Did you get your homework done?

This past weekend I met with Heather and Gordon at the beautiful church they are getting married in - Grace Lutheran in Hobart, Indiana.  They gave me a tour of the church and described in detail how they envisioned their ceremony would take place.  I was able to take notes, offer suggestions and grab a few quick test shots.  We then headed to their reception hall and went over the details of their arrival and where in the hall I would set up a backdrop for portraits of their guests.  I will be scouting locations soon for their outdoor formals as well.  I consider this part of the photographer's "homework" that must be completed.

I also hand out homework to my couples in the form of a Wedding Shotlist that I use a a guide so I don't miss anything important.  Heather and Gordon simply checked off things I already had listed and used the blank back of the form for special requests.

Once I have a timeline established, the ideas of the bride and groom as well as myself locked in - everything goes into one document.  It gets printed out and my assistant will have it with her throughout the wedding day.  This keeps all of us on track and helps me get the shots we are all looking for.

So don't forget to complete your homework assignment!!  I give Heather and Gordon a grade of A+.  :)

 

Introducing: The Outdoor Family Package

If you have already used me as your Engagement and Wedding Photographer, why not give the gift of photography back to the people who helped you out in all of the planning.  If you are considering me, perhaps you would like to try me out and get impressions from other family members.  Either way, I have an exciting and low cost family package just in time for Spring and Summer.

You and your family will receive 2 hours of on location photography, an 11x14 Stand Out Wall Print, (2) 5x7 Premium Prints and a 20 page soft cover book with your favorite images from the session.  

The price for this package is $199.99 and will be on sale for $174.99 until April 15th, 2010.  Book by this date and schedule your session anytime during the Spring or Summer or Fall of 2010.

Click here to Download the Outdoor Family Package Brochure.

 

The Wedding Rehearsal

I always try to make it to the rehearsal of the ceremony if possible.  I do this for a variety of reasons.

 

  • I get to take test shots of the venue.  Not only do I get to test out my exposures, but I test out different composition and angles as well.
  • I get to give "the speech" to the wedding party.  Beyond introducing myself, I get to give tips on how to stand, placement of hands and flowers, etc. that will help make them all look good in the photographs.  I also get to tell everyone to SLOW DOWN when walking down the aisle.  :)  Sometimes the jitters of the day have folks running a marathon.  I like to get several shots off of the procession just in case we catch some odd expressions in one.  I can then have an alternate to choose from.
  • This is a perfect opportunity for me to chat up the Pastor and find out his or her rules.
  • Sometimes major changes get made at this time.  This ensures I'm in the loop.

It is perfectly understandable if you would not like me to be there.  However, consider letting me drop in and take a few shots.  One cool idea is to place some rehearsal images in their own little section of the wedding album.