Sheri Johnson Atlanta Cumming GA Wedding Photographer Portrait Journalist Photojournalist

Paula & Michael’s Wedding Day – A Glimpse

2011-09-07T10:52:00.003-04:00

Paula & Michael got married on July 23rd, 2011 in Gainesville, GA. I started the day with the girls getting ready at their house before we went to the church. Any images you see from the ceremony had to be taken through a window from outside of the sanctuary as they didn’t allow photography during the wedding inside of the ceremony. I did get some good images during the wedding ceremony nonetheless. As I usually do, I have put together a collage from the day to give you a glimpse of their wedding day. To see a larger version of this image, feel free to click here http://www.flickr.com/photos/sherijohnson/6080079271/ - or to look at their photo gallery http://www.sherijohnsonphotography.net/Wedding/Weddings/Paula-Michael/18256423_TMcXfF

Beau & Jeremy’s Wedding at Hard Labor Creek State Park

2011-05-26T16:57:00.000-04:00

Beau and Jeremy had an intimate wedding at Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge, GA on May 22, 2011. It was our first time to this park and we were happily surprised to find how nice the facilities are there, upon or initial entrance to the park, we discovered a golf course including a club house and golf carts. The wedding ceremony and reception was held at shelter 1, which has a great view of the lake, a great setting for the wedding ceremony. I will let you know the altar you see in their pictures was built by the family and brought in that day, so it is not a structure there are the park, just figured you would want to know that in case you were thinking of going there.

The Photo Booth Again

2011-04-19T15:54:00.003-04:00

The Photo Booth now has a frame & walls. This past weekend we also did a Photo Booth Wedding Guest Book with images from the photo booth. The guests LOVED it. I got SO many compliments about how fun it was and they loved the idea of the book too.

Photo Retouching

2011-01-20T07:22:00.003-05:00

I often get requests when preparing images for enlargements to make people look a little better than life if you know what I mean, well I am one of those people too. I like to smooth things over and look my best in my pictures too, so I will use a my own photo to show what is possible and you can judge for yourself. You know all the magazines airbrush or photoshop their models, celebrities and so on. To view these examples in a larger size, go to this gallery.

simple retouch

Retouch example - the next level

The Photo Booth is a Big Hit

2010-12-15T16:26:00.002-05:00

This past weekend the Photo Booth was in full swing. Everyone was having lots of fun making their own pictures and getting to show them off right after they were taken. Several people also asked about ordering prints and enlargements that were taken during their photo booth session. It was such an exciting experience. I love how it creates the excitement of the guests and gets them mingling with each other. I am sure more people will be taking advantage of the photo booth once they learn about it. If you look at the example image above, you will see that there are actually 2 photo strips that are produced from each photo booth session. This photo booth was in coordination with my husband’s DJ service, so that is why it says america-dj.com at the bottom of these strips. So of course it goes without saying, if you need a great DJ for your event, I have connections.

Tony Gonzalez Shop With A Jock 2010

2010-12-14T19:02:00.002-05:00

This time last night we were at the Walmart in Cumming, GA taking photos of the kids shopping with the football players from the Atlanta Falcons team. The Atlanta Union Mission sent out around 50 children and Walmart gave each child a $100 Gift Card to spend on anything they wanted. Several of the kids came to check out with new bikes and all kinds of fun stuff. They really enjoyed shopping. Us grown ups had fun too. I was contacted about providing each of the kids with a photo from the event to take home with them. I had some awesome help, which was much needed especially when the kids came to check out with much enthusiasm. I quickly noticed a lot of Walmart shoppers buying footballs to collect autographs. :) I shared some of the photos on facebook and I noticed Tony Gonzalez added one of them to his own album on the page.

more photos from the event: http://www.sherijohnsonphotography.net/Events/Tony-Gonzalez-Shop-with-a-Jock/15069505_DafQF

Dahlonega Engagement Photo Shoot

2010-11-10T08:14:00.000-05:00

A quick engagement slide show from Paula & Michael's Engagement Session in Dahlonega, GA. I am sure you will notice in the photos that we had a fun time in the mountains.

Atlanta Photo Booth Services

2010-08-30T18:13:00.001-04:00

I have been working on getting the Photo Booth up and running to provide service for events and weddings for people who would like to have a photo booth where guests can do a sequence of images and also to have an instant photo strip to enjoy immediately. I have it set up where each photo sequence gives you TWO photo strips of each sequence. The idea here is you the host get to determine if you would like to keep a copy for yourself or give both copies to your guest(s). What a lot of people like to do is provide a scrapbook, glue sticks, pens, etc. to allow your guests to place your 2nd copy that you keep into a book and sign it or write you a note.... a perfect idea for weddings! We remain in the photo booth assisting, managing and encouraging your guests to participate. We provide you with the props and plenty of enthusiasm. We make sure everything is running smoothly and keep things moving along. Oh and you can specify what you want at the top of the photo strips, it could be your name(s), date, special message, a company logo... almost anything. And if you are going to keep a copy of the strips, your half could be blank or say something else... allowing you to totally customize your photo booth. You can also supply additional props or a special background if you like. Once someone does their photo sequence (4 poses), then in less than 1 minute, the photo strips print out. They measure 2 inches by 6 inches each strip.

Teresina's Model Portfolio Shoot

2010-08-22T15:24:00.000-04:00

Here is a quick sampling of images from Teresina's model portfolio shoot, want to see more? http://www.sherijohnsonphotography.net/Models/Teresina/13391133_7qMdi#974185889_GXZ2f

Natalie's Model Portfolio Shoot

2010-08-22T15:21:00.000-04:00

This is just a quick sampling of Natalie's images from her model portfolio shoot at my home studio. Want to see more? http://www.sherijohnsonphotography.net/Models/Natalie/13390810_9mpQh#974153924_2ahC7

Lay Flat Flushmount Wedding Album - Coffee Table Book

2010-08-04T15:18:00.000-04:00

I just got this lovely sample wedding album I designed, it has lay flat flushmount panoramic spreads and features a metallic photo cover and metallic interior pages. This is just a sneak preview and to really appreciate it, you will want to see it in person.

Bridal Portfolio Photo Shoot

2010-07-21T10:28:00.002-04:00

We had a super fun bridal portfolio shoot - 3 gorgegous models - designer wedding gowns - hair and make up artists - wonderful lighting set ups and an awesome wedding venue that is a renovated Victorian home in Kennesaw Georgia. It was raining out, so we kept everything inside of the house which is fine since it was hot and humid outside. In case you are wondering, I am fully capable of setting up similar lighting set ups on location if time and space permits for your session. As you can see, if you schedule enough time for your photography, you can get some really nice images. When planning your session or wedding day, discuss with me what is important to you. Now of course if all you want is documentary type coverage, then none of that applies and we just capture the real moments as they happen. I do highly encourage you to at least give up some time for good images though because those are the ones that will end up on your wall and definitely in your coffee table book, maybe even on the cover of your book.

(Hair: Ping Segar, owner of Ping Segar's Salon in Canton, GA -- Makeup: Lindsey Currado, owner of Bella B -- Gown Designer: Erin Bohanon Heinlein - Rock Cherry Bomb -- Venue: Hill Manor, Kennesaw, GA -- Models: Brittany, Kim, Jessica)

Another Atlanta Botanical Garden Event

2010-07-05T16:46:00.002-04:00

This time it was a much bigger affair than the other time I photographed at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and it is pretty much the exact opposite time of the year. The gardens were in full bloom being it is July. We were in Day Hall for a wedding reception in the evening time. It's a lovely venue that is very versatile.

A Quick Peek at Heather & Mark's Wedding Photos

2010-06-14T21:51:00.000-04:00

This is just a sneak peek at Heather & Mark's wedding photos, there are many more to come. We are so excited for them. We sure had a great time.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Recent Shoots

2010-03-13T15:00:00.010-05:00

I have been doing a few shoots recently that are not necessarily wedding related, but in a round about way they are. My husband was the DJ/Emcee for this couple's wedding at the start of last year. I made arrangements with them to do their pregnancy and newborn photo sessions. And wouldn't you know it, this beautiful little baby girl was born on their first wedding anniversary.

Pregnancy Portraits... Something New

2010-01-20T17:29:00.000-05:00

I had an opportunity to do some pregnancy / maternity portraits and we had a lot of fun with the session. I enjoyed editing these images too. I am sure I will be doing more of these sessions.

A Family Wedding

2009-09-29T06:20:00.003-04:00

My stepdaughter actually got married a few years ago, but she and her husband recently rededicated their lives to Christ and decided they also wanted to renew their wedding vows and have a real church wedding which was a few days ago. I offered to take some pictures for them and we got several really good images from our short time together at the church.

Always Learning More about Wedding Photography

2009-04-03T10:47:00.003-04:00

I am in constant study about photography whether it is lighting, post processing, technique, posing, etc. There is so much information in regard to photography. I was invited to attend a seminar with top wedding photographer Denis Reggie and had the opportunity to attend last night. It was a great seminar and I learned more about how to achieve a more natural light even with the use of flash. I already knew a little bit about the technique, but Denis filled in the gaps of information I didn't know before. The seminar was sponsored by Canon.... and I bet you can guess that I have added a few more lenses to my ever growing wish list. I think my favorite part about the seminar was the discussion about wedding photojournalism, finding the moments and documenting them without interference from the photographer. Also hearing that excessive "photoshopping" is not reality. Even though I know how to do a lot of that stuff, I tend to lean more towards reality in my photography.

New Wedding & Event Venue in Suwanee, GA

2009-03-09T11:14:00.004-04:00

We participated in the Grand Opening Event at Fanti Events in Suwanee, GA yesterday. It's a really nice facility if you are planning a small to medium sized event. More pictures

Model Shoots

2009-01-25T20:19:00.003-05:00

I have been scheduling a few model shoots to add to my portfolio and will add some of the shots here so you can check them out.

Atlanta Botanical Garden Wedding

2008-12-29T01:30:00.008-05:00

I had the honor of documenting the wedding of Anthony & Rhonda on Saturday December 27, 2008 in the Japanese Garden at Atlanta Botanical Garden. We were blessed with 65 degree weather and the rain stopped long enough for us to have a dry afternoon in the garden. It was a very intimate wedding ceremony with only close family, most of whom traveled from very far away to attend. After the wedding we did several family group shots and then took a walk around the gardens to find some really beautiful backdrops. Gallery - Slideshow

What is your "Style" of Wedding Photography?

2008-12-11T15:19:00.004-05:00

I felt like giggling when I read on a forum recently that someone was asked what their "style" was and I could tell that they had NO CLUE what that meant. For me it was funny because I know without a doubt what excites me and what does not, so I know MY "style" without even thinking. For example, I always thought the traditional wedding pictures were SO boring and I never really wanted anything to do with that kind of photography and wedding albums full of traditional posed photos definitely never did anything for me. Maybe that is why even though I have been married more than once, I have never wanted one of those photo albums.

I am going to change gears here on you for a few seconds because I feel like sharing some thoughts. When digital cameras first came out on the scene, I wasn't really sure what was going to happen to photography as I had always known it. I was up in the air about the whole thing. I loved taking pictures so the appeal of doing so without buying film, processing, etc. seemed attractive.........BUT I wasn't sure about the whole thing. I wasn't sure how this new format was going to impact the photography industry as a whole. I was worried about the camera shops and photo processing companies, I didn't know if they were going to stay in business. Anyway, because of all of this I wasn't sure what I wanted to do for quite some time. I did end of getting a digital camera, but I didn't get the digital version of my film cameras at that time. What I did is just get whatever I thought would suit my casual photography needs and still use my film cameras for anything requiring a "real camera". Wouldn't you know it, I just sort of got tired of carrying BAGS of camera gear and it was that much easier to take pictures with my new digital cameras. I have had several over the past 11 years. I also found that I very rarely was getting out my film cameras. One thing that changed my mind is that about a year ago I picked up a digital SLR camera and played with it taking a few test shots. I could tell right away the huge difference in image quality compared to the digital cameras I had been using. So I filed this information away in my brain that I would eventually invest in a DSLR camera when I wanted something that wouldn't fit in my pocket or purse. So I bet your are guessing that I finally came around to getting serious, right? Sure enough one day I woke up inspired with all kinds of ideas about starting my own photography business which is a lifelong dream I have been having for a LONG time. I just wasn't ready for it until now. Once I started really thinking about things and the fact that I am already in the wedding business, I knew that it was going to be that much easier for me to stick with something that I know a LOT about and that is weddings.

Okay, back to "style".... So as I started looking at recent wedding photos, I was noticing some major shifts in style. Matter of fact some friends of ours had a daughter that got married recently. I was unable to attend the wedding so I was very excited to see the pictures from the wedding. The images I saw from the wedding really inspired me in a way I can't describe. It was just so fresh and the images were stunning. As I ventured around on the internet I realized that sure enough the new modern styles of wedding photography were way more up my alley. So as I have done some studying I have learned that what I prefer is classified as portrait journalism or photojournalism, which in reality is a blend of photojournalism, a touch of traditional portraiture, and leans more on the creative, artistic side. I totally LOVE the creativity of the "Trash the Dress" sessions I have seen photos from, so this is something I will be offering in my packages. I also really love the idea of the engagement sessions and plan to do this with all of my couples. See since I am from the "old school" of look at the camera and smile and get that catchlight in the eyes, this is a major shift from portraiture, etc. but I absolutely love it.

I also started checking into what people are doing and what the vendors and manufacturers are offering for wedding photography. I can't tell you how pleased I am with the idea of wedding photo books, coffee table books, canvas gallery wraps, DVD slideshows, etc. I am just so excited about the possibilities of what I can offer people. I have definitely done my homework and I have come up with what I feel are the best offerings available.

I am going to be doing some portfolio building specials soI can build up my wedding portfolio galleries. If you are a bride and you are reading this, all you have to do is ask me what the special offer I am running is and mention you read it on my blog, simple enough?

And if you happen to be reading this and are a photographer that would be interested in having me second shoot or assist you, please do get in touch with me as I am looking to really get out there in any way possible so long as I might be able to shoot and get some images for my portfolio.

I do have my very first wedding coming up later this month so I am sure there will be more to come very soon. We will be at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for a quaint wedding. I feel I have already hit it off with the bride just by talking on the phone so far. She shares my vision of what I want to do and knows this will be the first, it seems that we are all getting excited about it. Thanks for reading and sure enough, I will have way more to say really soon.

How Did You Get Here?

2008-11-15T23:11:00.001-05:00

When people find out about my interest in photography, they have lots of questions about how I got started. So I figured this would be a good time to kick off the blog and tell a story, a true story.

Back in 1987 I had a beautiful blue eyed baby girl. She had the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen. I bet what I am about to say some other parents will relate to if this ever happened to them. I always wanted to take pictures of my little baby girl, but the sad part was the camera that I had at the time was not able to get in close and take pictures of her in focus. It was not able to do close-up pictures at all, so I missed so many valuable memories that I couldn't capture day to day. I got so mad over this that I made it my goal in life to remedy this situation as quickly as I could. She was born in February that year and by October 1987 I had gotten my very first 35mm SLR camera. This changed my life! So I may not have the newborn pictures, but from about the time I got this new camera till now I have pretty much documented her life in pictures.

Say "Hi!" to Christin. :)

So I took this new interest very seriously. I didn't just get the camera, I made it my "job" to study photography. I went to the library and took home as many photography books that they would let me check out at a time and I read them all. Then I would take them back and get more. At the time I was working from home babysitting for other parents. Then when I needed to go out and get another job, I got hired as a photographer by a national portrait company. I actually have worked for that same company (in a different division) again after I relocated. The experience I gained working for them allowed me to learn more about shooting portraits of babies, children, families and everything in between. I still did my creative photography every chance I got.

In the late 80's to early 90's I took a photography course that helped me to gain even further understanding and forced me to do assignments and of course get my work assessed and critiqued. During the early 90's I started learning and practicing hand-coloring of B&W images and doing retouching.

Over the years people have asked me why I wasn't doing photography as a business and the honest answer to that is that I knew I wanted to, but I just wasn't ready to pursue it. What changed? Well, about 6 years ago I met my husband. He happens to be a disc jockey and has been for over 30 years. About 3 years ago I also started doing weddings, events and parties, playing music and emceeing. I have gotten so comfortable with the timelines and details of weddings that I just knew it will be that much easier for me to transition into photographing them. I came to the realization that this could be the fruition of my life dream. More than anything I want to travel, see new places, experience new things and photograph it all. I have been heard saying my life dream is to "travel with my camera in my hand" many times over the years. As I have done more studying about doing wedding photography and I came to the topic of destination weddings....I got excited. I won't say that is where I intend to start, however, I know eventually that time will come and I will be more than ready for it. In the meantime, I am so much looking forward to providing wedding photography for the Atlanta, GA market.

Remember that cute baby up there?
This is one of my favorite images I have done of her.

Even though my website is not completed yet, no time like the present to get it out there on the web http://www.sherijohnsonphotography.com/