New Guest Blogger-Chivonne Hyppolite Abstract Elements Management Agency

Hi all,

This week we have another wonderful guest blogger, Event Planner specialist, Chivonne Hyppolite, owner of Abstract Elements Management Agency. Chivonne and I met last year at a networking event and I was instantly taken back by her optimistic, inviting, and friendly laid-back personality. We have kept in close contact ever since and it is my honor to present her as this weeks guest blogger. Chivonne is based in Atlanta, GA now but has travelled the globe for clients such as Sony Music Group, UPMC, Dr.Darryl Scriven, Haitian American Nurses Association, and Dr. Simone Ellis. She is available to plan uniquely tailored events anywhere for weddings, corporate/social events, trade shows, and also manage talent. Her guest blog here shows a direct correlation between photography and event planning, and also why it's always better to work together rather than against...here's Chivonne!  

Events Through The Lens

Written By: Chivonne Hyppolite, Event Execution Expert at Abstract Elements Management Agency

Pulling off a stellar event experience for my clients is what I live to do! Planning and executing events which exceed the clients’ expectations is the goal when I decide to take on a project. As a seasoned event manager, I understand that it takes a talented and creative team to make event magic onsite. One of the most important members of my creative team is the photographer! After years, months, and weeks of formulating the details of an event, why shouldn’t my photographer capture all of the minute details of this spectacular occasion for others to enjoy later? Event photographers help me, the planner, to tell my clients story.

When planning an event budget with a client, I always recommend making a line item for a professional photographer. The memories of your event is all that you will have after it is over. Make sure those memories are captured with excellence. Although a company employee or family member shoots as a hobby, I do not encourage that they are utilized to tell the event story. I gently remind my clients, you often get exactly what you pay for. Pictures speak volumes and when utilizing an amateur photographer because they are cheap, this usually yields amateur photographs.  

Effective and efficient communication of the clients’ event objectives and goals are weaved into the shot list. From there, the photographer is able to frame the event story through his or her creative lens. Oftentimes, clients inquire “How will the photographer know what to capture?” I smile and exclaim…”Its all in the secret sauce!” YES, the secret sauce! This is my personal formula for photographic nostalgia. Once I obtain my clients unique event needs and understand the flow of their event, the photographer and I sit down build a strategic  recipe which will leave the client coming back for more. With a teaspoon of succinct timing, a dash of great lighting and a pinch of the element of surprise my secret sauce affords my clients the ability to relive their events for years to come. 

About The Author:

 

Chivonne Hyppolite is the Founder and Event Execution Expert at Abstract Elements Management Agency (AEMA); an innovative event and speaker management firm with over a decade of experience, Chivonne plans and executes events for Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, start-ups and nonprofits. In addition, she develops and manages a myriad of speakers through the AEMA Speaker Institute. You can learn more about Abstract Elements Management Agency at www.abstractelementsma.com    Follow AEMA @abstractelementsma on InstaGram and @AEMAEvents on Twitter. 

New Heritage Train-NS 8025 Monongahela

Just a quick blog today. For the train lovers, a new Norfolk Southern Heritage train, Monongahela, has been added to the Specialty Trains gallery. This particular engine was VERY difficult for me to nail a photograph of. It has been through our area over 20 times in the last year or 2 but has eluded my camera lens every time...except today. Monongahela has either taken an alternative route, passed by in the middle of the night, or decided to come into the area during a time when I was too busy to go capture it. This makes today's photograph exceptionally fulfilling to add to the list of our collection of Heritage trains. So far we've photographed 13 out of 20 of them, so only 7 to go. 

We will get back to our guest blogs next week. Happy Easter all. As always, comments/critiques/questions encouraged.

Part 2 Guest Blog Eric Pensenstadler Video Horizons LLC and Bella Novia Wedding Videography

Happy Spring to everyone! This weeks blog will finish up the 2-part guest blog by my friend and colleague Eric Pensenstadler of Video Horizons LLC and Bella Novia Wedding Videography about that very topic...wedding videography. As always feel free with comments/suggestions/ or questions. Here's the 2nd part of Eric's blog...enjoy!

IS A WEDDING VIDEO REALLY WORTH IT, AFTER ALL, WE'LL HAVE THE PHOTOS?

PART 2:

Last week my guest blog post for Drakulic Photography was about one of the most basic questions we get – do I really need a wedding video if I’ve hired a photographer?

In short, the answer is YES!

The previous post addressed the issue of not being able to hear photographs.  Again, don’t mistake this advice as saying that you shouldn’t hire a photographer.  Listen, I’m a videographer and I am telling you that you should indeed hire a photographer (a professional one with wedding experience such as Bobby Drakulic!).  I’m simply suggesting that you consider the additional benefits that only a video can offer.  

A MOMENT IN TIME

Having that picture of you walking down the aisle is a must, and probably something that you’ve been dreaming of having most of your life.  But consider the difference between seeing that one moment in time versus watching the entire walk down the aisle, then seeing dad lift the veil over your head, all while hearing the music that you so particularly chose.  

Sure, you can’t put that video clip in your wallet (yet) or hang it on a wall, but with the advances in technology you CAN put it on your wedding website, your Facebook or Twitter pages, and even on your smart phone!  But, read on for the best part yet!

HERE IT IS:  THE SECRET TRUE VALUE OF A WEDDING VIDEO

Now here’s the real secret of your wedding video.  

Right now I understand that you are probably focused on dollar signs.  I get it.  But in 5 years from now, or 25 years from now, or 50 years from now trust me when I say that you will not be thinking about the money you spent on your wedding video.

Further, you must realize that a wedding video is not just for you.  

With technology the way it is now (a digital DVD or Bluray Disc), your wedding video will last for generations.  It will not fade away or deteriorate like an old film roll or VHS tape.  That means that now more than ever, your wedding video is for your children and your grandchildren just as much as it is for you the day you get it!

Think about this: if you had a choice to see your great grandparents’ wedding photo album or a video of their entire day, which would you choose?

Exactly!

Eric

Video Horizons, LLC

       and Bella Novia Wedding Videography

412.264.3124 office

412.889.1128 mobile

www.VideoHorizonsLLC.com

eric@videohorizonsllc.com

NEW-Guest Blog 1: Eric Pensenstadler of Video Horizons LLC and Bella Novia Wedding Videography

Hi All,

Today it is my honor to introduce our 1st guest blogger! Eric Pensenstadler owner of Video Horizons LLC and Bella Novia Wedding Videography is not only a great friend and colleague, but he is a phenomenally gifted videographer as well. His extensive list of HUGE clientele that he's done work for includes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, magician David Copperfield, Brooks & Dunn, and America's Got Talent. I'm honored to say that Eric and I have worked on many projects, events, and weddings together and that he ALWAYS projects himself with the utmost professionalism. Eric is a very modest, ethical, honest, straight shooting videographer with many years of experience and he will be discussing Wedding Videography in his 2-part blog. Without further ado, here's his part 1 guest blog...

IS A WEDDING VIDEO REALLY WORTH IT, AFTER ALL, WE'LL HAVE THE PHOTOS?

PART 1:

The answer here is two-part.  First, the photos are very important, I would never advise to not hire a photographer.  However, as wonderful as these photos will be, you can't hear pictures.  What I mean is, without a video of your wedding and reception, you will NEVER again be able to hear the music as you walk down the aisle, nor will you again hear the sermon or your vows.  You will never be able to hear the funny and emotional toasts or the first dance, nor will you be able to relive the bridal party introductions into the reception hall, and so on.  Further, photos capture one precious moment in time.  Most photographers are skilled at being in the right place at the right time.  But precious candid moments occur only once in a lifetime.  You will be amazed at how much emotion is captured in your wedding video.  Further, with two videographers on hand, you will see so many things from both the wedding and the reception that you did not experience yourself that day.

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU!

Now here’s the real surprise:  In my next blog post I will tell you the true secret value of a wedding video.  Hint: it’s not just for you anymore!

PRESERVING AN HEIRLOOM

In addition, your wedding video is only for you for a short period of time.  It is important to realize that you are creating this wedding day video memory keepsake for your children, grandchildren and other family and friends - perhaps even those who couldn't join you the day of your wedding.  If you had a choice to see your great grandparents' wedding photo album or their video (if they had one), which would you choose?

Eric

Video Horizons, LLC

       and Bella Novia Wedding Videography

412.264.3124 office

412.889.1128 mobile

www.VideoHorizonsLLC.com

eric@videohorizonsllc.com

Guest Blogs Coming Soon & Updated Weddings Gallery

Hi everyone,

In the coming weeks (maybe longer) we will be routinely introducing Guest Blogs to the website blog. This will be a great way for everyone to learn a little about some of the other business owners that I routinely work with, or for. At this time I am not exactly sure of how many guests will blog, or from what industry they will be from. There is a variety of different businesses that I network with, work for, or refer others too, so blog readers may be able to see the surprising correlations between photography and these other professions. I'm pretty open and am leaving the ball in their court for them to write about whatever they would like. There has been a great amount of interest from several colleagues of mine and I'm excited for them to share their thoughts and stories. Selfishly, this will also help me out quite a bit as I will be REALLY busy with contract product photography work over the next few weeks...and also preparing for NEW ORLEANS!  

On another note, I've finally had the chance to sit down and update the Weddings & Engagements gallery. It's been a while since I've updated that gallery, so check out that section to see some newer works. As always comments,questions, and critiques are welcome and encouraged. Cheers!

BIG EASY, HERE I COME!

Hi all,

So, I found out that in April I will be traveling to the BIG Easy, The Crescent City, my FAVORITE city in America...New Orleans! Having been to all 48 states, and every major city in the U.S. it is with great excitement to say that we will be visiting New Orleans as an amazing gift for my 40th birthday. I'm taking this trip not just in a celebratory manner (as I'm not exactly looking forward to the 4-0) but professionally as well. Some may say, "oh, cool, nice city" or "yea, New Orleans is fun," or ask "so what? I've been there X amount of times." Well, this is only my 2nd visit, and I cannot think of a better place to spend a birthday, so I AM SUPER PUMPED about it. New Orleans is also much deeper than that to me. I've self-adopted the city as my 2nd home, at least in my mind. My excitement cannot be contained! 

The laid back French Quarter atmosphere and wonderful April weather, the delectable cajun foods, the tinny sounds of Jazz and Blues wafting through the streets, the deliciously addictive Hurricane and Bloody Mary drinks, Cafe Du Monde coffees, colorful costume and Voodoo shops, and the amazing otherworldly art created by the street artists all blend together in making N'awlins (in this blog writers estimation) the most phenomenal city in our great country. 

It's been 15 years since I last had the opportunity to amble the cobblestone streets of this great city. This was before I took photography SERIOUSLY. Before the times that I realized I had an option of making photography my sole and passionate profession. At that time I didn't have a camera in hand everywhere I went in attempt to record and bring visual life to the unique surrounding scenarios I came across. This was long before I realized I was able express my visions creatively and still make a living with it. No, 15 years ago, I walked the streets of New Orleans knowing that once the trip had ended I'd have to go back to the daily drudgery of my unfulfilling truck driving job at the time. Unbeknownst at that point in my life, 15 years ago also marked the beginning of a down period slump that lasted a long time. Through those down times one thing stayed with me that always brought a smile to my face, New Orleans.

Not so this time. This visit will be different in major ways of which I won't get into too many specifics. However, blog readers, I will say I'm going to shoot (photographically, of course) the hell out of New Orleans this time! My goal this trip, professionally, is to photographically capture the essence of New Orleans through street photography, food, architectural, abstract, and portraiture photography as much as I possibly can. I want my viewers and readers to feel as if they are IN the city. Fair warning though, to those of my Facebook friends, blog readers, LinkedIn connections, website viewers, and anyone else, you will be getting bombarded with New Orleans images in the coming weeks and months!      

Feel free to share your favorite New Orleans story. I'd love to hear them! As always, comments, critiques, and questions are encouraged. Thanks for reading.