Anywhere can look beautiful

I have found that clients often spend hours racking their brain to find "the perfect" spot to take photos. I would like people to know that ANYWHERE is "the perfect spot" to take photos, even my weather-worn UGLY driveway.

• This is my daughter playing in her little pool. It is usually the type of photo any parent would take. It's fine, just unremarkable & the back-ground is UGLY. You wouldn't say "YES! Let's take our photos there!"
  

The "perfect" back-ground, in all honesty, will be significantly out of focus, simply providing color or texture.

• This photo is significantly better, and you still get the idea that this little girl is playing in her pool. However, it would be a GREAT photo if the pool was closer to the grass so you didn't see the driveway, but it's completely acceptable.

If this were a wedding shoot we could make this area work by putting down a small cloth and having you cuddle somewhat in-front of the plants behind her in this photo. It's amazing what you make from nothing, so no need to stress... it WILL be BEAUTIFUL!!


We can create anything by walking down the block.

You CAN make your Cocktail Hour

I don't know exactly how it happened, but over time Bride & Grooms have been convinced that wedding photos take a LONG time. Perhaps that's true when your siblings, cousins, aunts & uncles are MIA when we need them... but if we co-ordinate, even remotely have our act together, there is NO REASON we can't get both amazing Editorial Photojournalism & the "posed shots" for the parents/grand-parents. Here are a few tips on how you can ensure you make your cocktail hour:

• Trust your photographer. Remember, you like their work & style. If they ask you to walk around that tree holding hands...... have fun!!!
  

• Be Prepared to spend 15 mintues taking photos with your girlz/guyz & your family 30 minutes before your transportation arrives (if you only have one photographer) or 15 minutes before your transportation arrives (if their is another photographer covering your soon-to-be-spouses' side) taking your photos with your girlz/guyz & your side of the family.

LISTEN & if your photographer says FREEZE, then freeze. This is a "Freeze" photo.

• Have your photographer leave before you to head to the ceremony with the directives of photographing / distracting the Groom in the last few minutes before you arrive.

• Ditch the receiving line. If you walk out the church and either get in your car to go somewhere or walk around back, have your family follow & take all the "formal" photos right there as the Church empties... you are ahead of the game! You WILL get fed first @ your reception so plan on eating.... then visiting while everyone else is still waiting for their food/eating. If your photographer is good, they'll casually follow you around & can get shots with you at the tables too.

• 
• If you don't have specific place you really WANT to do photos, ask your photographer to lead the way to the reception site & STOP in a spot they can make look cool. (It helps if you tell them what you want your photos to look like... park, cool industrial, fun trendy cafe type photo, etc.. ) if you hop out fast... you could stop twice & still make the last 30 minutes of your cocktail hour.
  

Why not have a little fun & still enjoy everything you've paid for???? Trust me, I've done this once or twice ;-)

Expanding My Horizons

Ok... so this is a test. Not a test of the emergency broadcast system, a test of how much savy I currently posses. I am attempting to learn Blog IT to share my insights, update my Facebook Status, etc...

I feel as if I not only need to be able to connect with you, but you need to know me well... otherwise, what kind of one sided relationship is this??? I want us to have a true connection so you will see me behind the lens and laugh instead of freeze up!

So... here's to connecting with each other!!

Dress Raising Experiences :-)

I have been doing so many wonderful things with my two year old, that I have completely let blogging go to the way-side... oops!!! Just as I was about to make a return debut & came down with Shingles... icky, icky, icky!!! However, I am back to the joy of shooting... and loving the balance :-)