What I Learned from Texas de Brazil : Exceed Expectations

Have you been yet? It's a new(ish) restaurant located in Albany and let's just say it's a carnivore's dream.

I can never fully shut off my brain. The business person in me was eager to eat there because I had heard about it, it was something different and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

They. Did. Not. Disappoint. 

So here's what I did expect:
I knew by the price of the dinner, I expected the food should (better be!) good. I hoped the atmosphere would mirror it's cost and give me something I wasn't going to get at Burger King.

There is always a time and place for a whopper on the run (sorry fitness friends!), but I wanted something way better than a drive through burger!

It was clean, professional and there was little confusion about the menu.  I don't place a high value in steak (I'm a pasta girl), but THIS was good stuff.  Shall we talk about the endless boat of mashed potatoes?

The tipping point of awesome was the wait staff.  The waitress didn't seem bored with her job though I am positive she has rehearsed her menu and introduction dozens of times already.  She as upbeat and happy and actually looked to enjoy what she did.  Everyone that approached our table addressed us with manners, clarity and REALLY GOOD FOOD!

Our waters were never empty and by the end of the meal a manager came over to make sure there were no complaints and that his wait staff was solid.

Done.  Worth the price. Worth the time. Worth the recommendation.

All that to say, I could have gotten steak or chicken from anywhere but the excellence in service AND taste AND atmosphere was more than I expected.

I aim to do that. I WANT to do that.  When brides or seniors come to me for their photography needs I want them to feel how I felt sitting at that table.  I want YOU to feel like you are my only client, my only table that night.  I want full on service that makes you realize you are special and that it matters to me that your experience is beyond anything you can get anywhere else.  I know you expect the photography to be good, it BETTER be good.  But I want everything about what we do to exceed your expectations.
So, here's to never letting your water glass be empty and perfectly grilled steak every time you order.

Stay tuned as we introduce our theme for this coming year!

Pinterest Vs. The Wedding Photographer {A battle or a partnership?}

Oh the woes when an excited bride produces 50 million images of all the things she would like to see come out of her wedding day photography.  We (photographers) sit there watching an ecstatic reaction and gleeful smiles as every swipe left produces a perfectly captured and insanely beautiful wedding image from Pinterest.

We smile.
Our insides tie up a little.
We breathe.

We sit there toying with talking about reality and worrying about destroying such high hopes!

I have met several photographers who despise and are even insulted when Pinterest ideas are put on the table.  Don't be mad,  but a realistic approach to your wedding day photography will produce a happier you when you get your images back.

DON'T Be HATIN'
I don't hate Pinterest.  I find it's partnership interesting to say the least. This is where it's helpful.
1. Clear ideas of what YOU, the bride finds appealing
2. Colors you seem to gravitate to
3. Emotions You find endearing
4. Moments that  YOU find important
5. Your sense of humor
6. Your detail savvy
7. Other interests you may have (horses, wine, jobs, travel)

Education is MY responsibility.

We all laugh at the blog of Pinterest fails right? Check one out here and enjoy :FAIL

A LITTLE EDUCATION:

1. I'll explain what goes into setting up your favorite shot (A little education can go a long way!)  Sometimes the time commitment can be unrealistic for the pace of your wedding day.
2. Choose your absolute top 5
3. Now choose your top 2
4. Understand, your photographer will do all they can to capture every special moment.  Giving them too much direction may actually derail how talented they really are and produce a lesser quality of awesome.


INSPIRE:
As a couple you are unique and THAT is most important.  Use Pinterest for inspiration, not as a weapon fighting reality.   Your professional photographer will probably do you better than Pinterest :)

Crockpotographer Part 3 : Just two...

It takes 2.  That's right, read it again.  This amazing recipe takes 2 ingredients. (3 if you include the bread)

 Everyone is different and not everyone runs a small business the same way.  When I first met Shelly we had NO idea we would actually be friends, let alone run a business together.  It was quite evident God had other plans.  She became ying to my business yang.

We also like photo booths

Our minds work in different ways and so do our personalities, her strengths are  my weaknesses and vice versa.  The best part is that we can both admit where we aren't strong and take on a humbled confidence where we shine.

Working together has brought on a different dimension for our clients.  They absolutely get two professional photographers, but they also get two friends who passionately love the work they do and each other. It takes two for this to work.  

back seat filled withs studio supplies and chocolate

We have been blessed to work with other professionals as well and this year alone has opened like castle doors swinging wide open to storm the gates.  God never made us to be alone (yes even us introverts need others), so in my world of work and friends I have found one of the best.

I do feel I need to claim the following should you choose to hire us :
1. At weddings Shelly always sneaks some dessert.
2.  We have huge qualms about dressing for comfort and professionalism
3. I lose all my go cups during wedding season
4.  We take great joy in watching people dance ;)
5. Please don't give Shelly any caffeine in any form
6. Shelly always likes the groom to dip his bride. She will ask you, beware.
7. I kill for a coke-a-cola and ice when I get to a wedding reception
8. We've only gotten lost once
9. We have telepathic communication during wedding ceremonies.
10. We are really excited about 2015. :):)
11. We can be bribed with chocolate and salt and vinegar chips.

Ok I'm done rambling.
Crockpot recipe to end all searching for crockpot recipes.
1 pound beef pot roast
1 jar green belle peppers

On low for 6 hours or 8.   Once cooked, shred it, stir it up and serve on biscuits or dinner rolls.
This is one killer recipe for large gathers like a Super Bowl...