I gently bent the rules for these two.  Technically the contest was for engaged couples – Kaitlin and Adam are already married.  But I just liked their story the bes.  My contest, my rule breaking :)  So here’s their winning story, as Kaitlin tells it:

Maybe you can’t keep your eyes open for photos.  Or you always have red eye and look washed out.  Perhaps you have a cheesy “camera smile” that comes out of nowhere when you see a camera.  For whatever reason, you’ve decided you are not photogenic.  Terribly, horribly, irreparably un-photogenic.  You should just never have your photo taken again because you’ll always look horrible.  Wrong!

If you think you aren’t photogenic, you simply haven’t worked with the right photographer.  Or maybe you haven’t worked with a photographer at all.  People judge themselves as not photogenic because photos their friends take of them at parties never turn out well.  Of course not!  Direct flash, red eye, poor timing, too many cocktails…it’s a perfect storm of ickiness.

The best photos of people arise from natural moments when they aren’t posing for the camera, aren’t making their characteristic photo face – aren’t over-thinking it.  That’s why documentary photography is the best way to get great photos of everyone.  I’ve had many clients who think they don’t look good in photos, or don’t like having pictures taken.  Once they’ve taken photos with me, they’re usually singing a different tune.

So what’s the secret?  There’s a few.  Professional equipment is one, alongside professional training (it helps to know how that fancy camera works, after all :) )  » Continue reading “Being photogenic is a myth. Really.”

Engagement photos are not about pictures.  Well, they are, but to me that’s almost a secondary function.  The primary function of an engagement shoot is to serve as a testing ground for you to work with your wedding photographer.  This is SO important, and really shouldn’t be skipped.  What are the benefits of working with your photographer for engagement portraits?  Here are just a few:

Learn how to be photographed Were your last professional photos your senior pictures?  I suspected as much.  Since it’s been a while since you’ve been in front of the camera with a professional, you can take this session as an opportunity to learn how to be photographed.  You’ll learn how to pose with your fiance and how to relax in front of the lens.

Trust your photographer As a subject, it’s hard to visualize what the photographer is doing when they take certain shots (particularly if they’re laying on the ground, standing up high, or posing you in what seems like an odd spot.)  You’ll experience this during your engagement shoot, and get to see the results.  When you see how amazing that shot turned out, you’ll have no reservations about what your photographer does at your wedding – you’ll trust that everything will turn out great.

Get a sense for her working style Shooting style is an extension of personality.  You’ll see how your photographer works with you to get you to smile, how well they direct you for posed shots, and how they think on their feet.  You’ll leave feeling more comfortable with who will be showing up at your wedding and how they’ll work. » Continue reading “Why you shouldn’t skip engagement photos”

It was hard not to notice him.  At 6′5″, sporting a full beard and red plaid flannel pants, he was hard to miss. He tried to slink into the back of my yoga class unnoticed, having arrived a few minutes late.  I had just begun teaching that evening’s class when he came in, and I immediately worried he wouldn’t know a thing about yoga.  Let’s just say plaid flannel pants are an oddity in yoga classes.  To my surprise, he knew his down dog from his up dog, and proved to be an excellent student.  At the end of class he complimented me for having a soothing yoga voice, paid for his class, and left with the friend who brought him.  And that was that.

Until he came to my class the following week.  And the week after that.  For nearly 15 consecutive weeks he came to my Tuesday night class, often in those red plaid pants.  We made small talk, we chatted with friends, we flirted a bit.  Once he even brought me a mix CD of new yoga tunes – which convinced me he had a little crush on me.  (To this day he denies having a crush on the yoga teacher, but I don’t believe him.  My nerd-crush radar is excellent.)  Then one day he came in, sans beard, with a clean haircut and cute new glasses.  It was a nerd transformation I couldn’t resist, so I asked him out for smoothies after class.  It went well.  Really well.  A year and a half later we got engaged in Uruguay, and this November we’ll be married in Denver.

So that’s my story – time to share yours.  How did you meet your fiance (or soon-to-be fiance)?   I want to hear all the details – I love a good story :)  Even if you don’t think it’s that great, send it anyway!  It might be cuter than you think.  The best story wins a free engagement session and an 8×10 print of your favorite image! The deadline is July 30th. The only rule is that you have to be available to do a session in Denver or the surrounding area in the month of August.  Send your email to tracy@tracycarolyn.com.  I can’t wait to read your entry, and share it here!

As of July 15, 2010, this will be the new deposit policy for Tracy Carolyn Photography.

Portraits A $50 deposit is due when you book your session date.  This deposit will be applied to your session fee, and is non-refundable.  It is transferrable, however, should you need to reschedule your appointment.  The remaining balance is due the day of your session.

Weddings and Events A deposit of 30% is due with a signed contract to reserve your date.  This deposit is non-refundable.  The remaining balance is due two weeks prior to the event.

Boudoir Marathons A $50 deposit is required to book your time slot on a marathon day.  Any hair and makeup fees will be due upfront, since I pay the stylist in advance.  This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Thanks for wading through the boring business stuff.  Since everything is better with a photo, here’s an engagement favorite :)