Storytelling

When is the last time you told a story? Maybe at a dinner with family? Or was it to that co-worker who thinks you’re pretty cool? Perhaps you found yourself entertaining a gaggle of your nieces and nephews? Wherever it was and whenever it was, how did you feel?

We love to tell a good story. The juicier or more dramatic, the better. Seeing the reactions we can pull from a great story is worth all the effort we put into it. And I’m willing to bet that given the right circumstances, you’re a pretty solid storyteller.

But have you ever considered telling a story with your eyes? Your face and posture and expressions tell some of the best stories! These are stories without words, but they are sincere and convincing. Any time you sit for a photo-shoot, whether for a wedding, a head shot, or any other photographic event, consider that you are not merely being photographed. You are telling your story! Make it an interesting story!

If this seems like a daunting proposition, consider that your photographer is there to help. And when you are hunting for a wedding photographer, a head shot photographer, or a photographer for any other event, make sure they are well-versed in their ability to help you find your story to tell to the camera!

Printing Your Wedding Photos

Printing wedding photos is an important part of preserving the memories from your special day. First, you'll want to select the photos that best capture the meaningful moments you want to cherish - the walk down the aisle, your first kiss at the altar, the first dance, cutting the cake, and laughing with loved ones.

Choosing a professional printing service can ensure your photos are printed on high-quality archival paper with vibrant, long-lasting inks that won't fade over time. Discuss options like size, finish, and layout with your printer to create an album or framed prints that showcase your photos beautifully.

Consider printing a few enlarged photos to hang on the wall and remind you daily of your joy. Or go for a classic wedding photo book with your portraits, ceremony and reception shots, and even candid snaps that tell the story of your wedding from start to finish. Whenever you turn those pages in the years to come, the sights, emotions and memories will come flooding back.

With professionally printed wedding photos, you can relive the happiest moments from your special day for a lifetime. The photos will become heirlooms to one day pass down and share the legacy of your love.

What to Expect from Your Wedding Photographer

“Photojournalistic”, “Fine Art”, “Traditional", “Dark and Moody” - the labels fly across the wedding blogs, heads nod knowingly, eyebrows raise. I’m sure you have your favorite. We all do. But there’s more to your choice of photographer than aesthetics.

Imagine this. Your wedding day has arrived, but your photographer has not. In addition to the multitude of other details to chase down, you now have another. Or when you drop subtle hints to your photographer that you would like an adjustment in schedule only to find they are ignored or misunderstood. To avoid unnecessary friction on your wedding day, you will want to get to know your photographer well ahead of time.

Some questions you want to ask yourself as you interview photographers for your big day:

1. Is the photographer easy to communicate with?

2. What is the photographer’s personality?

3. Does the photographer share your values?

During the consultation you should get a feel for the communication style of a photographer. Is the photographer talking past you? Do you feel you can understand the aesthetic and business concepts the photographer is relating? Finding common ground is crucial for not only you gaining a clear grasp of the photographer’s intentions but also for being able to relate your desires clearly.

Much of the ease of communication is dependent on personality compatibility with your photographer. Keep in mind that both you and your spouse should feel comfortable with your photographer. You will be spending quite a bit of time during some of the most important hours of your life - you want to be very comfortable with the person taking your photos.

There are a variety of techniques a photographer may use to capture those perfect photos of your special day. Some photographers have the ability to work behind the scenes and capture those magical moments as they happen. Others have a more “take-charge” approach, controlling each pose meticulously. You may want to envision the level of interaction with your photographer that you would like and ask questions accordingly at your consultation.

Remember, your photographer will spend more time with you at your wedding than almost anyone else. Make sure you request an in-person consultation and walk into the consultation with the three questions above clearly fixed in your mind. You won’t regret it!

Engagement Session Ideas

Congratulations! The question was popped, the answer was yes, and...

...now there's a wedding to plan, pictures to be taken, a honeymoon to be planned, etc.

These are epic times. So much happens in so little time. Oh, and engagement photos. Yes, those too. Where do you begin? How should you plan for the engagement photos?

We're here to help!

Engagement photos are important. They capture moments in your life you'll never want to forget. The time flies so quickly, and these are the moments of your life when you, the couple, are growing together to forge that unique and mystical bond together.

Because of the importance of this time in life, it's important not to just snap a few pictures, but to capture WHO you really are. Psychologists tell us that every seven years we completely change. You want to remember who you were individually and as a couple and what brought you so closely together.

It's my job to portray that as clearly and powerfully as you feel it.

So...answer these questions:

1. When you have the time and the money to burn, where do you and your fiancé go? What do you do? Our preferred activities define who we are as truly as any aspect of our lives.

2. When life becomes stressful how do the two of you work to maintain balance? How do you communicate? What is your escape?

3. The next time you catch yourself really letting go and laughing, ask yourself what starting it. Happiness is based in who we are, rather than what we have. What instigated the happiness?

Answering these three questions can help determine what you want your engagement photos to look like. After you've answered these questions, write down three descriptive words that capture the essence of your answers. It's ok to write them, come back to them later, reconsider, edit them, etc. You're allowed to change your mind on who you are.

Keeping these words in mind, then (AND ONLY THEN) check out a few of the links below. There are hundreds of pictures to put concrete ideas to the concept of who you are. Then create a Pinterest board with the pictures that most closely represent who you are and what your essential words are.

https://www.brides.com/gallery/engagement-photo-ideas-from-real-couples

https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/engagement-photos/

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/engagement-photo-ideas-for-couples-who-know-how-to-have-fun_us_56a189cee4b0404eb8f11af8

https://howheasked.com/cute-engagement-photo-ideas/

https://www.bridalguide.com/planning/engagement/themed-engagement-photos