Wedding Photo Location(s) Advice
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.
As Told By a Photographer: Aiding the Aesthetics of Your Wedding
My job as a photographer is to help others feel comfortable in front of the camera, offer advice on posing and repositioning, capture candid moments and cull typically at minimum 2,000 - 3,000 wedding photos to edit and provide the best 10%.
Here are five factors I feel make a substantial difference with how “pretty” your photos turn out.
1.) Opt for real flowers
I’m a bit of a snob in this department - but I really do appreciate how beautifully they photograph. However, don’t let this deter you - it’s great seeing people get creative with other mediums.
2.) Consider hiring a decorator
Trust me - the pros know what they’re doing.
3.) Treat yo’ self
Say yes to pampering, professional hair and make up.
Gentlemen, consider getting a haircut or trim your beard/facial hair to your liking.
Reasons I suggest this:
1.) Think of it as: one less thing to worry about and time to relax.
2.) It makes a huge difference for photos.
.
4.) Location, Location, Location
Think of what the background will be when deciding on your wedding venue.
Does it correspond with your visionary goal(s)? Will it photograph well?
5.) Be True to You
The best advice I can give when planning:
It’s your day. The celebration of you and your partner.
Modify as you see fit.
Please, do things to your liking and style.
That is what I enjoy most- seeing personalities and love showcased and celebrated.
Cheers!
2019 Recap
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!
My "Why"
Often, when we hear people discuss their “why” in life it is in reference to fitness and/or lifestyle choices.
This week’s blog, I’d like to share my “why” when it comes to my profession.
Why photography?
I bet you I could easily list 50 reasons - however, today, I’ll present to you 7 and an explanation for each.
1.) I’m not just a photographer - I am a historian.
By documenting moments, I’m providing images that they can be viewed and shared with those not able to attend and for generations to come.
2.) Unknowingly encouraging others.
Recently, a client I took senior photos for, shared with me,
I inspired them years ago.
Now they’re considering complimenting their Medical Science Major with a Minor in Photography.
Science and Art together!?! How cool is that.
3.) Witnessing and capturing JOY so that my clients get to relive that special day/life event.
4.) I HAVE THE BEST CLIENTS.
Really though..they give me creative control and let me run with it. Additionally, they’re kind and full of personality.
5.) I get to help people.
Always with permission, I can’t tell you how many bride’s dresses I’ve zipped or boutonnieres I’ve (attempted) to pin on.
6.) A time to LISTEN.
Anyone who knows me, knows I can be a talker.
However, I really enjoy hearing about what my customers are looking to get out of their photo experience.
7.) Last but not least,
seeing candid and unfiltered moments. I love them all.
From the flower girl who is camera shy, to the groom’s reaction when the bride walks down the aisle- it is absolutely timeless to see those raw emotions unfold.
How to Get Great Photos*
*Trust the professional you hired.
It really is that simple.
Here is a November wedding from several years ago.
Happy Anniversary to them!
Before & After - Wedding Edits
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!!
"I want you to love your photos - not just like them"
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!
Haley + Zach - Fall Engagement Session
No lengthy text or write up for this week’s blog -
rather here is this stellar couple and their pup Ripley.
So glad we were able to get this Fall session in before the temps and snow fell.
Happy Friday, everyone!!
Testing Out Mirrorless Cameras
On Thursday, October 17th from 7-9pm, I had the honor of attending a stellar local event called
“Drink and Click” hosted by Norman Camera & Panasonic-Lumix at Vander Mill in Grand Rapids, MI.
The Event:
Two tables of lenses and mirrorless cameras to try out at no cost!
I learned about this event via email from Norman Camera.
Upon arrival, you were given a raffle ticket to be entered into a drawing for a free camera
(you had to be present to win).
The only thing they requested for you to bring was your own memory card so you could take your images home.
Additionally, they provided models and lighting.
To become familiar with the cameras I found myself photographing more objects than people -
yet you’ll find a couple portraits I took included in this blog post.
Conclusion:
As of right now, I don’t feel the need to transition to all mirrorless gear
(my Canon Mark5 iii and Canon glass delivers the results I’m looking for/I already have invested quite a bit into my Canon gear) …
However,
I enjoyed being able to brainstorm, discuss and try these cameras with others!
Thank you to the businesses and models for your time and expertise!
(At the end of the night, I ended up trying their Full Frame camera - Lumix S1R)
Hiring a Professional
I’ve been going to the same hairdresser for years.
You’d think or I guess I thought, a hairdresser mostly just relied on themselves to do their own hair.
However, I learned that often they’ll seek help from others on jobs that require some extra help.
We have to let go of the belief that we can do it all.
We gain and learn so much from reaching out to others, even in our own field.
This year, my extended family tried using a tripod/remote to take a group photo.
Without a doubt, it would had been far more beneficial and efficient to have had an actual photographer behind the camera.
By hiring a professional, you’re hiring someone for not only for their craft, creativity &
expertise but for coaching & guidance -
(you don’t even want to know how terrible my body positioning was while trying to take a photo while holding a remote to the side of my body.)
When I have bio photos taken, I have someone to do my hair/make up because I am no pro in that area and it makes me feel confident/comfortable.
I seek help from peer photographers, such as Aaron McGrane so that I’m able to successfully achieve the message and imagery I’m looking to present.
With the advancement of cell phones and cameras, the photos are getting better. Yet, what about the service?
As a photographer, my goal isn’t to just give you incredible images but an unmatchable experience working with me.
Sure you could cut your own bangs … but should you?
We’re all capable of washing our own hair - however isn’t it so much nicer when someone else does it for us?
Treat yourself to professional services every once and a while - after all, you and your loved ones deserve it.
Branding Photos taken by Aaron McGrane // www.mcgranephoto.com
5 Reasons to Schedule an Engagement Session
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
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
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
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!
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.
Finding the Right Photographer for You
Since the very beginning, my policy has always been to never push my photography services onto anyone.
I prefer to allow my images to do the talking.
Whenever someone inquires about my services, I encourage them to look at my portfolio;
and if they like what they see, to contact me.
Hear me out:
I would absolutely love to photograph your wedding.
However:
More than anything I want you to have the style of images you’re looking for.
AS a professional and artist:
I understand that it is subjective.
Some like bright and “airy”, earthy, moody, minimally/realistically retouched, the list goes on and on.
The questions to ask yourself are: What are you drawn to? What do you prefer? What would you like for your wedding collection?
Other important factors on finding your photographer:
Does your quote include printing rights? Digital downloads?
Do you want a second photographer? Can they provide one?
Are they experienced?
Do they have backup equipment?
Require a signed contract?
Are you at ease/are they enjoyable to be work with?
How are the reviews about their business?
What is important to you coverage wise? Candid? Photojournalism? Formals?
(This is just a start: I highly encourage brainstorming/adding your own)
What you can do:
-Do some research (search the web! See what you like)
-Contact them (the sooner the better, dates go quickly!) to see if they’re available for the event
-Schedule a phone call or meeting with that photographer
-Ask them questions (write them down if it helps!) and let them know what you’re looking to get out of your experience
In conclusion:
Wedding photographers are like wedding dresses,
similar but so very different.
While we serve the same purpose/function,
the styles vary.
Find the one that best suits you.
If that happens to be me,
I can assure you; the services and photos I provide will not disappoint.
Making the Decision; "First Look" or Not
A month or so before my clients’ wedding, we have a 15-20 minute phone conversation where we go over their timeline and any other concerns/questions. One thing I’m always sure to ask them (if I haven’t already) is if they'll be doing a “first look”.
It seems as though back in our parents’ generation, a “first look” was rarely heard of.
However in today’s say and age, the first look began to trend.
I love seeing how couples’ customize their day.
I truly believe that there is no right or wrong answer to if you should do a first look or not.
With that being said, as a professional, I would like to lend insight of what I find useful from a photographer’s perspective.
A First Look is Useful when…
-You have a later ceremony time (say 5pm) and the reception soon follows (you’d be surprise at how fast 6:30 sneaks up)
-You have quite a few people you’d like to be included in your photos, esp. formals :)
-Allows the two of you to spend a quiet moment together before the ceremony and get that “Wow!” reveal reaction
Ideas if You Don’t Wish to See Each Other Before
-Exchange notes, a letter, a gift
-This could potentially be done while being close in proximity yet not in view of each other such as reading the letters around the corner from one another (allows for a great photo op too!)
Conclusion
Here is my favorite advice I’ve been told about weddings and I will pass it on to you:
It’s your wedding day, not mine. It’s not about what I want, it’s about the couple and what they want.
Whatever you’d like to do, we will make it work and I’ll be there to capture it all.
However, speaking from experience and having photo proof, know that even if your partner has seen you before the ceremony, at the altar they’ll still be looking at you in complete awe and pure happiness.
Perspective into Pricing; Photography as an Investment
I can’t tell you the countless times friends and guests at weddings have discussed with me their regret of not realizing the value of spending an adequate amount of money on their wedding photography until it was too late. How they wished they HAD spent a little more, hadn’t hired someone “who gave them a good deal” or allowed someone to “gift” them their photography services for their special day.
Your wedding photography is an investment. When the event is done, the documentation will be the one thing you have to look back to relive the memories.
To bring some ease into seeing the pricing of wedding photography,
put aside the expenses* a business has in order to provide such services, and go with this simple break down of the cost for the client:
Say you pay $3,250 for your wedding photos.
350 photos, with digital download, that’s just a little over $9/per photo.
Additionally, by hiring a professional, you can enjoy the day and trust that it will be properly documented.
You may even be surprised to find some candids in your collection that you didn’t even know got captured!
And that in itself is priceless.
in case you wanted some insight:
*business/equipment insurance, camera maintenance/rental/upgrades, memory cards, travel, editing program subscriptions, gallery/website hosting fee & that’s just the beginning ;)
Abby + Steve
The Bride & Groom dancing to Hall & Oates "You Make My Dreams Come True" for their intro
I love the city of Grand Rapids (where I reside and where this wedding took place).
Prior to the event, Abby, Steve and I took a walk downtown to scout for locations.
We ended up with a well thought out plan of stops and covered some impressive ground the day of.
Abby and Steve are a class act. They show excellence in how they treat others and go about things. Something I thought was really great was they decided to not pick a best man or maid of honor.
To me that spoke volumes with how much they value their friendships equally.
This couple is also extremely down to Earth and well mannered.
Moments before they walked into the reception for introductions, their wedding cake got knocked to the ground. When Abby was told, she said with a smile, "That's ok. Did you get a photo of it before it fell?"
I had and she was completely unphased by the event.
Luckily, it was a display cake and the catering staff had more cake in the kitchen for serving.
My wish is that all bride and grooms enjoy their wedding day as much as these two did.
A special thanks to the second shooter for this event,
Aaron of www.mcgranephoto.com / www.alliedproductionsgr.com