Philadelphia wedding photographer Ryan Estes | Images, news, and what’s going on now!
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I'm Ryan, and you'll often find me with camera in hand. I live and work in the greater Philadelphia area providing brides, grooms, and families with cutting-edge photography. Here you'll find the latest images, news, and bits of this and that from Ryan Estes Photography. Come back often -- there's a lot happening, both in my life and in those of my clients.
What sort of images can you expect to see? That's a difficult question to answer... photojournalism + fashion, portraiture + landscape, documentary + candid... real people on the most important day of their lives, and genuine emotions shining through.
One thing is clear: these aren't your grandmother's wedding pictures. (No offense to your grandmother, of course...)
Today I received Kim & Mike’s album back from Leather Craftsmen, and I realized that I have only ever posted photos of square albums here, never anything rectangular. I’ve been doing a lot of 9×12″ albums lately, and I just love them… especially those that are vertical. Kim & Mike’s is an example of this… this thing is a beauty!
When I first met Jo a year ago to talk about her wedding, I knew right away I wanted to shoot it… the first thing that draws me to a particular wedding is the couple, and I simply adore working for people who are fun-loving and creative, who have a unique vision for their day and who appreciate the arts. The second thing is venue… shooting in spaces that are different from other places I’ve worked is one of the big bonuses of my line of work. So when Jo told me they were going to have their reception at the World Cafe Live, I was all-upons!
The day began at Jo’s parents’ house. She was thrilled to be able to take pictures in the house where she grew up, since it holds so many great memories.
I love capturing expressions of people when they see the bride for the first time.
Look me in the eye and tell me that staircase wasn’t MADE for the moment when Jo would walk down it in her wedding dress!!
Jo has such a radiant smile… I kept trying to make her laugh to bring it out.
A little back story (and I’m sharing this with Jo’s permission)… her dad had a heart attack at the end of April, and had surgery to repair the damage in early May. Jo wasn’t certain he’d be able to be here for her wedding… but 17 days later he was able to walk her down the aisle! His love for her is so obvious, and I know it’s kind of cliché to say that I was honored to be there to document it, but that’s exactly how I felt.
I couldn’t decide between these two… which one do you like better?
Jo and her brother.
I was fortunate to have Mike Landis along with me… Mike’s a great photographer and a good friend as well. He grabbed these shots of PJ and the guys.
Q: What’s better than 14 groomsmen?
A: 14 groomsmen in a chorus line wearing Chucks!
We didn’t have much time for portraits, so I grabbed a few of Jo & PJ outside the church right after the ceremony.
Onto the trolley for the ride into the city. PJ gave an impromptu tour.
Pulling up to the World Cafe Live, which of course shares a space with Philly’s best music station. (Yes, my opinion is objective, and absolutely correct. All of the time.) 
You can’t tell from these images, but inside it was d-a-r-k and completely amazing! For the photog-types reading this, these were at ISO 6400, somewhere between f/1.4 and f/2.8.
PJ’s parents can really sing!
You guessed it, the Mummers! Thanks to Mike for grabbing these two.
Toward the end of the night, PJ’s band played a set. (How could you not, at a venue like this?)
Once again, thank you to Josephine & PJ. I had a blast, and it was fantastic spending the day with you!
June 2, 2009 - 7:48 pm - What an awesome reception location! I LOVE that shot with the light flare from the 2 lights on stage. Great work!
June 3, 2009 - 1:42 pm - Did you really shoot those at ISO 6400? Unbelievable. What sort of NR did you use in post to get such clean images? I shot some video @ a WCL dinner once... you're right: it's dark. I was shooting at +12dB gain, but still came away with some great footage. Love your work as always.
June 3, 2009 - 4:52 pm - Great stuff, Ryan! How cool is that to have the reception at the WCL -- esp for us xpn fans. So, what ARE you shooting w' these days? 700? Me, too, come tomorrow! :)))
June 3, 2009 - 5:01 pm - Great time as always Ryan! You ROCK! Picks are great! Those images at 6400 iso are sick! Oh, I like the first one. :)
June 15, 2009 - 8:52 am - Odd question - but does anyone know who did Josephine's hair? I love it! I am looking for a stylist for my wedding. Oh, and great pictures, Ryan!
June 16, 2009 - 7:05 pm - Hi Kelly - Jo's hair was done at the Ana Nicole Salon in Newtown Square. :)
Karen & John are getting married on October 10 this fall. For whatever reason, that date is the most popular one all year (approaching the popularity level that 07-07-07 did, at least in terms of how many people contacted me about it!). I was so glad for the chance to hang out with them for a bit and make some images at Villanova University, where they both went.
Enjoy, Karen & John! Looking forward to October.
“What exactly IS a gallery wrap?”
That’s a question I get from my clients quite a bit, so it seemed approp to take a minute here and explain. Quite simply, gallery wraps are an amazing way to showcase images from your wedding or portrait session. The photo gets printed onto luscious canvas, wrapped around a wooden frame, and hung directly on your wall… without need any additional framing. Maybe the easiest way is just to show some pictures… here’s a wrap of an image I took last fall. This one is 16×24″.
See how the image wraps all the way around the sides?
(Awesome red wall not included.)
It even comes with hanging hardware so all you need is a wall and a nail!
And there you have it… the real question is, how can you possibly live another second without one (or several) of these hanging in your house?!
FYI, some of my portrait sessions have one of these included, and they’re also for sale for weddings and portraits in the online gallery.
May 28, 2009 - 9:48 pm - I was actually just describing gallery wraps to a client tonight and they had a hard time wrapping their minds around it...
May 29, 2009 - 5:34 pm - do you mean..."how can you possibly live another second WITHOUT one (or several) of these hanging in your house?!" because that's the question which will surely keep me up tonight.
May 30, 2009 - 10:36 pm - oops, yes Nicole, that's what I meant. :)
On this day, we as a nation stop to remember those who have given their lives in service to our country. In this age of t-shirt slogans and bumper stickers, it’s difficult to say anything on the subject that doesn’t sound trite or only half-sincere. All I can say is Thank You to the many people who have paid the ultimate price in our military. May we as a country be worthy of that sacrifice.
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For whatever reason, BBQ’s seem to be the celebration of choice on this holiday, which is just fine with me. We spent yesterday with Kelly’s parents enjoying all manner of deliciousness. Kelly’s dad has built a train (one you can ride!) in their backyard, “for the grandkids.” V’s first ride…
And this morning, she learned a valuable new life skill!
May 26, 2009 - 3:25 pm - I have to tell my Dad about this train thing. I'm sure if he doesn't already know Kelly's dad, he'll be getting to know Kelly's dad and picking his brain about building a backyard train for the grandkids. If I'm not careful, I'll end up with one in my backyard this summer :) V is looking adorable and I'm sure you just loved her new, specially made just-for-you gift! It's a little scary what photos we'll take of our own kids!
May 28, 2009 - 12:06 am - those 3 pics are priceless. V cracks me up!! I love how she has to show you what she found up there.
May 31, 2009 - 8:05 pm - how cool is your father in law. looks like fun. we used to use a laundry basket and rope for rides around the house...would have been much more exciting with battery power.
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by Ryan
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