Jill and Nathan-Columbia SC Wedding Photographer

Congratulations to Jill and Nathan, who were married in Newberry on Saturday. (Photo by Travis Bell)

One Boy and The Force-Columbia SC Wedding Photographer

My son, Hunter, was ready to take on the world, slay dragons, you name it, during his six-year-old portrait session Friday night. Each year, when I create his portrait, I try to show something about what he likes. Needless to say, he is locked in to the Star Wars movies right now.

The lighting for this was so much fun. We also brought in a fog machine for effect. Thanks for taking a look. (Image, Copyright, 2011, Travis Bell)

Wedding Tips - Is One Photographer Enough? The Choice is Yours

One?

Two?

Three?

How many photographers do you really need to document your wedding?

Brides ask this question all the time.

There’s a handful of reasons why one is plenty. And there’s another list of reasons why two is better than one.

It really comes down to what you like and what you may or may not need.

Below are some great examples of what a second and even third photographer can do as the couple exits the reception.

I have to admit that I get jealous sometimes of how the second and third shooters can take risks that I can't.

In the first image, I'm photographing the bride and groom as the get showered by guests.

As the lead photographer, I have to come away with a clean, direct image that shows the scene. I can't risk that the image is blurry.

In this image, the second photographer is capturing the same moment from another angle.

What makes this image unique is that the shooter has slowed the camera settings down, which makes the bird seed and even the bride blur a little.

A nice effect to show the energy and excitement she's feeling.

In the final image, the third photographer has zoomed in tight on the couple, using a similar technique that the second shooter used, slowing the camera down, which creates a soft effect on the couple.

Some brides may love these artistic images. Some may not. It just depends on your style.

A second or even third photographer can take risks that the lead photographer can't. If you enjoy these artistic, energetic images, then an additional photographer may be a good choice for your wedding day.

ESPN's National Signing Day

Wednesday's assignment took me to Charlotte to serve as the official set photographer for ESPN's National Signing Day broadcast. Below are a few favorite images. Some of the highlights were former Florida head coach Urban Meyer serving as an analyst for the first time and #1 recruit Jadeveon Clowney of Rock Hill stopping by for an interview. (All images Copyright 2011 ESPN)

Closet or Shrine

Today's assignment took me to ESPN's studio in Charlotte to photograph a taping of The Experts. One of my favorite parts of the studio is the helmet closet. It's where they keep all of the helmets for each BCS team. It's interesting to watch visitors to the studio who are getting a tour. It's one of their favorite areas as well. They often get quiet and gaze into the room with interest, turning this closet into somewhat of a shrine.

Excited about going back Wednesday to photograph National Signing Day. It's always fascinating to watch how the ESPN crew pulls everything together to make the show go so smoothly. Former Florida coach Urban Meyer will be a part of the talent and my first assignment will be making a portrait of him in studio.

Lacey and Kyle

Congratulations to Lacey and Kyle. A few favorites from their day. (Images by Travis Bell, Copyright 2010)

His Two Favorite Things

Congrats to Lacey and Kyle, who were married recently in Newberry. Lacey wanted to give Kyle, who played baseball at PC, a photograph of his two favorite things. Having photographed sports and weddings since I was in my teens, this might be my favorite bridal portrait ever.

The Curse Ends

Saturday's assignment took me to Gainesville to photograph South Carolina vs Florida. Below, Spurrier is lifted up by his players to celebrate the first-ever SEC East Championship.

Historic Win

Saturday's assignment took me to Williams-Brice to photograph the South Carolina-Alabama football game. Alshon Jeffery's 45-yard, one-handed catch, seen below, was one of the best I've ever seen. (Photo by Travis Bell/Sideline Carolina)

You can download a desktop poster of this image at:
http://www.sidelinecarolina.com/desktopposters/jeffery.1.jpg

Shaq Vs Earnhardt Jr.

It was a thrill to serve as the official still photographer for a recent taping of "Shaq Vs." in Charlotte. The episode aired Tuesday night on ABC and was a hit with O'Neal and Earnhardt fans. They are such fun guys to photograph.

Here, Shaq lifts up Jr. after the NASAR driver won the competition. I'm still amazed at how O'Neal was able to fit into his car. If you look near the middle of the image, you'll see the custom door that was built so he could get in from the top. Thanks to the folks at ABC for the assignment.