Wednesday, January 23, 2008

What's New in Wedding Photography

I've recently attended several bridal shows and am always perusing photographers websites for trends and ideas. And here are what I've seen as the new trends in wedding photography.

1. Available light. Gone are the days of the huge flashes and perfect lighting. The trend is moving toward softer, more natural and romantic lighting. In order for these shots to maintain quality when enlarged, a photographer needs a lens that works in low light situations. Always ask your photographer about equipment! Digital cameras tend to be a little more inconsistent in creative lighting than traditional film. A good, experienced photographer can handle low light and available light with digital or film.

2. Digital. There are very few wedding photographers left who shoot with film. I believe the reasoning for this is two fold. First, it's what brides want. In our technological society, consumers demand the latest conveniences technology can offer. On-line proofing is a perfect example. No matter how far apart your family lives, everyone can see all the wedding proofs. Curious? Try this:

http://www.imagequix.com/
In the Event Guests - View an Event box type L93A19G for Photographer ID and click Submit Select Wedding of Marta and Alex
Select Enter Proof Viewer

The second reason digital is fast becoming the industry norm is the instant confidence a photographer has that a picture turned out. This confidence with film photography comes only with experience. Photographers also like digital because of the low cost. Film, processing and proofs cost for each shot. With digital, a photographer can shoot unlimited shots without increasing material costs.

3. Digitally enhanced photographs. From adding a splash of color to a B&W photograph, to completely altering the nature of a picture, digital art can add a new dimension to wedding pictures.


4. Umbrellas? Don't ask me, I am just reporting what I see. On-line, in professional photography magazines, in wedding photographer's samples, umbrellas are everywhere. The first one I saw was unique and unexpected in a wedding photo. The result was creative and fun. However, herein lies the problem with the Internet: everyone can see an idea and copy it. At the very least, it can take an element like rain and turn it it to a photo opportunity.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

More than Meets the Eye

Important Things to Consider when Hiring a Wedding Photographer

When all is said and done, your wedding pictures are one of the only investments in your wedding budget that will last beyond your wedding day. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the photographer who will preserve your memories for you.

Style – There as many styles of photography as there are photographers. To be sure you get the coverage and quality you are paying for, make sure you see a full set of wedding proofs, not just a portfolio. Anyone can pick out a few great shots to showcase.

Freelance Photographers – Some studios employ a number of different wedding photographers. Be sure you are viewing the samples of the actual photographer who will be assigned to your wedding. Request to meet with the actual photographer who will be at your wedding.

Experience – In addition to viewing a photographer’s work, be sure to find out how long the photographer has been shooting weddings. It is important that a photographer knows how to deal with the intensity of a wedding and work professionally amidst the environment of emotion and excitement. Weddings create high pressure. An experienced photographer will be able to know exactly which pictures to take and when, ultimately giving better coverage.

Price – Wedding photographers will range in price from $500 to $5000 or more. Price does not determine quality. Larger studios have more overhead, and spend more on advertising. Also, make sure you are fully aware of how much additional pictures will cost for you and your family to order after the wedding.

Digital vs. Film – Digital is quickly becoming the norm in weddings. Digital offers many advantages, including on-line proofing, and more shots with less cost. Film still offers higher quality when professional format cameras and film are used.

Equipment – Ask about the type and quantity of cameras, lenses and lighting that will be used at your wedding. If pose shots are done indoors, more lighting should be used than just a camera mounted flash. If choosing digital photography, the photographer should use more than one camera and more than one memory card. If film is chosen, again the photographer should use more than one camera. Pricing should also reflect the type of equipment. The higher priced photographers should be using high-end digital SLR’s with multiple lenses or medium to large format film cameras.

For more information: www.Keepsake-Portrait.com

Friday, December 14, 2007

New Year's Resolution

I've decided to share my resolution with the world (or at least with the people who read my blog). And, I'm not waiting until the new year to start. This is the year I build my business and turn a hobby into a full-time job.

I've had my own business now for about 10 years, and have enjoyed working with friends and family and the people they've recommended. I have enjoyed having plenty of spare time to spend with my kids, pursuing my hobbies and volunteering with the school and church. When I decided to be a stay-at-home-mom, I figured I would be back in the work-force full time when the kids went to school. My kids are now in 4th grade and my husband is down to working only one job (he retired this year after 22 years in the Army National Guard).

I took several steps today to start the ball rolling. I am working on marketing, PR, building the commercial side of my business and have plans to do some serious market research during the upcoming "Bridal Show" season. I am also working to update my pricing structure to include digital pricing.

I believe that the only thing holding me back is my own doubt. This resolution goes a lot deeper than just building my business. It is a commitment to value my experience believe in my abilities. I am going to start living the quote that has been sitting on my desk for the last 10 years:

If one advances confidently in the direction of their dreams and endeavors to live a life which they have imagined, they will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.

-- Henry David Thoreau

or maybe I'm just manic.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

More cool wedding stuff

Amber and I shot very fun wedding last weekend. At the reception, the bride and groom had provided a candy table with take out boxes for the guests. We had covered most of the reception when I double-dog-dared Amber to get a grandma to pose for a "fun shot". We had her throw candy at her family members to see if they could catch it in their mouth. The next thing we knew, everyone wanted a picture -- or at least a chance to throw something at a friend or family member. In some, if you zoom in, you can actually see where the candy is and try to determine whether the candy was caught or dropped. Here is one of my favorites:


Here are some of my other favorite photos from Katie and Mike's Wedding:




Thursday, October 4, 2007

Tag, I'm it

My friend Deanna (http://deanna-norris.blogspot.com/) tagged me with the task of telling 8 things about myself you don't know. I'm pretty sure my throngs of dedicated followers (April and Deanna) already know everything about me, but I'll try.

1. I am ADDICTED to reality TV.

2. I am adopted and registered on several search sites to find my birth-mother.

3. I have Social Phobia (fear of being evaluated negatively in social situations) leading to Glossophobia (fear of public speaking).

4. I like big words.

5. I have a tatoo and a body peircing. Yup, I am cool like that :).

6. I dream of living on a sailboat. Waiting patiently for the phone call (he he he).

7. I hate filing more that any other chore.

8. Even though I am a neurotic-neat freak, my bedroom and closet are almost always a mess.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

On-Line Proofing

I feel like this year has been a year of change. In the past photography was a part-time job that gave me an outlet for creativity, socializing, and a little professional validation. I've enjoyed dabbling in photography while spending the majority of my day as a stay-at-home mom.

Since Steve returned from his deployment and retired from the military, he helps with everything around the house. I have far more time to dedicate to photography (not to mention having him available to take the kids while I'm working). This new-found freedom has aloud me to update my product offerings and spend a little more time learning new tools and techniques.

I have now photographed seniors, families, and weddings digitally. I am working on offering new digital albums. And today, I finished my first on-line proofing for a wedding.

For my throngs of curious and dedicated followers, you can check it out at:
http://www.imagequix.com/

In the Event Guests - View an Event box type L93A19G for Photographer ID and click Submit
Select Wedding of Marta and Alex
Select Enter Proof Viewer

This could be turning into a full-time career...

Friday, September 7, 2007

Top 10 accomplishments

1. Married the love of my life
2. Two beautiful and smart children
3. Owner and sole-proprietor of Keepsake Portraits
4. Competed in 3 triathlon's - finished 4th in my age-group in the 2nd race
5. Survived my husband's 18 month Army deployment
6. Editor of Business Insight Magazine
7. Bachelor of Arts - MSU
8. Completed 4 years of Bible Study Fellowship (so far)
9. All-conference for high school volleyball
10. Graduated 3rd in my high school class