Upstate NY Wedding Photographer: Choosing a photographer must be mind numbing..

You, the soon-to-be bride and groom have a LOT going on as you plan for your up and coming wedding day. In so many ways, I envy you.  Weddings have a come a long way in the past decade or so with the internet, social media and of course, Pinterest. There are million or more choices out there and that includes wedding photographers.
It's over-whelming for me to see how many people have started there own photography business.  In a sea of facebook jump starts, I don't envy the job of pouring through countless calls for your attention.

A few simple steps could ease the pain:
1. WHO RECOMMENDS US AND WHY? Word of mouth.  Almost all of my brides have come to me by recommendations from either a friend or a venue I have worked for.  Ask around. If you already have your venue booked, ask the venue director. Chances are they are not going to recommend someone who they don't feel will suit their couples.
On a secondary note, if someone recommends a photographer, find out why.  Do they have first hand experience with the distinguished work of a certain wedding photographer or are they simply recommending their best friend, daughter or cousin? Know the source.

2. PORTFOLIO INVESTIGATION? Look over their online portfolio. As you are looking through, decide what you LIKE about a certain portfolio.  Is it their candid style? Is it their detail shots? Are they portraying a certain artistry you enjoy?

3. A PHONE CALL INSTEAD OF EMAIL? Call. Get on the phone first with your photographer. You may be able to tell right away if their personality will fit yours and believe it or not, that is vital to a successful telling of your wedding day story.

4. WHY A CONSULT?  Your photographer should always be willing to meet you in person.  Rarely will I book with a bride who I don't have a face to face consult with.  We need to talk and get to know each other a little, after all I am going to be with you every step of your wedding day... that's a big deal!

5.  WHY CAN'T I FIND PRICES ONLINE?
Most photographers are pulling their price list from their sites. Why? For me personally, I would not want to be passed over or judged on my services based on my price list.  It is the last point I discuss with a bride simply because I want to know what a couple wants in a photographer first.  There is a relationship that needs to be established that goes far beyond just a hired service.  I need to be the right photographer for you, not just a piece that fits in the budget process. After all, I am re-telling the priceless story of your wedding day!!!  Price points are always important, but should not be your only deciding factor :)

Always check and ask about insurance, experience and legit business standing. A photographer should always, at the very least have a DBA (doing business as) in their county and insurance.  An official facebook page is not proof of business. ASK!

Those are just a few ideas as you begin looking for the wedding photographer that is right for you.
Happy planning!!!!!

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: I'm No Tattoo Artist...

Being a professional photographer has a catch.  It's that whole word "professional". That moment when you want your clients to realize you have it together, you know how to produce amazing  images and yet connect with them on a personal level.
Before vacation wrapped me up in sunshine, I met with an adorable couple in the little town of Roxbury, NY.  From minute one it started to unravel with professionalism slowly leaking from all areas of what should compose a meeting between photographer and client.
1. The client ran super late (that happens)
2. Client got a little lost maneuvering some roads to their venue prior to meeting me, even later.
3. Absolutely no cell service in this cute little town. None. I was cut off.
4. All little cafes and restaurants CLOSED by the time we met up that Sunday afternoon.

Therefore our little client meeting took place on a bench outside of a shop on Main Street.  It was a little chilly, but not intolerable, but still everyone was a little frazzled by the time things began.  The meeting was lighthearted, but it started to get uncomfortable when a wayside pedestrian become very interested in our conversation and decided to comment... a lot. Insert many polite smiles and absolutely no where to go and hide.

Unraveling continues.

I was beginning to think, there is no way this meeting is going to solidify a great relationship - everything is going downhill.

It got worse.

In my final goodbyes and thanking them for their time, the wayward pedestrian couldn't resist asking if I was some sort of artist.
I concurred.
"Are you a tattoo artist?" We all stopped and looked at him, there were no words.
"No, sir, I am just a wedding a photographer."  JUST a wedding photographer? Like that is sublimely inferior to a tattoo artist?
"Could you take pictures of dogs and make them into tattoos?"  He was serious. The conversation was getting worse and my cute little couple just stood there watching the whole thing - nearly as confused as I was.
"No sir, I don't do tattoos. At. all."
He continued on his way (with his little dog tucked under his arm) and I looked at my couple and asked..."Is there something about me that screams dog tattoo artist?"
Hysterical laughter commenced and the most awkward client meeting in history went down in the books.
And yes, I will be photographing their wedding this July.

Upstate NY Photographer: Don't Give Up

I try to find something inspirational every day. Perhaps it's better said, that you can find inspiration when you are looking for it.  This video has been seen by millions, because it invokes such a sense of emotion and stirs something inside us that we tend not to feel very often.
Dreams are possible, faith is necessary, love conquers all....we dig the quotes, but I'm not sure there is true belief in them..until we see something like this happen.
Then.
We are reminded of the very beautiful possibilities we have before us.  He didn't win a medal, but he won hearts.  I can't tell who won the Olympic medals that year...but I know Derek Redmond.

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 ;)

Upstate NY Photographer: The Hardest Thing...

Ok, maybe the blog title is a little dramatic. It's not THE hardest thing, but waiting for spring to get here..is testing my endurance of patience. Anyone in the northeast understands March is the crazy month as winter and spring dual it out for position in the weather system. I love following all my photographer friends, but it's killing me as they start to post their images in the rolling hills and sweet sunsets of early spring as I stare at the 6 inches of snow still caressing my property. The plus side? I have been forced to reconcile to organization and planning. Now that I know what is in front of me (kind of) I have more of a purpose and a plan and that feels good. I know I want to focus more on the rustic and chic style of wedding photography. It's where I am from, it's what has made me, I'm a country girl and I do love it. It's easy to express what you love. In doing so, I created a board on PINTREST just for this... check it out here: Rustic, Chic and Country Weddings Feel free to share your ideas~

Upstate NY Photographer: Wedding Visual Entree'

As we progress into 2013, I am going to be implementing more video segments. It's fun, it's playful and that's exactly how I like to be! I will be showcasing more rustic and chic weddings especially outdoor weddings as well as barn weddings. Just to let you in on my planning!! It's gonna be fabulous! For now, enjoy this little ditty showcasing a few of our weddings! Another video coming soon!