Seeing as so many couples plan weddings from out of state, it just seems like a good idea to have as much information as possible on the internet.  That includes photos of the products I offer.  I posted some photos of my Designer Series Album earlier this year, and now here are some photos of my Parent Album.  Parent Albums make excellent gifts.  The pages lay flat with a small center seam, and there are a variety of cover options to choose from.  For more information about album pricing, visit the album page of my website.

Happy Thursday!

Think of your guests a little like sheep.  Wedding guests will do whatever the bride and groom do.  You lead, they follow.  If you spend your reception rockin’ out on the dance floor, they’ll follow.  If you spend your reception smoking outside, sitting at a table chatting, or hiding out in the bathroom, your guests will do the same.

Most people want their guests to have a great time at the reception, and focus on getting everything perfect to make that happen.  But the key is not how awesome the band is, how many people are there, or how much booze you serve.  I’ve seen all kinds of receptions – parties without alcohol and those with open bars, receptions where an iPod is the only music source and some with amazing 8 piece bands, weddings with fewer than 50 people and those with more than 500 people.  None of those factors impact how much fun everyone is having.

The key to an awesome reception is a bride and groom setting the example of having a great time.  That will make or break your party.  So plan the party so you will have fun.  Then allow yourself to enjoy it, rather than worrying about how much fun your guests are having.  I guarantee your guests will follow.

I’ve had flowers on the brain.  In trying to come up with ideas for my own wedding, I’ve been spending more time than usual looking through images of bouquets and flowers.  While I’d actually prefer to find something non-floral to use for a bouquet, I have seen some amazing floral work and can greatly appreciate the talent and skill that goes into these pieces.  So since I’ve been stalking through everyone else’s floral archives, it’s time to share some of my own.  Here are just a few from the last year or two – maybe they’ll give someone a great idea :)  Happy Tuesday!

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”