Notable San Diego Photographers - Jen & Shane Fellows of AcquaPhoto.com

What makes a good photograph? For all the different possible answers - there is only one that is correct. While subject, location and gear are important - it is the photographer who provides the vision and does the best job possible with what's avaliable. Jen and Shane Fellows are two photographers who seem to have that vision that separates them from many other local "photographers". Take a look at this session at Balboa Park. What stands out are the wonderful colors of the images - very vibrant! The lighting is great primarily due to the time of day when the images were taken - no harsh shadows, no blown highlights. Some images are done in black and white but for a reason - because B&W works well for them. Many other photographers will resort to black and white when there is something wrong with the image - not in focus, poor colors, blown highlights, etc.

Another example is this wedding series. Again - pictures have appropriately light and airy feel to them. They are expertly exposed and very well composed. Look at the detail shots (rings, dress, jewelry etc) - these iamges are telling a story! It's not just about the groom and bride, but all the time and effort that wend into choosing the location, flowers, preparations, the dress, pearls and much more. When you look at their images you feel good and start to smile. Just looking at their pictures make you assume that the party was elegant and fun.

Now that you have looked at work of people who know what they are doing - take a look at dozens of "photographers" offering their services on CraigsList. What you will find is a great deal of mediocre pictures and rather dull composition and lifeless colors. Choosing the right photographer for your event makes a huge difference. It's not always about the price - just the vision and the skills.

Why am I writing this? After all, if anything, I should be promoting myself and not another photographer. The answer is simple - photographers who do a good job are not afraid of each other. Those who can differentiate themselves  with the quality and not the price, don't have to feel as much pressure from lower level of competition.