Tag Archives: Bride Tips

Weddings

Why You Want to Shell out for the Second Shooter

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What do all of these photos have in common? Either I shot them as a 2nd Shooter or they were taken by one I hired to work with me for the day.

Often when I’m talking to brides and grooms about budget, they ask about whether they really need a second shooter. My answer is almost always an emphatic “YES!”

It does seem like a silly thing though. Why do you need a 2nd person there to take pics of the exact same thing? I mean I totally understand, wedding planning is a study in where you can save a few bucks to spend on something else, or maybe just put toward your future. I’m behind the save money plan, believe me, but this is one area you should actually splurge a little.

The Houdini Rule!

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I’m pretty great. But, I’m not gonna lie, I’m not able to be in two places at once. If you’re getting ready at one spot and your groom is at his hotel/parents’/yacht, it’s going to be impossible for me to get the both of you getting ready. These are the last few hours of single life. You can bet there’s gonna be some memories/rituals that you’re both going to want to look back on. Also, if the area is nice enough, we can bust out some of those posed photos of the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen so you have more time for Cocktail hour!

Candids! Candids! Candids!

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I firmly believe that the best photographs come from those unguarded moments when you are not aware that you’re having pictures taken of you. I’m a photojournalist by trade. I like to get real moments. Sometimes that means that while you may be paying attention to me setting you up for family pictures, my second is getting candid photos of your uncle and brother and father chatting off to the side. Having a 2nd means getting those sweet moments that don’t directly include you and the groom. I’m all over photos with you two all day, be assured, very little slips passed my lens, but a 2nd fills in those gaps.

It’s all in the Details! 

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I’m a big picture guy myself. I like to get people moments. That’s who I am. Photojournalism is about people. When I get to bring along a 2nd I try to make sure they are ready to get the details (cake, centerpiece, silverware, RINGS) while she/he is getting the little stuff, I’m free to get the sweeping moments. There’s a lot happening and a lot to take in. Having a 2nd means you’re going to have a more complete vision of your day.

Were Gonna need Back-up!

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Ok need is probably a little strong, but it’s nice to have those 2nd angles sometimes. Often there’s something about another person’s eye that just sees the moment in a different way. That can be magical. One thing I learned as a 2nd Shooter when I started in the industry was to be aware of the other person shooting and try to get something different than they where. We’re all telling a story, and the same story might look different through another person’s lens.

Weddings

5 Things to Tell Your Vendor When Looking for a Price

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As a vendor we all get the generic “I’d like to hear more about your prices and services!” one line email from The Knot and WeddingWire brides. Shame on both of those services for letting you send out that email! There’s so much more we as vendors need to know.

Imagine you’re hungry, it’s the same dilemma. What are you hungry for? Are you thinking of eating in? Steak or a Hamburger. You get me, there’s a lot to think about. You can’t just walk into a restaurant and say, “Food please, How much?” I mean you can, it’s gonna be a weird few minutes. These things (wedding photography/meals in restaurants) work better if you have an idea of what you want.

Now, listen, I’m not here to make fun of you or berate you for know having a plan. Planning a wedding is a ton of work, and it’s a lot of research in areas you really never needed to know much about before this. That’s why I made this handy Top 5 List for you. Let’s do it!

1. When is your date?

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No piece of information is more important. Are you aiming for a Friday? or Saturday. What about Sunday-Thursday. I give weekday weddings a better price than my weekend weddings. Some photographers price differently in the spring/summer than Fall/winter. AND If we’re already booked… We might be able to refer you to a colleague that has a similar style.

2. What is your Budget like?

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It seems crazy, right? Just telling me what you are looking to spend and I can tailor a package to your needs… who does that? A dedicated service professional thats who. Nothing is worse in my business than getting back that “You are waaaay too expensive.” email. Or worse yet, nothing… no feedback at all. If we can both be honest about what we can offer, I promise I can figure out a package that suits your budget.

3. How many locations will you need me for?

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It’s easy to forget that I can’t be everywhere at once. You need me to shoot your groom getting ready at his house, and you want me to get you and your bridesmaids at the hotel having make-up done. That’s going to take 2 people. Then we ride over to the Church get the ceremony, then we go to the Reception Hall. That’s 4 locations, and it’ll need 2 photographers.

That’s a lot different than having the whole thing in your folks house. With the Groom getting ready in your kid brother’s room and you in the Kitchen, the whole ceremony taking place in the backyard… well that makes things a little easier. You still might want a second shooter in this case too, though.

4. Have you had your engagement photos done yet?

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No? AWESOME. I do them for free when you book with me. Many photographers do as well. Or offer similar value. This is great for you, because it’s a great chance to get to know your photographer. Come the big day, we’ll both feel a lot more comfy around each other. For me it means I have something new to share on my blog. Everyone wins!

5. Where will you be getting married.

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Seems simple right? Most brides forget to mention it. Are you staying in town or flying to Thailand? I’m going to have to adjust my price if it’s halfway across the world. I try to keep my prices the same until I cross 2 state lines. Then I need to worry about places for me and my team to stay. Be sure I’ll be more than happy to travel with you around the world (I have my passport), but you’ll likely need to foot the bill for travel and lodging.

Just 5 simple bits of info. All that info changes so much in regardless to what many vendors charge. And with a little work you can expect to see more responses faster from prospective vendors too! That’s going to make things so much easier as the big day sneaks up on you! I promise.