Starting Package Fee: $3,000* Home State: AL, Alabama Additional States Coverage: Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee Additional Traveling: Country Wide Photographic Equipment: Digital Shooter Negative Availability: Yes Video Capability: No Phone: 205-527-9113 Web Site: www.neiconi.com

Meet Emanuel Neiconi

If you were to ask Emanuel why he loves photography so much, the answer will definitely be: "Because it's fun!"

Born and raised in Romania (Central-SE Europe for the geographically-challenged), he moved to the United States in 1994 to pursue a higher education. It was here that he met and fell in love with Amy, whom he later married. They now have two sons.

Emanuel has always had an artistic and creative side, and he will be the first to tell you that he gets it from his father. As far back as he can remember, he's always loved doodling, drawing, coloring, and painting. It was only natural for him to fall in love with photography in his teen years. And, after realizing a few years later how much money he was spending on "having fun" (just ask his uncle who, unfortunately, financed a good bit of his hobby), he decided to get serious about photography. And that is how Neiconi Photography started.

Emanuel's subjects vary greatly - from trains, to cars, to nature, to people - but his style and desire is still the same - capture the subject in its environment, and have fun doing it.

So, how seriously can you take this guy? Says Emanuel: "I love photography. I love taking pictures. And I love having fun. But I will always be serious and professional about it. People are paying for and expecting a pro, and that's what they will get. Does that mean I will never crack a smile or I will never tell a joke? No way. I want people to feel and be relaxed around me. That's when you capture great memories. Besides, life is too short to be serious all the time!"

"I want to capture emotions. I want to tell the story of the day. The bride and groom want to remember their big day as it was, and the events as they were unfolding." This is why, he says, he does not like to provide photos of only staged poses. "People hate having their picture made. They become stiff and usually display the most horrid smile they can achieve. It just does not look right. And if I were a groom or a bride, I sure wouldn't want an album full of this type of photos. Would you?" Formal or posed portraits are still part of the coverage of the wedding day. Emanuel realizes these are important, as they capture different family groups present. Emanuel likes to be unseen during the ceremony. He can usually be found in a corner, in the balcony or in the back of the room. He does not like using a flash during the ceremony and will keep it to a minimum. "I hate interrupting. To me, there's nothing more distracting than the guests watching the photographer climbing on things just to get a shot. The guests are there to see the groom and bride, not the photographer."