Since COVID 19, I have been needing a fix to editing portraits. I went back to a model development shoot I did in May 2011. My editing skills and for that matter natural light and fill flash skills have improved dramatically from 2011. Shot at Peebles Island State Park, Waterford, New York.
A few weeks ago, I decided to become certified as a photographer. I thought it would be a great time to do it because the COVID-19 outbreak has given me a lot of extra time! Post declaring my candidacy, I wanted to take the exam quickly since I have been a photographer for years, I came to the realization that I should take this opportunity for a fresh start at photography! So I am really diving into the process, it has been a great refresher. I am understanding why I have done somethings while learning some new processes and concepts that I was afraid to dive into due to time. I am really glad that I started the process and can’t wait to see how much better this makes me. I intend to continue to blog about it!
Although I have been doing this registry for some time, I have made some changes to help make it easier to personalize your wedding photography gift registry! When you go to my Registry page you will find the following message.
I am so excited…
to offer my brides and grooms the opportunity to set up their own Wedding Photography Gift Registry! This allows your family and friends to help contribute towards your photography investments and any additional products you may want to purchase after your wedding day. This is a great option for couples who would like a little help paying for their wedding or those who already have all of the household items they need!
Here's how it works!
It's completely FREE! What are you waiting for?
With a little help from you, we open a live page in which your guest can buy gift certificates! The cards we give you are for them to fill out give to you. You can choose a wish-list with no obligations. You are only responsible for the cost of the wedding coverage. The wish-list can be modified any time prior to the actual order of products.
The Slanted Lens had put together a video or article, I am not sure which, it was a while ago, on tips for wedding photography. I realized that I was already doing many of them and I adopted some that I thought was a good idea. Many of the tips are best practices for any photographer. I'm sure that most if not all professional photographers use some version of these tips.
They suggested creating a "mood board" for each wedding. I was using this tip for several years before but I called mine 'inspiration boards." My use of them is not exclusively weddings, use them for most portrait shoots. I did take their advice and started using Pinterest to help create the boards. I use Pinterest with clients, so we can collaborate ideas with them. A very helpful tool with wedding planning!
Again, the next tip was something that I had been doing for a while. That was to create a timeline for the wedding. Using timelines, helps to keep me focused and on task during a wedding or portrait session. The helpful piece I took, was to take a screenshot of it on your phone to eliminate carrying around paperwork.
The next tip every photographer needs to do! Scout every location! I scout the location within a few days so that I know what the lighting will be. I also use an iPhone app called Sun Surveyor for scouting. I can see the Sun's or Moon's location will be on a particular date and time. The data that this apps give you is tremendously helpful with planning!
A tip, I did adopt, was to give poses that will become the framework for the couple on their wedding day. I work with my couples on those posing during the engagement session. This foundation helps me to effectively communicate to the couple with simple cues we have worked on! I can then spend time refining the pose. For couples who are not having an engagement session, I provide them with examples of the poses and ask them to practice them.
A few things I do before a wedding. I charge every battery whether or not I think it needs to be. I sync all cameras for time using my iPhone.
The Slanted Lens also says, on the day of the wedding arrive early. For me, if I am on time, I am late! Finally, before each major moment, I check my camera settings, batteries and memory cards.
There is a fierce debate on whether or not to publish your prices on your website. It is a complicated issue, I tend to go back and forth with, personally. At times, I have published and sometimes I have unpublished my pricing! Let me explain why I have currently chosen to not publish my pricing.
Some photographers post their pricing as a way to pre-screen clients. In fact one photographer on YouTube flat out says that he does not have the time to deal with people who can’t afford his services. On the other side, others may not be comfortable with their pricing to post online.
Like I mentioned I see value in both posting and not posting my pricing! So why do I not post pricing online? I don't want potential clients prejudging their ability to afford my services! I believe that photography should be priced in a way to get the job done correctly. I am able to offer each client an individual consultation to discuss their priorities and than customize according to their expectations. Just to be clear, a client will not receive $5000 in services for $1500 but I do guarantee each of them the most value for their investment. I offer services for those who just want to have their ceremony photographed all the way up to the most extravagant wedding experience. Finally, for me the most important reason is, not all photographers will be right for you. Just because “the price is right” does not mean they are right for you. A photographer that does not take the time to get to know you as a person will be disastrous most of the time. I want to make sure that each couple will enjoy spending their day with me and vise versa! Let me earn your business by showing you options and plans, I know you will be happy when you do!
For people who are familiar with my website, you will notice big changes to my Wedding Packages (Collections.) I have strayed away from the traditional package model. A model that assumes that every couple wants a same set of packages. Spindle City Photography, now offers packages that guarantees a certain level of services. So couples can decide on any other products they want to add.
My Signature Collections offers a photographer and assistant, while my Signature Plus Collections additionally offers a beautiful 10 x 10 (20 page, 40 Side) Signature Wedding Album. So what are the guaranteed services? USB drive containing digital edits with personal and social media releases, professional retouching of images, online gallery for viewing, and an engagement photo shoot with print credit.
Collections included your choice of 6, 8 or 10 hours of continuous coverage on your wedding day. You may upgrade to all day coverage! I offer three Wedding Albums for the price of two, that would include an album for the couple and one for both sets of parents! I also offer a full selections and large portrait options for your home. Finally, you can add ideas, ala carte at any time, even after the wedding!
Would you believe that a battery has to be what I consider my best photography purchase? That's right! My Vagabond Mini Lithium battery by Paul C Buff, Inc. is my best purchase. Yes, camera bodies, lenses, lights, flash and modifiers are all very good purchases. But this purchase opened me up a whole new realm of possibilities in my photography.
Don't be fooled with the word "mini,” this battery powers my studio flashes on location. I should have bought this item years ago. Don’t get me wrong, I love my speedlights! But being able to use studio flash anywhere, even when there is no power, that is priceless. The battery conveniently attaches to my light stand for seamless use. Buff Inc. says that one battery pack can power up to four flashes, I have not tested that because I only use two flashes most of the time.
I know what some of you are thinking, what about high-speed sync to overpower the Sun? I find that unless you are using several speedlights your options are very limited in properly doing it. With my Alien Bees flashes and Phottix Odin II (my second best photography purchase) I can use the overdrive sync (ODS) feature, on the Odin II, to utilize higher sync speeds. So I can have the best of both worlds the power of my studio flash units and higher sync speeds.
By the way, using the studio flash can save you time and money. Who wants the cost of sending your speedlight out to replace the flash head, when you can easily replace a flash tube yourself at a fraction of the cost. Finally, using your studio flash increases your overall flash power on locations.
You should consider adding a powerful battery for your studio flash. It can be the difference between shooting a portrait or a snapshot!
Last week Spindle City Studio announced our new Gift Registry for Wedding Photography. Today I wanted to talk about some of the details. Who is it for? How does it work? I hope that by the end of this post you will see their true value and why they are so popular.
So who are they for? The short answer is everyone! Many photographer use them to help clients pay for wedding services. Registries are great to help couples lessen the financial burden on them as they start a new life together. But they can be for any couple even those who are not looking for help with wedding costs. They are great for couples that have the money for the wedding but thinks it would be nice to add some wedding albums or large prints to their package. And couples who are entering into a second marriage and does not need the standard registry for their home. Finally, many couples are just looking for unique gift giving ideas for their guests.
How does it work? After our initial consultation you may want to add this service. There is no additional cost and no obligations for any extra items. We will send you a link to the registry where you will be asked to select the items you want to include in the registry. Yes, you may include the entire photography cost to it. Understand that the couple is only responsible for the creative pricing of the wedding photography. You will also be asked to write a short greeting for your guest, and an optional “Tell us your story.” We also would like you to upload an image for the page. Or better yet we can add an image we took of your engagement shoot.
We then create a personalized site that you control who will receive the links. As gifts start to come in we update your registry, so you can see how you are doing. We also send you confirmation when we receive a gift for you. When someone makes a gift for you they receive a message thanking them. Since you decide how the gifts are applied you receive the items you absolutely want in the end.
By now you see why photography registries are so popular. They give you another option for gift giving for your guest. They also provide you with the most meaningful gifts that you will cherish for a lifetime. Spindle City Studio makes using our registry risk free. Again, the service is free of charge and there's no obligations to purchase any ala carte items. The Couple is only responsible for the creative charges of the wedding photography.
We created this program as a way to help our wedding and portraiture (Senior, Engagement, Glamour) clients! We know that most understand the true value of hiring a professional to capture their once in a lifetime memories! Having your life moments captured is something that you will treasure forever! Charles Mossey Photography understands that for some, luxuries like photography come with financial sacrifices. It can seem overwhelming, but your dreams of having those memories, doesn't have to be out of your reach! Your friends and family are eager to help you out, so why not let them give you something truly meaningful?
Once we've been in contact with you we will send you a link to get started with your registry. Once you 'Request A Listing' and sign up, I will build you a custom listing. You will be able to provide a link, for when people ask you "where you're registered?", Now you can give them another option. You will be able to monitor your gifts as people contribute. You can modify your services without risk! If you are a wedding client you would be responsible for the creative coverage only. Any client can use the gifts as they see fit.
It's completely FREE! What are you waiting for?
For people that are familiar with our website, you will notice a big change to our Wedding Packages (Collections.) We have strayed away from the traditional package model. The model that assumes that every couple wants the same packages. Spindle City Studio now offers just two “packages” that guarantees a certain level of services. Now couples can decide on the other products they want to add àla cart.
Each couple has simply three choices:
Our Signature Collections offers a photographer and assistant, while our Signature Plus Collections offer two photographers. Every couple can add extras at any time, even after the wedding, at the package prices when they purchase!
So what are the guaranteed services? USB drive containing digital negatives in which you can print up to 8 x 10 at high quality with personal and social media releases, professional retouching of images, online gallery for viewing, and an engagement photo shoot with print credit.
Both Collections included a choice of 6, 8, 10, or 12 hours of continuous coverage on your wedding day. We highly recommend completing your package with wedding albums. To encourage this, if you purchase a wedding album and a parent’s album you will receive a second parent’s album at no additional cost. We also offer a full selections and large portrait options for your home.
Sadly flipping through the last issue of Popular Photography magazine, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite photography magazines. I use the word “flipping” loosely because I receive most of my magazines digitally. The March 2017 issue was the last magazine that they published, also discontinuing all updates to PopPhoto.com and AmericanPhotoMag.com.
I have to confess that I do have a love-hate relationship with photography magazines. I love the content and the photographic techniques that they offer. Someone can subscribe to magazines that suit their photographic interests. Hate them because of the advertising, I know it is necessary, it just makes many photographers feel “product envy.” Be warned of the "I don't have the right gear" syndrome. Trust me having the right gear can help but it is no substitution for good photo technique. Today photographers have more gear that they knew they ever needed, how did we get along without that! I assess my needs then I look for products that works for me. I don’t allow the ads tell me what I need.
Here are my top photography magazines, I am not endorsed by any of them. They are not in any particular order.
Popular photography (discontinued)
Digital Photo Pro
Shutterbug
Digital Photographer
Good Light Magazine
You can find lists of photography magazines online, if you would like to see if any magazines work for you.
Good Light Magazine is only in digital format . I find that the earlier issues offer great videos for beginner photographers on set up and setting your your lighting.
The end of Popular Photography should sadden many photographers. I am not here to analyze why it ended. I believe it is important to support photo magazines, so new photographers have access to quality content. For me, I find something a little different or it refreshers me to something that I had already known but stopped using. Go support our magazines!
After 80 Years.... Goodbye!
Adobe Photoshop Logo.
Many clients wonder how I edit their portraits. Today, I will discuss my workflow, so you have a better idea. I have two levels of processing photos. My standard process is mostly editing images with slight retouching. While my advance process is mostly retouching them. Let me start by saying that editing and retouching does not replace the need to get the best possible image in camera. The editing process is to enhance an image not to fix bad images. For me, I use the editing process to make great images memorable.
I Shoot most of my work in what is called camera raw. Raw files contain a lot of information about the scene in the image, it applies no presets to the picture. The result of shooting raw is that, any images that come right out of the camera are very dull or flat. Bring the images into, what is called the digital darkroom photographers are able the access all that information in the file. To accomplish this we use Adobe products to allow us to develop our digital negatives.
Lightroom Logo
The first thing I do is to import all my images into a program called Lightroom. Backing up all of the files, then I manually go through each image to flag them. pictures that I think have great potential I use a "pick" flag, these are images that I would want in my portfolio. I leave most images as unflagged because they are solid images. Finally any images that do not rise up to my standards I use the reject flag. The rejected images get deleted so that they are not wasting hard drive space.
Now the editing process begins. My clients will never see any unedited images, We believe that presenting unedited images is a sign of a amatuer. Any images or proofs that I deliver to you will, at least, go through my standard editing process. Which includes cropping the image, tweaking for exposure and white balance, removing any facial blemishes and a mild smoothing of skin.
Photoshop Logo
My advanced retouching process is used for any images that are going to be used in larger prints formats and portraits. This process happens in Photoshop. We use the process to make the subject look their best. Our philosophy is to make the image look natural not fake! We use a process called frequency separation to achieve a naturally looking portraits. We then apply any setting that you may have requested for your portraits. Finally, we focus on making sure that the images will look fantastic for your large prints.
Some photographers are hesitant about sharing their workflow, but we believe that a client who knows the process will appreciate the value of our packages. Sadly, many people focus on the price as only spending a few of hours of shooting but in fact, several additional hours goes into every shoot for editing and retouching. We believe that all of our prices fairly reflect the amount of time and work that is required to make your memories perfect!
Spindle City Studio's Signature Albums are stylish and you will cherish them for a lifetime. It is simply a spectacularly crafted masterpiece. It features a one piece wraparound cover and holds up to 50 pages of photographic or press paper.
Our sizes include 8x8, 8x10, 10x8, 10x10, and 12x12. Spindle City Studio offers the following numbers of pages 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50, each page has two sides. For example a 40 page album has 80 sides for your photos. Our price includes the leather cover option, but you may upgrade to a linen or custom cover. Your selection of Black or White end leaf option. Finally, we include a foil stamp on the front cover in our price.
We know that you will love this modern and sleek, Signature Album. It adds a contemporary style to the traditional photo album. Spindle City Studio will create a gorgeous keepsake for your memories!
Some of my favorite Spring locations to shoot portraits.
Today being the first day of Spring, I thought I would share with you some great Spring places to shoot. Some are actual locations, while others are general locations. I have to admit many places are great four season locations.
Washington Park, Albany NY. The tulips adorn this Dutch city park. The peak time for photography is a week or two before Mother Day weekend which is aka Tulip Festival. You also have a few days after the festival for photography but the city removes the tulip bulbs the following weekend. An excellent location for environmental and portraits.
Yaddo Gardens, Saratoga Springs NY. This is one of my favorite four season shooting places! Located next to the Saratoga Race Course. It was the home of the Trask family. They left the property as an artist retreat, the gardens are open to the public. To get the full effect of the gardens you need to wait for them to uncover the statues. Some would argue that one has to wait for the roses to bloom but there is plenty of areas to photograph, that does not include the roses.
Congress Park Saratoga Springs NY. Right in the heart of Saratoga Springs you will find a tranquil park. Many areas for great photographs, many couples like to have their engagement and wedding photos taken in the park.
RPI Troy, NY. Again another area with great features, mostly architectural, still great backdrops for portraits. The overlook or approach to RPI offers a wonderful view of downtown and a western sky. A short distance away is the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center or EMPAC building, which offers awesome fiery reflections at sunset for dramatic portraits. Especially, on cloud filled warm evenings!
Apple Orchards various locations. This is a tricky locations due to the small window that one has to shoot the blooming apple trees. If done at the perfect time the portraits are spectacular! I would recommend that you have a subject waiting for a shoot and go when the time is right.
Water locations various locations. Areas by the Cohoes Falls are always a treat. The Flight of Locks in Waterford, the lakes, including Saratoga and Lake George offer great backgrounds for portraits.
Although, the snow is still on the ground, it will only be a few weeks before the April showers bring May Flowers. Happy first day of Spring and happy shooting!
Two years ago we started offering an “Open” photo booth to our event service repertoire. Today we will discuss, what is an open style photo booth? How we are different from other competitors. What is the value to you?
An open photo booth is one without a box. It is basically a series of informal mini photo session in which your guest get to use props to create an image that will make them smile whenever they remember your event or wedding. Actually we like to brag that our booth brings instant fun to your events. It is done in front of a background and allows for more people in the shots. We recommend 1 to 10 people in the photos. Once the group is framed for each session, three or four random images that are transferred to computer for printing.
We are popular for our 4x6 print template which we offer as part of our standard pricing. We can offer you the more traditional 2x6 print if you request. Our competition charges up to $600 for the first two hours for their booths. They use an attendant that troubleshoots "the booths" equipment issues. We have a photographer that uses a digital camera, to produce high quality images. We have developed setting to gave you that photo booth look.
Our photo booth starts at $399 for two hours, each additional hour cost $100/hr. The price include the 4x6 print template, choice of background color, personalized logo and choice of color border for the print, on-site printing, props. photographer, all images on USB Drive, setup and breakdown. The only additional cost is for unlimited on-site printing. With your input, we prepare at least 4 logos from which you choose. You can choose from color, black and white or old fashion. Finally we do offer a photo booth without onsite printing, we simply project the images on a large screen. Then if you choose, you can print and send them out as part of your thank you note.
This year we are scheduling early because I have a daughter and son graduating this year. One from college and one from high school so we will be having or own parties with photo booth.
We are proud to announce that we are turning our discounts into donations! How would it feel to wake up the day after your wedding knowing that you started your marriage with a donation to help children suffering from chronic illnesses? Or maybe you can get some portraits done while helping another great cause! Spindle City Photography will make a donation to a charities for every new Wedding or Portrait session upon completion.
Charles Mossey Photography and now Spindle City Studio has supported charities for the past 15 years, 2017 will be no exception! We work with some of the best children's charities that help with chronic illnesses including: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Northeastern NY, Sugar Free Gang and Camp Dartmouth Hitchcock (Arthritis). We have reaffirmed our commitments to these great organizations for another year. We are looking for ways to help these great charities more!
Here are the details, we will donate 10% of all creative fees for each new Signature Wedding Collection, and portrait sessions we offer, to the charity of your choice. We hope that you will consider one of the charities we already have a relationship with but that choice is yours. Hope you agree that this is a great way to help charities. Please join us in helping our community!
Here are some more questions that The Knot suggested you ask your photographer. I tried to answer the questions here so that you can compare the value that we offer!
How do you ensure the color quality of my photographs?
Ensuring the color quality of your photographs is a multi-step process. It starts in the camera with a custom white balance of the locations we are shooting at on your wedding day. In addition, we use Professional Canon 1d's, which offer the incredible tone, unlike the consumer DSLRs on the market used by some. Next, we use calibration software each time we are editing images. Ensuring that the screen is accurately representing the output for printing. We completed a color calibration test with our professional lab to ensure that our color calibration is correct.
What style do you specialize in?
We utilize a balance between posed formal portraits and candid photojournalistic images.
What are the deposit and total fees?
My deposit for my wedding package is $250 to book and hold the date. I then set up payments for the balance, usually in equal payments. The final payment is due two (2) weeks prior to your wedding. In Addition, the first $1250 will be used as a retainer and cancellation fee prior to the wedding date. If you require to change the wedding date, I will do my best to accommodate and no cancellation fee will be charged, as long as the new date is available and within one (1) year of the original event date. Finally, any printed materials are excluded from the payment schedule but require a 50% deposit before ordering and the balance is due upon delivery.
Do you have back up photographers who will shoot the wedding if you were sick?
I do have working relationships with other photographers, so in most cases, it's likely we will be able to cover your wedding. If that happens, I will still edit and deliver your images.
How do you coordinate with my videographer? How do you envision working together?
I will call your videographer to discuss a plan on how we can both do our work for you. I have been the videographer before, I see it from both sides and is not that complicated to figure out. I envision that our planning will help us seamlessly achieve the quality results that you are expecting from both of us.
Will you follow a shot list? Or do you preferred to have free reign to capture the festivities how you see fit?
I will follow a shot list during the formal portrait session at your wedding. After that it is my goal to capture the wedding in a way that I see best fit. I will take request from the couple for additional images. But I do ask that you assign one person to be your spokesperson on any additional images. The reason, I really cannot have multiple people pulling me in different directions, this is a recipe for missing important parts of your wedding.
What type of paper will you use for the prints and albums?
As I stated before we use Kodak Professional Endura premium paper. It has standard archival values of 100 years, if display properly, and 200 years in dark storage. For albums you have a choice of paper, you can use the Endura paper or Classic Felt paper. The felt paper has a luxurious feel and smooth finish. It is acid-free, archival and is a Forest Stewardship Council certified paper. There may be an additional charge depending on the selection of packages.
Any guarantees on the images?
Portraits will lose their brilliance if they are exposed to excessive ultra-violet light. If properly displayed your portraits should last a lifetime. That means you should avoid displaying them opposite large windows or too close to fluorescent lights. If your Portraits are displayed properly and display color change and are returned within one year will replace it free of charge. It the same happens after the first anniversary of your wedding date, will replace it for half the current standard price for that size print.
Do you bring your own lighting?
Yes, I do bring my own lighting gear. Depending on your wedding needs, I may take a minimalistic approach or use several studio flashes depending on your location and restrictions. I feel that this is a very important question because some people don't have the proper equipment to get the job done.
What will you wear?
This mostly depends on what the couple wants for my attire. I try to be flexible and blend in, as long as it looks professional. For most weddings, I dress in a black suit and a black shirt.
Today I would like to tell you about Spindle City Studio's Elegant Portraiture Sessions. These sessions are for anyone looking to create a family heirloom. Perfect for Bridal, Engagement, Family and Glamour styles of photography. They make for wonderful Valentines gifts, perfect Easter and Spring Children or Family portraits. We have three sessions that fall into our Elegant Portraiture Sessions. The Packages include at least one large image for your home, medium images to share with your family and smaller images for bringing to work.
The Classic is an hour shoot at a single location. The package includes: one (1) 11x14, two (2) 8x10, four (4) 5x7, four (4) 4x5, and one (1) Soft Cover Memory Book. Our images are printed at a pro lab that uses Kodak Professional Endura photographic paper. Endura has an Standard Archival value of 100 years, if displayed properly, and 200 years in dark storage. The Memory book contains a mix of images from your session. The Memory book is a high quality design option, with a chic appeal and is a great value.
Examples of you Memory Book options!
The Chic is an an hour and half portrait session at a single location. This package contains: one (1) 16x20, three (3) 8x10, four (4) 5x7, four (4) 4x5, and a (1) Soft Cover Memory Book.
The Exquisite Session two hour portrait session at a single location. This package like its name suggests a beautiful option with wonderful upgrades! This package offers a (1) 16x20 mounted Fine Art Print, four (4) 8x10, four(4) 5x7, eight (8) 4x5, a (1) Hardcover Coffee Table Style Book, and an (1) USB containing (10) of your favorite High Quality Digital Negatives with personal reprinting rights.
The Fine Art Print has a similar look and feel as watercolor paper. Since these prints should be handled with care, we have the professional lab mount them on foam board for you. This heirloom will be the centerpiece of any room it is displayed in.
Example of Fine Art Print Paper.
These examples of hardcover books are a timeless way of seeing your photographs come to life on the pages of you own book.
Hopefully we will is you to start your family heirloom soon!
mosseyphotography@gmail.com
The following questions came from The Knot, a bridal website. I decided to take 10 of their questions and supply my answers for you. I may do a follow-up blog post, in the future, to answer more of their questions.
Question 1: Are the photos retouched and color balanced? Is that done before I see the proofs?
Yes, all photos I deliver to you as proofs will undergo my basic retouching process. I believe that the practice of delivering unedited images is unprofessional and can do real damage to a photographer's reputations. Also, I shoot Camera Raw, which demands me to process in the "digital darkroom." The basic process includes cropping, color balance, exposure adjustment. Photos you select for portraits undergoes an advanced retouching process.
Question 2: What exactly is included in your package?
I have put together packages (Standard and Signature) that use a menu type pricing system. All of the packages include an engagement shoot with a gift print, 8 hours of wedding coverage, USB drive containing wedding images both High Resolution printable to 8 x 12 and standard resolution, printable to 4 x 6, plus web quality images with personal print release, social media release, professional editing! I have several other add on services like a second photographer, additional wedding coverage, albums, rehearsal, & other coverage, or a photo booth.
Question 3: How many hours of coverage do I get? What is the charge for overtime?
Our Signature and Standard Packages were built around my most popular coverage 8 Hours. Also, I offer custom coverage for weddings when requested. The charge for overtime is $350 per hour, so it is more advantageous to book any extra hours you may need prior to your wedding date at my best rates!
Question 4: Will you be my actual photographer, or will it be one of your associates?
I will be your actual photographer unless something happens out of my control, on your wedding day. If that happens I will do everything, in my power, to find a replacement for you but I will still edit the images and deliver them to you.
Question 5: Will there be a second shooter or any assistance? Is there an additional charge for each?
My Signature Package has an assistant included in the price. My Standard Package does not include an assistant. A second shooter is available for you at an additional charge.
Question 6: How long after the wedding do we get to see the photos?
We do our best to deliver your images within three months of your wedding. We can provide you with a small taste of our favorite Images within 48 hours. Rush delivery is available at an additional charge!
Question 7: How many weddings do you do on a weekend?
We will only shoot a maximum of two weddings for a weekend. Nevermore than one on the same day, if you are a package client. I may schedule two or more for my wedding options which only provide one or two hours of coverage.
Question 8: Have you ever shot at my venue before?
I have shot at various locations and venues. But if I have not shot at your venue, I will contact them before the wedding to do a walk-through to see what my lighting conditions are and to get some light reading for camera settings. The Boy Scout's motto is "Be Prepared," I abide by it when it comes to my business.
Question 9: What are the restrictions for sharing photos online or for publications? Do you own the copyright to these photos?
You will receive a release to post your web quality images to your social media. You may also use an image for the wedding announcement. You have the right to print high-quality digital images for your personal use. I do retain ownership of the copyrights to all photos. You may not alter any image before publishing them, printing or posting them on your social media. I ask that you give me credit for the image where ever they appear.
Question 10: How many weddings have your shot and how many do you do in a year? Also, what's your favorite part of the wedding day and time of year to shoot?
Although we have spent over 15 years doing photography, it has only been the last five years that we have branched into the wedding photography market. Also, my photography business went from part-time to full-time in the middle of 2015. I have shot many weddings, plus numerous black-tie charity gala events. These events have similar demands as weddings. We have averaged around 10 weddings over the last few years but I am looking to increase that number going forward. Having done extensive work with portrait photography, which has given me the much-needed experience to shoot high-quality portraits at weddings. I have also trained in lighting design so I can achieve any looks you require. Finally, I have shot images in some of the most demanding lighting situations, musical theater and the direct sunlight of golf courses.
My favorite part of weddings, if I have to pick one, would be when the couple sees each other for the first time just before the ceremony begins. My favorite time of year to shoot is in the fall, the colors are just amazing for portraits on location! If I may add my favorite time of day to shoot, it is at sunset with wonderful golden colors and a brilliant fiery sky.
This concludes today's Blog post, I hope you found it enlightening.
I know that this genre is not for everyone. I hesitate to discuss it because it may offend some people but many of you are afraid to ask. The topic: Boudoir and Bridal Boudoir Photography. Many people believe that this form of photography is to revealing. Yet it is becoming an increasingly popular gift to give a partner for wedding and anniversary gifts. So I wanted to give you some ideas that are less revealing.
Boudoir comes from a French word meaning a women's dressing room, bedroom, or private sitting room. Wikipedia defines boudoir photography as a photographic style featuring intimate, romantic, images of its subjects,primarily intended for the private enjoyment of the subject and their romantic partners. They go on to say, it produces images which are not intended to be seen by a wide audience, but rather to remain under the control of the subject. This article is meant to focus on boudoir images for our modest clients. I have 10 ideas for you that will still make you look attractive within your comfort level.
Country girl. Being at many country concerts in the Capital District I know that this is popular attire. A plaid shirt, jean shorts is all you need for this style. But you may also want to bring along cowboy boots and hats to complete your look!
Dress. Any dress will do, especially one that makes you feel fabulous! Some suggestions are, the dress you wore on your first date, last cocktail party or formal event.
The Pin-up. This is in fact, its own genre of photography but it still works to create memorable images. To pull this look off , we recommend a white t-shirt or tank top, shorts, a collared shirt and high heel. Red lipstick and big curls will complete this modest look.
Over-sized sweater: This look is playful, comfortable and yet very modest! One sweater can cover you nicely only exposing your legs for a little kick.
Favorite team jersey. Just does not have to be his favorite team. Maybe you have a favorite team and you feel that he needs a little persuasion on why he should support your team. Knee high socks and boyshorts puts the exclamation point on this look. Make sure the socks match the jersey.
Tied up white t-shirt. The next several looks allow for some more risk, if one chooses. For this look one could couple it with jeans, shorts, or booty shorts. It is all about how you feel!
Button down sweater or dress shirt. You determine just the right amount of skin to show for this look. Again you can determine what you wear on the bottom! It is both a classic glamour and casual look. It is a bonus if it is one of his shirts!
Lacy bralette and high waisted shorts. This look maybe a little more risky but nothing more than one would see at the beach.
Pleated babydoll. This romantic look is not just reserved for supermodels.
The Film Noir. Hats, a blazer, shorts and high heel boots all create a glamorous but mysterious look. Of course, it is done in the classic black and white film style.
Anyone can create a wonderful style that meets their comfort level. Most clients say that it is something that they are doing for themselves, I believe that is important. If you are considering, my advice is to only do what makes you comfortable. It is the only way to guarantee that you will be happy with your images. Most of these ideas can be altered to fit your personality. Please contact me if you would like to collaborate on putting a different spin on any of these ideas.
