Looking for a wedding photographer? I might be the one for you if...

Selecting vendors is one of the hardest parts of wedding planning. There are so many options out there! It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a florist, baker, or photographer, you’re going to find a lot of choices. While at first glance, it may look like everyone offers the same services, upon closer inspection you’ll begin to notice a lot of differences. While budget can be a factor in your decision making, and aesthetics may be another, it shouldn’t be the only thing that helps you finalize your choice. When it comes to photography specifically, you’re going to be spending your entire wedding day with this person (where you go, they will follow). Photography is also one of the only things that leaves you with a tangible good that isn’t just purely physical….its emotional and captures your memories of the day so that you won’t ever forget those big and little moments that made it special. Picking your photographer will be one of the biggest decisions you make, and I’m not just saying that because I am one. After talking with many married women over the years, the one thing I think I hear all too frequently is how they wish had a different photographer, or had “budgeted for a better one.”

So, I might be the photographer for you, if….

• You want a stress free day. Not only do people continually tell me I’m a calming presence, I’m also super experienced when it comes to wedding day timelines. I work with all of my couples prior to their big day to help them figure out a schedule that is going to work. Do little things still go wrong, do people still run late? Of course! But I’m skilled at getting you back on track. I also have an assistant that is there to not only lend me a helping hand, but you as well. We are more than happy to help you however we can to make sure things go smoothly. We (usually) can help you bustle or button a dress, find that missing shoe, track down Uncle Bob who likes to disappear for family photos, or make up a half hour of time that somehow mysteriously went “missing”.

• You like true to life photos. Not only does my color lean toward more true to life than “light and airy” or “dark and moody”, but my captures do as well. I believe in letting moments unfold naturally and capturing the real moments of the day, not staged ones.

• You don’t just like a “say cheese” experience. While yes, we will capture what I affectionately call the “Mom Shots”, aka looking at the camera and smiling, I also will give you prompts to engage you in nature interactions and moments to get the more candid feeling, genuine expressions.

• You want someone to be as invested in your day as you are. Oftentimes I end up becoming friends with my brides because we work so closely to make the biggest day of their life the best day. Nobody else at your wedding wants everything to be as perfect as you, except for maybe me. And I don’t say that lightly, I truly mean it.

• You don’t want a photographer in your face all day. I get it, you like your personal space, and so do I. Officiants love me and often call me a “photo ninja” because they don’t know how I get the shots I do when they never even see me. I like to blend into the crowd and “work the outer edges” so that people aren’t always just smiling for the camera, as this allows me to capture all those great candids that nobody saw me get. I oftentimes have guests come up to me during the wedding and say, “oh you should go get that shot over there,” and I smile when I get to reply, “I already did.” I feel like one of the things that makes me good at what I do is because you don’t notice me, unless I want you to. I can command attention when I need to, like formal portrait time, but otherwise I promise, you won’t know I’m there.

• You want great photos, but you also don’t want to spend your wedding day feeling like that is all you did. I know a lot of couples, and families, dread formal photo time. I promise you, I’m quick and it will be painless. The one compliment I always get from everyone, is how they appreciate how quickly family formals go. “Most efficient photographer I’ve seen,” often are the words people use to describe me.

• You prefer a more laid back affair. I have shot weddings from 650 guests to just 4 being present, but it isn’t just about size. If becoming Mr. and Mrs. is the most important thing to you, and you’re not going to sweat the little stuff, and you just want everyone to have a good time, then that’s the style of wedding I like to be a part of. More often than not, my weddings are at a more casual, country venue or “small town” atmosphere - I rarely shoot weddings in downtown large city venues.

If this sounds like we are a match, message me and we can chat about your wedding day. I look forward to talking with you.

Dates available are limited each year - when you hire me, you get me, not an associate photographer, so I only 1-2 weddings per weekend and a max of 4 weddings per month.

How to Make Your Wedding More Photogenic

No matter what your budget or venue, you can always make your wedding more photogenic by getting a little creative with the space you have to work with. Here are simple tips to help make the most out of what you have to work with…..

Tidy up. This is the most important tip I can give. Especially when it comes to the getting ready area, simply keeping the space organized and clean makes a huge difference. Designate a corner or specific area for bags to be stored and keep the rest of the space free of garments, empty cups, trash, etc. If something is particularly distracting or unsightly and can be removed and then put back, do it. Again, getting ready spaces are the worst for this. If there is a large poster on the wall that can come down, take it down and put it in the designated corner. Just be sure to put everything back where it came from. Start your day by going through and removing anything you don’t want to be seen in your photos. Look out for trashcans and if they can be moved to a corner or somewhere less prominent, move them.

Consider the space you have and work with it, not against it. You may love mustard and gray for your color scheme, but when the carpet at your venue is red, it isn’t going to do anything for creating a photogenic environment. Consider the colors that are already present in the space when choosing your color scheme. If you’re getting married outside, be sure to pick florals without an abundance of green - the green will just fade into the greens of the background and get lost. Sometimes letting the natural landscape be the main focus is best outside, while indoor spaces benefit from larger florals to create a more lush environment.

Choose your time wisely. Especially if you have a venue without any shade, this one is very important. Lighting makes or breaks a photo. The closer to noon you take photos outside, the more harsh the light will be (it softens as the day goes on). If you can set a schedule that allows you to take photos later in the afternoon or evening, your photographer will appreciate it (and you won’t sweat in the summer heat, either!) Work with your photographer to set a schedule that will allow for formal photos to be taken at the best time of day. When it comes to picking a ceremony site, or where to put the head table, lighting is also important. You never want a window directly behind a main photo op spot - harsh backlighting is extremely difficult to work with. Avoid putting the head table or cake cutting area in front of a window. If you get married outside, pick a spot where the sunlight will be behind the officiant to help soften shadows if you can’t find a shady spot (also avoid areas with spotty light cast from trees. Stand under the tree in full sun and see if you get sunspots hitting your skin).

Add string lights or candles. A great way to liven up a space and give it depth without breaking the bank is by adding lights. It softens the atmosphere and creates a more appealing space.

Be in the moment. Don’t spend your day worried about where the photographer is and smiling at them. Your natural reactions and emotions showing through will be your guaranteed favorite shots. During the ceremony, it is understandable to be nervous, but try to remember to stand closely together and not feet apart. Also, look at each other, not the officiant! If you’re looking at each other, that means the photographer can see your face and capture your expressions, and not just the back of your head.

Don’t skip on the fitting. If your straps are too long, your waist too big, bust too tight - it all shows. A properly fitted dress makes a huge difference in being happy with your own appearance. This is one thing to not skip out on to budget money elsewhere.

Its all in the details. An interesting space is always more photogenic than a basic one. Even on a budget, you can add simple touches to make a space more interesting, and therefore more photogenic. Add a table with your parents/grandparents wedding photos or photos of the two of you throughout your relationship - this is cheap to do and guests will love it. Buy tulle, lace, or other textured fabric and use it to create draping (it may even be a good way to cover up something you don’t particularly like or want in your backgrounds). Bring in things from your home and use them to decorate - sometimes adding little personal touches about who you are as a couple work just as well as decor purchased specifically to decorate for the wedding. Buy/sell sites can also be a great place to pick up decor at a big discount if you’re on a budget.

Why you absolutely SHOULD do an engagement session

I’ve been at this awhile now….15 years to be exact. When I first started out, every one of my couples did engagement photos. I’m really going to show my age to the young engaged couples now…..but do you know the main reason why they did one? Printed newspapers, yes those old things, published engagement announcements bi-weekly in the paper, and it was kind of a big deal. There was a blurb about who you are, who your parents are, where you work, and a photo of the happy couple….yes, definitely old fashioned compared to a much simpler social media announcement these days, but this is what they use to do to tell everyone about upcoming weddings.

When that became a thing of the past, I found that most couples were passing on engagement sessions. They kept saying they just weren’t sure what they were going to do with the images, so they didn’t think they needed them. So let me tell you guys, there are reasons why you definitely should opt to have an engagement session still. Here they are…..

1) It is the perfect time to get to know your photographer, and vice versa. Not everyone is immediately comfortable in front of the camera and engagement sessions gives you a chance to loosen up. This is kind of like a trial run for the wedding day. Engagement sessions are a great way to ease, especially the groom, into photo time expectations. Not only will he get to see it can actually be fun and nothing that needs to be dreaded, it gives everyone a chance to get to know each other and work together before the big day when it really counts. This is a great time to see how your photographer gives directions, for her/him to see how you take direction, and for the photographer to take notes about what the best way is to illicit natural reactions from the couple and capture them in a way that flatters them most. When you get this out of the way before the wedding day, you’ll be able to capture a lot more on the actual day because communication will come much more easily with all of this already established.

2) It is a major life milestone, and you should always capture those. This is a once in a lifetime chance to capture a time period that will never happen again. Take the time to celebrate the joy you share and capture it forever (your kids will certainly appreciate these images one day). A lot of the time, this is the first chance many couples have to get professional photos taken together. So not only do you get to capture a special moment in time, it is always nice to have professional photos together without wedding attire on, too. Some day when you’re old, I guarantee you’ll be glad you did these (even if it is just to laugh at the outfits you wore, or how skinny you use to be). (See #6 for why it doesn’t have to be boring and traditional, if that just isn’t you)

3) You can use your images for Save the Dates, Invitations, or decor at the wedding. Ok, so besides the sentimental reasons, it also gives you some super flattering images to use to tell people you’re getting married and update them on wedding news and announcements. Use your photos for social media announcements, your wedding website, guestbook, shower, and other personalized wedding decor. While candids are great for certain things, professional images give a polished, cohesive look to formal announcements.

4) Engagement photos are a great creative outlet. Wedding days can be fast paced and lets face it, slightly chaotic. Your engagement photos give you a chance to be more creative. You get to pick your location, clothing, props, etc. and these images can be highly personalized because you have more time to be create them. A lot of my couples pick locations that have a special meaning - like a favorite place to go together, where they met, where they got engaged, their new shared home, or they add props showcasing mutual hobbies/likes to add more significance to the images captured. Many of my couples tell me how glad they are to have done an engagement session because the images displayed around the house are a great reminder of who they are and the special moments that made them into the couple they have become.

5) A great trial run for hair and makeup. A lot of my brides use the engagement session as a trial run for hair and makeup to see what they like and don’t like, as well as how the look they chose will photograph. It is the perfect opportunity to aid you in making decisions about your wedding day styling!

6) Count it as a great “date night” you won’t get to experience very often. Look at it this way… Plan your session to be a special date night excursion, not just a photo session - it will be one unlike any other date night you’ve had for sure. Don’t look at it as just going to take some photos, make it a fun experience and enjoy the moment and stress-free time before you delve deep into wedding planning. Pick a cool new location to explore together, plan a picnic, take a hike, go on a day trip, cuddle up at your favorite coffee shop, or go on a shopping spree….and invite your photographer to be a part of the day and have them capture some really special moments for you that you won’t ever forget. It doesn’t have to be a boring traditional portrait session if you don’t want it to be. Choose to capture a moment you might otherwise plan as a typical date night and make it into something extra special.

PRO TIP: If you don’t have a photographer booked yet because you just can’t quite make the decision on who to book, try out a quick mini engagement session with the candidates and see who you mesh with the best. An actual session will give you great insight into what they will capture of you and how they work.

Tips for Rainy Day Weddings

Wedding season is ready to get into full swing shortly with the arrival of Spring , and on a rainy day even, I thought I would share some tips for how to make the most out of your wedding photography when rain is in the forecast!

Main rule, Don’t stress over the forecast. You’re not going to change it, so don’t spend the week ahead of your big day stressing over the predicted rainfall. If it isn’t something within your control, don’t let it take control. The attitude you have about the weather makes a big difference! There are ways of working around a rainy day, and even a few things that are actually working in your favor if your wedding lands on a rainy day. First of all, remember, a gray overcast day is a photographer’s best friend for lighting (plus colors looks more saturated, too). And whether you believe in superstitions or not, remember that rain is considered good luck on your wedding day! According to old proverbs, rain signifies a cleansing - rain on your wedding day washes away sadness from your past and signifies your marriage will last. Rain is also a symbol of fertility in cultures based in agriculture. They believe rain is a blessing because it signifies fertility and growth. Still yet, Hindu cultures see it as a sign of a lasting marriage to come because a wet knot is harder to untie. I guess there are plenty of reasons to believe rain really is a sign of good luck! So, if it is going to rain, just be prepared with a Plan B. Here are some tips to help you plan for a rainy wedding day….

1) Be flexible with your schedule. Chances are, it isn’t going to rain all day. If you really want outdoor photos, be ready to change up the schedule to make it work. Apps like Dark Skies can provide valuable info as to when to expect rainfall. You can try to plan your schedule around the rain, but don’t rely on it. If you have to take some photos indoors, by all means do that. You don’t want to be left with nothing because you planned on it letting up later in the day, and it just doesn’t happen!

2) Purchase clear bubble umbrellas for the bridal party (and other rain gear). Amazon even offers these in bulk (12 umbrellas for $90). Clear umbrellas will let light through for more flattering overall lighting, but still keep you dry. If you’re game to go out in the rain, these are a must. Just a side note: If it is absolutely downpouring, the rain drops will show up in photos. These are perfect for light to moderate rainfall and working around it. You may also want to consider rainboots to pop on - if the ground is muddy or wet at all, you’ll be thankful to not be sinking into it in your bridal heels (click here for samples). Shower caps and ponchos can also be helpful to get you from Point A to B. And if it is a little chilly because of the rain, consider adding a jean/leather jacket or shawl.

3) Look for alternative outdoor options. Get creative. If you want to go outside, maybe there is an overhang you can use, an open sided tent, or a tree that provides enough coverage to stand under if its just sprinkling. Just because you can’t stand out in the wide open, doesn’t mean there isn’t some other options for outdoor spaces that provide protection from the rain.

4) Scope out indoor spaces. While you may want to be outside, if the forecast doesn’t look like that is going to be an option, look to what your venue has to offer as an indoor space. Things to consider - time. If you are getting married in a church, some have a late afternoon service and you are only allowed to be in the space for a certain amount of time. If you have to be out, you’re going to have to look for another space. Space: does your venue have enough space to do group portraits? You may need to talk to your photographer about the lenses they use and how much space they require for group shots. Guests: If your guests are going to be milling about in the space, will they be in backgrounds or disruptive of photo time? Lighting: if your space is overly dark, does your photographer have the equipment to make it a workable space (and is there enough room to set up the equipment?) If you don’t like what your venue has to offer as an indoor space or think it isn’t viable after considering these questions, check into alternative options. A lot of public spaces, like museums, will let you come use their space for little or no cost. You always want to seek permission ahead of time just in case it comes down to needing an alternate space to go to.

Ultimately it comes down to this - Discuss options with your photographer beforehand and have a plan. I can’t stress this enough! Be sure your photographer knows what they are walking into so they have the proper equipment on that day - whether it be raingear, specialty lighting, etc. Don’t hand them a “make it work” moment on the day of the wedding and just expect them to figure it out. With proper planning and a little bit of extra creativity, you can make a rainy day wedding work for your photography, too!