Here’s to wishing you and your family a safe and prosperous New Year!  Happy 2012!!  I can’t wait to see what the new year has in store!

Yesterday was a LONG day.  I took a little road trip to College Station to attend the Brazos Valley Professional Photographers Association’s monthly meeting.  Their speaker was none other than the amazing Jasmine Star. Jasmine is an award winning destination photographer from California. I have been a fan of Jasmine for over a year now.  She started into wedding photography with almost no gear, no training and no expensive marketing or website.  She is a master of social media.  This was a smaller conference with only about 150 in attendance so I knew I would have a chance to speak one on one with Jasmine.  I’ve been excited about this for weeks!!!

Jasmine spoke to us about branding our image.  There were times she had the entire audience bobbing our heads up and down with approval.  The woman said what we all needed to hear and gave us all permission to be selective with the clients we want to photograph.  This is a hard pill to swallow but she’s right.  I cannot be all things to all people.  As much as I want to shoot every wedding possible, I know that I’m not the right fit for every bride.  I came away from this presentation with renewed inspiration, a to do list as long as my arm and validation that I am on the right track to growing my business.

During the Meet and Greet time Jasmine made time to talk with each of us.  She is encouraging and funny.  We were all giggly, like little school girls, as we waited for our turn with Jasmine.  I know how men feel when they meet their favorite baseball player or when a musician meets a famous conductor.  I had the opportunity to visit with a woman I admire greatly and aspire to have a business like.  Jasmine is so “real” that it becomes apparent why she is successful–people like her and working with her is fun.   Of course, I get to meet an award winning photographer looking like a mess!  It was raining so my hair is dreadful and I had been up since six, drove for 2 hours and look a fright!  Too bad I didn’t have a stylist along with me so this photo could be perfect!

Shanna, me, Jasmine, Lyncca, and Jessica

I turned around and drove right back home after the meeting.  As I turned into my driveway at midnight I was still on a high.  My business really is my passion.  Meeting with couples planning their weddings is an enjoyable task.  Shooting weddings feeds my soul.  Creating photographic art of the most important day in a couple’s life is so rewarding.  I can’t imagine doing anything else!

I am looking for an ideal client.  I am looking someone who highly values their wedding photography, probably much more than anything else on their budget list, or second after the venue/food. They like my style, and more importantly, they like me. They are laid back and fun to be around, and willing to try out crazy things. When we meet, we click.  And when the meeting is over we leave feeling like we have a new friend.

My ideal client is….

1. Someone who values personal relationships.  As your wedding day photographer we will have a lot of details to go over.  I spend months communicating with Brides about sessions, print orders, details of the day, list of shots she wants….well, you get the idea.  I’m happy to say that I find that my clients become my friends along the way.  I strive to work with brides who want to have a great working relationship of mutual respect and personal attention.

2. Someone I like.  I’ll be honest–I want to like the people I’m working for.  I give up my Saturdays to shoot weddings.  That means I’m missing some key family time.  Why would I want to do that for someone who is rude and demanding?

3. Someone who communicates expectations.  As much as I would love to be one, I am not a mind reader.  If having a photo with your Uncle Wilbur is super important I need to know that.  Brides who communicate their expectations and wishes are satisfied brides.

4. Someone who looks for a true professional.  I am not a Craigslist photographer.  I have formal trianing, experience and very expensive equipment.  I carry liablity insurance, pay sales tax and operate a business that is a JOB.  This is not my hobby.  Most Brides seek true Professional Photographers.  However, some brides seek someone who will cover their wedding for a few hundred dollars.

5. My fee is within their budget.  Careful thought and planning went into setting my fee.  Nothing sours a relationship between a client and photographer faster than the client wanting to change the fee or what’s included in the fee after the contract has been signed.  I love personal relationships but I also have a business to run.

In the same manner the client needs to find a photographer who fits their needs. Brides and Grooms should be looking for these attributes in a photographer:

1.  A professional who acts professional….Full time photographers don’t use yahoo for their email account.  You want someone who returns call promptly, answers email and manages their time wisely.

2. A firm contract.  There’s a reason my contract is several pages long.  The expectations for both parties are clearly laid out so there are no questions later.  You know that with my signed contract your wedding day is covered.

3. Someone who will dress the part.  I’m the Johnny Cash of wedding photography.  I will show up at your wedding wearing all black.  I think it looks professional.  It helps me blend in and be as “invisible” as possible.  And most of all black is slimming.  (You just smiled didn’t you!?!)

4. Portfolio/Experience.  Make sure that what you see is what you will get!  Some photographers go to Portfolio building workshops where models stage an entire wedding.  I have a portfolio which can show you every aspect of a wedding–from getting ready to a sparkler lined departure.  All of my photos are from real weddings with real people.  Look for a photographer with experience.  I have been photographing clients for five years.  I have a complete body of work to show for it.

5. Someone who charges what you are willing to pay.  It’s hard to say “This is my bottom line” but, let’s face it, when you are planning your wedding money talks.  Figure to spend at least 10%-15% of your total budget on your photographer.  It floors me that people would pay more money for flowers that are wilted the next morning than they do on the photographs that will last a lifetime.  Remember the old line that you get what you pay for.  Lots of folks are shooting weddings for $500.  Do they have the skill and equipment?  Is that a risk you are willing to take?

So if you are looking for a wedding photographer I would like the chance to visit with you.   Let’s see if I’m the photographer you want and if you are the client that I want!

When I shoot a couple during the ceremony I look for the glances, tears and beads of sweat that will document the moment, the emotions and the love between the Bride and Groom.

Look at the excitement and pride on their faces

The groom couldn’t wipe the grin off of his face.

They shared a giggle during their vows.

And I absolutely LOVED this photo!  The groom was sweating like crazy.  He dabbed his forehead and shot his Bride a pouty look.  The way she cut her eyes at him makes me think that he’s a bit of a ham.

And you can’t forget the first kiss.  Notice how they are holding hands as they kiss.  Such an intimate moment.

Capturing the love in her eyes and smile on her face is a great payoff for this photographer!

And believe it or not…I still call my husband on my way home from a wedding and talk about how I’m glad I married him.

This post is about the details of a wedding that I love to document.  I always remind Brides that the day will come and go–the flowers will wilt and the food will be eaten but the photos that I take will be there to tell the story for the rest of your life.

A beautiful orchid boquet

A groomsman pinned and ready to go.

Vices—which passed their time

Beautiful Ladies

And the Bride with her boquet

Sparkling Rings

And beautiful candlelight to set the mood

I attended Concordia Lutheran College, now known as Concordia University, Texas from 1993-1997.  During that time I studied Lutheran Theology earning a minor in Theology and a Lutheran Teaching Diploma as well as my BA.   Perhaps the most important class I took during that course of study was American Christianity.  During that class we learned all about the major American Denominations, their doctrine and practices.  That information is PRICELESS when shooting a wedding.  I know that a couple at a Catholic Mass might have their first kiss during the sharing of the peace.  I know that could also apply to Lutherans, Anglicans or Episcopalians who have a Eucharist during their service.  I know how to speak with clergy and what questions I need to ask to make sure that I am able to cover your wedding effectively.  We also had to take a survey course of Major World Religions.  Whereas I’m no where near an expert, I know about the customs of Buddist, Hindi, Sikh, Muslism and Jewish faiths. During my studies I met and talked with clergy from all works of life and thankfully still have many friends in the Church who are great resources for me.

As you seek a wedding photographer your ceremony customs should be considered.  I am able to work with any couple regardless of religious affiliation. My knowledge of faith practices will help assure proper and respectful coverage of your ceremony.

April and Glen moved up their wedding date so that they could make sure their beloved grandparents were able to be there to witness their vows.

April’s sweet grandma brought tears to my eyes when she exclaimed “You are so beautiful!”

And Grandma is right–she is so beautiful

They had a sweet, intimate family ceremony

The mood was lightened when the pastor’s cell phone rang (TWICE!)

They are Mr. and Mrs.

The four very important guests–their grandparents

Glen was releived that the stressful part was behind him.  I love that he carried a red handkerchief–That’s totally Glen!

Congratulations to my very dear friends.  Thank you for allowing me to share in your day!

If you would like to view the full gallery you can see it HERE.