Monday, April 11, 2011

Children's Baptisms March, 2011

I was privileged to photograph the children's baptisms at Second Baptist Church on March 13 of this year. Such a lovely testimony to the decisions of these precious kids. What made it even more special was the opportunity to photography my daughter Abby as she was baptized on the day of her own birthday! Two birthdays in one this year! Hope you love the HD video...

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

10 Hardest Questions for Your Wedding Photographer

Sure, today’s affordable digital cameras can make anyone seem like a good photographer. But there’s a lot more to getting the wedding photos you want and deserve than just pointing and shooting. After this most important and special of days, it will be your wedding albums and pictures that you turn to time and again to remember and cherish those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Choose your photographer as carefully as you’ve planned every other detail of your wedding, and you’ll still be enjoying those images years from now.

To help, we’ve put together a list of ten critical aspects of wedding photography you should know and understand, along with some of the most important questions you should ask prospective photographers to help you make your final decision.

#10 Samples: Do you have samples of your work I can see? Do you have a completed product exactly like we will receive that shows us one wedding from start to finish? Is this sample from the actual photographer who will be at my wedding or someone else on your staff?

#9 Image Preservation: What steps do you take to protect my wedding photographs and how long do you archive them? Can I come back in 5 or 10 years and get more photographs or replace my album if something happens to it?

#8 Equipment: Do you use professional-quality cameras capable of capturing great images in all lighting conditions, or do you use consumer-level cameras? Do you have backup equipment if something happens to your camera or lights? Can I have black-and-white photographs or can you add special effects if I want to? Do you bring additional lighting equipment if it is needed?

#7 Collaboration: Will I be working with you or someone else on your staff? Do you work with an assistant? What is the process for reviewing, selecting and editing the final images for the album, enlargements and print sets?

#6 Deliverables: In what format do you deliver the proofs? What is included in the price? What additional options or products are available and how much extra for those items?

#5 Time: What is the maximum amount of time I will wait to see proofs? Once I’ve selected my pictures, how long will it take for final delivery of all printed products?

#4 Quality: Do you print the photos yourself or do you use a professional lab or a consumer hobbyist photofinisher like one of the big box stores? Are the images guaranteed against fading for my lifetime or beyond?

#3 Style: What is your artistic style? Do you shoot traditional poses, or have a more photojournalistic approach, or is it mixed? Do you like to shoot in the studio or at different locations, as well as on the wedding day? Can I see examples of an entire wedding day shoot to see how you might tell a wedding day “story”?

#2 Experience: How long have you been photographing weddings? How long have you been in business? Can you provide references? Can I view some of your albums? How do you manage distracted or uncooperative subjects or guests?

And perhaps the most important thing you need to discuss with your photographer …

# 1 Assurances: How do you ensure my satisfaction? What are your backup plans in the event you’re late or called away by an emergency? What happens if there’s an equipment failure, or some other unforeseen issue? Do you carry liability insurance? Can I get all of the points we’ve covered in a written contractual agreement?

Do not take “no” for an answer to that last question! A written contract signed by all parties protects you and the photographer, and does more to ensure your wedding photo bliss than any other action or decision you can make.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Capture your dream with professional wedding photography


A professional wedding photographer may be the most important investment you make, since your wedding pictures are the only lasting keepsake of your dream day.

While you don’t need a professional photographer for everything, your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. And your wedding photography will only grow in value and importance as the years go by. Shouldn’t you entrust it to a highly trained professional photographer, someone who will do you justice on your big day?

After all, when the cake is long gone and the dress is packed away, your wedding photography will be the one lasting symbol of your perfect moment…and you’ll be so glad you invested in professional wedding photography.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Metropolitan Bride Wedding Show


Don't forget about the Met Bride show at the expo center tomorrow from 11 to 4. Over 150 vendors will be out in force to help make your wedding day spectactular! For those of you that want to save $150 off any of our four fabulous photography packages, book your photography before or at the show and SAVE!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Best of Craigslist

I found this ad on Craigslist. It’s hilarious, it was obviously written by a professional photographer to try to get the point across about the value of having an experienced, professional photographer as your wedding photographer. Too many brides seem willing to trust their once in a lifetime memories to a "GWC" or "guy with camera". Producing images that make your jaw drop takes time, experienced, equipment and dedication. Read on...Maybe this photographer is for you...

Hi there! My name is Lindsay and I’ve just got a brand new camera for Christmas but haven’t even taken it out of the box. I really want to get into the wedding photography business because I see so many people in Springfield are getting married and it looks like easy money. I can’t guarantee that even one photo will turn out looking good but I sure will try. Some pictures will be used for my portfolio and my future website. I start booking appointments this week! I am now booking for Spring and Summer of 2011.

I specialize in all types of Lifestyle photography including:

Weddings – You’ll have to pay $15 for gas money outside of Salt Lake City
Bridals
Engagements
Families
Children
Portraiture
Fashion

My style is classy, elegant and artistic. I would be honored to be part of your special occasion or photography needs considering I have no professional experience. I would love to capture those beautiful moments for you and your family.

I have so much passion for being a pro wedding photographer! All my friends and family tell me I take great pictures at all our outings and picnics. I’m putting together a web site of all the flower pictures and sunsets I’ve taken so you can see how good I am. I even have a few pics of my pet dog which turned out really great!

But I don’t have a business license, liability insurance, flashes, extra batteries, or even more than a kit lens that came in the box. If something goes wrong, you’re out of luck. To keep things cheap for you, I won’t even back up any of your images. Less cost for me means less cost for you. Just passing the savings on. I expect to be paid in cash or personal check because I don’t plan on claiming this income on my taxes.

I know many fun and beautiful locations. I really care about making brides look beautiful! I add glow and selective color to all of my images, giving them the best look possible. No need to hassle with computer programs.

Bridals and Engagements are only $100. Please trust me to do your wedding. I’ll do it cheap just to build up my portfolio. I will only charge you $250 for your entire wedding day. This is a deal. My camera cost me $700 brand new. All sessions include a Hi Resolution CD with FULL copy right release included, which means you get to print your pictures at Wal-Mart! Here’s the BEST Part! I offer 100% guarantee on ALL my sessions! Don’t pay a cent until you are 100% happy with your pictures!

I own a camera therefore I can take photos like the pros, who charge a lot more. Most brides in Utah spend $2,500 on professional wedding photography. Since I have no experience I’ll only be charging $250 (90% off regular wedding photography prices) to shoot full day wedding coverage.

Think about it: Pros charge a lot of money because they have a lot of expenses. I don’t.

Pros have:
-a business license
- multiple cameras
-thousands of dollars in lenses and flashes
-hard drives to back up the images
-insurance
-experience
-people skills
-color calibrated monitors
-professional print labs
-professional albums

I have none of this stuff so we’ll keep it cheap, just for you!