The Fujifilm XT5 is one of the best mirrorless cameras on the market. But it can be even better if you equip it with a battery grip - right? Well, not necessarily. While there are some benefits to using a battery grip, there are also some drawbacks, and depending on your needs as a wedding photographer, the Fuji XT5 without a battery grip may be the better choice for you. Let's take a look at why this is.

No Extra Weight or Bulkiness
One of the biggest advantages of using the Fuji XT5 without a battery grip is that you won't have to lug around any extra weight or bulkiness. If you're shooting weddings, chances are you'll already have quite a lot of gear with you - and having to carry an extra battery grip can add quite a bit of strain on your body over time. So by going without one, you'll be able to move more quickly and easily while still getting great shots with your Fujifilm camera.

Less Expense
Another advantage of ditching the battery grip is that it will save you money in the long run. Battery grips aren't cheap - they can cost anywhere from $50-$200 depending on what kind of features you're looking for - so if saving money is important to you, then leaving off the extra accessory could be an option worth considering.  Plus, if you ever decide later down the line that you do want to use a battery grip after all, then there's no harm done (as long as it's compatible with your camera).

Better Autofocus Performance
Finally, one other benefit of going without a battery grip is that autofocus performance may actually be improved when compared to using one! Although this isn’t always true (as each camera model varies), many wedding photographers who use mirrorless cameras find that their AF performance improves when using just one battery in their camera rather than two in tandem via an additional add-on accessory like a battery grip.   So if fast autofocus performance is important to you as a wedding photographer, then foregoing an additional accessory like this could help improve your shooting experience overall.

Conclusion:  All things considered, there are several benefits to using your Fuji XT5 without any additional accessories like a battery grip - such as improved autofocus performance and less strain on your body during shoots due to less weight and bulkiness being carried around with each event. Plus, since these accessories come at an added cost anyway, ditching them altogether could save you money in the short-term too! Of course it’s ultimately up to each individual photographer as to whether they want to use these kinds of accessories or not - but hopefully this article has given some insight into why leaving them off might actually be beneficial for some wedding photographers out there!

Whenever I am "Looking" for an image to capture, I notice opportunities everywhere.  I love finding cool reflections within the New Orleans city scene.  Buildings can work great for reflective portraits if the windows work within the angle you are capturing.  This high school senior worked perfectly against the window of a local music store.  I guess you can say this image really rocks!  :)

​Hello Friday! Have you been creative with your work or do you feel like you have to run to Pinterest for ideas? I ask this because this time in space feels like a game of catch-up with everyone else on social media. I always have a deep respect for those who break the mold.
To copy a COPY...is just a "copy" but to take an idea and make it BETTER...this is genius!
The images I posted below are presently some recent favs of mine. Are they original? Not really.
The ROCK bride I have taken from every cool album cover I have seen, the couture bride I have seen in VOGUE covers, and the cute couple interacting I have seen many of you post in your socials or in bridal magazines over the years. All of the images were current inspirations to me while in the moment of shooting but are they original?
Maybe they are just unique enough and the fact that I chose the lighting, poses, or candids and squeezed the trigger myself makes them mine.
Photography is the act of working with light and your subjects in a way that is creating something from nothing, therefore your creations are yours. Full copyrights. Full ownership. Full acceptance as an artist.
This weekend I want you to believe in yourself because you are NOT a fraud. You are a creative soul and the world is blessed to have you creating and sharing with others.
-Stay Focused on Your Dreams

When you are starting out in any creative field, you'll have inspirations of where you would love to rise to in your career. I have always inspired to see my photography on magazine covers, billboards, product containers, etc. Basically, I wanted to see if I could become good enough to accomplish these things.  It's the same difference as a band wanting to be signed and hearing their songs on the radio.  I always wanted that "One Hit Wonder!"

Over my 27 year career I have accomplished many of my wishes. Food photography will humble you because it's much more difficult than it looks.  It's very technical, all about composition and lighting and requires lots of patience.  HA!
When Cajunland Seasoning contacted me for some food and product photography, I was excited to create with them. 

The most humbling part of the job is the completed product.  Seeing my photography on seasoning containers is an awesome feeling that brings me back to my early day wishes. You have to stop and remember these containers will be in many stores, grocery stores and thousands of homes.  Ironically, just like being the drummer in a band with a hit song yet nobody knows my name, the same goes for all of these products.  I'll be everywhere yet nobody will know it's me on the product they purchased.  It's funny how life has a way of staying true to your mold. 

I love playing drums and being a part of something that sounds great together for everyone to enjoy.  The same thing goes for my photography.  I love being a part of the marketing for a business that has great success which at the end of the day is a complete reflection of me and my photography.

This is what food photography truly means to me. It's not the arrogance of getting my work published..it's about being part of a team that comes together in a professional manor for the greater good of the client. 
I cannot wait to work with you soon.  :)
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​George

As a food photographer I always enjoy getting inspired by other photographer's artwork.  I recently watched a Youtube video of someone showing how they took a sandwich and captured each layer in mid air! Too cool.  I was hooked on doing this myself for future clients if requested.  Yesterday I decided it was the day to do this personal project of mine.  I thought about which food would be good to capture and I landed on PIZZA.  

I captured each ingredient individually on a black background, then combined the ingredients together via Photoshop.  See below for the behind the scenes.  You should take time for yourself for personal projects because not only will it keep you fresh but prepare yourself for future endeavors. 

It's near impossible for me to type out the steps for the Photoshop procedure so please watch the video below for my behind the scenes of the pizza photoshoot.  

I have always stated "I have the best clients" and once again I am blessed.  When you start a business, you can only dream of the days where your past clients are constantly referring you and future business evolves from it.  This wedding was exactly that.  Colleen and Mark are two fabulous people that are a pleasure to hang around yet take their pictures on such a beautiful day as their wedding.  I have photographed her family before with her sister's wedding just a few years ago, so you can imagine how happy I was to continue photographing their family.  
I love down to Earth, fun, beautiful people in front of my camera.  Mark ordered some Custom Vans with colors representing University of Michigan which made his attire pop with color! Colleen was calm and relaxed all morning which truly set the tone for the rest of her wedding experience.   Her wedding dress truly showcased her beautiful smile and the room felt brighter when she entered it! The following images are a few of my favs which I had to share. Day weddings allow me to use gorgeous sunlight from all angles and keep the simplicity of the day cohesive. 
​enjoy. 

I love working with a business who has a creative vision. Being able to collaborate a creative idea and make it happen is what I love the most.  I am born and raised New Orleans, so when we discuss ways of showing off our city while keeping the flavor of LOCAL, I'm all in!

Deep South Blenders is one of the largest seasoning companies in the city.   They are family owned and a huge part of the culture we all know.  If you have ever been to a crawfish boil, most likely you have tasted their amazing seasoning!

​Call or text me if you would like to discuss your next business marketing plan. 504-957-8412