Sweet Words From Sweet Events: Photography

Showing posts with label Photography. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

6 Things Your Wedding Photographer Won't Tell You

By Unknown On 12:02 PM In Weddings

Wedding photographers are the best. I am one and I love talking to other wedding photographers and getting to know and be friends with them. It's fun to hear about the love stories we witness every weekend from the perspective of the person capturing it forever! Now, while your wedding photographer is probably great, there are some things they probably aren't telling you...

1. We are artists at heart, and sometimes we do weird things.

We are business owners and we have to be professional before the wedding so you don't think we're too weird and won't hire us. However, when the day comes don't be surprised if we randomly lay on the ground or hide behind a tree or partially climb a tree for the perfect angle or frame. So while we may be subdued in the planning meetings, our true artist comes out when we actually start capturing.

2. We spend a lot more time on you than you think.

We love you. In all honesty a great wedding photographer will not accept your wedding unless we do, because if we don't like you it will show in your pictures. So, not only do we spend the time in our consultations and on your actual wedding day, but we spend HOURS researching you and your style. We scroll through your social media pages to learn more about your likes and dislikes, we find your pinterest boards and try to learn what style you prefer. We stalk your fiance, your bridesmaids, your parents, your fiance's parents. We meet with your other wedding vendors and share information so we can all learn more about you. Is it creepy? Yes. That's why we don't tell you.

3. You're probably getting more than you paid for.

Again, we love you. And because we love you we love making you happy. If that means editing a few more picture than you paid for or staying an hour or two longer than expected we will do it. At no charge. We love to go above and beyond just to make you smile!

4. We've got our favorite shots, you're probably going to have a picture that looks a lot like someone else's.

Photographers have a go-to pose or angle they like to include with every wedding. It's called the "Money Shot." It's an ultra-flattering, super-simple photo that is guaranteed to produce a great shot. It's called the "Money Shot" because if for some reason all the other photos suck (they won't, this is hypothetical.) you are going to have at least one great photo. Like this:

5. Please treat my second photographer with respect.

My second photographer is so much more than an assistant. She is a trusted fellow artist that I count on to help capture the memories of your day. I wouldn't bring her with me if I didn't think she could handle it. Don't treat her like a glorified coat rack, treat her like a photographer. In all honesty, her job is probably harder than mine because not only does she have to help capture your day, but she has to do it while holding my stuff, so...

6. I feel undervalued when you start the conversation with "What are your prices?"

Please at least pretend like that's not the only thing on your mind. Say "Hi!" Say "I love your portfolio!" Say "You come highly recommended!" The scariest part for a business owner is when we tell your our prices because we don't want to scare you away before we have a chance to convince you of our value.

What to Wear For Your Photo Session

By Unknown On 2:58 PM In Photography

Photoshoots are stressful. No matter how much fun you have posing and modeling with the people you love it's stressful because you have to find coordinating outfits that don't make you look fat or wash out your face, you have to find somewhere that won't clash with your outfits, you have to smile like you're actually happy and not like you've been artificially smiling for 45 minutes already. Well, here, let me help you out as best as I can with some simple What To Wear reminders.

Start with a Neutral

All color pallets need a base, a color that helps blend your accent colors together beautifully and helps you not over do it with the color. I prefer Black, White, Gray, or Chocolate Brown as easy neutral base colors, because you can mix anything with them. Some other base neutrals could be cream, tan, or even navy blue.

Pick Two POP Colors

Two colors that go well together and go with your base color. Have fun with it from here! Your clothes could incorporate these colors, but so could accessories such as blazers or cardigans, hats, scarves, necklaces, anything!

Patterns are ok, BUT...

Don't be afraid of patterns, but do be cautious. Simple patterns like stripes, polka dots, or plaid can easily be photographed, however can also be unflattering. Also make sure that your pattern is in your color scheme or else it might stick out like a sore thumb.

Stear Clear of Pastels

The brighter, bolder, and more vibrant the better, otherwise you risk being lost in the background

Don't do the Matchy Matchy

Identical outfits look cute on kids, but is boring and unimaginative if the entire family does it.

Make sure it Fits

The camera can be very unforgiving. Clothes that fit too loosely will look frumpy and clothes that fit too tightly will be unflattering. It's best to where outfits that are form fitting but not tight. Anything loose (like a jacket or cardigan) should be loose enough that it flows, but not so loose it looks like it's falling off of you. And don't be surprised if your photographer asks you to take it off.

Shoes Matter

You never know when your photographer will be capturing your feet. So make sure you're not ashamed of the shoes you're wearing.

I Love Pinterest Too, But...

By Unknown On 2:24 PM In Weddings

Have you ever had someone ask you to do something and then tell you it wasn't good enough because it wasn't done the way someone else they know did it? Isn't that frustrating? Now imagine you're a photographer who worked hard to capture unique memories for a client, but they are disappointed with the result because they wanted something that looked exactly how they saw on Pinterest...

I really do love Pinterest, don't get me wrong. With millions of photos in one place it's easy to look for inspiration whether it be for wedding or engagement photos or family or maternity photos, and that's ok! Pinterest is a great why for you to find out what style photography you prefer. Do you prefer photojournalistic photos? Highly processed photos? Candid? Posed? Carefree? Dramatic? Black and White? Knowing what you like is a great start to being happy with your photos, and this is something your photographer needs to know. But you should really stop there.

Here are a few reasons why:

1. Copying other people's photos is plagiarism

Photographers ethically can't copy another photographer's work without written permission. Just like a writer can't copy someone else's essay. Similarities are ok, every once in a while you're bound to pose someone in a pose someone else used, but to use a photograph and try to copy it in every way is not only insulting to the first photographer, but also highly illegal.

2. Most of those wedding photos aren't actually taken on their wedding day

There are some drop dead stunning wedding pictures on Pinterest, pictures we all wish were of us. But, unfortunately, most of those posed photos aren't actually taken the day of anyone's wedding. Most are actually stylized photo shoots, basically practice and portfolio shots for the photographer, hair and makeup artist, floral designer, and even the venue. Those two probably aren't even a couple. Others are taken on a completely different day when the bride and groom get all dressed up again and take even more wedding photos in a more relaxed, artistic photoshoot. You must remember that on your wedding day you're not going to have that kind of time, and people will probably be rushing you to finish up so they can go party.

3. Focusing too much on someone else's memories takes away from your own.

http://nadinestudio.com

What a sweet, wonderful photo. Every bride wants a picture like this of their dad seeing them for the first time. But these are the types of memories you can't stage, they are great because they are organic. So, yes, definitely get a photo of your dad seeing you for the first time, but don't focus so much on making it look exactly like this photo. Instead enjoy the memories captured specially for you on your day!

Where to Take Your Engagement And Wedding Photos: In or Around Fort Wayne

By Unknown On 1:25 PM In Weddings

Are you up for an adventure? Where are you willing to go for your engagement photos? Or to snap some photos after your ceremony? There are plenty of outdoor adventure or safe-from-the-weather indoor locations in and around Fort Wayne, Indiana to give you exactly the photographic style you're looking for!

P.S. These locations are good for any type of photo shoot too!

Downtown:

Start at Columbia Street by The Landing (one of my personal faves!) and just work your way around downtown! I come from a small town where "Downtown" means the courthouse, a gas station, and a Kroger. Having such a gorgeous downtown area is a treat for me, I love the history and character in the buildings old and new! Hit the highlights: The Landing, Calhoun Street, including Pint & Slice (and it's mural!), the castle-looking History Center, the Old Fort, Headwaters Park, and The Embassy. I promise, with that cityscape and all the awesome alleys, you'll never run out of places to pose! Extra points: Go on top of some parking garages for a different view!

Eagle Marsh:

It's hard not to be awesome with a name like Eagle Marsh (although I've only ever seen one eagle there...). Who knows? Maybe your engagement session will bring them out in hordes! Fog, wetlands, distant woods, gorgeous!

Two EE-s Winery:

Lines of grape vines, woods, classic stone, and wine (and wine slushies!)! What a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. There's plenty of backgrounds to choose from, plus no need to be 21 or older to walk around the outside. Technically in Huntington, Two EE-s really isn't that far from Fort Wayne, only about 20 minutes from Jefferson Pointe!

Bicentennial Woods:

Almost two miles of easy walking trails are surrounded by hundreds of years old Oak Trees, so tall you can't see the top from the ground! There's wetlands and plenty of wildlife at this nature preserve! It's just north of Fort Wayne in Huntertown, but so close it's like you didn't even leave town!

Franke Park/Fort Wayne Children's Zoo:

Now, I'm giving away my super special secret spot here. I love this spot and love bringing clients here! The only way to get here is via Franke Park, but it's on the Zoo's property. Park by the Franke Pond Pavilion and follow the pond all the way to the train tracks. Yes, train tracks. This is where the zoo's train ride comes through and gives gorgeous options for photos, not only tracks, but wooded area, and the pond! It's hard to take a bad picture here. And since it's private train tracks it's not illegal to take pictures around!

Wanting Something Inside?

Botanical Conservatory:

Several rooms and exhibits give you a bright, natural outdoor feel without the threat of weather!

Allen County Public Library:

While any of the branches would be great for classy indoor photos, my choice would be the main branch in downtown Fort Wayne. So many different options of locations inside one building, plus the built-in art gallery and coffee shop? Yes please! Probably best for engagement pictures only, though. There's always lots of people and some spaces can get kinda tight to navigate through in a wedding dress.

Conjure Coffee:

Not quite in downtown, but with a lovely view of downtown from it's front door, Conjure Coffee is a bright, open space with a lot of natural light and delicious coffee! I have yet to convince anyone to do a photo shoot here, but I'm excitedly waiting for it to happen! Another space that's probably best for just the engagement photos, I don't know if they can handle that kind of excitement of a wedding... yet!

Real Weddings: Elaine and PJ

By Unknown On 10:27 AM In Weddings

Capturing Elaine and PJ's wedding at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana was a dream come true! Even with the occasional rain shower that ultimately pushed the ceremony indoors, I couldn't imagine a more beautiful day for this gorgeous couple. From the adorable first look overlooking the harbor of the stunning Lake Wawasee, to a beautiful pastel sunset while the party was rocking inside!

Real Weddings: Jake and Christina

By Unknown On 4:52 PM In Weddings

You couldn't have asked for better weather on a New Year's Eve. Love birds Christina and Jake were happy to finally be getting married at Ciruti's in Fort Wayne, and I was happy to be there to capture the beautiful day!