FAQ{Photography}

Looking back when Coty and I first started our little business, I sometimes wonder how we got here today. Every time we turned the computers on and started the work day, it brought up tons of questions. I would look at other photographers blogs and sites that I really admired and wondered how they got the photos that they were showing. I have no idea if there are photographers out there that see our site and wonder about us but if I could help out one photographer starting their business then I’d be a happy person! So here are some questions that I wanted to ask other photographers and some that I sometimes get from fellow photogs!

What equipment do you use? Nikon! Coty and I both have d700′s and our back ups are D300′s. We’ve also been merging into using more fixed lenses rather than zoom lenses. So right now we have a 50mm 1.4(my fave), 50mm 1.8, 24mm 2.8, 28mm 2.8, 85mm 1.8, 60mm micro 2.8, 70-200mm VR II 2.8 and a 28-80mm 3.3. As for flash we have 2 SB900′s and 2 SB800s for backup.
Do you use a flash or natural light? This is a total preference thing but I have to admit I do not use my flash unless absolutely have to, note we do have D700′s so I don’t have to use them right away. Coty loves to use his flash and he’s perfected his art using his flash as I have not using it. We love that we can give our clients a variety of photos with me not using a flash and Coty using one. Now there are some moments that I have to use a flash and I will and I love it.

What is your post-wedding routine? It took us a while to figure out what works best for us after a wedding and we finally fell in to a great routine, but again its a preference thing and it really just works for us! First thing we do when we get home is put the camera bags in the office and I usually get ready for bed while Coty gets all the cards out and starts downloading them to his computer. He then backs up all the photos from the wedding (good and bad) to our external drive. He then goes on to sort the photos into folders (pre-ceremony, Bride & Groom, Ceremony, Formals & Reception) and then he will start the selection process. After the photos are sorted and ready for editing, we will then edit each photo individually in photoshop. When all the photos are edited, we will make a slideshow for the clients, burn their photos onto a disc for them to keep and then upload their photos to an online gallery.

Where do you get your inspiration and poses from? I’ll be honest, I’ve been picking up bride magazines since I was a little girl.  A lot of my inspiration comes from high fashion and bridal magazines. I’m inspired by a number of photographers on the east and west coast who have taught me that finding inspiration from something other than photogs will help me in the long run. I love my inspiration boards, they give me an excuse to buy the recent InStyle Wedding magazine so I keep them updated when I can. One my favorite recent photos I found was of Reese Witherspoon in this field and she was raising her arm up to the sun and I just fell in love with the lighting, the emotion and the simplicity of the photo. Of course Reese Witherspoon probably can’t take a bad picture but it still inspired me to take risks and think outside the box.

Do you take extended family photos before or after the ceremony? So every wedding is different, but 90% of the time I take family photos before and after the ceremony. Only a handful of our couples opt to see eachother before the ceremony, but when they do its been amazing. I never push either option, I’ve learned to go with the flow and deal with what comes my way. To sum this question up this is a typical rundown of the formal photos:

*A lot of brides love those photos of her and her bridesmaids getting ready, they are some of my personal favorites so I sometimes meet up with them before the ceremony to catch the last champagne toast and the finishing touches on her makeup*

3:00-3:30 Pictures of Bride + Bridesmaids + Bride’s Family

3:30-4:00 Pictures of the Groom + Groomsmen + Groom’s family

4:00 music begins and guests start arriving

4:30 Ceremony

5:00 YOU’RE MARRIED! *This is where a couple will either do a receiving line, dismissal of the rows or a “fake exit” (which are awesome because it gets the guests out of the church and onto the reception so we can get to the photos and if you can get that cute exit photo with bubbles, flower petals or sparklers!)

5:15 Family Photos *I encourage couples to keep the extended family photos at the reception so I can get to the photos of the bride and groom before the reception* These family photos usually take me 15-20 minutes depending on if the family knows ahead of time to stick around for photos!

5:30Wedding Party Photos *Depending on the size of the group we sometimes try and keep the photos of the wedding party simple, fun and quick. When you have a lot of people in your wedding party its hard to keep all their attention on the photos so we usually try and make it quick yet fun and professional at the same time.

*You should always leave time for traveling in between the ceremony and reception, especially if they are a distance apart. I also encourage couples to have a cocktail hour because that help the time go faster while we take photos.

5:45 We’d be ready for the photos of new Mr. & Mrs. I usually need about 30-40 minutes with the new couple in order get the best photos for their big day. If time is not an issue we sometimes plan ahead to stop somewhere that reflects the couple’s style and helps them let loose for the photos!

After all this is finished we are then ready to get the party started!

So, those are just some of the questions I always wanted to ask other photographers and some questions we get. We’re blessed to be where we are today and we’re happy to pass the blessing along!