8 Minutes

Back in the days of photography school, we had to do what the instructors called "Speed Shoots". We'd have 5 or 10 minutes to take one picture. They'd give us the subject and instantly send us off! It was CRAZY to try to come up with a good picture that really screamed the topic, with good composition and good lighting in just 5 minutes. 

I was usually disappointed with mine...I mean, how can you get a really good picture in 5 or 10 minutes with whatever happens to be around?

Well, how about a whole photo shoot in 8 minutes? With whatever happens to be around?

Yeah. 

Meet Chris And Christy. It's possible you've already met them. Chris and Christy Ong were married in August of 2010 and I was not only a bridesmaid, I was also in charge of the photography. Thankfully I have awesome friends who came and took fabulous pictures when I couldn't. :)

This year I was delighted to spend New Years with them which was such a treat! We had an amazing weekend and it wasn't until we were driving home that I realized I hadn't gotten any pictures of them. It was sunset, there was snow everywhere and we had about 8 minutes. Was it even possible?

And somehow in 8 minutes I ended up with 45 pictures that I love. 

Ummm is that even possible? 

They're pretty romantic, which played a big part in taking some speedy o-la-la pictures in the snow. I don't think they minded having to stand so close in the cold... ;)

What I love about Chris and Christy is that they are genuine. They're just themselves. 

Christy is one of those girls who takes pleasure in pretty much everything. She makes anything fun and exciting and she happily loves her man. 

Chris is smart, always ready to laugh and completely and utterly adores his girl. He also happens to be a crazy talented artist, by the way. 

Yep.

8 minutes and a snowball fight later we were back on the road. 

It took a little longer than that for Chris and Christy's hands to warm up, but we sure had fun. 

Thanks, Institute in Photographic Studies (IPS), for those torturous speed shoots. 

I'm pretty glad you made me do them. 

:)

PS- if any of you want torturous speed shoots, or just awesome photography classes, check out www.prizewinningphotography.com. You won't be disappointed!