Into the Future

To all of you who have been reading and following this blog a huge "THANK YOU!". We deeply appreciate all your comments, feedback and time spent on viewing our posts. This is our last update but of course we would love to keep you as a friend, guest and a reader! To further follow David or Monika please refer to our respective websites. All the best!

Sweet & Invincible

Before the Eastern Part of United States was turned into Winter Wonderland by neverending snowfall I found myself wondering how we are going to make DUMBO look hot on a cold windy January afternoon. It turns out that the recipe is really easy and straightforward. All you really need is two smoking hot girls who are not afraid of the cold. Devra and Katie are founders and owners of Marie Merin Productions - a New York based event design company that I have a pleasure of collaborating with this season. Big Thank You goes also to a fantastic makeup artist Nadia Saburov who must be the easiest person to work with ever - her help during the shoot was priceless! Ladies, thank you for your incredible stamina and endurance! It was a true pleasure and much fun working with you!

Industry buzz: Weddingchicks!

Have you heard about them yet? If you haven't and you ARE a wedding vendor OR a bride - you are missing out! I recommend you check out their blogsite right away - there's a lot of good things happening. Amy and Jocey are running constant promos and give aways for brides and wedding vendors. Don't forget to check the 'sweet deals' and 'real weddings' sections! The girls recently started a new, phenomenal contest on twitter that was named #wctrivia (yes you can use that exact hashtag to follow most recent updates about the contest upcoming subjects, you can also follow @weddingchicks and @wctrivia to connect directly with the authors). I myself had my little contribution to the new twitter fun and in return was granted a free listing on Weddingchicks photographer directory for my region. Yaaay! Happy to be a part of that growing, viral community! Thanks You Weddingchicks - keep rocking the wedding world!

What to look for when booking a wedding photographer?

The busy engagement season is upon us and brides starting their search for that one and only, THE photographer.
I get asked sometimes during consultations: "what questions should I really be asking?". The demand for bridal guides and advices from pros seems to be higher the closer we get to Holiday season. I don't just mean the list of questions provided by your favorite bridal magazine. These are - unfortunately - rarely helpful. Let's be honest - most of them are frustrating to the photographers (not because we can't give answers but because they are...artificial to say the least) and not really helpful to the brides. So I will try to take a more common sense, simpler approach here coming from my own experience and feedback from my clients. What should a bride be paying attention to when hiring a wedding photographer? First and most of all:

1. The quality of work

There's never a second chance to make the first impression. Correct but not quite in our profession. The website can be polished to maximum with photos edited to perfection, presenting a selection of the best shots from the past few years and... that's great! Hail to the kings of editing but what will matter at the end of the day is how does the coverage of YOUR wedding turn out so yes - you have the right and you SHOULD ask to see an entire gallery from a recent wedding. With most photographers nowadays it will be online so ask your photographer to e-mail the link to you or write it down. Spend some time at home to go over the gallery. How well did the photographer manage to cover different parts of the day? How consistent is the coverage? Is there enough emotional moments? Is there a good variety of images (details, close-ups, wide angle shots showing an entire scene). Are the reception shots well lit? Is the light pleasing (soft, directional, modelling) or do the photos look similar to what comes out from your own point & shoot camera when photographing in a dark room? Are vertical photos free of harsh side shadows behind the subject? Are the photos focused where they need to be or are too many of them blurry and unclear? Are skin tones from indoor shots, ceremony and reception looking the same as on the photos taken outdoors? Be critical, all of these questions will indicate your photographers technical proficiency as well as editing skills. It's one of the most important days of your life that's about to be documented so do not get diluted by the shot of a cute flower girl that is easy to get - look for some signature, unique and compelling photos that you haven't seen anywhere else. Raise the bar high!. Don't just settle for something that looks average or inconsistent!

2. Photographer's personality

Just as important as the quality of work. Wedding photography is about the relationships. You are about to hire someone that will be around you during the entire day so do not kid yourself - if you don't "click" during the consultation - let it go. You absolutely HAVE TO feel comfortable around your wedding photographer (even about the way they dress). Unless they are a hard core photojournalist there will be a few moments during your wedding day when you will be posed, they will give you direction. Being in front of the lens can be intimidating, especially when a lot of friends and family are watching. Friendly and organic relationship is the key here! Pay attention to your photographer's personality and behavior. If there is anything annoying about it - take it into consideration when making your final decision!

3. Photographer's experience

How long have they been in the business? Are there testimonials from previous brides available? How many weddings can you see on their blog? How many do they say they photographed? All of these questions can mean a lot to you... or not. You have to be the judge here. Some brides will consider this one of the most important factors and will only hire a photographer that has been around for longer than Rolling Stones and some will appreciate fresh approach and young spirit more than twenty years worth of portfolio. Experience can be good if it doesn't overshadow photographer's readinessto progress and change when necessary. Seasoned photographer can be great as long as they remain open to new ideas and use their experience wisely. Sometimes the lack of experience means clear and uncontaminated mind - when accompanied by great talent it creates a great recipe for the new star of wedding photography. Whether you discovered one - unfortunately has to be your own judgement but maybe this analysis will at least let you realize what you are looking for!

4. The style

Is what you are looking at bringing a smile to your face? Is the content of the photos what you would like to be seeing captured at your wedding? Before you judge the photographer's style answer some questions for yourself, like: am I looking for someone contemporary and edgy or do I prefer safe and traditional? Do I like photos that are dynamic, unposed and show real moments or is am I leaning towards those carefully posed where the subjects are always camera aware? Pay attention to what the photographer says about their style on the website, in blog posts and in their own words during the consultation. Make no mistake - it's close to impossible for a photographer to change their style just for your wedding. What you see on their blog and their portfolio is how they prefer to work. If it's not 'up your alley' - don not schedule the consultation. Artwork is very subjective and that is totally all right. What some people will love others will hate. To some brides technical excellence and simple approach to wedding photography will be number one priority. To some artistic vision and wicked ideas will be more appealing. The important thing is to know what you prefer as a bride and as a person. Look for that before you even contact a photographer.

5. The presentation

How is the work packaged? Is it just a bunch of prints thrown on the table, a slideshow projected on a big screen or are they in beautiful albums? If they are in albums how are the albums looking? Are they similar to those your parents received for their wedding (I'm sorry but there is no compromise here - that is a definite RED FLAG! Steer away if the albums look like they were done 20 years ago!). I totally understand that no one updates their sample album inventory every season but the reasonable approach is to present at least one fresh and contemporary looking album with work no older than 2-4 years back. Finally when talking about their photographs, style and work is the photographer also genuinely interested in your wedding? Are they asking YOU questions or just going through their typical sales pitch? It is important for both sides to feel like they are communicating well so make sure there is a good balance between asking questions and answering them for your photographer. If they really care about working with you - they will be curious about details of your wedding arrangements. You should be able to tell whether they are treating your event with genuine interest or does it look like it's going to be just another job for them...

6. The price

Finally we come to one of the most important factors. Money and how much of can you/are you willing to spend. Of course budget is important and we, wedding photographers do understand and respect it. Weddings are expensive and there's nothing wrong with trying to save a few hundred dollars where possible. While there are definitely areas where cost can be lowered I will strongly discourage every bride to try and cut corners when it comes to photography. Your friend's friend with the newest DSLR is NOT the answer. Uncle Timmy will also not deliver the quality and level of work that a true pro who puts their entire heart and skill in what they do can. Going with someone who is offering to shoot your wedding for free 'to build their portfolio' - nope, not recommended either. They will have plenty of opportunities if they start working as a second shooter with a more established photographer. Just the same as you wouldn't like to have a surgeon perform his first surgery on you - don't put your weddings into hands of a complete novice. The difference is usually clearly visible when it is too late to change your mind. Just as there is a client for every photographer's price level - there is a GOOD photographer for every budget. If the photographer you really love and want to hire is a bit more expensive than what you'd be willing to pay think about why it is so. Are they really popular? Is there a lot of weddings on their blog? If so this is probably a good sign. What are other brides saying? Are their testimonials convincing and real?

7. The contract.

It's a good idea to read the contract. No, I mean it - you really should READ the contract. Most photographer's contracts are no longer than three pages. Make sure you are comfortable with all the clauses and the payment schedule. If you have questions - do not hesitate to ask them BEFORE placing your signature at the bottom. You are entering the legal agreement that binds both sides into certain responsibilities.

8. Technical details

While in general equipment is less important than the knowledge and skill that determine it's use, the latest digital cameras do offer considerably more creative freedom and dramatic increase in quality compared to a few year old models. Do ask your photographer how current is their equipment. Backup should be out of question. Every serious photographer will have backup equipment as well as business insurance. Those are basics and you should ask about them. If second photographer is mentioned in the contract/package that you are booking - who are they? Are they really a second professional photographer that is fully capable of delivering comparable quality of coverage or is it a student/apprentice?

If you are a bride and just got engaged = congratulations! I hope the above suggestions will help you making an educated choice for your wedding photography and therefore make the challenging task of wedding planning a bit easier! If you are a photographer - maybe this article will give you some ideas and help you prepare for consultations with your clients during this booking season. I will be happy to answer any questions or take suggestions. Please e-mail me or connect with me on Twitter and Facebook. Happy bookings!

Blogger love exchange continues!

My gorgeous August wedding of Shari and David was just featured on Eery Last Detail blog. Thank You Lauren for re-posting! Much appreciated!

Michelle and John are perfectly bound!

The wedding of Michelle and John has just been featured on a popular bridal blog Perfect Bound! Please chek it out and read what the bride says about their incredible day in her own words. Huge thanks to Anne-Marie (the owner of Perfet Bound blog) for appreciating our work and selecting it for the post!

Chase Jarvis team strikes NYC!

This past weekend I had a chance to hang out with a group of amazingly creative people, the masters and leaders of their industry, the one and only ChaseJarvis team from Seattle. They were generous enough to set up a two day informal get together with photographers who have been following their work online. It was a very special experience for me, eye opening on many levels. During the second day I met with a few photographers to photograph two members of our group, a couple that came all the way from Canada just to take part in the event! Here's the entire 354 images from their short session in a 90 second video. Enjoy!

LisaCorbin from David Mielcarek on Vimeo.

"When Harry met Sally..." sign up for a shoot with your love!

Hello ALL couples in the Eastern US! Here's our MAD LOVE shout out to you again! Feeling photogenic-romantic? Aaah, good timing - it's the Fall - best time to take photos of yourselves! You have just been thinking that, haven't you? Excellent! We have just came up with an idea of affordable sessions for two.



Whether you're dating, are engaged, married or simply romancing someone and would like to have exciting photos of yourselves created - this is the time to contact us... and we're not just talking a simple 'stand together, smile into the camera' portrait with blurred fall-color background (although we'll certainly capture one like that too) - we're talkin' boombastic, unrealistic, fantastic, artistically angled and creatively treated images here. Look what we've done before and smile, this could be you and your love:





























We are much looking forward to hear from you and will be happy to share the details over e-mail (grab the dates while they last! availability will be determined following the 'first come first serve' rule!).

Here goes love round and round!

Three years ago:



...and this past weekend:



Congratulations to newlyweds Diana and Mark! Congratulations to Anna and Wojtek who are now about to celebrate their third anniversary and have a beautiful daughter Emilia. It was so good seeing everybody again! Stay tuned for more images coming soon!

"OMG! They pulled a Krazy Ivan!"

Dear Bride or Groom (or mother, father, sister, friend or anyone who knows THE Bride and Groom) - if your wedding is taking place between November 15 '2009 and April 15 '2010 you want to read this post!



Ok, the economy is tough. You are not sure you will be able to squeeze the cost of wedding photography into your budget. The details however look amazing, the location is beautiful and most of all - you two are in love! It would be so cool if a really talented, contemporary photographer could capture it all with an artistic flare...
please cry not my dear bride as we have THE answer!

Starting RIGHT NOW we would like to offer a new package to our brides. It's called... you guessed it! KRAZY IVAN! Why such an insane name? Because it will cost you nothing to book! Yes, correct - you are required to pay ZERO dollars BEFORE the wedding to reserve your date with us. Ok, not entirely so - there is a $300 contract fee to cover our basic expenses but that money goes towards your first order of prints after the wedding. That is IT. No catches, no hidden/added fees, no tricks - it's a clean deal. We sign a contract and you GOT US SHOOTIN' your special day (well...at least one of us!). For $300. Seriously. Three hundred dollars (American). Because we are making ourselves so extremely available there are of course some rules but you will have to e-mail us to find out what they are...and when you do - please include some information about your plans like.. where and when are you getting married (you can throw in a short description of your vision - never hurts!). We'll be happy to answer and in most cases we'll do it within 12 hours.

ATTENTION: this is by no means a wedding giveaway. It's a contracted booking - just like all other weddings that we book during our busy season. The only difference is that if you are not absolutely in love with your photos after your wedding - you owe us nothing. The industry standard for wedding photographers is to collect the entire balance due BEFORE the event...so we decided to swim against the current on this one. We're looking forward to hearing from you!

Agata and Alfonso are getting popular!

Kat from Rock'n Roll Bride just featured my photos of Agata and Alfonso - the super cool Polish-Italian couple that I had a chance to shoot all over Manhattan with Adam Ludwik! Success! Thank You, Kat!

Cori & Rollie, featured far & wide in the blogosphere!

Fabulous Janie from The Bride's Cafe and Amazing Kat from Rock N Roll Bride loved their wedding as much as we did!
Thank you ladies!

July is the research month at projectmadlove!

Our dear Clients - past, present and future! Please give us a minute of your time and take this quick poll. It will give us a better idea of how your decision process works! We are constantly working to tune up our services and be the best we can! This is just one of the steps we decided to take this season to refine our services! Thank You so much - we love you all!

We have the winner!

The contest has just been resolved! Thank You to all who sent e-mails, voted and shared their opinions on the presented images. By the vast majority of votes image #1 is the winner and it will go on my new business card! The person who gets the movie is Scott Dick - CONGRATULATIONS Scott! Please contact me back with your address details so I can mail the prize your way! Everybody else - Thank You for helping me choose THE image!

Time to win yourself a cool movie!

Dear friends, brides, photographers, readers! Which of the following photos should go on David's new business card and be considered for future marketing materials? Please vote via e-mail now and if you send your opinion in by June 30, 12:00pm(ET) you will be entered for a drawing of "Slumdog Millionaire" on DVD - an absolutely fantastic movie with the best cinematography a person can possibly imagine! (update: if you don't like SM or already own it please send in a name of one current movie that you would like to have and it will be your prize if you win!) Sending an e-mail only takes a few seconds and your DVD player will love playing this amazing movie for you over and over so please VOTE! Which one of the below images feels the most 'cinematic' to you?!?

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Kuper Skool and San Fran Fun!

A couple of weeks ago I had a pleasure of traveling to San Francisco to attend 'Kuper Skool', a wedding photography seminar presented by Anna Kuperberg.
Anna Kuperberg is a fantastic shooter, and a truly lovely person. She was recently chosen as one of the Top Ten Wedding Photographers by American Photo Magazine.
As a part of Kuper Skool we watched Anna photograph a portrait session for a recently married couple and their dog Frankie ..
Before/after the seminar I explored different sights of San Francisco.. Enjoy!