Not Just a Wedding Photographer

Many people I meet automatically assume that as a wedding photographer, all I do is take photos the day of the wedding. Who wouldn't honestly? Before I actually became a wedding photographer I thought the same thing, so I completely understand! While yes, most of what I do the day of the wedding is take photos, many times I do so much more! My camera bag consists of more than just memory cards and lenses. I also carry bobby pins, oil blotters, eye drops and tissues. All of which I use at almost every wedding. Each wedding is different from the next but one thing that I normally help with is cordinating. A lot of times I have to help the bridesmaids and groomsmen know when to walk because a cordinator is not always there. I also help the dj cordinate the events that happen during the reception. The bride and groom are usually off enjoying the delicious food or greeting all of their wonderful guests, so instead of interupting, I usually help the DJ in cordinating the dances, bouquet toss and garter toss. In all of this I am always focused on taking the best photos for each couple. Oh the wonders of multi-tasking! Truth be told, I love every aspect of weddings, even when I have to go outside of being a photographer. I believe it is my job to not only be the best photographer I can be but to also make each wedding day the best day every bride and groom have. I think that's all the ranting I can come up with this time but here are some extra sneak peeks only to be seen on the blog!

Engagements: To be captured or not to be

Some of us have been through the engagement process and on to the wonderful world of marriage. Those of you who haven't, well this blog is for you! When I was engaged I didn't give too much thought towards an engagement session, thus went without. Honestly, I am sad that I didn't do it. It is such an exciting time in life and I now wish I had captured that joy. As I get older I realize how fleating time is and the more you can capture it the more you can hold on to the wonderful memories that normally fade. This is one of the biggest reasons I highly recommend doing an engagement session. The other main reason I suggest an engagement session is chemistry. Not between you and your other but between both of you and the photographer. It's not a secret that in life you won't connect with everyone you meet. How awful would it be if one of those people was the photographer at your once in a life time wedding?! It could honestly be disastrous. Okay that is a little extreme but realistically it can lead to photographs being uninspired and flat. In the worst scenario I can think of, it could lead to much worse. An engagement session would allow you both to connect with the photographer and see how well you work together. It could show you that maybe the photographer you chose wasn't the right choice or reassure you that they are just the right fit. The day of your wedding, you will already have the first time jitters out of the way, as in you won't be as nervous in front of the camera. In the end, your photos will turn out much more natural and relaxed rather than stiff and posed. This may seem like a biased opinion but this is truly how I feel. I hope I have helped any of you out there that may have been sitting on the fence trying to decide which way to hop off on. To tide you over till my next blog here are some engagement photos of the couple who's wedding I am shooting in a week and a half!

Beautiful Marly- Chico Child Photography

What can I say about this beautiful little girl? She is the daughter of one of my best friends but I call her my niece. She is so beautiful and her personality is so vibrant. I'll keep it short tonight and save the rest for when I post her full blog! Enjoy the few previews and the one bonus I added for all you facebooker's out there!

well... it is 1:35 AM and of course I am awake. I actually have gone to bed the past few nights before 1 AM which is amazing for me! I guess I should probably write about something other than my sleep habits. I am in this new city with lots of new adventures waiting for me, but I just don't know where to begin. You see normally, I can be quite timid and kind of a scardy cat when it comes to new things... so this big city I am in can be very daunting to me. It is definitely something I have to overcome. I think one thing that makes me love my job so much is it really brings out the best in me. Like I said I normally can be very timid but when I am working at portrait sessions or weddings I become very bubbly and outgoing. I have so many clients who have become more like friends. After most weddings I end up feeling like I've known the bride and groom for so much longer than I actually have. It's amazing that just having my camera with me gives me a new sense of confidence. I can second guess myself so often but when I have my camera and I get in the zone I am full steam ahead and I feel like myself. I feel like I am doing what God made me to do. Well, besides being a mom... I know I was made to be a Mom over a photographer... but that's a whole other story. Anyways, I think that's all my brain can handle on spilling tonight. Hopefully I'll have more soon so keep checking back. Oh and of course I can't post a blog without adding a few photos. Here are a few recent photos of my wonderful boys