Wedding Photo Location(s) Advice

in ,

Simplicity and variety is best, in my opinion.

We really want to optimize the space or places we are working with.

If we will not be leaving the ceremony/reception site, typically, there still is a lot I can do as a photographer on the grounds for a variety of looks. As soon as I arrive and through out the day, I’m always scoping out areas that might be nice as a backdrop or scene.
I encourage the bride and groom to go on a walk with me. This gives them time to enjoy each other’s company and a quiet break from the busy day - and typically on our walk, we end up finding some great spots to take photos.

In the event where we end going off premises, I often suggest choosing at least (2) locations of very different features - such as a place with a lot of greenery/nature and then maybe something industrial/urban or structural buildings with clean lines. Or maybe, an open field/dirt road, barn/stonework then snowy pines. We want the background to be a visually beautiful and interesting spot and compliment the couple well.

I love when clients find their own locations that they find awesome and/or hold a meaning of importance or joy to them. Yet, I’m always excited if I’m asked for my opinion for a place or two.

It’s all about brainstorming and getting creative - that’s where I come in! I’m more than happy to help.


sadler-410.jpg

More than just Bride & Groom portraits

in

A time of celebration and joy, naturally at weddings, we’re sure to allocate time for bride & groom portraits - however it’s nearly impossible to not capture portraits of other people at the event too!! What can we say!?!! You all are just so photogenic and fun.

*kindly holding the ladies’ bouquets for them

*groomsman striking a pose for the camera while staging a photo set up for the newlyweds

*modeling those sunnies perfectly

*taken while a friend was taking a photo with their phone

*you taking photos is part of the day! so we love incorporating some images like this.

*getting ready too!

*ring bearer portrait

*this young lady really wanted to take a photo of the bride & groom so i let her!

*flower girl

*i truly believe all couples deserve a professional photo of them! so if you see me at an event, please, allow me! here: the father and mother of a bride.

*cigar candid groomsmen image

*yes! pets, esp. yours on your wedding day, need solo photos too.

*a second shooter captured this gem - love the creativity of the framing.

2019 Recap

in , ,

Although, I primarily specialize in wedding photography - this year has been filled with a variety of other special sessions too.

Lifestyle photography/baby announcement, pet, and family sessions.
Thank you for the love and support in 2019.
Excited to see what 2020 has in store!

Before & After - Wedding Edits

in ,

I want to be completely transparent with revealing, and it should come at no surprise, that some images require more editing than others.
Sometimes, I only have to make a few minor adjustments.
It’s called balance.
:)

Here are some images and edits from a Labor Day weekend wedding.
(The photos which have a black and white edit - the color image is the original and hasn’t been edited)
Enjoy!!

1.JPG

"I want you to love your photos - not just like them"

in ,

If you’ve worked with me, you’ve likely heard me say this. I typically refrain from showing the back of the small screen of my camera to clients. Sometimes I get so excited about an image that I’ll bend on that usual rule. You see, photographers, professionals don’t just show up and “shoot” and hand you the raw files. It’s a process. We select, edit and perfect. Some use presets. Some create presets of their own. Me personally, I like to keep my images true to color and natural looking. I’m a fan of brightness and people not looking like they’re made of plastic. So typically what I do is modify my brightness, contrast and color. I like to use the luminance tool sometimes to soften skin a bit and if you had a sudden pimple or two show up just in time for your photos- I make sure to use Photoshop to magically “heal” your break out. To keep my images looking uniform, I often create my own preset and apply them to the rest of the collection - that especially helps when editing large sets such as weddings.

“I want you to love your photos - not just like them”
is my way of telling you,
just wait until these are edited.

Below are raw images and edits from a brief engagement session that was taken before their bridal shower.

On the next blog I will be sharing before and afters from a wedding.

Cheers!

5 Reasons to Schedule an Engagement Session

in ,

I could easily list 15 reasons why engagement photos are a great idea - however; since less is more and the weekend is nearly here, I present to you: 5.

1.) Allows you to get comfortable in front of the camera and your photographer

2.) Photos in non-wedding clothing: fun and less formal images of just the two of you.

3.) Variety - From clothing choices, locations, and your final images-you’ll have a nice collection of images to share with family/friends along with frame/print to display at home/the office.

4.) Images to use for your Save the Date & Wedding Website

5.) Experience a bonding experience, express yourselves and/or enjoy/capture the emotion and joy that comes along with being engaged


By the time your wedding rolls around..you’ll be pros!

Pumpkin Spice, Fall Weddings and Everything Nice

in ,

Honestly, I came up short for a blog title…but did I pull you in by mentioning Pumpkin Spice?

Made pumpkin muffins yesterday, bought a pumpkin muffin candle today, and as of lately,
loving tones of gold and burnt orange in my wardrobe. Kinda want to watch Hocus Pocus - too soon?

Basically, I’m over here welcoming Fall with open arms and enjoying everything that comes along with it -
I hope you are too!

With this week’s blog post, I felt like displaying less text and more photos -
here you’ll find images from a beautiful, Northern Michigan wedding.

Enjoy!


Pinterest - Less Imitation, More Inspiration

in ,

At the start of my career, I’d request a '“shot list” from my clients. I’d even provide an example for them to tailor to their liking.
With experience came effectiveness.
I found that most of those must have shots such as the first kiss as a married couple and cutting the cake, I’d naturally find myself documenting.
Over the years, my work process changed.
I went from an entire page shot list to only requesting 5 “must have” shots along with a list of groups for formals. Let me tell you, that has worked wonderfully for both clients and the photographers.
It allows people relax more, and allows us to capture real, authentic moments and emotions as they happen.

In conclusion, you heard that right, I only ask for 5 must have shots.
In the beginning, brides would send me their Pinterest boards - then, I received less and less of that because my clients hired me to see my work, not others.

What tends to work best is sending a few example photos you love along with what you like best about that image: ie. the lighting, the pose, the angle

I will tell you what I have told all clients since the beginning:
“Pinterest is great as inspiration, not imitation. Let’s make this image your own.”

Trust in the professional you hired. Be yourself. It’s that simple when it comes to getting wedding photos you love.

Below you’ll see how one must have, Pinterest inspired shot evolved into a series of photos.

Enjoy!


5 Reasons to Consider a Second Photographer

in ,

1.) Additional/Unique Portraits - What a nice surprise when the second photographer takes a quiet moment before the ceremony to capture images like this.

2.) Hello more candid photos - Nothing sweetens the deal like having more of what people request most!

andy-sarah-313b.jpg
andy-sarah-309.jpg

3.) Photos Taken at Different Locations - A great use of the second photographer’s time is to have them document the groom/groomsmen prior to the ceremony while the main is with the bride/bridesmaids. Additionally, photos of the decorations/reception hall and potentially guests during cocktail hour is an excellent idea too.

4.) Different angles/perspectives - We see things differently, we photograph things differently.
You’d be amazed at how two photographers approach/document the same moment/pose.

5.) Less Stress for Everyone - Worry less about the photos - that’s what you hired us for! With two photographers, we will communicate and coordinate to ensure that one of us is there for the letter exchange, yard games and so on.