Fleur-de-lees Photography: August 2011

Alright, so I have been there, done that. I had a very big mansion style wedding almost 5 years ago at the de seversky mansion. The majority of our budget was spent on wedding photography. I realize now that I had the right idea. I got exactly what I paid for. I loved the photographs, but it was the experience that was priceless. Still to this day, I would love to take my photographer out for a cup of coffee. I can't tell you how many people come to me to tell me how horrible their experience was with their wedding photographer. Honestly, this makes me sad. Like any bad relationship the red flags are ALWAYS there, we just have to want to see them. When I started planning my studio, I thought about things that I wanted and needed in a wedding photographer. I built a business foundation trying to attract clients I know I would click with who were looking for the same things I was looking for. I wanted to share some of my tips and answer some frequently asked questions I get. Here we go:

1) DO NOT skimp on wedding photography coverage. Yes, everyone has a budget. I would not include prints and albums in the photography budget. Get the best coverage (hopefully full day 10-12 hours) for your money. If you don't have amazing images no amount of prints or albums will ever do. I still can't understand why someone would spend a good amount on a venue, flowers, dresses, tuxes, and entertainment and then totally drop the ball with photography. When you look back the photographs are all you really have to remember that day. Who hasn't looked through their parents or grandparents wedding photos? Some day someone will be looking through yours! If you made that connection with a wonderful photographer in your price range- BOOK THEM. Yes, I have brides weekly that can not work within our price range. Don't let a small amount of money stand in your way of getting the photographer you really want. Everyone eats chicken! I have seen $2500 gowns photograph just as well as $10,000 ones! Although, I do not change my pricing for a client I try not to let it stand in the way of a client booking us especially when I know they are perfect for us. Sometimes I can change payment installments to better suit the couple. Not all photographers can or will do this, but I always say ask. You never know if you don't ask!

2) Hire a professional photographer. Make sure that they are a WEDDING photographer. A family friend or a family member is not the best choice. There are so many professional photographer out there at many difference price points- hire one. Remember that you get what you pay for. I understand that everyone has to start somewhere as wedding photographer (we were there too once!), but make sure your expectations are realistic. Finding a great photographer is like finding the perfect mate- There is someone out there for everyone, but you really don't know how to compare unless you "date" a few of us and overall do your research. Recommendations from recently married friends is a great start. Make sure your friends have similar budgets as well as similar styles. No two couples are exactly alike and neither are wedding photographers. The first thing I would do is find a style that really fits you and your soon-to-be spouse.

3) When you hire a photographer you are hiring them for their style. I never booked a couple and then had them ask me to do something totally different then all the other weddings I shoot. You go to a photographer because you love what they do, how they shoot and the way they see the world. You should expect similar results in your own photographs and feel very confident in that. If you don't feel sure about a photographer's style keep shopping. Style and taste are both things that can not be changed overnight. Book a photographer for their consistency.

4) Don't do your own makeup and false eyelashes should be mandatory for a wedding. Some pampering should be called for on your special day! You will have so much on your mind and proper make up application shouldn't be one of them. My makeup artist was Jacqueline Nicole of PrettyMe.com. I couldn't recommend her enough. Even after 5 years, not only the way the make up showed up on camera , but the wonderful experience I had with her remains in my mind. False eyelashes really put a finishing touch on a bridal look. I know many of our brides want to look like themselves on their big day, but with a little "kick". A set of false eyelashes is a great way to achieve that look.

5) Do an engagement shoot with your photographer. The wedding day is too late to realize that you don't click with or even like your photographer. The wedding day is not the day to get to know or meet your photographer either. You do not want to spend 10-12 hours of the most wonderful day in your life with someone you can not stand! Engagement photos are a great way to record time before you were married as well as a trial run for the wedding day. Everyone should have photos of themselves and the one they love previous to getting married. It is also a great day to trial makeup. I often go over with my brides how the make up looks and they can often see for themselves that they really do look most beautiful when they are smiling! Engagement shoots are very important to me and the evolution of my studio. I take time and preparation for them. I am usually asked to find a location that I really feel will suit the couple, I am often asked to put input to outfit choices as well. When I do an engagement shoot, it is the first time I can really show a couple what I can do for them and a preview as to what I am going to deliver for them on their wedding day. I really love when clients get excited about an engagement shoot. They should be!

6) Wear heels! Okay, I don't expect you to wear them all day (I didn't), but at least until you are finished with your bridal portraits. We photograph when we feel our best. Doesn't every girl feel more beautiful with heels on? Wearing heels really puts the body in a position for a great photograph and overall posture is improved. Even if I am only doing head shots, I ask the client to wear heels.

7) Put as much time as you can between ceremony and cocktail hour or consider a "first look". I totally understand how much hard work and what an investment you have made in your big day- I don't want you to miss a thing- but I also want you to have amazing pictures and lots of them!

8) Weddings over 120 people I would suggest hiring a second photographer in their package. A partner photographer is built into every one of our packages, but everyone runs their business and shoots differently. It is important for me to tell the full story of the wedding day and providing groom coverage in every package is a must for me! I always think great full coverage of a wedding day includes 2 photographers.

8) Do not meet with 20 photographers! Really think about what you need and want in a photographer and narrow down the list for actual meetings. I only inquired and met with one photographer because I knew before I even met my husband who I wanted my photographer to be. I know not everyone has that same experience, but meeting with 20 photographers will really make it hard to make a final decision and in the end might make you overlook the perfect one for you. Photography choice for your wedding day should be exciting, fun and well thought out. I would hope that it will not bring you stress or any angst. I would say looking at websites of dozens of photographers (some that aren't in your area of the world or price range is fine. You can start to develop and recognize what overall style you would like to eventually book is smart way to go), inquiring via email with some and meeting 2 to 3 possible candidates is a great way to make a final choice.

9) Book in advance. I would say a year out is the perfect time to choose and secure your wedding photographer. You want to make sure that you get the one that you really want once you find them!

10) Make sure the day is all about you and your soon-to-be spouse. Book vendors that are flexible and willing to work with you and your vision of a perfect day. Also remember that everyone is there for YOU. Don't feel bad about inconveniencing anyone. Have your wedding on the day you want it, at the time you want it, at the venue you wouldn't change for the world no matter its location, and invite who you want. Remember everyone is there to celebrate you, your love and new beginnings! I hope you find this helpful and it gave you some ideas or made you think differently about missing out on a great vendor!
xoxo,
Amanda-lee
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