Below you will find an article I just wrote for several wedding websites.

I have clients come into the studio every week to meet with me and for most of them it is their first time hiring a photographer.

It is not an easy task. I hope you all find the article useful!

Wedding Photographers – how do you pick?

After researching a few photographers on the Internet, through referrals or local searches, make a short list. Make an appointment and ask lots of questions.
Remember the photographs are one of the only things left after the wedding, and they can help you relive your wedding day for years to come.

Questions to ask:

Describe your style.
An experienced photographer will have a really good sense of what they do well, as well as a portfolio to back it up.

How long have you been shooting weddings?
Timing and quick thinking during weddings are important. And if they haven’t covered a wedding before they may miss a key moment…the kiss for instance.

Where did you get your training?
This may vary and can be confusing. College and University are a plus. But most photographers will get their best education working as an assistant for another wedding photographer.

Will you have an assistant?
An assistant can make the day go so much more smoothly, and they will sometimes act as a second photographer, allowing you to get photographs from more than one vantage point.

Are there any extras or hidden costs that are not included in your packages?
These can include mileage or charges for extra film or time.

How much time you need for formal shots?
This varies according to the style the photographer. A traditional
Photographer may need 2-4 hours. A photojournalist may only need 1hour. If you’re on a tight schedule it could make a your decision for you.

Are there any specific requests you as the photographer have?
Some request there are no other photographers at your wedding. Including Bill your snap happy uncle. Others want specific seating at the reception. If you want pictures throughout they may want to be seated near the head table.

Things to look for:

Do you like their style?
Here is a quick chart on the differences between styles

Traditional/Candid

• selected shots off a specific shot list
• an interpretation of a wedding event by photographer
• maximum posing to create a mood
• photographers have favorite shots and stick with them
• creating

Photojournalism

• paparazzi style shooting
• a documentation of your day as it happens
• minimal poses to capture the mood
• photographer is always looking for the shot in the moment
• capturing

Does the quality of their work meet your standards?
Options and quantity of prints are important, but if you don’t like the quality of the pictures, what good is a second album or 500 extra proofs?

Can you see an entire wedding shot by your photographer?
Any photographer can have 20 great shots after shooting for a couple of years. But seeing an entire wedding can show you whether every shot is up to your standards.

Is this someone you want around on your wedding day?
You will be spending most of your day with them. Your feeling towards them will come across in your pictures. Trust your gut. If there is anything about them that rubs you the wrong way, keep looking.

Communication is key. Asking questions early will make sure there are no surprises, and your album will be everything you dreamed it would be.

Today I had a photo shoot with Jessie from Bride2Bead!

Her work is amazing! From cake toppers to jewellery she does it all!

Check out her site @ www.bride2bead.com

In her own words:

I originally started designing jewellery in 2004 as a hobby. My hobby quickly became addictive and I soon realized I had to make this into a business. I started selling my work in 2005 in various local venues. Eventually I had people start to ask me if I would do their bridal jewellery. I gladly accepted and instantly fell in love with the idea.

As a bride myself I know how hard it is to find unique, modern reasonably priced jewellery for brides and bridal parties. I wish I knew then what I know now! When I got married in 2003 I knew the style that I wanted but couldn’t find it ANYWHERE! Or if I did it was WAY too expensive.

I wanted something simple, but not boring, classic yet modern, unique but not too flashy.

This is what drives my designs today.

I hope you like them. All the best on your special day!

Sincerely,

Jessie Thomas

Enjoy the pictures!

Emma

I got my Lensbabie while I was in Vegas.The only thing I wanted to buy while I was there. It makes my nikon into a holga-like camera. It is great!
So what is a lensbabie? It is a very cool lens that you can put on your camera that gives you a very fine point of focus.

So here are some of my first shots with it!

Of course Sophie is the subject! She is such a good model.

Enjoy!

As promised here is a photo of the girls in Red Rock Canyon. Me on the left, Jen Kirk in the middle and Heather Fritz on the right.

We had a lot of fun in the desert. I can’t wait to get my holga pic’s back!

Emma

My brain is full to the bursting point with new ideas and shooting styles!

I sat in on some of the most inspiring and educational seminars I have ever taken part of.

Nick Vedros is an amazing editorial photographer who commands $100,000 per shoot.

Marcus Bell is a brilliant wedding photographer in Australia.

Jose Villa is my professional twin. He shoots film, provides fine art product and loves to photograph people on their happiest day! Except he charges anywhere from $12,000-$15,000 for his smallest package!

Kevin Kubota was the reason I went to the WPPI. He is an amazing speaker!

Gene Higa is a very cool destination wedding photographer.

We stayed at Bally’s which is right in the middle of everything.

We even had Diner at Mon Ami Gabi.We had the best seats in the house….and I’m not kidding…the pictures are coming.

We ate dinner across from David Blane! He was so cute!

I could have ended the week then and been happy!

I just love the shot above. Not very “Vegas” but reminds me of the night we spent on Freemont street.

This is Jen Kirk of Jen Kirk Photography. She along with Heather Fritz of Heather Fritz Photography were my travel companions. We had a blast. And yes there will be pictures the rest of us. But mailing a CD takes longer than two days! Who would have guessed!

That is enough blogging for now. Keep an eye out for more!

Emma