Archive for the ‘For Brides’ Category

FAQ: Who is your second shooter?

May 3

I’ll give you three hints:

1. This person makes the best banana pancakes you could possibly imagine.

2. This person does a Jay-Z impression that would make you think he’s in the building.

3. This person could be a J.Crew model.

 

It’s my husband! I’m already on a list kick, so let’s keep rolling with that, shall we? My top 5 things I love about working with Aaron:

1. Aaron is an incredible photographer–most likely due to the fact that he’s been a videographer and media producer for years. I never had to teach him how to shoot in manual, how to frame up a shot, or how to use light beautifully–he already knew all that, duh. :)

2. We can get twice as much done in the same amount of time. We split up so we can cover more ground and give proper attention to each part of the day–he photographs the guys getting ready while I photograph the girls, he photographs the guys portraits while I photograph the girls. You get the idea. :)

3. Repeat after me: Smooth-running family portraits. Get this–while I photograph one group, Aaron is efficiently composing the next group. We’ve worked out a brilliant rhythm that keeps family portrait time moving swiftly, and feeling enjoyable, relaxed, and stress-free. Aaron is wonderful at kindly and assertively composing groups so no one is wondering, “Where do I stand? Where do I go?”

4. We’ve been working together for so long that we can predict each other’s next move. Even if we’re across the room from each other, we can give just a nod or a look, and we both know who’s got the next angle covered.

5. Aaron is a great friend to the guys in the wedding. He knows how to make guys feel at ease in front of the camera, since he can relate, and he’s also a pro at pinning boutonnieres and folding pocket squares.

I know I said 5, but there’s just one more thing I have to add:

6. We simply love being around each other (he’s been known to grab me for a quick spin around the dance floor)–and we are at our best when we’re teamed up on a project together. Aaron brings out my strengths, supports me, challenges me to be the best I can be, and keeps me lighthearted.

Posted in A Day In The Office, For Brides, Personal | 2 Comments »
The morning of my wedding

March 4

 

 

Today, I just want to share something sweet and simple. An idea…especially for you brides.

Simply this. Somewhere in wedding planning, take a moment, get cozy, and visualize the morning of your wedding day. It’s a sacred piece of time. Quiet. Tranquil. Calm. The morning…just before the flurry starts. Just before you’re swept off on this grand adventure of a day. That corner of time when you can take it all in.

The morning of my wedding was especially sweet because I got to spend it with the man of my dreams. Aaron and I stole away from our family and friends and went out for a special breakfast. Now, I know that’s less traditional, but the fact is, I’d always had a romantic vision of lingering over coffee with Aaron, joyful silence between us, just taking it all in. I wanted to share that moment, that anticipation, that joy with him–no one else. And I love that I have that moment now forever. I’m getting a little teary eyed just thinking back to it. :)

Take time to visualize what you want. Make it a glamourous party for the women dearest to you, share a picnic with your soon to be spouse, or simply get out in nature and pray. It’s a precious slice of time you’ll always be glad you have.

 

Posted in For Brides, Personal | 5 Comments »
3 ways to join the creative process with your photographer

January 25

 

This post is for the brides who are passionate about their photography. It’s for those of you who want to feel something when you look back at your photos…not just see what you wore. It’s for those of you who truly embrace the experience of working with a great photographer.  I wholeheartedly understand where you’re coming from because, just a few months ago, I was one of those brides. :) From my combined bride + photographer experience, I found one simple thing that made the defining difference between getting pretty pictures and getting pure, honest images filled with beauty, emotion, and joy:

Communication.

That’s the big secret. :) My first priority with brides is to build a welcoming relationship and encourage open communication. Authentic images hinge on it. I take it on as my responsibility to encourage communication by communicating. A simple phone call to introduce myself, a quick eMail to check in, a double date invitation to dinner, an online questionnaire–a little goes a long way.

Good communication isn’t too hard, but it is a two way street. I encourage my clients to join me in the creative process in three ways:

1. Create a Pinterest board of photos you love. Pin images that give me a feel for your style, and what kind of images you’re hoping to get from your wedding and sessions. Make little notes in the caption section of each pin, like, “Love the pose” or  ”Love the open field setting” or “Love this candid moment” etc. Sharing this pinboard with me starts a dialogue between us, and from there I can chat with you more about how to achieve the look you want and what to expect from your images.

2. Invite me into your social network–It’s one of the easiest ways for us to get to know each other. If you see something on my blog that resounds with you, let me know via a quick comment. If you have a personal blog, share it with me so I can keep up with you. Twitter and Facebook make it super easy for us to get to know each other and start conversations based on retweets, comments, and likes.

3. Schedule an engagement session, if at all possible. An engagement session is the BEST way to join in on the creative process because we’ll get to collaborate on ideas for the shoot. You’ll get a feel for my approach and we’ll have a lot of fun. :) A session also gives you a chance to experience working with me before your wedding day. More than anything, it helps you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and it gives me the opportunity to learn your best features so I can create the best images of you.

I hope this inspires you a little!

xo

Caroline

Posted in For Brides, For Photographers | 5 Comments »
Wedding Family Portraits: My Approach

January 18

I’m a fan of family portraits, and today I want to share with you how I approach them during a wedding. It’s a time of the wedding day that has a tendency to be stressful and chaotic, but there are some very simple solutions that I’ve found that create a calm, organized, pleasant experience for everyone.

1. Preparing before the wedding…

About two to three months before the wedding, I collaborate with the bride to gather information and write up a formal portrait schedule. My suggestion is to only do 6-8 small groupings during family formal time, so we can finish the family portraits in about 20-25 minutes. If family portraits run much longer than that, it quickly becomes unpleasant for everyone involved. My goal is to make family portraits as short and enjoyable as possible, while creating the most stunning photos possible. Doing less groupings makes that possible, because even though I work quickly, I’m not rushing the process.

I eMail this schedule to the bride and encourage her to share it with anyone involved in the portraits (typically her family and wedding party members). But even still, I always bring extras; if people have questions about the timing of the day, I have the chance to show myself prepared, and whip out a schedule that they can keep.

One of the most important things I ask the bride is the names of the immediate family members (parents, siblings, grandparents). I learn their names, so on the wedding day, I can call for people by name. This is one of the best things I’ve ever put into practice. It eliminates confusion and makes the whole experience warm and personal for the family members involved.

 

2. On the wedding day…

Most people assume that the family portraits will be taken at the altar. I actually like to suggest photographing them somewhere else–typically a more neutral background. I look for an outdoor location that’s simple and green, like in front of a cluster of hedges or trees. There are a few reasons I do this: (1) Natural light is more flattering on skin, (2) An indoor altar at a church might have distracting signs or banners, (3) It gives me a chance to get the bride and groom and family away from the crowd of guests.

When I pose each group, I want it to look natural and joyful. I ask everyone to turn their bodies slightly towards the bride and groom, and then squish close. If the mom or grandmother is near the bride, I’ll encourage her to wrap her arm around the bride or hold her arm. For guys, if they are parent/grandparent age, I have them stand with their hands relaxed at their sides. Younger guys, I have stand with their hands in their pockets.

The number one thing that keeps the photos running smoothly is Aaron, my amazing husband and assistant. While I’m photographing one group, he is composing the next group on the schedule. Using this system, we experience no lag time or that awkward “Wait, who’s next? Give us a minute.” moment.

 

3. At the reception…

Every single person I meet at a wedding always gets the same invitation: “Don’t hesitate to come find me if you want any special shots…it’s what I’m here to do!” The reception is the best time to grab Informal Formals of everyone. If I make eye contact and gesture with my camera, most people know what I’m getting at and will pose for a quick photo. You can see just how much more casual they are, yet the incredible emotion in them is so special. :)

 

 

 

Posted in For Brides, For Photographers, Weddings | 9 Comments »