“Wow!

I’m really motivated after spending 2 days with Paul and Mecheal and the other five photographers.

We met at their new really cool client studio in Rosemary Beach. The walls were adorned with their fabulous work and a really big surprise on one wall. Let’s just say it involved a tree. The Daylite screen was displaying a slide show of amazing wedding photographs set to really nice music. I’d love to get their iTunes list.

Later in the day, we observed Paul and Mecheal in action with a real wedding couple. The magic of this shoot was that these were not their past clients and so we were able to see the critical interaction between photographer and subject evolve. Let’s just say it started out with a few casual snaps as the couple strolled down the cobblestone streets of Rosemary Beach and progressed into a full Oklahoma Drill type exercise. The beach was a tad cool (OK, freezing for Fla folk) but the couple seemed to really enjoy the experience. I’m sure they will love the results. Check out Paul Johnson’s Blog for the photographs.

Paul shoots in sports shooter mode similar to an SI photographer. This becomes obvious as to why he uses his special technique. He reveals how he achieves his signature action shots. Paul and Mecheal explained in full detail what they were doing technically during the shoot.

Later that evening, we all met up for dinner. When in Grayton Beach, be sure and dine at The Red Bar. Bring your appetite and your cash/check cause at The Red Bar they don’t serve average food, and they don’t take American Express…or Visa…or any plastic. ATM in the rear.

On day two, we observed Paul create. He is a true artist. I watched as he worked his images and brought them from, really good out of the camera, to his fabulous signature look. He says there isn’t any “magic dust” but he has it in his DNA. He visualizes the final image and works every detail until he achieves it. A few tools and a secret sauce or two and there it is. No “one click actions” here. The exception being the blog wrapper. Everything is custom. And that, he explains, is how he maintains his look and style.

There were many more points covered, including Mecheal’s culling process. Not only did she show us her method, she explained what her thought process was for each edit decision. Paul and Mecheal covered every aspect of their wedding photography business answering every question with open honest detail.

The clients of Rosemary Beach are wealthy, sophisticated, educated and very demanding. This becomes obvious when experiencing the quality of available cuisine. Even the sandwich wraps were gourmet and organic. Average won’t do and won’t survive. In fact, Starbucks recently closed.

Paul and Mecheal have the formula to provide the necessary products and services to cater to this high end market. It was pleasure to learn from them and to gain insight into their business. A bonus was meeting and getting to know the other five wonderful photographers.

Very best,

Charlie”

These are Sarah’s sisters along with her adorable niece who stole the show!