CONNECT WITH ME:


Hi, I'm Jason.  Thanks for stopping by my blog.  This is where you'll find stuff that's happening with me.  You'll find photographs of my incredible clients, along with personal "stuff" - like photos of my insanely cute daughter Maddie, and my best-friend/wonderful wife Beth.

I love what I do.  I love that I get to be a part of something so significant in people's lives.  

Weddings are significant, for so many reasons, but for me - they are significant because there is nothing quite like two people committing, to each other, the rest of their lives.  They are significant because of what they represent, and they are significant because - for our clients - they are the beginning of a journey.  They are the beginning of a story.

I believe that an event of such significance requires a commitment on my part.  It’s a commitment to document the people, the moments and the details - all the things that are a part of your story.  Your wedding isn't about the photography, and it's not about the photographer.  Your wedding will be incredible no matter who you ask to help you remember it.  My commitment is to do just that - help you remember exactly the way you feel on your wedding day - for the rest of your life.      

Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday
25Feb2010

GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS COMING TO MI!

Award winning Top Endorsed Westcott Pros Zach & Jody Gray have hosted their IN-CAMERA photography workshops in Nashville, Jacksonville Beach, Orange County, and are now coming to Michigan!

To register, visit the IN-CAMERA Workshop Website.  

Zach and Jody are incredible photographers, incredible people, and I'm honored to call them friends of mine!  They hosted the ONE DAY INTENSIVE for me in Nashville, and I'm THRILLED to be hosting them in our studio in Grand Ledge.  In addition to being super talented photographers, Zach and Jody are great teachers.


Overview of the Gray Photography IN-CAMERA Workshop Series from Zach & Jody

- Want to learn how we are able to achieve the look of all our images without the aid of PhotoShop?

- Want to learn how we are able to edit an entire wedding in 2.5 hours solely using Adobe Lightroom? - Want to learn how we are able to create and control light with on- location studio strobes and get phenomenal images in any lighting situation?

Our IN-CAMERA series of workshops actually show you how to shoot images that amaze right in the camera. These workshops feature class time, hands-on shooting with professional models, on location studio lighting, post-production and/or image critiques and much more. These workshops are fun, informative, and a great time to hang out with and meet other photographers who want what you want – great images without having to spend hours behind a computer screen editing.

Overview of the BUSINESS & MARKETING Workshop – Executing The Dream

Listen to Zach & Jody share the successes and tools they have implemented in their own business which has grown from shooting their first wedding June 2007 for $500, to making a six-figure income just one year later.

This all-encompassing workshop dives into the most important areas that Zach and Jody have put into place of running a modern day, cutting edge photography studio that will continue to thrive regardless of the economy.

Some of the topics covered: marketing, branding, standing out, pricing yourself to succeed, investing in your clients & vendors to work for you, creating balance, dreaming big dreams, and executing goals.

For information on the specific classes offered and to register visit the IN-

CAMERA Workshop Website. 

Sponsored by: Wescott

 

About Zach and Jody:

Zach and Jody Gray founded Gray Photography just three short years ago, and have since gained local and national recognition for their work. They have been named by Westcott as one of their Top Endorsed Pros, have had their work featured in PPA magazine, have worked with high profile clients, hosted numerous highly successful photography workshops, have motivated and educated other photographers at various speaking engagements including Pictage’s National Conference last fall.

Named as one of Nashville Tennessee’s top wedding photographers, Zach and Jody take pride in the experience and combined talents they are able to offer the client who seeks something different. Zach, an expert in advanced off camera lighting, brings his experience and knowledge on location fashioning an artistic flair, while Jody's expertise with her natural eye, lie in photojournalism. With their combined blended styles, in addition to the relationships Zach and Jody forge with their clients, they offer an experience that few others can give.

What’s even more remarkable about this couple is their images never see the inside of Photoshop. All of their work is shot in-camera with minor post processing performed via Adobe Lightroom. They can post-process an average 1,200 image wedding in just 2 1⁄2 hours.Zach and Jody Gray are based out of Nashville, TN and have been married for 4 years. They have a passion for marriage, for helping others in business and they absolutely love what they do!

Visit their blog!

 

Wednesday
10Feb2010

MADDIE + 8" SNOW = SLEDDING!

It was a lot of snow.  In fact, it snowed all day yesterday.  It snowed, and snowed, and snowed.  In Michigan, we're pretty used to the snow, but yesterday - we got a ton.  No, we didn't get as much as Washington, DC with their 3 feet, but we got a good 8-10 inches.  Why not make the best of a fresh snowfall with Maddie.  

She got this super cool sled for Christmas from my parents, so we thought this would be the perfect day to try it out!

Michigan Wedding Photography, Photographers in Michigan, Lansing, Michigan Photography

Headed out for a new adventure!  Gotta stay warm!

Michigan Wedding Photography, Photographers in Michigan, Lansing, Michigan Photography

I love these two girls so much!  Maddie is more like her mom every day, and that's a wonderful thing!


Michigan Wedding Photography, Photographers in Michigan, Lansing, Michigan Photography

Trying out the sled.  Someone had shoveled a little area to let their dog run, and we thought this was the perfect spot for her first run!


Michigan Wedding Photography, Photographers in Michigan, Lansing, Michigan Photography

I love how she isn't quite sure at first.... but it doesn't take long for her to totally love it!


Michigan Wedding Photography, Photographers in Michigan, Lansing, Michigan PhotographyMichigan Wedding Photography, Photographers in Michigan, Lansing, Michigan Photography

Dad - look what I did!


Michigan Wedding Photography, Photographers in Michigan, Lansing, Michigan Photography

Brush a little snow off the mittens :)


Michigan Wedding Photography, Photographers in Michigan, Lansing, Michigan Photography

Mission accomplished!

Wednesday
10Feb2010

A BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK

I'm super excited about this Behind The Scenes video created for us by Andy Owen at OWEN VIDEO.  In addition to being a good friend of mine, Andy is a super talented wedding and corporate filmmaker, and I can't say enough good things about him! 

Check out the promo he created for me!  Also, the music used in this video (and on my website) is used under license from Bella Ruse.  You should swing by their site and buy some of their music as well.  I've known Kay for what seems like a long time - and her and Joseph are WAY talented musicians.  I was thrilled to do their promo shoot last year in Minneapolis, and I love seeing how many great things are happening for them.

 

Jason Aten | BEHIND THE SCENES from Jason Aten on Vimeo.

Monday
08Feb2010

HAVE A LITTLE FUN! PHOTO BOOTH STYLE

There are a few dozen reasons I can think of for having a super fun photo booth at your wedding.  They are "super fun," for one - and they are a GREAT way to capture all of the important people that celebrate your wedding day with you.   They make great thank you cards, and gifts for your guests.  

There are a few different types of photo booths you can get for your wedding, including the old fashioned carnival style - or the more modern setup that a lot of photographers are using.  We prefer the second for a few reasons.  

1. You get to involve a lot more people because the who setup is larger - and fits more people.

2. Because it's larger, you can take advantage of a ton of cool props.

We only offer our photo booth setup at weddings we're shooting, so that means you have to book either an Associate or Signature wedding commission with us, in order for us to bring our super sweet wedding photo booth with us.  No reason to worry - we still have a few dates available ;)  Or, if you're looking for a company (or photographer) who does photo booths only, shoot me a quick note - I'd be happy to get you in touch with the right people.

We offer a complete printed proof set of your photo booth gallery, online proofing, and digital proofing, depending on what you prefer.  

Wanna learn more?  You can check out a sample gallery here.  You can also give me a call, or shoot me an email and we'll talk more about how it might fit into your wedding plans!

Friday
05Feb2010

BRIDES MICHIGAN MAGAZINE: 6 WINNERS :) 

Apparently there are quite a few of you - between this blog, facebook and twitter - that would love to get your hands on a copy of the newest edition of Brides Michigan Magazine!  Since it's not even out on stands right now - and these copies are courtesy of my friends at Brides Magazine and Brides.com I can see why!  

I'm going to give away a handful of copies today, and I'll probably do this again soon (so check back here)!!  In the meantime, most of the copies will be handed out to brides who come and visit us at the studio.  If you'd like to schedule a consultation for your wedding, just drop me a note.  I'd love to hear from you!

 And the winners are:

#9: Kelly    #18: Jackie S

#3: Anna Taylor #8: Ashley

#2: Allison Ray #12: Alicia

Ladies, I have your email addresses, and I'll shoot you a note.  You'll just need to reply to give me your address so I can get these mailed out!

Thanks so much!