Your Photographer Should be Someone You Want as a Guest at Your Wedding!
The last time I was spilling my guts on this blog it was all about portraiture, this time it’s all about weddings and Elopements!
My philosophy with wedding and elopement photography is the same as portraiture - it is about creating images that are unique to you and your partner. The images are Art, capturing life, not mimicking. Wedding photography is hard, it can be stressful, and it keeps this photographer awake at night. However, weddings also allow for beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime images. They open the doors to creativity, and push me to be better at my Art. There are no re-shoots, there is no room for regrets as a photographer. You must prepare and perform. It is this pressure, surrounded by love and joy and usually beautiful floral, that gets my creative juices flowing!
Choosing Your Photographer is Tough!
Choosing your wedding photographer can be a pain if you don’t approach it with the care and consideration it deserves. When I got married, I called several photographers, chatted with them, asked about their shooting style, what they like to focus on at weddings, and why they like shooting weddings. I was surprised that some really didn't have answers. They just directed me to their website, asked what package I would be interested in, and let me know they required a deposit. It was a little bit of a letdown at first.
When I finally found a photographer, it had nothing to do with what packages he offered, it had everything to do with his vibe, his style, and his genuine excitement about our wedding! You should get along with the person you pick to shoot your wedding, they should see your vision and match it with creative input that exceeds your wildest imagination. Are you wanting an elopement at the courthouse followed by an intimate dinner? Do you have 500 people at a vineyard in Napa? Are you not to sure, but you know you want photos? Is it a backyard soirée? Or a destination wedding? No matter the venue, the size of the wedding party, or the size of your budget you deserve beautiful photos capturing your individuality. Ultimately your photographer should be someone you want as a guest at your wedding!
The Questions you Should Probably be Asking your Photographer (and My Answers)
If you google search what to ask your potential wedding photographer you will get a long list of pretty generic questions, like what do you shoot with, film or digital? (Both!) Have you worked with our wedding coordinator? (Maybe? LOL) Have you been to our venue? How many other weddings are your photographing the week of our wedding? (None, I only take one or two a month!) Can I see a full gallery? (Anytime!) How do you back up your images? (Three Different ways, I would love to talk storage to anyone who will listen!) What are your packages, and do you require a deposit? Is our date available…. the list goes on. Although I highly recommend asking these questions, wedding photography is extremely personal, and requires you to get to know your photographer on a more intimate level.
Yes, I have a few packages, and require a deposit like all other photographers, but that is not what wedding photography is about! It is about you, your partner and capturing your unwavering love for one another. The nitty gritty details can be ironed out after we figure out if we are a match! Because I am making sure I am the right photographer for you, just like you should be making sure I am someone you want to invite to capture your wedding day. Here are a few questions I think are importing in making your final decision!
Q: What is your shooting style?
A: My shooting style is pretty fluid, I like to observe people, and find a way to showcase who they are in a fairly non-traditional manner. It has been described as moody, but that is most likely because of the tones I like to use! I can pose large groups, when necessary, but my favorite photos are usually captured in between, setting up the “perfect photo.” I love playing with light and experimenting with my surroundings. I move fast, shoot effectively and enjoy every single second behind the lens. Your entire day isn’t about photography; however, my photography will showcase your entire day.
Q: What do you focus on when shooting weddings?
A: I tend to focus on the human connections, the little moments shared between you and your partner, and the moments shared between your guests you might miss in all the excitement! I try to blend into the background in order to really get those candid images!
Q: Why do you like shooting weddings?
A: I shoot weddings for the love, the Art and the space where the two intersect. It sounds cheesy and simple but getting to experience different people and their huge weddings or small elopements is so moving and inspiring. I also make lifelong connections! The couples that have invited me to their weddings have stayed in my life in different ways. These lifelong friendships are how I measure my success!
Check out some of my recent work here or shoot me an email to schedule your free consultation, I am currently booking well into 2019!
A Spotlight on Elopements
Large weddings seem to be trending right now in California, and that is wonderful. I had a fairly large wedding! It was amazing to see all our family and friends in one place dancing to our favorite music! But this is not right for everyone, and that is okay!
After spending time working the wedding industry, I found a true love with Elopements, as did my husband, CJ. This is why we teamed up to bring to you, The Elopement Experience!
No matter your vision or budget, now is the time to reach out so we can make some magic!!
