The Weather
need I say more…boy this has been a tough spring & start to summer. I’ve had two weddings so far & rough weather. The first one was bright & beautiful, but with incredible wind & even more incredible wind GUSTS. Wow…it really makes you have to work for those outdoor shots. I had to completely switch up my normal routine. I couldn’t use my umbrellas at all, they would have been destroyed not to mention my flashes would have been too when they would have come crashing to the ground! We were at a beautiful venue & I could only shoot in relatively protected spots from the wind. Alot of the photos even show the dresses & hair blowing..kinda cool. The wedding party was so great though, just went with the flow. I was just disappointed that I couldn’t venture out more at this venue. Oh well…another time. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. The second wedding it was raining. Not pouring but enough that I was worried about my equipment & the Bride’s hair & makeup…we (me & “the guys”)ventured out with an umbrella & started shooting, before we knew it, it stopped raining & the rest of the shoot went flawlessly, even got that great overcast sky to work with…whew! What will my next wedding bring? I feel like I’m being tested to see if I can handle all these situations & still get quality beautiful wedding photos…so far so good! One thing, I don’t give up! I can think off the cuff & stretch to get those photos…It’s good, it’s growing! Do any of you have any good weather photo stories to share?
Important Info regarding photoshoots in City Parks
The city of Spokane is now requiring a $50 fee to shoot in city parks. I am unsure how to handle this added expense. I don’t want to charge my clients, but I can’t absorb this cost for every session. I’m thinking if 2 or 3 seniors can be done on the same day I can cover it. I won’t be able to have cancellations without charging the client for this cost…I need some feedback please..let me know what you think about this! UGH.
Some things to consider when planning your wedding
I thought I’d write this blog to help out couples planning their wedding. It is such a big undertaking anyhow, but then to find out your best laid plans will hinder getting those great photographs you want is not something couples want to hear. So from a photographers point of view…here we go. First location location location…great photographs are made with great locations…a dull church or outdoor setting will effect the final product…sure you’ll look great but what will the background look like? Second, the lighting, especially outdoors. The sun can be our friend or our worst enemy. The time of day is CRUCIAL. This comes into the decision making of what time to have the ceremony. Typically after 2pm the sun is alot easier to contend with. I like at least 2 full hours to take the formal before wedding shots. I like to leave 1/2 hour for the wedding party to go hide away, rest & freshen up. So if your getting married at 5pm, we can start photos at 2:30. Great time…if you want to get married at 3pm, we would have to start at 12:30, worst time of day, not that it can’t be done, but we will have to find shade & this limits your selections. Also the size of your group…the larger the group, the smaller the selection of spots to photograph at. Once again, not that it can’t be done, but it does raise the level of difficulty in acheiving those desired photographs & some people may need to kneel, which isn’t always desirable in tuxs & gowns. To do the photos before or after the ceremony? There is only ONE answer to this……BEFORE!!!!! You won’t get the photos you’ll love if you wait until after. We will be rushed, your guests are waiting for you. You might have cried….smeared makeup, the family wants to go set up the reception so you won’t get those photos. I love to help set up that “special moment” where you see each other for the first time & photograph it. This is special no matter what. I hope this short tutorial helped somewhat with those difficult decisions & if you have any questions please post them & I will respond. Thanks for following & I hope you have the wedding of your dreams! <3