Why hire a local photographer?

This was asked of me the other day….

1. Your local vendors are familiar with each other and know the rhythms and workflow of the venues we all work with each weekend.

2. A local photographer knows the lighting and angles of the sun at each property in any given season.

3. A local is familiar with the rules and regulations of each venue it works with and can work more creatively by knowing where and when they can utilize each area of the hotel or properties.

4. A local is more likely to have privileges to use the property in ways that a “visiting” photographer cannot.  Specifically because we understand the rules and have proven ourselves to be trustworthy.

5. A local knows all the “great spots” for fantastic views and “secret” hideaway’s  that a visiting photographer cannot.

6. A local can clue you in on important “insider tips” that a visiting photographer may not be privy to.

7. A local is more likely to help with proven recommendations to help ensure you don’t blindly work with a vendor who may not be the best match for your sense of style or purpose.

8. As a local, I get to be creative every weekend, as opposed to only 20 or less weekends each year.  This leads to much more interesting photography and certainly more “fun” in your images.

These are just a few of the answers I gave to my inquisitive friend.

Of love…and wall portraits

I was just looking over last years weddings and realized how truly lucky I feel.  Each one brought a different memory for me.  When it came time to select photos to display on the walls of my new studio I felt so torn.  With thousands of great photos to choose from it became clear to me.  I quickly learned why my Brides call or write soon after saying they don’t know how they are going to choose their favorites.  It became increasingly difficult to choose.  After narrowing it down to my “BEST” I looked them over and sure enough…I started all over again and again.  How did I finally narrow it down….well….

I chose images that gave me the most emotional memory.  The memory was mine and mine alone.  Perhaps it was a conversation we were having during the time the shutter snapped or an emotion that their wedding brought up in me and my own past, or an expression that made me laugh, or a situation that brought me to tears.  I figured if I was going to look these images on the wall for a while, I wanted them to remind me of what it meant for me to be at their wedding and the emotions I felt while capturing their day.  Some of the images are beautiful reminders of the journey I have been on thus far.  Some are just a reminder of what joy it was to have met these beautiful people.  Others are a reminder of what it means to love, honor, forgive, respect, share, or laugh. 

Turns out this is the best advice I can give to my Brides and Grooms when choosing the images to place on their walls or their albums.  Choose YOUR memories.  Not what you want others to see.  When you are ready to leave this world and you want to reflect on your wedding day….what do you want to see? 

When I worked in Hospice years ago, this was the most fun for all of us.  Reliving the “real” memories of their past.  Your wedding day memories should be just that.  Real…not posed….not planned. 

I will change my memory wall from time to time.  As my heart is brimming full already this year with all of these emotions.  I welcome you to stop by the studio and share in my memories and yours.