3 = Free!

Our 3 = Free promotion is still going! Refer 3 new customers who book with us, and get your photo package free! It’s that easy. Call the studio for complete details. Thanks for all of your referrals!

Choosing a Wedding Photographer… An Expert’s Secrets to Getting it Right.

Olga Goddard Floral Plant & Floral Design, www.myfavoriteflowers.com, asked me to be a guest blog expert.  Olga is great!  If you haven’t seen her floral design, you need to check it out!!  Her work is fabulous for any occasion.  You can find her work on her website, or on facebook, http://www.facebook.com/myfavoriteflowers. 

Here’s the link for the blog post…. http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myfavoriteflowers.com%2F&h=5a04e.  “Owning a portrait studio gives you a unique perspective of the wedding industry.  From photography, to floral design and catering, I often hear horror stories from people that regret not using a professional.    Looking back over the last year, I remember months where we had 3 or 4 brides come in asking us to reshoot wedding photos, or try to fix the ones their Uncle Joe took with his “nice camera.”  These brides are victims of an unfortunate situation.  Unfortunate because it can be avoided with careful planning.  While we can reshoot bridals, or attempt a Photoshop fix, there is nothing we can do to recreate their actual wedding day.  The tears and frustration is so heartbreaking to see. 

Let’s be real here, there is a lot more to photography than a nice camera.  Knowing how to use the camera, knowing how to manage people, averting potential disaster, and capturing the magic are all things that are honed over time.  Most people know someone who “has a really nice camera” or they “do photography.”  We hear this all the time.  Trusting someone other than a professional to record your most precious wedding memories is a decision you will likely regret for the rest of your life. 

If your friend or family member is a professional photographer, and that is what they do for a living, then by all means book them!    Investing in an outstanding wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your wedding, but it is a decision that often causes brides a lot of anxiety. Here’s a few tips to help you get it right…..

1. Photography Hobbyist – Many brides feel obligated to ask their friend or family member who has a passion for photography to take their wedding portraits. They do not want to hurt their feelings, or they feel like they have no choice. One option for handling this situation is to explain to your friend that you want them to be able to socialize and enjoy the wedding with you. Ask them to handle a specific task such as taking candid shots at the reception. When the wedding is over, your photographs provide you with lasting memories. Let them handle the fun snapshots and trust the professional photographer to capture the essence, details, and beauty of your special day.  

2. Personality Matters- Taking portraits is not just about smiling and saying “cheese.” It’s about the experience. If you have a bad experience, you will remember those feelings every time you look at your portraits. Choose a photographer that is personable and professional. Keep in mind that you should not select a photographer simply based on price!  Interview several photographers and get a feel for their portrait style and personality.  Pick your photographer based on how well you jive with them, their reputation, and their portfolio. Only then should you have the conversation about price. Trust me, you will never regret spending the extra money to get a photographer with a great personality. If you feel at ease with your photographer, they will capture the real you and what makes YOU so fabulous!  Who knows, the photographer you like the best, may be the best value. There are great photographers out there to fit every budget. Don’t rush into your decision.

3. Picture Copyright - If you ask frugal brides for one thing that they should have spent more on, chances are it will be the photography. It is definitely worth it to invest in a top notch photographer who will take the kind of artistic photos that you will enjoy forever. Think of all the pictures you may never see again once you select your favorites for your album and enlargements.  For this reason, purchasing a portrait disk is something I recommend to every bride.  Most photographers have this option available for an additional fee.  Make sure to ask your photographer if this is an option.  Copyright is always ‘owned’ by the photographer. When purchasing a disk, you get permission to print and use the pictures (for personal use) without paying the photographer again and again. Purchasing a portrait disk can cost you more initially but having all of your pictures and being able to print them at any time is well worth the investment.

I hope that these tips will help ease the anxiety of choosing a professional photographer and at Hot Shot Images, we’d love to hear from you!  We wish you the best in planning your magical day!

Nissa