Dueling Pianos

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  My sister's in town this week!  So, we took her to the dueling pianos at Keys on Main last night.  I love going there on week nights because everything's just a little more relaxed.

 

Now, in the story of my life: before there was photography, there was music.  I've always needed an artistic outlet, and I've sung all my life and played most every instrument at some point.  I actually studied Music Education at BYU.  Here's the thing, though:  I grew up listening to jazz, classical, my mom's favorite music (usually stuff from the 40's), and occasionally my sister's music in the car.  So, my knowledge of music theory might be strong, but my the song I actually recognize???  Well, my repertoire has definitely been lacking.  So it is amazing to just sit in a piano bar on Wednesday night and hear a huge variety of different styles and songs all with insanely talented musicians and a friendly bartender to serve our non-alcoholic drinks :)  I'm learning new songs, enjoying the music and the emotion... Very little compares to good live music.  And I was excited to get some cool photos last night.

 

 

There was an awesome saxaphone player!

 

 

 

And my two favorite pianists.  First, Kendrick.  This guy is an entertainer.  Along with many other wonderful songs of course, he managed to successfully and impressively sing Lady Ga Ga's "Poker Face" last night.  And the crowd went wild!

 

 

 

 

Then there's Rich Wyman.  When I first heard him sing, I just sat there with my jaw dropped.  He has such a unique style in his voice with so much passion for the music, it's contagious!  He has released several albums of original work and also recently released one called "Songs I Wish I Wrote."  It's my new favorite "I've been sitting at a computer editing for too long and I'm going crazy" music.  Refreshing and motivating, full of emotion.  I love it!

 

Check out his website

Buy his original music on itunes

Or his new album on CD Baby

 

 

 

I loved how the lighting worked in these shots too.  Perfect atmosphere!

 

Check out more photos from this evening at Keys on Main HERE

 

 

 

 

FAQ

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I often get emails for aspiring photographers with questions about my photography or equipment.  So, I've decided to answer the most commonly asked questions here:

 

1. What camera do you use?

I have 2 Nikon D700s (Thomas and I call them our babies.  TWINS! :D)

I also have a Canon G11 (point and shoot, but it shoots RAW) with the underwater case.  That one's fun to play with!

 

 

 

2. What is your favorite lens?

Hands down the 70-200mm f/2.8.  I shoot 90% of all portraits and weddings with this lens.  I also have the 14-24mm f/2.8, 24-70 f/2.8, 85mm f/1.4, 50mm 1.8, 105mm macro, and a backup 70-200mm f/2.8.

 

 

 

3. Other equipment?

I have 5 Nikon SB-900s, 1 Sb-800, 1 Sb-700, pocket wizards for 4 of the flashes, and several lightstands and reflectors.

 

4. How did you learn photoshop?

This one is really a trick question.  I learned Photoshop through online tutorial videos.  But I rarely use Photoshop.  I do 98% of all my editing in Adobe Lightroom.  And I learned the basics of Lightroom from Scott Jarvie several years ago.

 

5. How long have you been a photographer?

I got my first camera, a Nikon D40, almost 4 years ago.  I shot my first wedding a year after that.  And I was working full time about 4 months after that.  I didn't start making any profit until about 2 years ago.  It all was invested back in the business until then.

 

6. How do you get clients?

Great question.  I have done 5 bridal shows, a little bit of Facebook advertising, contests and giveaways, a LOT of social networking.  The rest comes from referrals - friends, past clients, other wedding vendors.

 

Feel free to email me or comment on this post if you have other questions, I'll try to answer all of them!