Q. Before or After? March 6, 2009

Q.  I have a lot of bride and grooms who can’t decide if they want to see each other before the ceremony, or wait until the big moment.

A.  First and foremost, this is your choice.  I personally chose not to see my husband until the ceremony, for that added drama.  From a photographer’s stand point however, and although I can work around any choice, I might suggest for a number of reasons that you do the opposite, and have what is considered a “first look” instead.  This consists of the two of you seeing each other for the first time in private, and having a few moments together alone.  Then, I step in, and we begin the process of photography.  Without the stress of missing out on time with guests, we can get the bulk of the pictures completed before the ceremony even begins.  Then we complete a few requisite pictures following the ceremony, and you and your spouse get to the reception to see all of your guests so much sooner.  Again, I can work around absolutely any choice, but given a little more time and freedom, I’ll be able to be more creative, and you will be more relaxed, giving us time to create beautiful images TOGETHER.

What Do We Wear??? February 10, 2009

One of the main questions I get from portrait clients planning a family shoot is:  WHAT DO WE WEAR???

Well, you have a couple of options.  For one thing, the idea is not that the entire family wear the exact same outfit, so you look like drones.  The idea is that you pick a theme, and stick with it.  First of all, decide how dressy you want the overall feel to be.  My first choice for any family shoot is outdoors at a park, the beach, a field or river, etc.  So for most of those places, dressy casual is perfect.  Then, you might pick a color scheme, or an attire scheme.  So you may want everyone in neutrals, or you may want the boys in collared shirts with sweater vests, or you might want the whole family in their winter coats with scarves, or everyone in jeans with a colored solid shirt on top, or frankly my favorite and the standby I use with my own family, is denim or Khaki on the bottom (pants are best, but you could do a mixture of skirts, shorts and pants) and a white shirt.  I love the look of white button downs on boys, and a nice tank, or any cute white top for girls.  Keep away from prints, because they are just too busy, and if only one person has on a print, they will stand out in every picture, particulary the black and whites.   You CAN use prints to your advantage if you are mindful.  For example, maybe the kids are all in plaid and mom and dad in solids.  Or everyone has a similar printed scarf, etc.  Keep it simple is the best rule to follow.  And moms: don’t let this stress you out.  Keep it simple, solid and comfortable.  Oh, and don’t be afraid to bribe at the shoot!  Bring a little bag of fruit chews, or something small and not too messy that you can promise and use to work with them while we are shooting.  It is totally worth it!

Q. Explain a time when you have gone above and beyond for your clients January 29, 2009

A. This is a good one!  I take special pride in going “above and beyond” for my clients.  I have been involved in customer service for most of my life in one way or another.  Fortunately, it comes easily for me… most of the time anyway.  Lets see… once at a wedding, where the bridal party got ready at the bride’s parents home and then drove to the location, I actually drove the grandmother and mother of the groom to the location becuase somehow in the shuffle, there wasn’t enough room for them in the other vehicles.

And last year, having my new assistant at my side, he was able to head back up to the suite in the hotel to grab the bride’s boquet that she had forgotten up in her room.  He then headed back later for her lipstick

At one of my first weddings, a family friend had agreed to do the “bartending.”  The poor guy couldn’t open a bottle of wine to save his life.  Thanks to all of my time in the restaurant industry, I was able to put down my camera, and open about ten bottles of wine in just a few minutes so the guests could start cocktail hour.  Pretty funny.

Two years ago, the DJ at a very nice wedding wasn’t so, um, prepared.  He didn’t have his schedule with him, so he had no idea when things were supposed to be happening.  His assistant was more of an idiot than an assistant, and throughout the afternoon came to me with all sorts of needs, like an outlet, an additional chair, duct tape, all sorts of things.  I found myself going between the bride and that dumb DJ all day just to keep things moving along.

I can’t say how many times a bride has looked at me with wide eyes asking, “what are we supposed to do now????!!!!!”  And lucky for me, I seem to always have an answer.  Even if I made it up on the spot, the bride is just looking for a little reassurance.  My job is always bigger than just being the photographer.  I’m looking to be a friend, a leader, an assuring smile, an I’ll go get it girl.  Every wedding has its own unique set of circumstances, and I take pride in adapting quickly and gracefully to all of them.

Q. What advice would you give to a friend, who was looking for their wedding photographer? January 28, 2009

Welcome to the first installment of my newest category:  Q and A.

As a photographer, I get a lot of questions over and over again.  And sometimes, I just get really good questions that I think would benefit others.  So, what better way to share this wonderfuly insightful info with everyone than… my blog!

A.  I think one of the most important things when looking for a wedding photographer, is to actually think PAST the pictures.  Weird I know.  But think about it: your photographer is the ONE vendor who will literally be shadowing the two of you on the biggest, most exciting day of your lives.  Yes the flowers are important, and the cake has its glittering moment.  The location is primary, and the food and beverage also sets the tone.  But the photographer, will be right next to  you, always within reach, always within ear-shot.  Always there.  I would tell my dear friend to find a photographer with whom they have a connection.  With whom they feel confident, comfortable, at ease.  Yes, base your first opinion on the photographs.  Spend some time with their work, see if you can feel the emotion of the couples.  Do you like the artistry of the images, the cropping, the lighting, etc.  Can you see yourself in those images?  Then… meet with the photographer.  Follow your gut ( I wish I had when I chose my photographer).  Can you laugh easily, talk freely, be honest while meeting with the photographer?  Do you share any connection with them ie. you know a past client of theirs, you both love to cook, you both love coffee, etc.?  Does the photographer seem genuinely interested in who you are as people, not just as clients?  Does the photographer exude excitement for your big day, as well as confidence in their own abilities?  Just keep in mind that you can find a lot of photographers who take similar styles of photographs.  But it is the actual PERSON that sets them apart.  Good Luck!