Laura + Jamie

I had a great experience being a fly-on-the-wall for the whole day at Laura and Jamie's wedding. Laura has been a long time friend and a wonderful support to my business over the years. I had so much fun with her and her bridesmaids. And we found an awesome location for their couples pictures together- this old mans farm was epically cool! There were so many wonderful photos I had a hard time putting this blog post together. I really couldn't have asked for a better wedding experience. I am so proud of my status as "their photographer"

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Tuesday's Tip: How to get the Photos YOU want

Hi there!

Today I want to talk about how to get the kind of photos that you actually want. I have heard many people complain that they hired a photographer but then didn't like the pictures that they ended up bringing home.

There are 3 steps that I recommend when choosing a photographer that will help to make sure that you really get the pictures you were looking for.

1) Actually to talk/meet your photographer. While most photographers are friendly and easy to get along with, there are some who are very shy, super quiet or frankly kind of weird. If you can meet or talk over the phone you'll get a glimpse of how comfortable you are likely to feel with that person. You will remember having the pictures taken and if it was an awkward experience you will look at your photos differently. If it was a good experience the pictures are more likely to bring back those happy memories and make you feel good while you look good in them.

2) Look at other pictures they've taken. Some degree of stocking your potential photographer is ok :) Dig through their work. Look for both photos you like and photos that aren't your favorite. Do they all have a similar look to them? You'll want to find a photographer who has lots of their old work to look at, it helps you know that they've been around the block a few times and that they know what they are doing. It may not all be on their official website often time though photographers will have a blog or Facebook page with even more pictures to look through. You'll also want to image yourself in some of their photos. Every photographer comes to develop their own style by the way they take their pictures and the way they finish them. Some like very bold colors or strong black and whites, while others keep things more natural- pick what's the most appealing to you. A warning though photographers who have a little bit of everything on their websites can be "wild cards" and they may surprise you with a new way of doing things with your pictures.

3) Contact past clients. This suggestions can be hard to do if you don't already know someone who has used a specific photographer. Despite a certain level of awkward shyness it can be one of the best things do to. Listen to the persons opinion but most of all ask them WHY they feel that way and think to yourself, "would I feel the same way?". As I photographer I'm more than happy to give you the contact information of people I've worked with in the past. I tend to work with people year after year and I really enjoy those clients who have become like friends.

So to summarize getting the pictures that you want is as easy as: talk or meet your photographer; make sure you like their other work and can imagine yourself in it; and make sure past clients were happy too!

As a photographer I do my very best to understand what my clients want so that I can make them happy- it's a huge part of my job and I really enjoy that personal touch of getting to know people.

Comment and let me know what you think is the most important thing to look for in a photographer

What to look for in a Wedding Photographer

I didn’t want to write today about what questions to ask your photographer, nor did I want to tell you what aesthetic in your wedding photographer’s art you should prefer- that’s your choice and it is subjective and personal. So what do I want to tell you about? I think there is a lesser considered but very important attribute that any fabulous wedding photographer should have. This quality is a lot less about the skill or training of your photographer and more to do with their motivations. I feel every good wedding photographer should have a deep desire to capture the innate beauty of love.

Isn’t funny how you can cruise through some photographer’s portfolios and see nothing but young, stunning people. Not that there is anything wrong with being what is societally accepted as beautiful, but I do have issue with photographers who seem to only photograph the young, thin, hip and beautiful. Love is beautiful regardless of what kind of package it comes in.

I have respect for a photographer that prominently highlights images of a couple that maybe took longer to find each other or who aren’t model thin. They highlight that photo because that image captures the essence of the moment and the joy in love. Capturing true beauty goes beyond white balance, depth of field etc. I think it’s about respecting and reverencing love.

So seriously consider the motives of your prospective wedding photographer. I’m not perfect, not even close some days. But I breathe to be behind the lens for that next tender moment. The stolen kisses, the softly held hands, the looks across the room...

…and my life is blessed when I get to capture those looks again. 

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Wedding Without Breaking the Bank

As a photographer and general lover of romance- I've found myself at a couple of weddings and I'm always surprised by how unique each bride is. What I find particularly interesting is how two weddings with the same budget can look so very different. I always feel bad for the girl who's wedding doesn't match her personal style. In my travels I've found that style doesn't have to break the bank or have you up 24-7 crafting more than Martha herself. Here is some of that wisdom.

* Warning shameless self-promotion ahead!*

Book Glowing Photography: P 

Ok, all joking aside- I do offer some pretty sweet wedding deals, but that is not 100% my point. My point is look for the "little guys", newer local starts ups can be great places to find deals on services. Some people may worry about the risk of choosing a local little guy but as long as you do your due diligence to check references and previous work, I don't think it’s any riskier than choosing a larger or better known supplier.

 

         For this tip think:

• photography
• invitations
• make-up artists 
• caters

  

 

Borrow More than one thing

Something borrowed, something blue... how about A LOT borrowed or acquired used. Here's an earth shaker: most people only use their wedding stuff once. But don't just settle for anyone's leftovers maybe try an approach like, “I have a vision in my head, I'd love to see if what you have fits that". And if borrowing or lending isn't really your thing there a ton of consignment galleries and thrift stores offering great solutions for up to 90% less on the price tag.

For this tip think:

• dresses
• suits
• center pieces
• decorations

Be Yourself and Be Unique

One of the most beautiful bouquets I’ve ever seen was made of feathers and buttons, which held up to the rigor of the day much better and cost a fraction of the price of live flowers. Plus, no preservation fees! Another adorable idea I saw was a wedding in a field with hay bails with beautiful fabric scraps on them instead of costly rented benches or chairs. At my wedding instead of hiring a DJ we played all of the cheesy mix tapes we had made each other while we were dating. The key here is to express something about who YOU are and it will often cost less than the "keeping up with the Kardashian's" way of doing things

For this tip think:

• Really anything!