Moody Monday AND Tips Tuesday?!? | Rochester NY Photographers

I did it...I missed yesterday...ALREADY!?!?

But I closed on my house!!

Hooray...life can return to normal. SIGH

So, let's do both: Black and White AND Tips...

First Black and White:

This week: Maternity, because it is one of my favorite subjects...what is more fleeting? Magical?

I know you don't always feel beautiful, but you ARE!

And you MAY never experience this again in your WHOLE life.

TIPS!!!

Let's talk digital files....

They are all the rage. Us professionals are not sure what to make of it.

We always want our clients to have what they want, and we of course live off of our income so we need to supply what is in demand...BUT, are they the best for you?

I can't tell you HOW very many, many clients ONLY buy the disk.

Then, they come in the next year and do another session,

I ask, "What did you do with your photos?"

They reply,"Oh gosh, nothing yet. They are still on the disk."

Me: "Did you post them on Facebook or make a gallery to share with your family far away or something?"

Client: "No, I just got busy. Haven't done much with them yet."

AHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!

OR

Other scenario...

ME: "What did you do with your files?"

Client: "I printed them out at Walmart."

ME: (vomit)

Good god, the quality...I have shared links before with comparisons on the quality of printing, I have shared stories about what I have witnessed as the 18 year old behind the counter at various "pharmacy" printers responds to their customers who say, "My photos are pink, is that right?"

But it doesn't matter.

People still end up their with their disks. I don't blame you! You may not know the difference!!

So, what do I suggest?!?

Purchase professional prints of the photos you love and cherish.

If you want the digital files for your archives

(in case something happens to your portraits or you decide you want them for graduation, weddings, holiday cards),

I still want you to have them, maybe not all of your favorites if it is not in the budget,

but your most favorite.

Get something special.

Large prints!

A beautiful album!

Something you can show people when they come over without having to sit in front of a computer or search for a disk.

Something every time you walk by, makes you smile.

Something you can pass down to generations.

I will now offer Facebook files (5) for purchases of $800 or more.

So don't worry about those!

I will also NOW offer consultations after sessions to help you decide what prints you would like to order...help you plan and decide...instead of storing that disk away.

Do you want this on a disk?? Or in your living room....

Tips on Tuesdays | Rochester NY Wedding Photographer

Like all kinds of tips...
Today: How to choose a wedding photographer?

Why? Because holy wow is the field over saturated!!!!

I am okay with it (most days), but if I had a to hire one...I would be so totally overwhelmed...

1. Decide on what is most important to you: Quality or Price

2. Ask your recently married friends who they chose, what they thought, ask to see the photos. Referrals are an EXCELLENT way to find a great vendor.

3. Check out those vendors' websites/portfolios

Things to look for:

-Professional quality website

-More than one photo from a large variety of weddings

-Ability to view nearly a full wedding (you may have to ask for a portfolio to do this)...
Why?!
Because most any "photographer" or person who owns even a low quality camera can come up with 2-3 fabulous shots out of a whole wedding day! (I think my 6 year old could), but a good photographer comes up with a day full of them...

-Professional level pricing...again
Why?!?!

If someone is charging $300-$1000 for wedding photographer you can expect:

-low level equipment

-inexperience on many different levels (dealing with family members, camera knowledge, timing knowledge, dealing with other vendors, product availability, editing)

(and I speak from experience! when I first began, I charged $400-$1000, my clients knew I was beginning and the work I showed them was my own and at my level. They received just what I promised, but I did not have insurance, I had an entry level camera and limited lenses, my editing abilities were limited, I left off shots that maybe would have been wanted...Those are all things that come with experience)

4. Meet with your top 2-3 photographers. When you do, think about:

-Do I like this person's personality enough to spend 8-10 hours with them on MY DAY?

- Do I feel confident they are honest and am I confident in their abilities?

- Do I LOVE their work, style?

Wedding books will have you ask questions you don't even know what the answers should be!!
Don't waste your time with those...ask the ones that matter and mean something to you!

-How do you deal with families during portrait time?

-What if I want specific shots?

-What editing is included?

-Do you do this full time? Or as a hobby? (you should not be paying a hobbyist professional prices!)

5. Choose the photographer that in the end you feel comfortable with personally, has the best work to show you, and fits into your budget...

A side note on budget:

I didn't have a budget when I got married. We had to have two weddings. I just didn't think I could afford a photographer. I wanted a GREAT one, but the ones I met with were just too much.
I chose a friend (who now is uber successful..and I love her!) but at the time, was recently graduated from college. She was nearly free. $350.

I was very let down...I won't go into detail, because she may actually read this blog!!

But I cried.

In hindsight, I would have paid three times that to have the photos from that day...but I can't. No going back.

How to make your budget count:

If possible don't let budget make your decision.
If there is just no way around it:
-Ask your favorite photographer if they have associate pricing! The best way to get their style and professionalism in your price range.
OR just have your favorite photographer come for what you can afford.

What not to do:
-ask a friend with a camera to take photos...sometimes you can get lucky...but you don't want to rely on luck on a day you can NOT repeat. Ask around...I can't tell you how many of my family clients come in and say..I WISH I DIDN'T DO THAT. It is a lesson only learned by experience, but one you don't want to learn.

I personally am available for 4 more weddings for the 2012 season.

Contact me ASAP if you want one of those spots:

eieiophotography@gmail.com

As always, find me on Facebook!!!

Monday is now: Moody Black and White day!! | Rochester, NY Photographer

A day to share a recent favorite black and white!

I use a couple different black and white techniques, I can never decide which I like better:

1. Black and White PJ:

2. Black and White Antique:

3. Black and White Traditional:

Lindsey and Dave | Locust Hill | Rochester Wedding Photographer

Lindsey and Dave wanted the best of the best.

(what at total compliment)...

Flowers: StacyK

Cake and Cupcakes: Dolce

Reception and Ceremony: Locust Hill

Menus and such: Bella Carte

I LOVED her color scheme. We had a VERY sunny day, but we all stayed hydrated (some more than others) and worked it out!

Most importantly everyone had an AMAZING time.

Enjoy!

Liam | Birth Photography | Rochester, NY

Liam is my nephew. 

He is perfect!!

He was born via Cesarean birth. 

I didn't want to take up a place in the operating room so I skipped that part. 

BUT we got nearly everything else!

Welcome Liam!!

 I love this song...I think it is just perfect for birth stories! 

(ps, I never edit birth photography, I just put it in black and white. I like the way it looks in all its glory and imperfections...) :)

If you want to capture maybe possibly one of the most miraculous days of your life...just let me know. 

Anne & Dave's Daisy Flower Mill Wedding | Rochester Wedding Photographers

Anne & Dave

Daisy Flower Mill, Rochester NY

Flowers: Genrich's

Desserts: Special Touch Bakery, Simply Irresistible Confections, Encore Chocolates & Holy Cannoli

Decor: Pottery Barn & House Parts

Entertainment: Steve Turner Music Productions

Anne and Dave's wedding was so much fun and the two of them were so easy to photograph!
 Most of the ease of photographing them came from their obvious deep care and love for one another. I love when the groom is so in the moment that there are tears of joy.
You could feel how connected the two of them were.

Anne and Dave were completely wrapped up in each other and their brand new life together.
The love they share is so evident. I hope I could capture it in their photos and I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Abigail and Tony | Artisan Works Wedding, Rochester Wedding Photographers

Abigail & Tony

Artisan Works, Rochester NY

Desserts: Cheesy Eddies 

Band: Hi-Risers

Abigail and Tony were very laid back and easy to work with! 

They were smart to choose a venue that needed NO decorating. 

(Artisan Works)

It is amazingly interesting and packed with very cool backgrounds for bridal portraits. 

ENJOY their photos. I had a blast doing them. They were a REALLY fun bunch!

They had a photobooth during cocktail hour and after dinner. So much fun!

I bring a 2nd (sometimes 3rd) photographer and a whole boat load of fun props and your guests go crazy!!

 We did a first look in the gallery hallway. 

At first I was totally against first looks. 

(When the bride and groom meet before the ceremony and see each other. Against tradition.)

BUT, in the end there are SOOO many reasons I advise them, to name a couple;

1. It is yet ANOTHER beautiful moment on your special day. Many couples shed tears, it is a private moment (which there are not many of on your busy wedding day). 

2. It creates so much more freedom for location, amount of time you can spend, and just scheduling of portraits. 

3. You WILL still be just as excited and emotional walking down that isle. The music, the family, the moment...it is still just as BIG!

I loved that Abigail and her bridesmaids carried candles. Very unique (didn't surprise me).

As always check out my fan pages on facebook for CONSTANT photos. :)

and email to find out about your photo session, senior portraits, boudoir or wedding...(eieiophotography@gmail.com)

www.glowweddings.us

www.eieiophotography.com