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.
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!!
Which season/month should you get married?
So you thought - just maybe, you’d open this blog and I’d answer that question ..
however scroll to the bottom of the photos and you’ll find your answer.
No one is telling you who to marry, that’s something you decide - the same goes with the day, month, year, season you chose.
I love all seasons & all love.
Think of me as your friend - if you call me up (or email!) and I’m available - I’ll be there and I’d be more than happy to capture and witness the two of you exchanging vows and sharing happiness.
In case you haven’t made up your mind yet - here are photo examples from all 4 seasons to help with the brainstorming.
Best of luck with your decision making!
What month would you prefer to get married in?
Already married? Would you stick with the same season or a different one? Why?
Fall*
Winter*
Spring*
Summer*
Do what you want.*
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!
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.
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
Amy + Nick
First Look
I was in awe when I arrived and saw this vintage car behind the barn
The Bride with their dog - Sadie
The Bride and Father of the Bride walking to the car they rode in together to the aisle
Nick and Amy's ceremony and reception was held at the Ivy Barn in Marshall, MI in October 2017.
I met Amy and Nick during my studies at Ferris State University - go bulldogs!
I am so thankful that they kept in touch over the years and gave me the honor of photographing their engagement session in Chicago and then their wedding in Michigan.
The Ivy Barn made such a beautiful setting for their day.
At the venue there were two classic cars present which were a lot of fun to have the couple by or as seen above - sitting in the backseat for a laugh and a moment together.
Amy and Nick along with their family and friends were so easy going and light hearted.
They were not only enjoyable to be around but also had a radidant nature that was transferable. I found it extremely difficult to NOT be smiling behind the camera while capturing this event.
Ben + Tiffany
Ben and Tiffany - also a referral! Someone I knew from Ferris State University passed my name along. The couple had planned their summer Michigan wedding all the while living in another state, which was pretty impressive.
I loved the atmosphere and feel of their lakeshore wedding. The bouquets had ferns in the mix and the bride's look was complete with a braid, beach waves and flower accents.
Ben with his Father, showing off their sweet Star Wars socks!
The property was nestled in the woods at Michillinda Lodge inWhitehall, MI. Their ceremony took place on a balcony overlooking the water. With the afternoon so bright and the skies so blue, the water looked like a sheet of glass and seemed to go on forever with the horizion line far in the distance.
Tiffany and I were completely on the same page here - I asked if she minded sitting down for a photo and she didn't hesitate at all!
Ben and Tiffany were incredible to work with - they truly live in the moment and have so much fun doing so. There is this undeniable electricity and chemistry between the two of them that truly shines.