then finish the job by paying her a visit, and heck—why not check in with us too? We’d love to take some photographs for you as well!
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Our bride Kristin Mays and her new husband Louis Levine view the wonderful skyline, wait a minute, they aren’t even looking! Kristin and Louis had this wedding photograph featured on page 335 in the “Marketplace” section of the Spring 2013 issue of CS Brides! I just love how many photos we are getting into magazines for our newest friends! We added a second photo just because we could. Enjoy.
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We all get lucky once in a while. (You’re feeling that way right now as you think about your partner to be, right?)
But you don’t want to leave things to chance when it comes to your wedding photographs. When the fanfare and wonder of the big day is over, your photographs will remain. Over time, they become your memories.
So on your one special day, it’s important to choose a photographer who’s already been down the aisle numerous times. Pick someone who’s prepared for (and even thrives on!) the pressure that comes with the just-happening-once joy of a wedding.
After years of photographing ceremonies and receptions of all sizes and styles, Ocken Photography has the knowledge, creativity, and quick-thinking poise under pressure to make sure your memories and one-of-a-kind moments are expertly captured, without disrupting the emotion and flow of your celebration.
Tell us about your wedding and how we can help
Check out a collection of our favorite photographs
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