fig blog

I have worked with Kara Underwood of Magnificent Milestones on multiple events and I think she’s probably the best wedding planner to work with – from a vendor’s perspective. She lets me be the DJ, and I let her be the planner. The worst is a planner that thinks she knows how to do every job at a wedding better than the actual vendors providing them!

The first time I went into Smitten Boutique, I knew I had to buy something. Kirstin Martin has put the coolest wedding accessories under one roof and, even as a guy, I wanted to leave her store with a gift!

Why I am telling you about these two women? Because they have recently joined forces and are taking the Chicago wedding world by storm! Both offer planning services while Kara focuses custom invitations and Kristin focuses on wedding accessories and gifts. Their store at 1041 West Madison is a required destination for anyone getting married! As a bonus, bring in this blog entry or reference Fig Media and receive 10% off consulting, custom invites and everything in the boutique! Check them out at www.magnificentmilestones.com & www.smittenboutique.net.

figphotography

Factio Magazine launches fig fashion photos for spring! Check out info about the shoot along w/ images and video about trends in Spring.  Photos by figphotographer billy rood.

View link here:  Factio

fig media’s DJ Erik on tattoo factory from Alvin Black III on Vimeo.

On March 26, billy rood was at the Four Seasons to photograph the Annual CS Evening of Bridal Luxury with an exclusive runway show of VERA WANG 2009 Bridal Collection.

This event is always easy to shoot due to the eye candy around every corner. From models, gowns, exquisite lighting & design by frost and heffernan morgan, everything is really well lit and well thought of. What I had to do as a photographer is document the event with a creative eye to give it all justice.

“I was also working with the fig team, from DJ Megan Taylor, Video by Emily Hard, & Video Projection/playback from Tim Musho & Alvin Black III. I was to photograph the event and also had my photos played back live on the screens to integrate the whole experience. So when you arrived, I would take your photo and then you could see yourself at the event just a few minutes later on the screen. It helps to create a unique experience for everyone and keep people entertained.

Shooting the fashion show is a very important factor also. It’s what everyone is there for. So I do extra tests before the show and make sure I see the lighting to set my levels and exposure before hand. This runway was especially bigger and lit extremely well so it was a pretty easy test. I used the natural light so I could get all the colors and a 70-200mm zoom lens. I wanted to cover the models as soon as they stepped under the vera wang logo, get a full body shot (w/ movement and w/o) and then be able to do Close Ups and zoom in to show the beauty of the dress and the model. I take a lot of photos during the fashion show in the beginning, until I see certain areas where the exposure is better than the rest and then strategically shoot the models at those specific places. Usually as soon as they step out, 1/4 in as they walk, 1/2 way in, 3/4, a close up or 2 (gown & model), accessory shot (necklace) & then a few back side shot. So its quite a few.”

- billy rood

If your looking to book a well experienced fashion show photographer, figphoto will deliver. From the biggest bridal show in Chicago to fashion shows for boutiques, we understand what needs to be captured. If you’d like to hire us please contact billy@figgy.net.