Engagement Portraits

Thought I would share this article from the Wedding Photojournalist Association about creating portraits that are different than the cheek to cheek "posed" look....

http://www.wedpix.com/articles/011/creative-wedding-engagement-portraits/

Chris

Top 5 Places to Splurge on Your Wedding

Found this interesting article, which is essentially the opposite of most articles written. Most tell you how to save money... this one tells you the top 5 places to splurge. Imagine that... Photography is first!!

And I quote, "Sad as it is to acknowledge, most of the wedding details that you worked so hard on will be mere memories the next day. The food will be eaten, the dress put away, the monogrammed napkins crumpled. But the photographs will be there to remind you of the memories and document your wedding day..."

http://weddings.about.com/od/weddingbudgettools/a/Splurge.htm?p=1

Chris

What's Important in Life

Sunday, May 29th was my son's Baptism... the day marks an important event in his and our family's life.. We planned a huge party at our home and had extended family travel from up north to be here. The Baptism "robe" (ok, so it was a dress!!), has been worn by 23 other family members in Lynne's family and is approximately 40 years old. So, why is this important to a photography blog? Well, in some ways it isnt... but in some ways it is.

Obviously, with a major "life" event like this there is going to be photos taken. I wanted to document this event and tell the story through my photos (just like I can do for your wedding, event or family). However, documenting and participating are very difficult to do together. I have the tendency to be the photographer and not the dad.... and miss those important moments. Sure I grab them through the lens, but its just not the same. I slowly gave control of my camera to my father-in-law and just absorbed the moments. I am glad I did....

So again, why is this important to a photography blog? I know of several folks that are married or are getting married who have a family member or close friend that promised to photograph their wedding. This person either volunteered (or was coerced) or asked by the Bride and Groom. I would like for you to take a step back and ask if that is really a fair thing to ask of someone close to you. The question isnt about whether or not they can do a good job... or you saving some costs to your wedding (thats another story). It is about being fair to your friend/family. If they photograph your wedding, they will not participate in it. Let me repeat that.... if you ask them to photograph you wedding.... they will not enjoy the festivities AT ALL. Now, is it really fair to ask a friend or family member to miss your wedding?? If you cant afford one, find a student... find a friend of a friend. Better yet, hire me... as I have some really affordable packages!!

Most folks think you can do both (participate and photograph), but a good photographer is constantly looking for that moment... that kiss, hug, dance... There is no downtime for a photographer at a wedding. I think that is the biggest lesson I took away from my first wedding. I could not believe how busy and how much work it really was before, during and after the wedding.

I am really glad that I choose to relinquish my camera for the Baptism. I took the traditional "getting ready" shots of Zach putting on the 40 year old gown and used my experience to line up some of the portraits.... but other than that.... I was just a VERY PROUD DAD.

I love you Zach....