Mal & Cal {Downtown Greenville}
I met Mallorie downtown Greenville a few months ago. She was working with TJ from Gvegas Nights and I was down there with some friends promoting Portraits for Heroes. Mallorie was one of the awesome contestants in our bachelor & bachelorette auction, so I was definitely excited to shoot her.
Again, with the rain. And again it was cleared up by 5 but this time it left behind nasty humidity. We shot at The Children's Garden which is a cute little area under the 123 Bridge with flowers, gardens, etc.
Mallorie brought her daughter Caleigh, she's 13 months and so adorable. Those chunky cheeks and gorgeous eyes make her completely irresistable and not to mention she has one hot momma! Doesn't she look amazing, you'd never know she had a child!
Sneak peaks:
Reid Family {Greer City Hall}
I met the Reid/Carithers family tonight for some family photos. Our session was at 6:45 and right around 5pm it started thundering, lightning and raining.... and I live five minutes from where we were scheduled to shoot. But as fate would have it... not only did the nonsense weather stop but it was beautiful out. Perfect conditions for an outside shoot.
After dodging the herds of people and trying to stay out of the way of another couples wedding photographs, we manage to sneak in a few good ones. Here are the sneak peaks.
Also, keep an eye out for Chandler and Amber, I'll be doing their 2011 Senior Portraits next week!
Choosing Your Wedding Photographer
Brace yourself..... it's a long one....
Anyone can build a pretty web site, buy a fancy camera and post a few "lucky" shots in their portfolio. Consistency is KEY. With the professional camera's out on the market and easily obtainable by anyone who has the money, make sure your wedding photographer knows how to use their camera and knows what they're talking about. Ask them if they shoot manual mode, aperture, shutter or automatic. You'll be surprised in how many "photographers" shoot fully automatic(they may not admit to this), which means you could give a nice camera to a guest and they'll produce the same images. There will always be a few bad seeds that give photography (or any career) a bad name, these seeds are in it for the money, not for the art. What's the point in spending your life savings on a gown, flowers, center pieces, a cake, a DJ, etc if you don't have the professional images to capture it?
Be confident in your decision. Micromanaging your photographer will cramp their style and creativity. Do not choose a photographer because they're "ok" (and in your budget)and think you can mold them into the photographer you really wish you could afford. It won't happen, there's a reason why their images aren't up to par with the better photographer.
I get the "you want me to do what?" look all the time, but once the image is captured it's usually the pick of the litter. You've hired us because you like our style and feel it suits yours. You've hired us because you like our "out side of the box" approach and creativity. We are open for suggestions and will always ask if you have any additional poses or shots in mind, we aren't asking that this turn into OUR wedding. But you chose us for a reason.
A photographers personality carries just as much weight as the images they produce. If you do not feel a connection with the photographer, you will not feel a connection to their images. Price shopping is a bad idea. Finding a photographer that you feel inspired by and in aw of is the right idea. Search through local web sites until your eyes can no longer stay open. When you find it, you'll know. Just like your wedding dress, a photographer requires the perfect fit.
It is your job, as a bride, to research your vendors. Obviously you need to 'like' their work, but does the photographer make it easy for you to get a hold of them? Do they promptly answer your emails and phone calls and do they answer all your questions without having to ask again? If they post a wedding on their calendar how long is it before sneak peaks are posted?
Being in the wedding industry we tend to think of questions you may not have. The above is what is most important to me, if I were to choose a photographer. The below Q&A are more frequently asked and just as important.
Experience Level - We've photographed several weddings, we're very creative and try to bring something new to each wedding. I work fulltime as a paramedic and have a very flexible schedule! At this time I photograph on a part time basis.
Photographic Style - Our style is a mix between photojournalism, formal, classic and candid. We have examples of each style to show you and we will shoot which ever style you prefer. We offer both color and b&w photos.
Truth in Advertising - When we arrange a meeting with you it will consist of myself and possibly my second shooter. We will be the photographers working for you. We do not believe in sending a company rep to meet and smooze you and have a totally different person show up the day of your wedding. We do not come with any surprises.
Personality - We are very laid back, but business oriented. We have not found it difficult to work with any bride, whether your a bridezilla or not! (Kidding!)
Price Range - We are upfront and honest with all our prices. There are no hidden fees. We will work with you to meet your budget, but unfortunately can only work with you to a certain extent. The price of your package will be included on your booking proposal and you can choose to accept or reject the price.
Delivery - At this time we are guaranteeing your DVD of images 15 days following your wedding. After choosing your prints we will submit your order and delivery will take 2-3 weeks. Albums are custom made for each client and usually take 4-8 weeks for delivery.
Offering - We offer four premade packages and a "build your own" option. We have several add-ons that can be added to any package. We also offer custom packages to suit your budget and your needs. What you see is what you get, we do not change the product type or cost after the booking proposal is accepted.
Contract - All the obligations of Mirrored Images and the client are addressed in the contract. Our contract is very thorough and outlines all the "what-ifs". If you feel something needs to be added to the contract please email us your request and following approval, it will be added and a new contract sent. As I've said before, there are no hidden agendas or fees.
What about deposits and payments? In the unlikely event that Mirrored Images is not able to attend your wedding but a contract has been signed, another photographer will be sent at no additional charge to the client. This is outlined in the contract.
References - We have plenty! Personal & Business references are available upon request. However, if you click on the "real life" tab of our web site you'll be able to read a few that we have posted.
Do you have an assistant? We believe an additional photographer brings more to your wedding then an assistant would. Double the pictures, right?!
Do you have backup equipment and is it the same quality as the primary equipment? Yes! We have backup lenses and camera bodies!
What time will you begin and how long will you stay until? We come when you ask us to and stay until you leave, or until the time booked ends.
When will the proofs be ready? We offer sneak peaks which are posted on the blog and facebook. These will be posted within one week of your wedding date. We also offer proof books which take 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Do you mark your proofs? Yes
Where and how are your proofs marked? Bottom right corner of every image.
How much extra for unmarked proofs? We do not currently offer this option
Do you have tele-photo and wide-angle lenses? Yes, both
Do you work well with the other vendors? We work well with everyone! We like to network with other vendors so we can share our experiences with our future brides.
Can you work from a photo checklist that we create? We will provide you with a questionnaire that you can choose from and add your own.
How will you be dressed? We wear formal to semi-formal clothing at all weddings, unless the couple has asked we dress a different way.
Do you process and develop your own film and prints? We shoot all digital! We post process all our images and a local lab prints.
Thanks for taking the time to read our FAQ's! If you have any additional questions please contact us!
Weekend Overview
Whew! What a weekend. When we weren't shooting we were eating, sleeping or editing. But I have to admit I loved every second of it. We had zero cancellations and after seeing the images from each session I am so happy for that!
All my sneak peaks are posted on the blog and facebook! Go on over to Eric's blog and check for his images from the sessions. Thanks again to Eric for being a trooper; even though he wanted to be in Alaska all weekend we did our job and our clients are very happy. (The heat was BAD!)
We've received two testimonials back so far, here's what they're saying....
"Amy and I could not be happier with the way the shots came out. Jenn and Eric definitely captured the 'timeless' feeling that we were looking for. Amy and I tend to be pretty photogenic as it is, but shooting with Jenn and Eric really brought our personalities out and it is definitely portrayed in the pictures. During the shoot Amy and I were made to feel very comfortable and natural. We were definitely given just the right amount of direction to capture that playful nature that both Amy and I have in our daily lives. The end result came out far better than I could have imagined. Amy and I could not be happier with the final result."-- Danny + Amy
"Jenn and Eric met up with Evan and I, behind Island water sports in downtown Lake worth. I loved how well they communicated with Evan, and he had alot of fun posing for the camera. It was brutally hot outside so I was stoked that they got a bunch of shots in less than an hour. What I loved the most is that Jenn didn't hesitate to get down in the dirt to get the shots she wanted. And the best part is every single picture looks amazing. Thanks again!"-- Melinda
A few of my weekend fav's:
Matt + Lisa:: Engaged! {City Place, WPB}
Tonight is the last night we're in Florida, for now. After rain and thunder all day we were afraid we'd have to cancel Matt and Lisa's e-session. But, the skies turned blue and we set out to photograph one last couple. My favorite from the shoot is Matt playing golf while Lisa sun bathes. That picture says a thousand words, each of them were doing something they loved and we captured it in one shot. We stayed to play on the golf course for a few extra shots and raced to City Place in West Palm Beach to finish the session off before the we lost the sun.
Sneak peaks:
Danny + Amy:: Engaged! {Atlantic Ave}
Tonight we met with a wonderful couple, Danny & Amy. They've recently become engaged while on a trip to Orlando, Florida. They're such a beautiful couple; you can feel the love they have for each other by just being around them.
We started the session on train tracks and after a quick outfit change we headed downtown Delray Beach to Atlantic Ave, one of their favorite places to hang out. Eric and I could have, and would have, shot Danny & Amy all night if the sun would have stayed up. There are so many great locations and unique ideas we had to put on hold for now, but we also got a lot of great shots tonight. (We even took a short break for a few skating shots :) ) Danny and Amy congratulations on your engagement and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. You compliment each other well and it's nice to see Danny so happy ;)
Now it's time for the sneak peaks!
Lake Worth Children Photographer | Lil E
Eric & I took Evan to downtown Lake Worth for a lifestyle session. He brought his skateboard and bubbles and we were ready to rock. We started off by Island Water Sports, a local surf shop with great clothes btw, and then moved to the other end of downtown. He was a lot of fun to photograph and a great listener! It was 92 degrees in Lake Worth, by the end of the shoot we were all soaked in sweat and ready for some AC! But despite the mid day sun and horrible heat we managed to get some great shots and we will definitely be shooting lil E again!
Sneak Peaks:
Lauren & RJ:: Married! {Ballantyne Hotel}
Congrats to Lauren & RJ. They had a beautiful wedding at the Ballantyne Hotel in Charlotte, NC. It was the kind most girls can only dream of. The ceremony was right off the 18th hole; where you had a view of a fountain, the hotel and the green. Cocktails and appetizers were served following the ceremony while we got to play with the wedding party. Finally, the reception. A wonderful meal was served, family & friends danced and laughs were had by all. It wasn't the women that fought over the bouquet, it was the men that fought over the garter!
Overall, such a beautiful event and we are glad we could be a part of it. Again, congrats to you, Mr. & Mrs. RJ Waite. May you have many years of laughter, happiness and love.
Testing: 24-70mm f/2.8
Before meeting Alex for dinner tonight, Gavin and I met her in Greer at the Veterans Memorial Park to test out the new lens. I have to admit, I like the lens but not for what I was looking to do tonight. So back to the ol' 50 mm for the shoot and here are some images. Alex and I will, one day, arrange enough time to do an actual shoot. Todays only lasted 15 mins & we were some hungry girls!
I did manage to take some great pictures of the park, which I will post later. Check back in a few days for those and for pictures of tomorrows wedding in Charlotte, NC.
Good night!
Florida Trip #4
June 11-15 Eric Mack and I will be in Florida to photograph a wedding. We are offering sessions to those interested so please contact me to schedule time with us. Time is limited due to wedding and travel so book now before we book up!
There are certain images WE are looking for and offering discounts to those interested in shooting the following:
Trash the dress (Prom dress, brides maid dress, wedding gown, etc)
Boudoir with a twist (Outdoor and indoor... you'd be surprised what we can come up with)
Grunge/Rock (For those willing to do something a little less ordinary)
Maternity & Newborn (Still offering our fabulous special!)