Look here, I haven’t blogged for nearly two weeks! After coming back it’s been pretty hectic, I’ve been spending most of my time fulfilling client photo requests, delivering discs, meeting up with people, and this weekend I’m in NYC attending a friend’s wedding… I have a couple of shoots that I will be posting soon, though you can get a preview of my collaboration with Bumble Bee Landing on my Facebook fan page. I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that by Christmas (though possible as soon as Tuesday) I may know where I’ll end up going for business school. Or I may be spending the holidays writing more school applications, and perhaps crying a bit. I’ve come this far after many months of hard work and self-evaluation, and I don’t want to spend my days worrying… I’m finding my peace. I trust that God has a plan for me and that whatever I do, I will strive to glorify the way He has blessed my life by continuing to make life better for other people. Random shout out to every person who’s wished me good luck so far, there are more of you than I could count and I’ve lost track so I can’t thank you individually, but please know that I’m so amazed that you’re thinking of and supporting me, it’s all incredibly humbling and undeserved. To all my other friends who are going through business school applications right now – keep your chins up! Have you found your peace, and if so, what is it?
In the meantime, I’ve got some tips for you! Beyond the skill and artistry of a photographer, I’ve seen variations in an individual photographer’s work as well from wedding to wedding to session. There are some factors that are beyond our control – but are in the client’s control – that can help bring their photos up to the next level. After all, we work the best we can with what we are given, but some things do make our lives better and your pictures spectacular.
1. Communication – I want to understand first and foremost what my clients want to look for in their photographs. A lot of clients come to me saying they like “photojournalistic” capture, but then when they point out their favorite photos in my portfolio, they aren’t necessarily what I’d call photojournalistic! Therefore, I really believe in meeting and emailing and staying in constant contact with my clients. The more communication and understanding there is between a photographer and a client, the more prepared we will be going in.
2. Weather – Actually, this is beyond anyone’s control, weather is not the greatest in Boston, but there are things that I do to work around. First off, as a mostly natural light photographer, I almost never do portraits after sunset. In order to make sure there is enough light and time for photographs, the majority of my wedding clients elect to have their portraits taken before the ceremony (a First Look), and no one has regretted it!
3. Give enough time – A wedding day is hectic, many things can go wrong, but if photographs are important to you, you need to plan enough time to take those photos, it takes time to get familiar in front of the camera and get “just 10 great shots”. Depending on the size of your wedding party and the number of family group photos you need, I typically recommend anywhere between 1 – 2.5 hours for photos. You will need more time if you want to travel.
4. Location, location, location – If your reception or ceremony venue is naturally beautiful, then you already have a leg up. However, as I am more of an outdoors photographer, I still spend the majority of pre-session planning with my clients brainstorming multiple locations and settings because a venue might not have a great exterior, and even on the day of the wedding, things can change. Therefore, give yourself more options by being open to multiple locations.
5. Add an engagement session – Why have an engagement session? It’s an opportunity to get to know your photographer early, test out their stuff, and get some great photos at the same time. Couples who have done an engagement session are much more relaxed with me on wedding day.
6. Start with a better canvas  - It’s no secret that the more money and time one invests into a wedding, usually the better it looks. Now, I’m not sitting here telling everyone to spend more money on a wedding. However, things that do make photos better include: Taking the time to get great makeup, good hair, a form-fitting dress, beautiful florals, and details, details, details. If these kinds of provisions are not within your wedding plans, then I’d definitely recommend #7.
7. Personality – You’ve got it, your friends have it, so don’t be afraid to be yourself at your own wedding! Your personality is what is going to make your photographs uniquely yours. In the end, even if a bride had the world’s most beautiful dress, or someone managed to rent out the most expensive venue, I care most about capturing the beautiful union of two people.
One sneak peek from a bridal shoot featuring Bumble Bee Landing’s floral design
by Shang
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