Palm Beach Wedding Photographer | What's in a first look?
Whether you're a traditional bride or not, every one should consider a First Look on their wedding day. There's a lot of buzz on the subject and, as a photographer, I feel my two cents is of value here.
Your wedding day will fly by. The moments, the memories and the special details will be overcome by anxiously awaiting your walk down the isle. Imagine if you were able to spend a few moments together before the ceremony, to be able to look into each others eyes and to absorb the moment with no one else there (except a ninja photographer). A private, romantic and emotional union that will allow all the nervousness to escape so that you are able to fully enjoy and appreciate your wedding ceremony. Imagine being able to capture this moment. The real, raw and true emotions displayed through professional photographs that will bring the memories of this day to life each time you look at them.
A First Look is a collaborative effort between the B&G and photographer (preferably Mirrored Images ;) ) to set up the perfect scene to execute this amazing moment in time. The emotion of seeing each other for the first time is still captured, but the impact is far greater during a First Look.
When deciding if a first look is right for you, remember the following:
*Your hair and make up will be fresh and picture perfect.
*You'll be able to finish majority of your wedding pictures prior to the ceremony which means you get to the reception faster!
*There are no distractions to take away from your moment together.
So there you have it. Granted, time lines don't always play out as planned but a First Look will put you at the reception mingling with your guests and starting the party off at least one hour before a bride without a First Look.
(First Look example was taken during a wedding I photographed with Sarah Rominger Photography out of Asheville, NC)
Palm Beach Photographer | Thanks for Giving... Give away....
So much has happened both in my personal and career life over the last year. I'm extremely grateful to all the amazing friends, family, and clients who have seen me through. Photography has helped to keep my mind off of more pressing issues in my life. It's something I could do all day every day and never get sick of it. It's such an honor to be a part of your life, photograph your memories, and watch your families grow. The biggest compliment you can give me is to refer a friend to me and I'm about 80% word of mouth. So for that, I thank you.
The month of November serves as two events. First, it's Thanksgiving (of course!) and second, it's the birthday month of Mirrored Images. This year I will be giving away a session to one lucky individual. Send me your story, your triumph, and your blessings and I will read it and choose one lucky person to give a session to. Nothing is off limits here. Wedding, newborn, high school senior, boudoir, maternity, etc. You tell me in your submission what you're interested in and if you win, it's yours.
All entries must be received by November 16th at midnight. Please email your story to shootme@mirroredimages.net and include your name, age, location (must be willing to travel to Palm Beach County), session interested in, and the best contact number. Your story will not be shared publicly so please don't hold back. Tell me why you deserve this, tell me what you're grateful for, and tell me what obstacles you've overcome in your life.
Greenville Wedding Photographer | Free Photo Booths!!
I've been hesitant in the past to set up photo booths at wedding receptions because I didn't want it to take away from the couple. Recently I have had several brides ask if I offered it so when I had the opportunity to test it out and work out all the kinks at the LBD party, I took it. The photo booth was a ton of fun for both my staff and the guests. And kinks? There weren't any kinks! I used a simple set up that will occupy a small corner in the reception area and it will give your guests the chance to make some fun photos! Most reception type photos are of guests eating or dancing, but this gives them a chance to goof off and show their personality in front of the camera with my fun props. :)
I am now including the photo booth with ALL my wedding collections, as a special add-on for you and your guests. Most photographers charge $400-$1000 for this same add-on. On site printing is available so your guests can bring the memories from the evening home with them!
Wedding Festivals Bridal Show Specials!
We're packing our bags full with fun products and pictures and we're moving into the Carolina First Center for a day! February 5th, 2011 is the FIRST bridal expo we'll be participating in and I can't wait! I have an amazing and fun display created that will catch your eye.
Specials
FREE (Yes... FREE) Bridal Portrait Session if booked within 30 days!
BOOK the day of the event and receive $300 off
All brides who attend Wedding Festivals qualify for a reduced deposit.
Also keep in mind all the collections include two photographers and an engagement session.
Make sure you stop by and say 'Hello' because we'd love to meet you!
Beautiful Brides:: Anne’s Bridal {Garden House B&B}
Photographing Anne in her gorgeous magenta wedding gown was worth the flat tire getting there (LOL).
Anne and Jeremy are getting married at a charming B&B in Simpsonville, SC called The Garden House. The owners are a darling couple who have put together beautiful gardens and a vintage indoor setting that is perfect. This couple is anything but ordinary (my kind of couple!) and Anne was a pleasure to photograph. She was willing to do everything I suggested and it made for some beautiful images. Her mom, Becky and soon to be hubby Jeremy were also along for the session and were a big help!
Remember to check out the link to our portfolio above. You'll find creative wedding photography is affordable.
Trash it, Love it, Savor it
Take part in our Trash the Dress / Day After Session and you won't regret it. Take baby steps or take it to the extreme, you choose the level of trashing you feel comfortable with and we'll come up with a creative, sexy, love inspired session that you are guaranteed to fall in love with.
Choose your date and place a deposit on it by October 16th and you qualify to receive 50% off your session and 15% off prints, albums, CD's and specialty items!
Jones + Gillian:: Married! {Greer City Hall}
Tonight I shot along side of Ben Robi and I have to admit... it was pretty fun. It was our first time shooting together and we didn't have a single glitch in the system! :o) .
We started off at a church in Greer where the couple had a beautiful ceremony. The groom made a special entrance and danced down the isle. Following the ceremony we headed to the reception at Greer City Hall for wedding party pictures. I took the ladies and Ben took the men. What a wedding party! 10 on each side! Whew... it was by far the largest wedding party I have shot to date.
Over all, it was a great night, a beautiful wedding and a lot of fun. It was a pleasure to be a part of your wedding day and allowing me to create a story through my art.
https://www.mirroredimages.net
Greenville Wedding Photographer | What is ‘Photojournalism?’
As you scroll through wedding photography business sites there’s a common word, photojournalism. If they’re all claiming to possess this technique then why are their images so different?
I went through my parents wedding album the other day(35 years ago next month, go mom and dad!) and saw a lot of posing and staged shots. These are shots I tend to stray from. It’s inevitable that photographs of the family with the B & G will need to be set up, but why stay in that frame of mind? Think outside the box and incorporate your surroundings to aid you in your creativity.
So the big question here is ‘What is photojournalism?’ Think about it for a moment; what is it that a journalist does? They find a story and they capture it through their descriptive words to insure that you feel as if you were there yourself when reading the story. A photojournalist has the same effect on viewers. As you flip through the photographs you feel the moment, you feel the emotion and you feel the real events of the evening. Weddings are full of emotion and should never be bottled up and contrived.
Creating the moment, setting the atmosphere, stand here, put your hand there… those are not traits of a photojournalistic photographer. The moment is already created and it is our job to capture it, as is. The atmosphere is beautiful and full of love, why change that? A good photojournalist needs more than just camera skills. Personality and people skills are just as important. A photographer must be able to interact with the guests and make them feel comfortable with the camera and with themselves. It is our jobs, as photographers, to capture the moment as it happens and to capture you and your guests flawlessly.
I personally like to be in the middle of the action. A lot of photographers prefer to stand in a corner so they’re out of the way. I agree with that to a certain extent. But when guests are huddled and having a great time, I want to be right there with them snapping away and catching every moment of it.
The publics perception of photography is not what it used to be. As I have stated in a previous article, anyone can buy a fancy camera. It is important that the public understand that photography is an art and a craft. A lifetime of memories should not be jeopardized in an attempt to save money so when planning your wedding make sure to leave room for a professional photographer. If chosen for the right reasons, you will never regret spending the extra money.
https://www.mirroredimages.net
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:
