From the Studio

We're excited about our new digs in Berlin Maryland.  If you've seen Runaway Bride you've seen Berlin.  It has the requisite Coffee Shops and Microbreweries I need to focus my creativity.  They also have a few blocks worth of antique shops, bakeries and art galleries.  As well as a year-round farmers market, Friday night art strolls and carriage rides.

Speaking of Art Galleries, we're one of them.   Right now we're presenting a bevy of seascapes from New Jersey Artist Steven Kuzma.   I've always found his work to be calming and creative.  He's a neighbor of ours at our house in Ventnor.  We have a few of his pieces in our home and now it's in the studio for  everyone to enjoy.

On that note, if you're an artist, we're interested in displaying unique, thought provoking pieces in all mediums, so please contact me for more info.  

I'll leave you with some photos I took today walking around Berlin as well as our some of our front room at the office.  It's a great place to spend a work day or a day off.   Stop by, say hello, check out the studio and visit the local sites.

Stone Harbor Wedding | Shannon + Chris | Forever Lucky Films

If you lived on the west coast, like I did, you know that a sunny day on the beach is almost a sure bet. Blue skies, some tufts of clouds and a cool Pacific breeze. Like the day was produced in a copy machine. However, if you're from Jersey like I am, you know a cool sunny day like hitting on fifteen; a risky proposition with a big payoff if it works out.

Shannon and Chris' wedding held after labor day when cool beach days happen more often than not. Mother nature parked a system right over the strip of sand over Stone Harbor and Avalon. Not more than two miles to the west on the other side of the bay, the sun was shinning. So that meant the beach wedding was moved to the Stone Harbor Yacht Club where the reception was to take place.

The amazing thing with family and friends, unlike lets say a business meeting, when you move something the crowd moves willingly and happily. The bar opened earlier, reunions happened sooner and the ceremony was lovely and intimate.

Eventually the rain halted and the sun drooped slowly under the clouds. Video is like photography only I shoot 24 pictures every second. And for a few of those seconds I captured my favorite image to date as a wedding videographer. Jauhien Sasnou one the most creative shooters in Philadelphia, set the shot up. You may expect it to be the thumbnail for the video and it is. Check it below.

Brianna + Jeremy | Cherry Hill Wedding | Forever Lucky Films

Brianna and Jeremy poured their personalities into their wedding. Nothing from the location, an abandoned home in the middle of a Cherry Hill Park to the Reception, Jeremy's childhood home, was stock. Brianna's dress, with a touch of pink stood out from the moment I saw her in it. The gears in my head turned and I had the inspiration for their highlight video. Weeks later I was able to realize my inspiration use their creative talents in this short clip below.



Photography from LuRey Photography
Music: Lykki Li Unchained Melody

Jocelyn & Ashley | Appleford Wedding | Forever Lucky Films

It was stressed to me during a phone meeting that dancing was perhaps the most important element of their future video. Editing the art of dancing allows for flexibility in song and mood. Pure enjoyment to an almost meditative state. Leave the camera lights in the car. Let the floor do it's thing and persuade jubilant attendees to leave their troubles far away, raise their arms sky high and do what comes natural.

For some attendees those troubles were on the globe's reverse - Australia. This is where Ash hails from. His home is now Philadelphia, so not only was he celebrating his marriage to the beautiful Jocelyn, but also he was celebrating a reunion of his family and friends. As I wrapped up the evening both families sang, swayed and stayed on the dance floor. Captured below.



Music: First Aid Club - When I Grow Up
Desire - Don't Call


Check out photographer's Pat Furey's account of the day here.

Seeking Studio Manager in Berlin Maryland

This year has not only been our busiest but I think maybe even our most creative. With 50 projects in edit we're flowing with great projects. With that in mind, we're announcing a job opening - Studio Manager.

Our sweet new digs in Berlin are open for business. I'll have some pics up this week. It contains a gallery and right now the work of Steve Kuzma are displayed, so there are beautiful things to keep the creative juices flowing.

This is a part-time position. We're looking for a creative-organizer type. The job is part keeping things organized and part keeping things creative. Since we're a small shop, you will have lots of opportunities to learn photo and film production.

Applicant will manage day-to-day administrative tasks and keep studio organized, communicate with clients and vendors. Updates to websites, social media as well handling sales of gallery artwork.

Applicant will have had experience working administratively. Understand Microsoft Word, Excel as well as Quickbooks. More attention would go to candidates with a photo/video background and have experience with Photoshop and editing software.

Must be local to Berlin Maryland

Salary considerations will be made based on experience and expertise. Email jchrisrodgers at gmail.com

House of Blues | Julee + Kemp | Forever Lucky Films

Why write words when I can just show you film.



I will say that this was a blast and love the photos Andy Todes created from that day. Awesome stuff.

Mallard Island Weddings | Kelly + Mike | Forever Lucky Films

I was lucky to shoot Mallard Island Yacht Club twice in August. It's a great spot for an all-inclusive wedding, leave the yacht at home. Also, no umbrella needed either, instead clear skies and cool breezes greeted guests. Photography was shot by Ann Coen who is one of my favorite photographers to shoot with.