:: LaCour ::

ShootQ in Professional Photographer Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Niesen) — Fri, 16 May 2008 01:48:00 +0000

We were honored when our friends (and ShootQ users) Garrett and Joy Nudd mentioned ShootQ in Professional Photographer magazine's section called "The Goods!"

Congratulations to Kathryn and Drew

noreply@blogger.com (LaCour) — Sun, 11 May 2008 23:51:00 +0000

Our friends, Kathryn and Drew Newman were married yesterday in Decatur, Georgia. It's always fun to photograph other wedding photographers' weddings, because there are always lots of cameras around. But this wedding was special — Drew and Kathryn had a parade that featured the The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, a volunteer marching band based in Atlanta. It was a scene straight out of Mardi Gras in New Orleans! The parade escorted Drew and Kathryn from the ceremony, which took place in their back yard, to the reception hosted at the The Solarium in Decatur's Oakhurst district.

LaCour's Mark Adams participated in the parade by riding his pink Stella scooter.

Rachel, Mark and official photographer Katie Torres of 6 of Four Creations.

By the way, Drew and Kathryn, CLICK HERE to see who else was married yesterday :)

Don't Miss Joe Buissink and Yervant!

noreply@blogger.com (LaCour) — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:25:00 +0000

Joe and Yervant are coming to Atlanta on Friday, May 16. Their TWO VIEWS tour has received rave reviews and their dynamic teaching style is sure to inspire you, even if you are not a wedding photographer. We've had the pleasure of learning from Joe and Yervant at past seminars, and have always walked away with a renewed passion for photography.

To register CLICK HERE

We hope to see you there!

The Importance of Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (LaCour) — Thu, 01 May 2008 22:11:00 +0000

Today as I jumped head-and-heart-first into ShootQ Grant applications, I was humbled by the gratitude of so many photographers. Inside many applications were sincere, thoughtful notes that relayed each person's excitement and eagerness to pursue projects that make a difference in their communities, both locally and globally. Here is one particular note that summed up the importance of documentary photography. A special thanks to Mary Kate McKenna for taking the time to share these words with us. They are powerful in their simplicity.

ShootQ Grant Applications!

noreply@blogger.com (LaCour) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:45:00 +0000

I think The FedEx delivery woman, the Postal carrier and the UPS guy all hate us!! This afternoon, they all showed up at our studio door with arm-fulls, truck-fulls and cart-fulls of ShootQ Grant applications. They asked if we were taking college applications :)

We're thrilled that so many photographers are applying for the first ShootQ Grant, which awards $10,000 to a photographer to pursue a documentary project. It's encouraging to know how many photographers are eager to use their skills to make a difference.

Thanks everyone for applying! We look forward to announcing the winner. Stay tuned!

In Good Company: It's humbling to be named among the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Niesen) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:48:00 +0000

We were surprised and humbled when we were contacted by American Photo magazine to be included in their list of "Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World." To be included with nine other incredible photographers is an unbelievable honor. As we spend more time getting to know other photographers in our industry, we realize how lucky we are to be surrounded by such talented colleagues! As the old adage says, "Iron sharpens Iron." Thanks to all of our colleagues for continuing to inspire and challenge us!

Atlantan Brides Launch Party

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Niesen) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:14:00 +0000

LaCour photographed the Atlantan Brides magazine launch party last weekend at Mason Murer gallery. The evening was beautiful and it was a great opportunity to meet other wedding industry professionals. The brides and grooms that came to the event were treated to a fun evening of food and presentations, including a creative runway show.

Some of the featured vendors included our friends at Novare Events, Event Design Group, Infinite Designs, and Anne Barge.

The event was beautiful, as was to be expected, and we look forward to participating next year!

CLICK HERE to view the slideshow.

A change of pace

noreply@blogger.com (LaCour) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 05:17:00 +0000

Rachel and I shoot advertising campaigns for colleges. For a 2-week period in the spring and fall, we travel from campus to campus making fun pictures of students and schools.

This past week, we were at Spartanburg Methodist College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Sports are a big focus on this campus; most students play either varsity or club sports. Early Thursday evening, we happened upon this scene in the gym. Thought I'd share.

WedComp : Wedding Photography Competition

noreply@blogger.com (LaCour) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:49:00 +0000

Visit www.WedComp.com for more details.

ShootQ is sponsoring the contest and is offering memberships to all the first place winners. WedComp is also donating a portion of the proceeds to Thirst Relief International, which is so great! I love how the wedding photography community is so supportive of some very worthy causes and contributes time and money toward them.

Alabama

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:27:00 +0000

Last weekend Mark and I attended the wedding of a fellow photojournalist-turned-wedding-photographer, Dave Cone, and Rachel Davis in Monroeville, Alabama. We ended up shooting a little bit as well, to help out our friends - and official photographers - Jen Sens and Eric Larson. Monroeville's claim to fame is that it produced Harper Lee and Truman Capote, both of whom grew up there and were great friends. Dave and Rachel had their wedding ceremony in the Monroe County Courthouse, which is the courtroom that Harper Lee used as her model for the courtroom in "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Here are a few of our shots from the weekend:

Jen Sens gets ready for the ceremony.

Eric Larson is one of the most stylish men I know - even when working.

Dave was extremely emotional during the ceremony. I love the huge smile he flashed after composing himself.

Photographers can never resist a big cowboy hat, especially when worn with a suit.

I love this shot Mark got of Rachel swirling her veil around. It kept getting in her way. She was met with wild applause when she finally jerked it out of her hair and tossed it on a table.

A little after-party back at the hotel.

Why Photographers Need Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Adams | LaCour) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:47:00 +0000

Just saw this video and had to share. Not that most of us wedding photographers are shooting lions too often, but what if were to get knocked over on a client? (That's what sandbags are for, btw). Anyway, check this video out:

And if you're a photographer without liability insurance, here are two links for you:

Hill & Usher Package Choice

PPA is supposed to offer good insurance options, as well.

And you can always check with your insurance agent.

If anybody knows a great insurance option and wants to offer it to other photographers, please post in the comments!

Viva Las Vegas!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:59:00 +0000

We just returned from a whirlwind week of seminars and parties at the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International convention in Las Vegas. It was a fun but busy week! Andrew and Rachel taught a master class, Mark spoke twice at the LiveBooks booth, and we had a booth for ShootQ at the tradeshow. Thanks to all the current ShootQ users who stopped by to visit, and thank you to all our new members who signed up at the show! We are so happy to have you in the ShootQ family.

Here are a few photos from the week:

Jenn Linke explaining ShootQ's features at the tradeshow.

Jonathan LaCour, AKA Mr. Q, shakes hands with new ShootQ member Kelly MacKay.

People who stopped by the ShootQ booth got a QuickCure box - a little comfort kit to help with the long days and nights in Vegas.

The adorable Bobbi and Heather of Indiana stopped by a few times, and we totally fell in love with them.

Mark speaking at the LiveBooks booth.

Rachel talking with our friends Nancy Beale and Dave Wittig of Chicago.

Dino from LiveBooks during dinner at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Jules Bianchi and Jarrad Lister at the Hard Rock. It was great catching up with the luminous Bianchi twins Jules and Joy!

Mark and Kelly MacKay play in a photographer poker tournament Sunday night.

A lovely girl at Sara France's party Sunday night.

There was an airbrush tattoo artist at the party. This is what Brooks Whittington got.

And this is what Stephen Bebb got.

Andrew playing pool.

Stephen and Jenn Bebb, Erin with her fake tattoo, Tina Carter, and Mark. Thanks to Leigh Whittington for grabbing this shot!

ShootQ wants to give you $10,000

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Adams | LaCour) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000

Announcing a new $10,000 Photography Grant

We're excited to announce ShootQ Grant! ShootQ will be awarding a $10,000 grant to a photographer to fund a project that raises public awareness about an important social, environmental or economic issue.

We have lined up some stellar judges, including Joe Buissink, Dawn Davis, Greg Gibson, Laura Novak and Jasmine Star.

Visit the ShootQ grant website to learn more and for details on how to apply: www.ShootQgrant.com

ShootQ will be accepting 250 new users at WPPI starting on March 17th.

Every time we've offered ShootQ memberships, they've quickly sold out, so be one of the first at our booth!

Don't miss the Amazing Discount we're going to be offering!

Plus, we'll tell you more about:

ShootQ Grant, ShootQ's New Features and we'll give you some Free Goodies!

What's in the box?

Come visit our booth at WPPI and find out! You're going to love it!

Come say Hi at WPPI
We love meeting new folks and reconnecting with friends. You can find us every day during the tradeshow at the ShootQ booth. We'll also be at any party we are either invited to (or can sneak into). Here's a few other notable events:

Sunday, March 16 : Poker Tournament at Caesar's Poker Room 9:30pm
Monday, March 17 : LiveBooks Booth 2pm (Mark is giving a presentation)
Monday, March 17 : BluDomain party
Wednesday, March 19 : LiveBooks Booth 2pm (Mark is giving a presentation)
Wednesday, March 19: LaCour's MasterClass (Thanks to everyone who signed up for our class! It's sold out and we look forward to seeing you all bright and early at 8am!)

If Andrew isn't at the ShootQ booth, check out the Leica booth! He'll probably be there showing off his super sweet M8! And Rachel & Erin will of course be mingling everywhere.

See you in Vegas!

Rockstar Roadtrip!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:52:00 +0000

Our good friends Corey McNabb and Amber Holritz are coming through Atlanta March 26 with a one-day seminar chock-full of information on shooting and marketing. What we love about the Rockstar Roadtrip is that it's a great price - $175 - for a full day of teaching. The seminar is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes lunch.

Corey will talk about his approach to wedding photography and how to treat your clients like "rockstars," and Amber will discuss lifestyle photography - namely how she is able to keep families coming back to her several times a year for photos of their children.

They have both been extremely successful in their respective markets and have a lot of valuable information to share!

For more information visit the Rockstar Roadtrip website.

The BEBBINAR is coming to Atlanta

noreply@blogger.com (LaCour) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:02:00 +0000

Our friends Jen and Steve Bebb are bringing their expertise – and their wonderful sense of humor – to Atlanta. They're taking the BEBBINAR experience on the road and we're glad they'll make a stop in our city! I attended the Bebbinar in Canada last year and it was one of the best experiences I have had!! They are some of the most genuine and open people that I have met in this industry and shared so many great tips and ideas about how to build a fantastic studio. From branding & marketing & shooting, they've figured it out, which is why they were chosen in the world's top 10 wedding photographers by American Photo magazine. They truly love sharing and I get so energized every time I talk to or see them. I can't wait for their visit to Atlanta. They have such a unique insight into building a fabulous business. You'll definitely learn some new ideas that you can apply immediately.

The number of students is limited, so check it out soon. You can SIGN UP HERE. I hear seats are going fast, since they are limiting the number of attendees to make the seminars more intimate and hands-on.

It'll be a fun and intense couple of days. Looking forward to seeing everyone who's going to be here in Atlanta for their seminar!

LaCour Featured on Queensberry Website

noreply@blogger.com (LaCour) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:42:00 +0000

Finding a classic, carefully crafted album that supports our brand was challenging! So, when we met the QUEENSBERRY team at WPPI a few years ago, we were thrilled. They have been a perfect match for LaCour and our clients. We received a kind email this week from Queensberry asking if they could feature LaCour on their website. We are honored and are thankful for their partnership over the years!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL FEATURE

The Effects of Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (LaCour) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:39:00 +0000

It's hard to aptly describe the Foundation Workshop. It was founded six years ago by former Dallas Morning News photographer Huy Nguyen to teach wedding photographers how to be photojournalists. But it's so much more than that. Mark served as a mentor last year, and was asked to return this year to work with Huy's team. This year I was also lucky enough to be brought on as a mentor, working with Tyler Wirken's team. I came in expecting an intense, fast-paced week of shooting and editing. I got that, but I also found myself with 40 new friends who now share a bond that's simply indescribable. Former Foundation students are correct in saying this workshop changes lives. I saw it with my own eyes, and felt it in my own heart.

Below are a few photos from Mark's and my cameras.

Greg Gibson gives a talk on the first day about the history of photojournalism. That's Ben Chrisman on the floor. Ben was tapped to be one of two official photographers to document the workshop.

Mark's shot of a church at sunset

Andrew Mejia, who was on Mark's team, working the McKinney Community Center.

The famous Sergio, who served as a mentor along with Mark on Huy Nguyen's team.

Emilie Sommer, a mentor for Brooks Whittington's team.

Erwin and Ray of Apertura, along with Ben Chrisman and Ed Atrero, who was a student on my team.

David Pullum, a student on Erin's team, photographs skateboarders. This was his first of many times down in the bowls at the skate park.

Foundation Workshop 6

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Adams | LaCour) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:31:00 +0000

Erin and I are in Dallas, Texas at the Foundation Workshop, where we are both serving as mentors. We're here all week and it's been a great workshop so far, helping to teach the students how to better shoot and edit photos. It's one of the best workshops out there for photographers who want to work on the craft of photography. Learning to see and create better pictures as well as fine-tuning your ability to tell stories with pictures is the focus of this workshop. I was on the faculty last year and am so excited to have been invited back again this year. Erin was invited to be on the faculty this year and she's loving the experience.

Below is a group shot of all the faculty and staff. These three photos were lifted from Ben Chrisman's blog (one of two official workshop photographers). Check out his blog for more fun photos (somehow I manage to make it into his blog posts at least once a day. I guess I'm a ham.

Corey McNabb's Workshop Kickoff

noreply@blogger.com (LaCour) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:27:00 +0000

Andrew and I had a great time visiting with everyone at Corey McNabb's workshop in Asheville. We were up representing SHOOTQ and had a little presentation on Monday morning. But before that serious stuff, we got to enjoy the party stuff at Corey's beautiful studio!

The opening party on Sunday night was gorgeous and tasty. Corey's green and gray theme carried throughout the party, from florals to martinis, from cake to curtains! Everywhere I looked, Corey's branding was unmistakably present.

This was my first AppleTini and I must say that Corey's wife Jill is a pro Martini maker & shaker. I watched her craft drinks in total amazement. It's an artfom, without a doubt! Enjoy some photos from the party, including a funny photo of one of our Favorit:e: Fri:e:nds wearing a fishy hat. We left too early to see Shyla don her prettiest dress. Can't wait to see those photos, Shy :)

A big thanks to Amber Holritz for sharing these photos with me!
What a cool way to spend a Sunday and Monday. Now, we're back in Atlanta again gearing up for the WPPI tradeshow. ShootQ has a lot of fun stuff in the works for you!

Hiking in the Appalachian Mountains

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Adams | LaCour) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:34:00 +0000

This post is a little late, but Will just sent us some photos. On Superbowl Sunday, Erin and I, along with Will Godrey, and Jenn and Adam Linke, all of The Decisive Moment, plus all of our dogs hiked Blood Mountain, one of my favorite parts along the Appalachian Trail here in Georgia. One of my goals is to through-hike the entire Appalachian Trail. I just need about 6 months off :)

LaCour's Auction Ends in 3 Hours!

noreply@blogger.com (LaCour) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:28:00 +0000

Let the countdown begin! LaCour's auction for THIRST RELIEF closes soon.

GO BID NOW to take advantage of the opportunity to learn and share at the same time.

Remember: To up the ante, the winner of LaCour's auction receives a SHOOTQ Membership. We just sold out of 100 open spots for ShootQ in less than 36-hours, so HURRY and bid so you can also get ShootQ.

Just think...this could be you...(special thanks to ANNE RUTHMAN for providing this scandalous photo!)

Don't forget:

There's an Anti-Snipe Feature. This means that if a particular auction is experiencing a bidding war at the time it is SUPPOSED to end, the auction will stay open as long as bidders are willing to bid on a mentor.

Remember to write down payment information so that you'll be able to immediately go to Thirst Relief to make your donation. Donations must be made within 48 hours or the auction will go to the next highest bidder.

Happy Bidding!

Congratulations Laura Novak & John Meyer

noreply@blogger.com (LaCour) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:21:00 +0000

It's always an honor to photograph a fellow photographer's wedding. Of course, it's also intimidating, especially when you admire the photographer so much! That's why Andrew and I were humbled by a request to shoot Laura Novak's beautiful wedding in Wilmington, Delaware this month. Along with extraordinary primary photographer, Anna Kuperberg, we spent the weekend celebrating and shooting. If you know Laura, you know how much she values her relationships. She and John have such a tender, genuine way of relating to each other. I hope you can see their love reflected in these photographs. Congratulations Laura and John! We love you guys and are proud of your commitment to each other.

Laura was pretty in pink! Her dress was a custom Birnbaum and Bullock couture creation.

Even with camera shutters clicking all around her, Laura was serene and immersed in the moment.

John and the guys (and the priest!) hanging out before the ceremony began.

I love the way they looked at each other during the ceremony.

Archmere was such a classy venue with colorful decor and details.

First dance under the coolest black chandeliers!

Laura changed into an adorable silver dress at the end of the reception. The stone archways framed everything perfectly.

Jessica Claire was a bridesmaid and had the best accessory: a mini LEICA digital camera! Andrew was jealous.

Last but definitely NOT least, fabulous lead photographer and business visionary Anna Kuperberg and us!

Thanks everyone for a fun weekend in Wilmington!

August Workshop Sold Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Adams | LaCour) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 22:25:00 +0000

Our August workshop, The Business of Storytelling : Branding & Marketing, is sold out! We've had a a fabulous response to our workshop. If you would like to be notified when we have another workshop, sign up for our e-newsletter over on the right side of this screen.

Auction Countdown – Mark's Beard is Safe!

noreply@blogger.com (LaCour) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 19:55:00 +0000

Bidding begins tomorrow for mentoring sessions benefiting Thirst Relief !

You probably recall the excitement of last year's auction and Mark's dramatic last-minute offer to shave his beard if LaCour raised the most money.

This year, we've decided to save Mark's beard. Afterall, it's the only way you'll recognize us on the tradeshow floor! But we are upping the ante by offering something that will make your life easier and give you more free time to invest in organizations like Thirst Relief.

The winner of LaCour's auction will receive a FREE ONE-YEAR MEMBERSHIP to SHOOTQ !

Of course, you'll also get plenty of time to pick our brains about branding, marketing, sales, pricing, lighting or any other topic that would help you. Maybe we'll even do some karaoke together? Just ask Tina Carter about her marathon mentoring session last year with LaCour! So, be prepared for a fun time with the LaCour crew! :)

Here's the lowdown:

* Mentoring sessions will be HERE.

* Click on the Thirst Relief banner to go directly to the auction site.

* Auctions will not be visible until they go live on February 9th at 10am EST (auctions are based on EST).

* Bidders need to register with the site. Each auction has a different ending time.

* Important Note: When the auction is scheduled to close, if there's a bidding war over a mentoring session, then the auction will stay open until the bidding war ends.

* The auction will take place February 9 through February 12th. Auctions will end on the 12th (unless there's a bidding war, in which case the auction will end when people stop bidding).

* Auctions end at different times, so double-check when you bid.

If you won't be at WPPI, you can still make a difference by visiting Thirst Relief and make the next $5 you spend go toward saving a life!

A Love Story You Won't Want to Miss...

noreply@blogger.com (LaCour) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:26:00 +0000

Get ready for a fun, real world wedding experience! Our dear friends Bob and Dawn Davis just told us about a new workshop they are offering for photographers. And the best part? It's taking place during WPPI in Las Vegas next month! If you're already planning to go to WPPI, sign up for an extra 2 days of hands-on learning with Bob and Dawn.
Vegas Love Story is a unique opportunity to shoot alongside Bob and then witness Dawn's design savvy. Bob and Dawn are some of the most sincere, patient teachers I've ever known. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn practical skills from this talented team.