Where Have You Seen us? { A Wedding And Senior Portrait Photographer Goes Public}

We (Shelly and I ) submitted several pieces of work this year. Let it be said again:  I work with some truly amazing people! I simply have the opportunity to put these stories into images.   This year, we went public or the public went with us.

www.amberjphoto.com

RUSTIC CHIC GOES PUBLIC WITH AMBER J PHOTOGRAPHY

In January we were featured on Rustic Wedding Chic.  Lisa and Jason’s wedding at Maple Shade Farm in Delhi was give the nod by one of my favorite wedding blogs of all time and I literally jumped when I saw the acceptance note. 

KNOTSVILLA GIVES US THE NOD

In March of this year Knotsvilla Wedding Blog published our Winter Wonderland Wedding at Mallozzi’s in Schenectady.  Nicole and Glen’s wedding was a fine display of the beauty winter can bring for a wedding.  We were once again thrilled as Knotsvilla is clearly one of the best blogs out there!

www.amberjphoto.com

www.amberjseniors.com

On the senior side of things, one our photos of Kiera was published in Senior Study Hall magazine and were are waiting right now to hear back from another publication (TBA!)

Instasenior on Instagram featured a session from Molly’s senior portrait session with us and we hope to just keep rolling with this!

It's only April and we have SO SO much coming our way this year that I really just look at this year and think, wow! God has truly opened doors and closed some others.

AMAZING.

For wedding information please visit: amberjphoto.com

For Senior Portrait Information please visit: www.amberjseniors.com

PS: we have installed a wonderful program for teens: www.epicteenimages.com.   If you have a young teen, capture them now before they aren't so young anymore :)

SOS: My Wedding Photographer Has Never Shot At My Venue Before!!

There are approximate 1.5 million wedding venues in upstate NY, ok just kidding there are not that many, however there are a plethora of venues and chances are, any one photographer has not shot at all of them.

I have been asked a number of times “have you shot there before?”

It’s a good question and I understand why it’s asked, but it’s not the right question.  It would take me approximately 25 years with a wedding every weekend in a different place to shoot at every venue.  This is not a scientific approximation and no actual math was done here, but you get my drift. Just because your photographer has not actually shot at your venue of choice does not mean you should dismiss them!

 Barns are some of the darkest venues around...but we specialize in just that!

ANSWER YOUR OWN QUESTION

*Look through your photographer of choice’s blogs and galleries and see what they capture and how they do inside with their reception shots.  

*Request a full gallery from your photographer so you can see a sample from beginning to end.  MOST reception halls have a terrible light source, if they can shoot in a dark reception hall in Albany, NY they can shoot in a dark hall in the Hudson Valley.

*A PROFESSIONAL photographer should have no problem knowing how to work a dimly lit room whether it be a venue they have worked 100 times or never before.

I’M NERVOUS YOU HAVEN’T WORKED MY VENUE

*Ask your photographer to walk through the venue with you and discuss prime ideas for wedding photos.

*Find out if you can do your engagement session in the same place and you can get a feel for how your photographer will handle the venue and it’s enmities

*Personally, if I have not shot in a venue I will ask for a walk through well before the wedding so I have an idea of what will look great and what will not. 

A NEW VENUE CAN BE BETTER

I have found a new venue can stimulate a photographer's creative senses. When I find a new place to shoot I am excited about the opportunity to shoot something different. 

SO WHAT DO YOU ASK?

If your photographer has not shot in your venue before, it’s not time to panic. 

Ask to see work produced in dimly lit areas (if you aren’t satisfied with what the website showcases).

Ask if they would walk through with you.

Ask what their experience is and how they handle a dark reception hall or barn. 

Be up front if you are only going to have a candle light vigil at your reception at 9pm and work together on how to produce quality images. 

YOUR VENUE IS NOTHING NEW

That is not to sound mean or demeaning.  Your venue was chosen for what you loved about it, but for a photographer your venue is all about shadows and lights and textures and “where do we go if it rains”. 

A professional reads all that in mere minutes of seeing a location, so unless your spidey senses tell you otherwise.  We crazy photographers got this whether it’s a venue that is new or old, you just go on and get married :)

PS: We may not fear dark shadows, but we may fear water fountains - seriously...

Upstate NY Photographer: Barn Venue, The Olde Tater Barn

Nestled in between the gently rolling hills of the Schoharie Valley, The Olde Tater Barn claims it's stake in local history and sets the precedent for things to come.
The former potato farm still contributes to the farming way of life, but it also offers the enchantment of an Upstate New York country-chic wedding venue.  The original barn, now with new renovations overlooks the former potato fields that lend a hand at growing corn.  The acres surrounding the farm give it it's secluded and serene atmosphere, perfect for providing guests and couples with a wedding all their own.
It's as country as it gets, but it's flair for style and amazing food leaves the Tater Barn lacking for nothing.  The chef, the host, the entire venue caters to the whims and desire of couples looking to invest their most precious day in all that New York as to offer.
"This is something we do, because we love to do it. That's the basis of this entire place".  Rich graciously escorted me around the premise so I could see for myself all the updates, all the features and the amazing layout of the beautiful country which plays host to every guest.
If you are looking for an upstate NY wedding, you will love what you find here. A gem in Schoharie County.
Rich, who runs the venue with his sister Kate,  does suggest that you visit the premise during the time of year you plan on having your wedding so you have a clear idea of the flowers and other scenic treasures of the NY season.
For a complete history of the Tater Barn visit here:history
or visit the entire site at www.taterbarn.com

Be Inspired!

Upstate NY Photographer: Burlap? Who Knew?

I saw a post, then another, then another all on how burlap can be incorporated into a rustic and chic wedding. So, instead of coming up with a post all on my own, I figured I would list a few links that I liked!

A unique post by Emmaline Bride here focuses on a variety of uses for burlap.  It gives ideas on shoes, save the dates, and weddings.  So cool! But it is definitely for the hands on bride.

 

 

 

 

source

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another cool showcase for accenting the archway or altar was to use burlap as featured here on Wedding Chicks. 

Last but not least!!!!  THIS wedding entertained an entire burlap theme!!! Check it out on one of my favorite blogs... Rustic Wedding Chic.

Enjoy!!!

Upstate NY Photographer: A Bride Made Me Think...

I limited myself on explaining a few aspects of why we are turning our attention to rustic, chic and country weddings.  The first and foremost reason is because I absolutely adore them and when you combine photography and passion, you can help but produce something filled with excitement and love.
However, the less romantic side of it all comes down to the technical aspects of barn and farmhouse weddings.  Lighting.
A bride came to me this week with an inquiry about her wedding in a nearby barn style venue. Her main question was about the lighting and if I would be able to photograph there. Honestly, I am not used to those kind of questions from brides, so it was cathartic for me to answer her.
Now, I know most venues for receptions and churches offer less than stellar lighting.  The most challenging, by far are the old dark barns and sweet farmhouses that cast very little flattering light.
The romantic wood planks and high wooden archways that enhance the fairytale atmosphere can plummet a photographers ability to capture the enchantment.
I have focused my energy in the past few months to become proficient in photographing at these types of venues. It's necessary.  With venues stretching from Albany, Oneonta, Roxbury, Hudson and Lake George this was something I was noticing not being done very well!

Nothing should stop you from having the most romantic country wedding ever...just make sure you have a photographer that knows how to showcase it from the camera ;)

Looking for Rustic or Chic Barn Venues in Upstate NY?

So, I guess I can admit this. I LOVE weddings in rustic places featuring old farmhouses and barns. Perhaps it's because I grew up surrounded by these places when they were alive and fervent with a farmers way of life. 

Personally: Barn weddings have a certain entity to them that I have fallen for in a number of ways as a photographer or as a guest for that matter.  I did not grow up on a farm, but I spent a great deal of time on them as a child and a teenager. The nostalgia of the old farmhouses and the grandeur of the barns is something I have always been attracted to. It's somewhat sad to see some of those vivacious farms now quiet, but exciting to see them spring to life with a new purpose....weddings!

Professionally: There are a number of  Upstate NY rustic barn venues and I am on a mission to find some of the best.  These venues are in high demand by many brides and oh the possibilities with some of these beautiful places! You can be as rustic or as chic as you would like.  All that with a little bit of historic substance.

The Inn at West Settlement In Roxbury

Chic, vintage and all together lovely outdoor/rustic wedding

If you see or know of a venue I should feature, please message me ... especially if you have a contact name.
amberjphoto@gmail.com.