Wedding Photography…to be or not to be?

Photographers say things like, “I have to do weddings to survive!” or “I really don’t like doing wedding, but I have to!”. When I first stated in photography (1984). I worked for a studio that made shooting wedding so stressful. The lead photographer was such a stress head. He made it harder then it needed to be. But, back then I didn’t know any better. I thought this is the way it was. I myself said back in those days, “when I get out on my own I am not doing weddings”.

Many things have changed over the years, and I will give you my story of how I got to this point. But, not today. Stay tuned for the whole story. Today, I just want to give you a little snippet.

Not too long ago a friend of mine asked if I would shoot their wedding. I was first brought back to my days with the stress head. Reluctantly said, yes. Little did I know how much I was going to fall in love with my new path.

I LOVE WEDDINGS! I don’t know how else to say it. I decided just to be myself, and have fun. Everyone had so much fun. There were many special moments. I was like a crack addict with my camera (not that I know what crack is like). The emotions that were shared with me to capture was just amazing to me. Seeing people sharing themselves emotionally, and opening their hearts. Yes, I am in love with weddings.

I am so grateful to those that have included me in their special day. Your day is so special to me, and I look forward to giving you the gift that will give for many lifetimes.

Wow, what a week that was. I covered the “Rock the Vote” during the DNC for my photography club (Photo Martini Club http://www.photomartiniclub.com/ ).

As I was shooting the event. A gentleman from “Washington Life” magazine asked if I could cover a event on Tuesday night. It would be 2-3 hours, and he would pay me a few hundred dollars. Of course, I said “Sure”.

It was mainly politicians, but there were also a few celebrities. Chevy Chase, Morgan Fairchild, Kick Kennedy, Lisa Edlestien, Lynn Whitfield, and many others.

The Democratic National Convention is in town this comming week. I have been given the opporunity to cover the “Rock the Vote Ballot Bash” at The Ellie Caulkins Oprea House. The event starts at 10 PM and will feature artists like, Fall out Boy, N.E.R.D., Jakob Dylan & OTEP.

I will be covering the Red Carpet, and have 5 minutes in front of front to row of each performance to photograph the artists. It will be a night to remember.

Stay tuned to see photos following the event.

Today, I joined many others in Operation Smile. I am very excited to be a part of something that will give many children a chance to smile for the rest of their lives. I will be putting together a few promotions on how we can help put a smile on children that can’t smile. So, stay tuned.

Here is more information about this organization, and how we can help.

http://www.onesmile.org/campaigns/?Paul_Maynard_Photography

http://www.ppacharities.com/2008/09/slideshow-faces.html

About Operation Smile

In 2005, PPA Charities Trustees invited Operation Smile to become its charitable partner. As such, Operation Smile, a highly respected worldwide organization, became the recipient of all contributions (made by PPA-member studios throughout the country) during PPA Charities’ annual Family Portrait Month charitable marketing promotion.

The need for Operation Smile is most critical in their partner countries. Cleft lips and cleft palates are the fourth most common birth defect in the world. In developing countries, 1 in 500 children is born with a correctable facial deformity…but their families don’t have the resources and some countries don’t have doctors to perform the surgeries. The children can’t eat; can’t speak; or go to school. Our donors give these children the opportunity for happier, more fulfilled lives.

In the United States, Operation Smile provides a network of resources to assist families who have children born with a cleft lip or cleft palate. Referrals are made to doctors and nurses who help coordinate care and to support groups across the US.

About Operation Smile, PPA Charities’ Charitable Partner

Operation Smile, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is a worldwide children’s medical charity. In 1982, Operation Smile was founded by Dr. William P. Magee Jr., a plastic surgeon, and his wife, Kathleen S. Magee, a nurse and clinical social worker.

Operation Smile was launched with its first mission to the Philippines in 1982. Operation Smile currently supports international and local, in-country medical missions to 26 countries.
Operation Smile partner countries include: Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gaza Strip/West Bank, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

Since 1982, more than 115,000 children and young adults have been treated by thousands of volunteers worldwide and thousands of healthcare professionals have been trained globally.
For as little as $240 Operation Smile can change a child’s life by giving the gift of a surgery. Revenue in excess of surgical costs is invested into our sustainability programs, empowering our partner countries to treat more children on their own and making your investment go even farther. The complete Operation Smile model is an investment of $750 per child. In as little as 45 minutes, one cleft lip surgery can change a child’s life forever.

Operation Smile integrates its partnerships with leading medical teaching institutions into its in-country medical education programs. Our partners in education include Yale University, Chang Gung Hospital and University (Taiwan), Duke University and the University of Southern California.

Thousands of students in more than 500 Operation Smile Student Associations in the United States and around the world build awereness, raise funds and educate students about values of commitment, leadership and volunteerism.

Operation Smile has worldwide offices in Hong Kong, London, Dublin, Brisbane, Rome, Los Angeles, and New York City that raise funds and awareness to support international programs.
The annual Operation Smile Physicians’ Training Program (PTP) brings doctors and nurses from around the world to the United States for advanced training in their specialized skills. Since 1987, more than 700 health care professionals have attended the program, held at our headquarters in Norfolk, VA.

The World Care Program brings children and young adults, through sponsorships, to the United States for surgeries that are too complicated to be performed during in-country missions. Since 1985, more than 200 World Care patients have received life-changing surgery.