OLY COW!! It has been one crazy year over here. From photography, to cinematography to editing and more... our team has had one tremendous year. By now, you all probably know Amie, Chris, Adam, Andy and Danielle. I hope I've mentioned them on the blog enough this year for you all to know that I DO NOT stand alone in this venture. I have an extremely talented and supportive team, and not only am I eternally thankful for their contribution professionally... but personally speaking, I {heart} these guys like it's going out of style. When we all pack our bags on Friday nights, we know who we're spending our Saturdays and Sundays with. It's an extended family. We laugh, we joke, we yell, and we get over things. Just like a real family would. This year, we added 2 more members to our team: Natalie and Geoff. Natalie works on the photography side, and Geoff works with the video team as an assistant of all things video related. He's a life saver! And what can I say about Natalie, except that there's never a dull moment when she's around!!  
 
We worked with dozens of couples this year to help capture both the still and motion memories of their special day, and had the distinct pleasure of traveling for two really epic destination weddings. One in Baltimore and one in Spain. The year has been fun, exciting, crazy, scary, nerve-wracking, hilarious, emotional, and amazing. Bring it on. We're ready for more!! 
 
So as we bring 2012 to a close, I thought I'd share some of our behind-the-scenes moments. When it comes to weddings, there's never a dull moment. Never!! No two days at work are ever alike, and I think that's what we all love most about what we do. So check out some of the madness we experience at real weddings. Happy Monday! 
 

So above, we have Natalie. She officially started shooting on the photography side with us in early 2012. Honestly, I don't think she had any idea what she was really in for when it came to Indian weddings. Madness is an understatement. Don't worry Nat... the photos are suppose to look like that!! And below we have Chris and Andy. Sometimes, they like to bask in the glory of small victories.

Just a typical setup for a first look. Chris tends to do his thing along the sidelines... you know, stuff like hiding in the bushes! No big deal.

And here's Adam... he's the MacGyver on our team. He'll find pretty much any prop he can to make the shot look good.

Ok but seriously Adam.... No Big Deal. Not like I was trying to capture the special moment here or anything!

And when you put Chris and Adam together, you get a little bit of trouble, mixed in with a lot genius!! These guys will do whatever it takes. PS - I love the cart driver who's just hanging out... not even bothered by the fact that there's 2 dudes hanging off the roof. Just another day on the course I guess.

Amie and Natalie make a great team together. Here they are setting up for a first look.

Andy normally stays behind the scenes as a video editor... I guess when we give him a camera he maintains the same disguise, staying behind the scenes.

Rocks. Ocean. Seaweed. Nothing can stop this duo!

When the full crew is in action, here's how we get down. Adam shoots tight and steady, Chris goes wide with motion and Amie zooms in from the side. Killer combo!

Ahhh, and here's me. I'm sort of like the art director in all of this hoopla. I like to make sure the couples are at ease, that they understand what all of us are doing and why we have so many gosh-darn cameras!! It doesn't always make sense, but i love that couples trust me!!

And YES, I will just about go anywhere to get a fantastic shot. If the bride wants to climb the rocks, we're on it.

Getting their sexy on!!

Chris is THE GLIDECAM MAN. I seriously commend him for being a pro at this little gizmo. It's a lot heavier than it looks.

Here they go again... Want to create a reveal in the middle of the beach in the blazing sun?! NO BIGGIE, we'll just use Adam's tie.

And yes, we get a little goofy at times. But we had to.... Chris was wearing ankle socks!!

Love working with a bride and her bridesmaids. Women are so good at following directions and getting themselves together. The boys on the other hand? Not so much!

Amie & Chris -- Mr. & Mrs. Smith style!!

Danielle loves it when live animals show up to the wedding.

Just filming so artsy fartsy grass stuff.

Yes, we know!! It's 105 degrees in a church with no windows.

Here's Adam going at it with a baraat-by-boat.

And sneaking in for the slider shot.

Seriously Chris... you are NOT invited to hang out at the sweetheart table. Get out of my shot!!

A shot of the party shot.

Adam is easily excited by fun parties.

And I just love Amie's sheer focus and dedication to the job... completely oblivious to the two goofballs behind her.

Even on the coldest of days, these guys make it work.

And here's Geoff... he the newest member of the team. He's gettin' his learn on during cocktail hour!

Chris is getting ready for a baraat-by-boat at the InterCon. I would venture to say he's a tad excited.

Amie is just doing what it takes to get the shot.

Just a quick test shot Natalie!! I promise no one will ever see this!! Mwwhhaaaa.

Wait -- I thought grand entrance was coming in that door over there? Have things changed... again?!

And we'll close with this overly excited photo of yours truly! I think this pretty much sums up my feelings about the year and what we do. Always exciting, always fun, always a little goofy!! Happy Monday.

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. For the most part, this blog is a collection of my work, ideas, inspirations and things I've learned. If you're a bride & groom: sit back, relax and soak it all in... until your fingers get pruny! If you're a photographer: I hope you can take away something insightful from what I've learned about turning my passion for photography and cinematography into a career. You can also explore more about the world of BINITA PATEL by clicking below. Until we meet... have FUN, be STYLISH.