Feb. 4 bridal show The Factory, Franklin TN. – Be there or be square :)

That’s right, I will be a featured vendor at my second Factory bridal show put on by Here Comes The Brides. http://herecomethebridesbridalshow.com/ I will be getting a bunch of complimentary admission tickets I can distribute, just ask if you have interest in attending and I will provide you with tickets while supplies last. Please let me know asap, I will not be mailing any out after the 28th of February, as it may not arrive in time. :) There are 5 other middle Tennessee wedding photographers besides me, and there will also be venue representatives, bakers, videographers, photo booths, dress and formal wear shoppes, etc. It’s kindof sad that some people view these shows as merely a way to get free trinkets. Sure, that’s a nice touch, but attending these shows is also a great way to get ideas, and get to know the vendors who made an effort and investment to be a part of the show. It’s a way to get face to face with your vendors, which is an effective screening and qualifying process. Also the visual presentations that are at the booths give brides a better idea of what that vendor offers.

For this show, I will have a few more mounted prints than last show, and have added 2 new furnishings to use for extra print display, that I found at a local thrift store, M&M Furniture at Riverside Village East Nashville. Here is a map of Riverside Village http://www.riversidevillagenashville.com/map.htm and another for the shop, though they don’t have a dedicated website. http://wikimapia.org/14812532/M-M-Furniture . I will be having Midtown Printing re do the crappy brochures that the last printer totally botched. LOL. Many good things in the future that I look forward to, this show definitely being a huge one for me! Please stop by and say hi, and please tell any friends or family who will be, or are planning a wedding. :) There will also be a fashion show with dresses and mens’ formalwear. I hope to see you there!

Gotta keep it moving!

I’ve been guilty of this in the past, as many people have….especially during a tough economy, or when working towards a financial goal / pay off a certain debt. Working almost non stop and not giving yourself a break. I am all for being a hustler and putting time and dedication into a craft or business. But as many say, it’s more about working smarter than working harder. No matter what you do for a living, this applies. Especially if a job that requires a lot of desk time. Being a photographer does require a fair share of desk time. Which I have stated in the past, it pays to get it right in camera and save Photoshop for enhancements, as opposed to fixing sloppy mistakes. I like to save myself some desk time by being careful how I set up lighting and composition, and styling details on the front end. Especially with wedding photographers and other event photographers who have to process a larger amount of images, it’s easy to sit at the desk and make a marathon out of it just to get it done.

 

I’m not saying that’s wrong. But health and wellness experts will tell you that taking breaks and letting yourself get some exercise and fresh air is much healthier, and helps you be more productive in your work, even with the time taken to dedicate to your personal care. What I try to do is if I have a day’s worth of desk time ahead of me, whether blogging, updating site, Photoshop work, etc. I work for a couple hours in the morning, then take the dogs for a good long walk….work some more. Then go to the gym for an hour or so, and go back to work. I find that with the time I take for that, I feel better and don’t feel as stiff and tired, and I make better decisions, as well as stay better focused on my work. It also helps prevent the hermit syndrome, you know….the 4 walls surrounding you everywhere you go, LOL. You gotta take care of yourself, the work gets done and you feel better in the process. Also having an occasional diversion helps refresh the eye, and makes your work time more productive. It feels like I have gotten more done, better by doing it this way as opposed to going straight out….also I make less time for web based distractions, and am more serious about my work, and look forward to it more. Lots to be said for that. I encourage everyone to be passionate and dedicated, but also to stay moving and stay healthy.

Random / candid details at weddings can really be great!

I had the pleasure of shooting a small, and fairly brief, but fast paced wedding at a sweet little country chapel, utilizing nice natural window light. The ceremony and the bride and groom / wedding party portraits were already done. The cake cutting and best man speech was done, so I was working the room getting some random reception candids. Just to capture a journalistic mood. To me, those fly on the wall moments are what makes the wedding photography tell a successful story, and many couples are seeing it that way too. Photographs from a skilled wedding photographer should have a different feel from those guests take. Often these candid / journalistic wedding photos are done without the guests even knowing it. When I am working an event, that’s my goal to blend in rather than distract them and have them pose. I learned this from street photography years ago. Seeing that animation of people interacting and shaking hands, having a drink together, etc. are best captured undisturbed. I am sure wildlife photographers would agree with that approach when photographing their subjects, LOL.

 

I just happened to walk past the bride and groom table, and there was a mirror like serving tray on their table. I saw them stand up and get ready for a bride and groom dance, and as they stood up and embraced, I saw their reflection in the serving tray. Rather than photograph them in the normal fashion, I focused on their reflection in the serving tray, and it created a totally different, but dynamic result. I had all of 3 or 4 seconds to capture it before they moved. Because it was a reflection, it was upside down. With a rotation of the image and working on some highlight and shadows while making black and white, I realized I had a very rich, and intimate moment captured, in a unique way. My only risk was missing that image of them together, but there were many others…..and the potential to get something different that made a statement  far outweighed the risk of taking that spur of the moment chance. The couple loved that photo, which really made it worth doing and thinking on my feet. I can only hope for future weddings, I don’t miss those chances and take advantage of those opportunities :)

Valentines Day / online dating continued :)

Most of my clients are women, and I hear a lot about their experiences. What they are saying is that the deal breakers for a majority of them are when guys don’t read their bios for starters. They generally get more mail than men do, so they just want to keep things moving and not have to sift through tons of messages that aren’t relevant. The women I have talked to would rather see a well put together, and not overly long paragraph wrote to them. Relevance, similar to when I have a prospective photography client, I try to get to know something about them first. It helps me better understand their needs and makes for a happier customer when I provide the goods. The same for if it’s a commercial photography job. I learn some basic facts about the company and do some research. It shows effort and enthusiasm on my part, and shows them I am prepared for the job. With a host of other Nashville area  photographers, I have to do those little details that make me stand apart from the masses.

 

Of course the spark isn’t always there, and not everyone is a fit. The women tell me they generally like a good balance of being asked questions, and having their questions answered, and keeping it fun, light, and positive. No one likes to hear drama or horror stories on a first date, at least no one I’d want to date. This means avoiding talk about politics, ex’s, past relationship drama, etc. And not being overly pushy or persistent. That’s the number one complaint I have heard from women, that some guys don’t take no for an answer, and calling repeatedly when they don’t hear back from them isn’t going to all of a sudden make them interested. As a man, the way I look at it, is why should I pursue someone who isn’t making an effort or showing interest as well? I have better things to do. Being pushy is just creepy.

 

Now then. If I am reading ladies’ dating profiles, here is what I look for. I know every guy is different. But this is me. I’ve reached the point in my life where it’s important for me to get out and have fun, stay moving, and dedicate time to my personal care…..but also am serious about my professional life. I’m not rich, or famous, but am not in a hurry to share what I have worked for with just anyone. I’m ok single, or if I’m in a relationship. And that’s the best place to be. If I get the idea that someone is still hung up over an ex, or has to be with someone and can’t be alone, I flee from that scene fast, as it will only be drama and unfair for both of us. I have the most respect for someone who has something going on in their life, and is positive and happy. Busy, but still makes time for social activity and fun is a perfect balance. If they seem scattered and chaotic, they clearly don’t have control of their life, and don’t have time for me, and I just don’t need it. Nor do I have time to babysit them, LOL.

 

Being overly headstrong, opinionated or politically engulfed, just wouldn’t work for me, both are negativity for me.  Sure, I love a woman who has a backbone and her own personality, but when obnoxiously dominant, I wonder what they are trying to prove. It’s like being around someone without deodorant. Whether male or female. I love discussions and even friendly debates, but life’s too short for any of it to get personal. Like ok, we may not agree on politics etc. but who really cares. We’re all different for a reason. Surprisingly, many don’t grasp that. Bring a hypochondriac or chronic complainer also no good. Confident, well balanced, positive, fun, well spoken, all attractive traits. The opposites you might guess, to me are not. Happy valentines day!

Valentines Day dating talk is back!

Many people enjoyed the randomness of last year’s dating discussion, I will do it again, LOL. I may not be the authority on marriage only being engaged previously, and never married (Thank God that never happened with her, LOL), but I have done a TON of dating. Do with it what you will. There are many ways to meet someone these days. I have found, still to be the best way is by chance or through people you know, so the common interest is there, and the initial contact is in person. I’ve always been a social person and do better that way than online. To me it’s awkward to try to envision what someone is actually like, but you can tell a lot by how someone carries themselves. I have met people online, the reasons are quite simple. I have limited amounts of time to meet people by chance. I can’t be where I need to be all the time for that to happen, and still get business taken care of at the same time. I’ve had mixed results with online dating, but it can work fine if done correctly.

 

I don’t understand the whole mean world syndrome, that anyone online is a predator or a psycho, and anyone at the grocery store must be ok. Tomfoolery. It’s about having some common sense, and using some judgement about how someone conducts themselves in their messages. Like being well written and answering questions, as well as asking questions about the other person, and overall inflection. It’s always a good idea to have at least one phone conversation before meeting…..which at that point logic should definitely prevail as to whether you want to go through meeting that person or not. You can tell a lot more about a person in a real time conversation, less time to think and delete words, etc.

 

My personal approach is to exchange a few email messages, if meeting a person online, and a phone conversation, preferable not a super long one, and set a time to meet for a drink or at a coffee shop, in a public place obviously. My reasons for not investing long periods of time talking electronically or over the phone before meeting are quite simple. I don’t want to waste time building a potentially false connection that otherwise may not be there when meeting. Sure, you can get a good indication by chatting online and on the phone, but you never really know if “it’s there” until interacting in person. If someone is hesitant to do that, I just move on to someone else. It’s not a matter of impatience, but more rather because the goal should be to get to know someone, not to waste hours playing footsie over the phone or iChat and still not know if there would be mutual interest when meeting. Forget that crap. I don’t have time for that, and most people these days don’t. It is good to let someone know where you are going and who you will be with, as a safety measure. Also, having a drink or coffee is less invasive to both peoples’ time than dinner or an activity outing that would take more time. It’s also not a waste of a dinner tab if the spark isn’t there. If it is, fantastic! There is plenty of time to do movies, concerts, wine tastings, art shows, basket weaving classes, etc, lol. It’s just less of a potential black cloud that makes the food taste different. Next article gets specific about my search criteria as a guy, and what I hear women say about guys, do’s and don’ts :)

Important lesson about not missing important photos

When I went to NY to visit this past Thanksgiving, which was just over 2 months ago, at the time I wasn’t thinking this feature photo would have so much riding on it. I went to Allentown PA. as part of my visit for a day, to visit my grandmother. We got her outside and I shot a portrait of her with my old Canon AE1 35mm, had a fresh roll of 100 speed Kodal Ektar loaded in. I didn’t have any lighting or reflectors, nothing fancy, all bare bones. But the point is I made what I had work, and thought to take her portrait. I’ve lost some opportunities in the past that I regret. So I’ve been guilty of it too. People you are around even on a regular basis, you never know if you’ll have another day together in this life. So it’s important to capture the good times on camera of those you appreciate and love. I can look in my old photo albums and see many examples of just that. I think it’s a real shame that some people have gotten away from the print and the album. If you are raising children and don’t have these to show them, and providing photos for them except what is on your phone or computer, as far as I’m concerned, you’re short changing them. If this offends you, it’s intended to. LOL.

I didn’t know that photo would be the last one of Granny I’d ever get. And perhaps no one else has gotten one since then either. So, I’ve lost some, as far as those I wish I’d photographed a little more, or a little sooner. But I feel like I won here by getting this photo. She passed away a little less than a month ago, from short illness. It’s a hard adjustment for the whole family, but we all agree on two things. It’s good that she had 104 years and made each year count. And she didn’t have a long illness and have to suffer, she completed her task here on earth and wants the same for us all. Whether it’s hiring a portrait photographer to capture your family together, or photographing fun shots of your friends yourself, it’s an important investment. Some whine and cry about having to pay a photographer, but if a case like this happens, they later realize how valuable of a purchase it was :) I love capturing stories and memories for my clients, it;s what I do. But I have to remember to do the same with those who are a regular part of my life as well. I hope this inspires all of you to not miss these moments. This photo isn’t just for me to have and enjoy, but is also very valuable to others in the family. You just never know.

One question some brides ask, but it’s a moot question

I’ve very rarely ever had any couple who has booked me ask me this, as one of their primary concerns. It’s “How many photos do we get?” I will address why this is not really possible to answer, and why it doesn’t even matter. Every wedding event is different, they all move at different paces, it also depends how many setups and necessary, and how many different locations we use in the day. It just seems odd to me that when a couple sees how well that wedding photographer can tell the story for other couples, the thought of how many still enters their mind. I can understand the couple wanting their day documented and not missing key events, but whether there is 300 photos, or 3,000, the value for the service provided isn’t necessarily higher just because of a higher number of images shot. There are some photographers who shot large quantities who do it very well…..and others just shoot a bunch of repeats of the same thing, and in turn make work for the couple when viewing them. LOTS of work.

 

It all depends on the size of the wedding for starters. My particular approach when I photograph weddings is to capture some location details, and take my time looking around first, that way it comes to me faster when shooting, what is most interesting. And to make sure I get enough to choose from, with every part of the event. I’m not a rapid fire shooter for several reasons. First one being, if I was, I’d be in those peoples’ faces every minute of the day, and then they might as well hire a videographer instead, lol. I enjoy capturing random and natural candid moods, and that means often stepping back and being ready when it happens. And I find those are the photos people love the most. Dancing photos, etc. from the reception, I like to think about using lighting and properly composing my images rather than just shoot like gangbusters. I find this way I am more efficient with telling the story and not just having a bunch of duplicates or blinkers. And the clients get enough, and then some. Also I am less invasive to their event, but yet am still a fun part of it.

 

I had a bride tell me that her friend got married and she had to view a proof gallery of 2,000 images, and her wedding was medium sized at best. She was overwhelmed and started balling because it would take an age to look through all those, to make prints or an album. For an album, 100-150 photos is enough to tell the story for just about any size wedding. Even less for a small wedding. Looking through thousands would make that process all the more difficult. I’m not saying larger quantities are automatically decreased quality, but it also doesn’t automatically mean better value. Think about why you hire a wedding photographer. To tell your story about you, your life as a couple, and your families, as well as your dream wedding day. The same way, you have a house built because of how well it’s built, not how many nails the contractors use. :)

Tips for portrait clients to prepare for a photoshoot

There are people who love the camera and immediately shine for it. And others who find it awkward and are uncomfortable with the thought of it, LOL. Many people just don’t think they are photogenic. But I think everyone is in their own way, and perfect looks are not even relevant. Anyone can be an interesting photo subject, with the right photographer who has the right skills. It’s up to the photographer to use the right lighting, angle, lens, composition, etc. to flatter each unique subject. There are many factors that come into play with headshots especially. The shape of the subject’s face, nose, tall or short forehead, hair or lack thereof, and exactly what we want that photograph to say. Whether business or corporate portrait or an individual portrait or headshot, or even family portraits. The fact that there is more that goes into it than aiming and shooting, is exactly why I never understood why some just look for the cheapest person. A well done photograph can also build peoples’ self esteem.

 

One tip I can offer the client, is to take a few minutes each day and practice in the mirror, different expressions, and spell out the vowels with their mouths, saying A E I O U, this works the face muscles and brings out some different energy and expressions. That’s one way to loosen up by the time you get to the studio. In the meantime, it’s good to communicate with your photographer about wardrobe options, etc. Look at the photographer’s work. Is there something about their work that inspires you, and do you see moods you want brought out in your own photos? All things to think about. It’s amazing how sometimes other people notice something unique about a person, more than they even notice it in themselves. Your face can tell a story. Period.

A different spin on maternity photos

There are many ways to do them, but so many I see have been done the same exact way, and that bores me. Many women are anxious to capture this look, with their child in their womb, while others are self conscious about their belly, but it’s a beautiful thing to capture if they can find a photographer to capture the intimate mood and feel that they imagined. When I think of a well done intimate and artistic maternity photo, I think of shadow play and low key lighting, with some brush light to accent the outline of the subject, and a candid mood. Not so much posed or smile for the camera expression. But more rather some implied vanity almost, vulnerability, the husband’s admiration and anticipation, or in this case, the older sibling’s anticipation and excitement.

 

In this particular shoot, it was very candid and a slice of life, as if the mother and daughter were discussing how pregnancy works, etc. And this photo showed the bond between mother and daughter, and it was all about me not leaving a footprint. Natural / reflected window light, and all natural feel. The in home setting and the use of the natural elements to me made this something unique, and beautiful.

What I look for in wedding clients

As clients have to qualify vendors, we also have to do the same to some extent. I can’t speak for every photographer, but for me, this is how I process things. For me, it’s not all about clients with large budgets. It’s more about working with organized clients with realistic budgets, I find they are the best to work with and truly value the services I provide for them. I have gotten a decent amount of wedding photography inquiries lately which is great, but it’s a similar process to looking at a used car you’re selling on Craigslist. You may get many calls or email inquiries, but unless they come look at it and make an offer, they aren’t serious buyers.  The first thing many clients have to do is make sure that photographer is able to suit their needs, as well as work within their budget within reason, so that may be part of the initial qualifying process for them. In which case I will respond by email and explain how my packages work, and ask them further details about their event and set up a time to talk in greater detail, so I can finalize my quote to them. I am always cordial and inviting to everyone, and try to provide them the necessary information they need to get the ball rolling, but it’s only the preliminary.

 

Just like the Craigslist analogy, not everyone is a fit to do business with everyone else. My package pricing is reasonable, but I’m not the cheapest by any means, nor the most expensive. But I believe in my heart that I will provide a great product to prospective clients, and will take good care of them. If price is someone’s only concern, the chances of them doing business with me are approaching slim. Because there are a slew of people doing all day $500.00 weddings, however, the informed client can see the value in hiring a professional photographer when they compare, as there are no do overs for wedding photography. Jumping through hoops for those price point people has proven to be less fruitful, mainly not even because of their budget, but because of them not being willing to put work and communication into anything, and not being organized. Therefore, I’d likely have underbid a wedding I was not happy with, and the client isn’t happy either because they wanted a Mercedes for the price of a Kia, or their own disorganization made the event a catastrophe. Not fair for anyone involved.

 

Ask any bride who had a successful wedding, she will tell you that there was hours of communication with the photographer before and after the event, so the during time could run as smooth as a Rolex watch. Shortcuts do not create favorable results. The questions more informed and organized clients ask before selecting a wedding vendor / photographer are of course what can be offered in their price range, etc. but it doesn’t end there, is my point. By then they have already established that they feel a connection between my work and their wedding. They generally want to know how much time I have spent in my field, if I am insured, if I will be there for them years from now, if God forbid anything happen to their wedding photos in a fire or flood, etc. (well, no one knows this, but from a business solidarity standpoint I mean). Also that I understand their needs, and am flexible, and easy to get a hold of. It’s the accountability that also separates the professionals from the hobbyists who are charging people to photograph them. I’ll take someone who knows and trusts my work, yet is clear about their needs, even if borderline demanding, that’s fine, I know where I stand and know what I have to do. Generally people like that have no problem establishing what they can spend for what coverage, and make additions or sacrifices to suit. And have a better organized wedding and a product they are pleased with, as opposed to those with tunnel vision or hire the first person who gives them a price they like. No one likes to lose business, I sure don’t. But successful business creates more successful business, and that makes for a successful business. It’s about the big picture :)