The Interrogation | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

When I was in grade school, I was that kid that would remind the teacher that she had promised a test or homework.....I was that kid who sat in the front row and shot my hand up at any chance...I was that really annoying know-it-all that hated group projects because I wanted to do it all by myself. Yep...I was THAT kid. (Yeah, my business name is beyond fitting, folks)

So, when it comes to sitting down in front of a potential client, part of that Goody-Two-Shoes kid comes rushing back. I WANT to answer all the questions right....so when the client pulls out some list they copied from Brides Magazine of "What to Ask Your Photographer" I get kind of giddy. Bring it on! I love being tested! Am I insured? Yes! Yes I am! Do you have back up equipment? Oh yeah! I do! A+!! GOLD STAR!!

It's like I'm that kid, all over again.

But, I have found that some of the questions the magazines tell you to ask are a bit....odd (especially if you're meeting with someone who is a professional....of COURSE they should have backup equipment!!). Unnecessary even. So, I thought it would be helpful to all the engaged folks out there to go over the "interrogation" portion of hiring a wedding photographer. What should you ask? What should they tell you? How should that meeting go?

1. Punctuality is Next to Godliness...Or Something.

Be on time...on both sides (client and photog). This is the first impression you're going to give one another...and you don't want that impression to be "This person can't show up on time....what if this happens the day of the wedding".

Picture: Disney

2. Talk Details.

The first thing I like to do when sitting down with a potential couple is find out about their wedding. The whole purpose of the meeting is to find out if you're a good match for one another. Hearing all about their plans, theme, etc. is a great way to lay that foundation.

3. One Size Does Not Fit All.

You want to get to know your photographer, too. You want to make sure that you both have a similar vision for your day. It could spell absolute disaster if your shooter is thinking "Classic Vintage Tinge" and you are "Modern Bright Saturated Color". The magazines like to use buzz words like "Photojournalism" or "Editorial" but you need to pick your shooter's brain and find out if they think those words mean what YOU think they mean. I've had some clients ask me what IS "photojournalism"....which is great...because it can mean SO many different things depending on who you ask!

Wedding Photographers or Photojournalists?? Depends on who you ask.....

Picture: Chemistry Daily

4. Are you a Bossy Betty or a Hands-Off Hank?

Some people are total naturals in front of the lens. They need little to no direction and all the photographer has to do is point, shoot, and magic happens. Poof! However....these people are few and far between. In MOST cases this will be one of the only times you've had a professional photographer following you around all day....which could make even the most secure person a bit squicky....You need to find out how your chosen photographer directs on the day of. Are they completely hands off? Are they WAY in your face? A great way to do this is not only to ask but to have an engagement session with your package. Having an engagement session done will allow you to get comfortable with your photographer and vice/versa.

Picture: Bakati.com

5. How Much, How Many, What Do I Get?

Now, getting down to the nitty-gritty of dollars, numbers, and expectations can be an awkward conversation. One way to AVOID it being awkward is to only make appointments with photographers that are in your price range. I've said it a few times before, but don't go into a consult intent on talking a photographer down. I don't care what the Bridal Magazines tell you to do (because I know they're out there telling you to go in there with your negotiation guns blazing!) . Most photographers are happy to share all of their pricing with you prior to a face to face meeting. And there are shooters in a variety of price ranges. Part of a shooter being a good fit for you is financial as well. We understand this. But, photographers are priced the way they are for a reason. Keep your budget in mind when setting up face to face meetings.

When it comes to How Many....it's often hard for a photographer to tell you how many pictures you will get. Each wedding is a different beast....and, as it is, some just have more moments to be photographed. Obviously, if I'm with you for 12 hours you're going to probably have more pictures than, say, someone who hires me for 4. Concentrate on QUALITY over QUANTITY. This will lead to happiness.

Talk to your photographer about "deliverables". If an album is important to you, seek out someone with great samples. If a DVD is important to you, seek out a photographer that is okay with offering this. Trying to talk a DVD out of a photographer that doesn't offer one isn't the route to go. Remember, this is ALL about "good fit"! Make sure you understand your deliverables...your rights and what remains with the photographer...and how you're able to use your pictures legally.

Finally, HOURS....try to understand how much time you need to allot for awesome shots. Giving your photographer 15 minutes to shoot your formals is just....oy...not very workable. It CAN be done....but it's all about expectations. If you want an awesome collection of shots, you need to allow time for the awesomeness to develop!

6. Keep Your Expectations in Check.

It's really important to KNOW your expectations, relay those to your photographer, and to understand if your expectations are realistic. This will probably be the only time you're going to hire a professional photographer for such a huge event so sometimes people don't know WHAT to expect. Be frank with your photographer when interviewing them, and expect them to be honest, open, and frank with you as well. This is the best way to establish a great, mutually beneficial relationship.

7. In Case of Emergency.

Most professionals have a part in their contract (and can I just say if there IS no contract...RUN!)...about what happens if they get sick, keel over, or if the Earth opens up and swallows them whole. Make sure there is an emergency provision in the contract, to protect yourself.

What it all boils down to is this: Don't be afraid to throw questions at your potential photographer. Any professional should be happy to answer your questions and to explain what to expect the day of your wedding. But, let the conversation happen organically.....you want to create a great, friendly relationship with your photographer.

But, if you want to bust out that exhaustive list of questions....I'm game! Just don't forget the Gold Stars : )

Hey! Portrait Clients.....Cmere! | Milwaukee Family Photographer

It's been another great summer season chock full of family portrait sittings. I've met some super-duper families and I cannot WAIT until next season when it starts all over again. It really made me think about making things as stress-free and easy for clients next year. A lot of clients may be "first-timers" to the on-location photography experience....or the professional photography experience. Some may only have their run around with Walmart Portrait Studio (SHUDDER) to go by.

So.....for this week's photography related blog, I thought I'd go over some simple "guidelines" for getting the best out of your portrait sitting with Type A Images (or anyone else, for that matter....though I am super fun and I highly recommend me).

I have to thank Betty Claire for providing the "example" pictures here. She's my model-of-many-example-poses.

1. Dress for the Weather.

Wisconsin weather is highly unpredictable (and sometimes downright cruddy). So, even if you envision a portrait of your little one frolicking through the meadows in nothing more than a tutu and tank top, if it's 40 degrees....I really don't recommend it. Because hypothermia does not make for good frolicking.

Dress smart....you can look cute and still be comfy and warm (or cool).

Modeling the latest in snow-suit fashion

2. If You're Sick....Stay Away From Me!

I know that when you schedule a sitting...it can be hard to wait. The excitement is tangible! I understand, believe me. Photo sittings are super-fun! : )

But, if you are struck down with plague-like symptoms, please reschedule. A sick baby/kid is not a happy baby/kid...and Photoshop can't cure the common cold.

3. Bring Kleenex

Kleenex is a wonderful tool....especially in any job where kids are involved. There's snot. There's boogies. There's food leftover from breakfast.

So, come prepared. Bonus points if you actually bring baby wipes, for those more stubborn snot issues.

See Guideline #2 regarding what to do if the snot cannot be contained by Kleenex alone. : )

This is only cute at birthdays.

4. Be On Time...and ALLOW Enough Time!

A rushed kid is an unhappy kid. And a photographer who has to wait is...well...an unhappy photographer. Be on time for your sitting and allow enough time to get a nice, relaxed session.

5. Let It Be.

I cannot stress this ENOUGH....you have to just let your kid be and let them do their thing during these sessions. The more you urge them to "smile this way" or "pose that way" or "fix your hair" or....whatever...the more uncomfortable your kid is going to look. When I shoot, I'm looking for a natural, relaxed look to the image. Not a forced smile, and not absolute perfection. Because, let's face it...they're kids!

So, if your photographer is stepping in to give gentle direction, let them go for it. Stand back and let the shooter do their job. Try to resist the urge to "Stage Mom" the bejesus out of the shoot : )

I know its hard......

Believe me! I'm the worst....I can tend to go all Joan Crawford on Betty if I'm looking for a certain reaction....but even with my kid (who, let's face it, is totally used to the camera by now) resists the direction. The more I tell her "do this!" the more she does something else.

What happens when I say "Smile!" to Betty. This is why we should try to not direct our own kids.

6. Food is NOT a Good Bribe

This kind of goes along with the whole Kleenex thing. Unless it's something super-not-messy (like...I dunno...water. Or carrot sticks...but who are we kidding?), using food to bribe your kid into behaving can really backfire.....in the form of food all over the face and a gigantic mess and more stress for the parents. Which then leads to complete photo-session meltdown.

If you must bribe, bring cash : )

Spaghetti. NOT a good bribe.

7. Avoid Nap Time.

Tired kids (much like over-directed kids or kids covered in goo) are unhappy kids.

Work with your photographer to schedule a time where your kids will be well rested and fed. Now, if its a newborn session...typically asleep IS preferred. Talk to your photographer about what is best.

Kid with no nap = bad portrait.

8. Don't Bring Your Own Camera.

This one always kind of surprises me. You hired a photographer to take your picture, I'm hoping you did so because you love their work and want that look for your pictures. So, why are you toting along your own P&S to document someone else taking pictures? Not to mention the copyright issues that could be attached...but that's a story for another blog (that I think I already did!)

Bringing your own camera to portrait sessions is not cool. Save it for home. Let the professional you hired work solo : )

(Unless, of course, you're Betty Claire Photography and you do whatever you please! Right Andrea? Andrea from Andrea Paradowski Photography was totally "Uncle Bobbed" by Betty at our family photo session. So, looks like my kid needs to learn to practice what her mommy preaches!)

My kid: There's Momtographers....are there such things as Toddlertographers?

9. Just Be Yourself.

I've talked about this before with regards to weddings ...but if you're trying to pull off something that just isn't you, it's probably not going to work too well. If your little girl is a rough and tumble tomboy and you want a portrait of her being a delicate English Rose.....she's probably going to either fight it, or not perform to "satisfaction"...producing less than stellar results. If you just let them do their thing and be "them" (and you do the same), the pictures will be relaxed....natural...and probably more fun for everyone involved.

Betty is who she is. Cowboy Hat and all.

What's most important to remember is commissioning a professional photographer to do studio or on-location portraits for you is very different than toting the kids in their Packers finest for a quick snap with the teenager at the mall. Professionals want the best out of your session, and they are willing to put the time, talent, and effort into getting the best results.

To help them along, follow the simple guidelines and when in doubt, ask for guidance from your chosen shooter. I'm sure they will be happy to fill you in on how to get the best from your session.

Learning on the Job 2010 | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

With the season winding down and my thoughts turning towards maternity leave, the end of the year, and 2011...I thought it would be a good time to revisit a blog post from last year called "Learning on the Job". I'm still relatively new to this game and I always find it interesting to learn from others, see what they've picked up, and maybe share a few nuggets along the way.

So, here's what I've learned this year....and hope to carry on to 2011.

1. Shiny, Happy People Make My Job Easier.
I'm a bit of a people-pleaser. There is nothing that makes me happier than to hear that I did a good job for someone, that they loved what I did, or that they noticed that I went the extra mile. When my clients are happy, I'm happy. This has been a REALLY great season and my clients this year have been just tremendous. It thrills me to no end....and it makes me want to seek out new and different ways of bringing them a fabulous photography experience. In my old job, I came from a background of dealing with unhappy people all the time. Part of my job was to try and make them LESS unhappy....but it was an uphill battle that was hard to conquer (I worked in health insurance...it's really hard to make people happy when they feel like they're being taken advantage of).

But, now...I get to work with people on the happiest days of their lives...do you know how lucky that makes me? Do you know how fortunate we are to do what we do as wedding photographers. I try to remind myself of that when I'm knee deep in paperwork....or it's the middle of winter and I haven't shot a bride/groom/couple in weeks. We are lucky lucky folks. We shouldn't forget it. We participate in happiness. There is no better job on earth.
2. Stop and Smell the Roses. Or Just Take a Nap.

I have to be constantly reminded to slow down. If I had my druthers, I would be a total workaholic. However, that is a difficult row to hoe when you have kids...and a husband....and, you know, stuff to do outside of work.

I tried, this season, to really not be holed away in my office every night. Some nights this worked...and I got to catch up on my TV shows and spend some time with the hubby. Some nights it was a futile effort. Sometimes, work beckons...especially in the middle of a busy season. But, I have to give myself a bit of a high-five for staying relatively on top of things this summer....even with a big move to a new city and a pregnancy. Part of that making clients happy-vow is quick turnaround. I try to always keep that as my goal.

But, this year, I think I did do a better job of slowing down and taking a bit of time for myself and my family, and I hope to do an even better job of that next season.
3. Don't Fear the Reaper....or the OCF.

Off-camera Flash was my nightmare. I love the look....the drama it can bring to a scene/set-up...but the whole concept of TTL and triggers and what-not scared the living bejesus out of me, to be honest. I'm not a math person.....I'm not good with geometry (just as my high school teachers...I think I failed basic geometry three times).....I just don't think in angles and percentages.

This year...late in the season...I decided to give it a go....better late than never. And the concept is still new. But thanks to a few photo friends and the ease of use brought on by Scott Robert triggers I'm finally NOT as scared of OCF as I used to be. I'm hoping to really use it to my advantage in 2011.

The lesson? Do something that scares you....even if your first few attempts royally suck. New skills take time and patience to master....and patience is a concept that is new to me as well, sometimes!

One of my first OCF attempts EVER....

4. Silence the Inner Critic.

I am my own worst enemy at times. When I present a final product to a client, or even shoot for fun, I find myself being incredibly nit-picky. Its the perfectionist in me....and part of me has had to learn to kind of let that go.

For one, if I continued to be as nit-picky as I want to be I would never get anything done. I need to learn, big time, to ignore what other people are doing...the good and the bad....because it doesn't help further my work in the slightest. It's so easy to become preoccupied with how awesome someone else is...and it can easily make you feel pretty self-conscious.

I'm still working on telling that little voice inside to shut up and go away. It crops up every once in awhile.....but I know that I've done some work this season that I'm really proud of....and I have to remind myself that next year is a new chance to rock it out.

Picture courtesy of Betty Claire Photography

5. Don't Dress Like a Sad Clown.

I've been putting off my need for a new work wardrobe until after Second Shooter is born and I get my old pre-pregnancy size back (oh...it WILL happen....believe me!). Until then, I've been kind of making do....which has led to some..shall we say...interesting combinations.

One thing I learned at the WPPI Road Show this year is, in a sense, dress for the job you want. If one were to see some of my ridiculous get-ups...you would probably think my goal was to join the cast of Cirque du Soleil.

So, one of my biggest goals for 2011 is to stop dressing like a frumpy hobo clown. Because my luck is terrible, and the day I decide to just throw on the first hot-pink coat I can find that fits is the day that my husband decides to take pictures of me "in action".

Awesome.

In last year's post I lectured about shoes. Apparently taking my own advice wasn't in the cards because I went through about three pairs of shoes this summer alone and they were all cheap, cruddy shoes that left my feet in massive amounts of pain.

Come March I'm buying some decent flippin' shoes. Mark my words. Hold me to it, Internet.

Style. It eludes me.

Looking back, I think I'm right where I want to be with Type A this year. I had 32 weddings on the books this year (2 remain....can't believe the season passed so quickly!) and countless family sittings. I met some AWESOME clients and expanded my network around the Madison area....picking up some tremendously wonderful pals in the process. That is invaluable really. The community we have going around here for professionals is really amazing. I can't say enough good things about it.

With 2011 looming, I'm hopeful and feeling very positive about the good things that await. I'm taking on my first bridal show in February (something I've been putting off out of, again, fear mostly....)...and I'm looking to really do some great things with the branding and "look" of Type A during the slow season. So, keep an eye out for some fun updates and changes.

And...if anyone wants to call up Stacey London and Clinton Kelly and get me a new $5000 wardrobe....I'm all for it.... : )

NOW What Do I do | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

Once your Type A Images pictures are all nicely edited and finalized, and you get your excited little hands on that DVD of proofs, you may be wondering "Well...NOW what?"

The confusing part about commissioning a professional to take pictures for you, whether it is for a wedding, a portrait session, or something entirely different, is that each professional does things just a bit differently. This will account for the wild range of prices you may find out there when looking for a photographer (well...that and....there's that whole "ya get what ya pay for" thing, but we won't go into that!)

A lot of people offer just the "shoot and burn" approach. Shoot...and burn you a disc (some will just hand you their CF or SD cards!). Warts (and bad exposures or out of focus images) and all. That's it. After that, you're on your own. Take it on over to CVS and get your prints. Easy peasy? Sure! Cheap? Probably! Professional and a great experience to rave about....well.....meh. Probably not. It's the drive-thru at McDonald's approach to photography commissions. Serves a purpose, cheap and fast, but McNuggets are probably not going to be winning any Michelin Stars any time soon...and shoot and burn isn't exactly the most high-end or dedicated way of approaching a customer's memories. A lot of newer photographers on the scene take this route for a number of reasons: low overhead (discs are cheap and editing software is expensive) and they think this is what customers want.

Some customers....sure! But, in this case...what kind of unique and professional experience is the customer getting? With DSLRs being so affordable these days, it doesn't take much skill or know-how to simply shoot machine-gun style and burn off a disc.

So, moving on....what CAN you do with your images?

Now, I offer a high-resolution DVD of proofs to my clients. This DVD has tweaked images that have gone through a culling process, eliminating the ones where you look like a goober or the flash didn't fire...you know, stuff of that nature. I painstakingly go through your pics to make sure the ones I hand you are work that I will stand behind...that I'm proud of.

Not every photographer offers the high-res DVD, and that's kind of a personal thing for each photographer. Some are album focused (which is awesome, and I'll get to WHY its awesome in a bit) and some want you to buy physical prints first. I offer the DVD of proofs for a number of reasons: I'm a tech geek and I think its important that you have your files to put on your computer and back up that way and, truth be told, I want you to stick those suckers on Facebook and spread the word of my awesome-ness. : ) Word of mouth, baby.

But, I do think physical prints ARE important...and I do my best to guide my clients in a way that will get them the best results for their hard-earned cash. It makes me a sad panda when I think of my images being printed out at Walmart or Walgreens, in all honesty. Why? Because these are not professional prints. The machines used to print out the images are not going to be able to tell if I wanted the image to BE as saturated (or un-saturated) as the file shows....and the kid running the machine is probably going to assume I want everything jacked up to major-saturation. They won't look at each images as a separate entity...but the batch as a whole, and they will all be processed the same according to the machine's settings. You may get lucky with the drugstore routlette and end up with some halfway decent prints....but I wouldn't count on it.

Type A Images offers professional lab images via your online proofing site SmugMug, and I have to say I continue to be impressed with the quality of printing I get from the professional lab. It's just heads and shoulders above the Fuji machine at Walgreens. Plus, when you commission a photographer to do a sitting for you, you are paying for that photographer's eye...their vision...their take on the subject. THAT is the price you plop down for the 8x10. The image printed on the paper. So, when you question why a Walgreens 8x10 is $1 and mine, well...are more than that, the reason is you are paying for the BEST representation of the image you hired me to make. In the color, clarity, and form I intended it to be in.

To make another food analogy, you wouldn't have Wolfgang Puck make you a steak and then smother it in Hunt's Ketchup, right? Well...you might...but I'm sure Wolfgang wouldn't be too pleased...and you would have wasted the price of the steak, because all you're going to taste is ketchup. Cheap...unappealing....ketchup.

Canvas gallery wraps are another great way to put your favorite images to use. These suckers are GORGEOUS and always a conversation piece. I have several, and I've gifted several to family members featuring my cheeky little Peanut, and they always love them. There's just something to be said for seeing your darling little mug blown up on canvas. I recently ordered a bunch for my office from the lab and I was really blown away by the color quality and sharpness. Just fabulous. So, I do highly recommend picking up a few...especially with Christmas coming because these make awesome presents that are sure to beat the pants off any Snuggie or Slap-Chop you can stick under the tree.

On to albums, I'm a big believer in albums. I wrote a blog about the importance of an album a few months ago and I stick by that sentiment. We never got an album from our wedding and its one of my biggest regrets. Sure, you may say, I'll make my own.....blah blah blah. Let me just share this with you: no, you probably won't. After the wedding is done you're going to move on to other things and that disc of images is going to start collecting dust. If you're not having your photographer build you an album, you're missing out.

I was there...I saw your whole day...typically from start to finish. So, presenting my vision of your wedding day story is part of my job description. Binding this all together in a beautiful, professional album or press print book is a great part of my job. It's presenting you with the final telling of your story...in a beautiful, heirloom way.

I just started offering new album choices and I'm really excited about them. Everything from press print guestbooks with linen paper (GREAT way to show off your engagement session) to leather bound flush mounts.

I know it can be a daunting thought with all of the option out there. So, no matter who you hire to capture your day or photograph your family, sit down and talk with them about the options they offer to get the most from your images. You hire a professional for a reason: to get professional images. Take that all the way to the end of the experience and get professional level prints and products to show off your images. You'll be happier with your experience in the long-run.

Leather flush mount with hinged, lay-flat pages

The new guestbook option with linen texture paper (no smudges!). These are also great for parent albums.

See how linen-y? : )

Gallery wraps.

You Wanna Take This Inside? | Milwaukee Family Photographer.

So, summer is over. It may still be warm outside....but I'm looking out my office window right now at a massive rainstorm that is sending my DirectTV into a non-working frenzy and making my window panes rattle. Not exactly "frolicking in the meadow taking pictures" type weather.

Last week a photographer pal of mine and I were discussing studios and the pros and cons of having dedicated studio space to offer indoor shoots to clients. I expressed concern that in our state, which has two season: construction and winter , people seem to be reluctant to schedule family and child portrait sittings in winter months if there is no studio available. She suggested I blog about the wonders and pros of using your own home for your portrait sitting.

Now, don't get me wrong...studios have a LOT to offer. Controlled lighting, for one thing. You often have a bevy of backdrops, props, and situations to bring to the shoot. But, there are many positives to allowing a photographer to come into your home.

Now, wait a minute Ms. Type A.....you may be saying...my house is a cracker box and I we have a dog, a cat, a monkey....our couch is ugly...the drapes need to be replaced. You can probably think of a million reasons NOT to have a professional photographer shoot in your home. I've heard most of them. And I intend to address them in hopes that when the weather takes a turn for the worst...you'll still consider having an on-location photographer visit you and your family.

Excuse #1: My house is tiny and/or FUG.

Ok, I can relate. Really, I can. Our old house in Milwaukee was dinkie. Super-dinkie. And not all that fancy. The neighborhood wasn't stellar. Curb appeal? Meh. It was brown. Very brown. And did I mention small? Oh yeah. It was small. Plus, I decorate about as well as I dress....and I have several people that can attest to my lack of fashion sense.

But I took a TON (read: thousands) of pictures of Betty in that space....because it's really all I had to work with...so it was all about making it work.

I've shot in big, beautiful, Better Homes and Gardens homes....and I've shot in hospital rooms. Not only can you make nearly any space work, but people often really overlook the beauty in their "ordinary".

Beauty in the ordinary. (Shot in the super-tiny bedroom of my old house)

Excuse #2: My Kids are Crazy and Won't Behave Indoors.

Ok, I can relate as well. Cramped up indoors all winter....kids become insane little monsters. But, believe me, they are much LESS insane if they are comfortable with their surroundings and you have their favorite items around to bribe them with.

Excuse #3: We Want Something "Different".

Studios are fabulous, because you truly get the "photographer" experience. The lights! The props! You are a SUPER MODEL. But, there is something to be said for using the items in your home to truly bring a personal touch to your images. Your couch. Your chair. Your grandmother's heirloom painting. Your weird collection of troll dolls. Something that says "US".

I walked into this client's home and was instantly taken by their couch. The clean lines, the retro vibe. LOVED it.

Excuse #4: We Want Something Very Simple.

I am a HUGE fan of the plain color background. HUGE. I love just a great smile (or great big eyes) backed by black...or blue...or white. Stark and to the point lovely.

This is not something that is out of the question in the home. I do it all of the time. Often, all you need it some fabric (which I typically bring with me) or a great colored wall.

Black velvet on a Boppy on the floor. Viola! Portrait backdrop.

Excuse # 5: My house is a Mess.

Not sure I can really help with this one too much, because...well...that's your deal! But unless you're a candidate for the show Hoarders, I guarantee you I can work around it (or work with it and create a really cool concept shot).

The Pros:

There are definitely pros to allowing me to come to you. Here's a quick run down:

1. You can schedule your shoot year round. And I promise to take my shoes off in your house.

2. Kids can be comfy and you don't have to hustle them out of the door.

3. No use dragging a million outfits and personal props to the studio. Just keep them on hand...if you decide to throw another outfit on the pile, go for it. We're right there!

4. Brings a very unique, personal touch to your images.

Images taken in the client's home. Fun wall color = bonus!

So, fear not the onset of cold weather, Wisconsinites. I'm still shooting....and having a sitting in your home can be a great, personal way of getting those holiday shots.

The 10 Commandments of Bridal Parties. | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

Maybe I'm just an unpopular gal....or maybe I'm just lucky!...(depending on who you ask!)..but in my 30 years I've only had to be in one bridal party. I was seven. I wore a peach dress that I assure you was, at best, flame-retardant....but that's about it. I threw flowers down the aisle accompanied by a little blonde boy wearing tails. He didn't want to dance with me at the reception. I remember I cleaned the open bar out of Shirley Temples.

Since then, I've been able to fly under the radar and avoid the matching dresses, the stiff-as-a-board hair-do's and the DRAMA that sometimes accompanies membership in a bridal party. However, I have been witness to many a party....and over the past three seasons I've spent entire days with the bride and groom's nearest and dearest. Along the way, I've picked up some tips. So, if any of my friends ever do decide to ask me to stand up for them (I think they're pretty much all married...but hey, there's always renewals!) I'll be all set!

So, I give you the 10 Commandments of Bridal Parties.

1. Thou Shalt Wear the Ensemble Specified.

The most hard and fast rule of participation as a bridal party member is: OUTFIT. The bride and groom spend months planning their wedding: the colors, the themes, and whatever they ask you to wear certainly goes along with that. So no matter what that happens to be....you wear it. Unless your friends are nudists....and decide to go with that as a theme. And then I suggest to you...perhaps you should reconsider your social circle.

Bridal party outfits have improved quite a bit since my days of peach taffeta

2. Thou Shalt Not Humiliate Your Friends.

Part of the role of the bridal party (specifically the Best Man and Maid of Honor) is to make sure the bride and groom get one last hurrah before the big day. Now, etiquette is pretty slim where this is concerned. Some folks want a quiet wine and cheese party at home while others are completely up for whip-cream covered strippers and a party bus.

Keep your friends' personalities in mind when planning these parties. If the bride is as meek as a mouse, making her traipse through downtown Milwaukee carrying a giant inflatable fallace probably isn't the best idea.

3. Thou Shalt Be ON TIME.

There is no excuse for tardiness. Remember, you're there to play a role, and if you fail to show up for that role...people WILL notice. And they will make fun of you. Being late the day of the wedding throws the whole schedule out of whack. So, get your stuff ready the night before. Make sure you HAVE EVERYTHING (I can't stress this enough, I recently heard a horror story when a groomsman realized the day of the wedding that he had 2 left shoes). And get to the church on time.

4. Thou Shalt NOT hit on the Bridesmaids/Groomsmen.

At least not blatantly. Especially if they've let you know they're either: A. Married or B. Not that into you. This is especially important to remember once the drinks start flowing.

Get along with your fellow party members....but not TOO well : )

5. Thou Shalt Not Get Sloppy Drunk

While we're on the subject of flowing drinks, it's not advisable to get SO plastered that you can't remember your participation in the event. Brides...one way to avoid this on the girl's end is to only invite pregnant women to be in your party. So...make friends with pregnant ladies. Problem solved.

6. Thou Shalt Not Treat the Processional Like a Race.

You get no prize for making it to the altar in record time. SLOW DOWN. (This message brought to you by the poor photographers trying to get off more than 2 shots of you sprinting down the aisle).

(and while we're at it....SMILE...you're on camera!)

7. Thou Shalt Be Nice to the Vendors

Ok, I'm biased...because I am one...but be nice to the hired folks. I can joke around with the best of them, and I LOVE a bridal party with a sense of humor...as long as you also realize that I have a job to do. So, when it's time for the group pictures (which I know everyone just LOVES), paying attention is the best way to get them done quickly and get you on to the party portion of the evening. If it becomes a "herding cats" situation because the bridal party cannot contain their giddy excitement, all that does is prolong the group picture process. So, in a word, happy cooperation is in your best interest : )

Or...I'll make you do ridiculously cheesy poses.

I have that power you know.

8. Thou Shalt Keep Speeches Tasteful....And Brief.

I know if you have a loooong history with the bride and groom it can be tempting to stand up and wax nostalgic for 30 minutes about every funny story involving you and your pal. But, keep in mind that many people attending the wedding may not have any clue who you are....or any clue what makes some of these stories so awesome or funny. Or, they may want to just get to the eating already! So, pick a few stories....make it short and sweet. Everyone in the room will thank you. (And keep the off-color stories for another time!)

9. Thou Shalt Save the Drama For Thine Mama.

You may hate the other bridesmaids with a passion. Maybe you dated one of the groomsmen. Maybe the bride is your old college ex and you still harbor resentment. Whatever the case is, suck it up. The wedding day is not the day for Drama Llamas. If you cannot contain your Drama Queen ways, maybe you should decline the bridal party invite.

Now, this does not apply to the bride. She's allowed her moment of dramatics. It doesn't apply to kids in the bridal party either....because Lord knows they cannot contain their dramatics.

10. Thou Shalt Have the Bride and Groom's Back

Most importantly, you are there to be supportive, loving, and do whatever it is they tell you to do. You are indentured servants who get beer and a new outfit out of the deal. Enjoy it! And when the bride sends you out mid-reception for Altoids and corn-cushions....you are on that! You jump in your car and go do it. Because you are a member of...THE BRIDAL PARTY!

The Top 10 Best Things About Being a Photographer. | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

There seems to be an underlying negativity rumbling lately within the industry. Maybe it's just end of the season burn-out. Maybe some of us just had one too many Uncle Bob's to contend with this summer. Maybe getting undercut is getting old. Who knows what it is...but I'm guilty of having the grumblies too, believe me. So, I thought I'd put together a positive spin on things....The BEST parts of my job. Why we get up early every Saturday and put in the long hours documenting the big days, why we stay up until 2 AM finishing up that last bit of editing. What keeps us driven?

There are hundreds out there clutching their new SLRs just WAITING to get into the game. Do I blame them? Honestly, no! My job rocks. And here is why......

1. My Word is Law.
Ok, being self-employed DOES have its negative points: I don't have a bookkeeper on staff to figure out all that fancy schmancy tax stuff (though I do have the best accountant in the world who has let me know that although I color coded my spreadsheets for the end of the year, it's not nearly as helpful as I thought it would be). If a problem arises, I can't just say "Hey, the CEO will deal with it. I'm just the help". Nope....it's on me.

But this is a POSITIVE. I make the rules. I run the business the way I want to. If I don't feel like taking a job, I don't. If I want to take 35 weddings in one year, I do. It's up to me to make it what I want it to be. It's a TON of work...I think people sometimes underestimate the amount of work...but it's incredibly gratifying and worthwhile. At the end of the day, I can look at what I've done and say "I did that".

2. That Certain Appeal.
People are gonna laugh at this, but it's true. People. Love. Photographers. If you're a working photographer, people are interested in this. They want to know more. They want to see your work. It's an interesting job that appeals to people. More so then say....insurance contract specialist (shudder.)No one ever asked to see the latest insurance contract I wrote. I would tell people what I did and literally watch their eyes glaze over. No offense to the poor sap that has my old job now : )

3. Meet Market.
The amount of people you will meet and befriend in this line of work is astonishing. It's truly awesome, because unlike a lot of other jobs...the people you meet become invested in you as much as you are invested in them. You learn about their relationships, their tastes, what they find funny and all about their connections to their friends. I've gained new friends and it's a priceless part of this job.

4. Creative License.
When you're self-employed and a photographer, the sky is kind of the limit creatively. Which is awesome, especially coming from the corporate world where creativity is not necessarily an asset in most cases.

5. Food.
Ok, I may be an anomoly here, but I've said it before and I'll say it again: I actually really like wedding food. I've had some awesome wedding meals this season. And the CAKE. What other job is there where you regularly get CAKE at the end of the shift??

6. Down. Time.
If you play your cards right, and work it out correctly...you can have a nice bit of downtime in the off season, enough to work on fun things like marketing, rebranding, or sleeping.

Yes, summers are nuts. Straight up hectic city. But it's worth it when in the dead of winter you have a nice span of time where you don't have to drag your tired butt out of bed at 6AM when it's still pitch black and fight morning traffic to get to the office. (Though you probably still will to jump on DWF or edit those Christmas sessions...because you're obsessed and a bonafide workaholic)

Being self-employed and working mostly weekends and evenings also affords me time to stay home with my daughter, which I love and am extremely grateful for.

7. But I NEEEED it.
Because I do it for a living, I can totally justify all camera-related purchases. Because I NEEEDED it. I did. I swear.

8. Web Surfing.
Surfing the web and Facebooking during work hours can be considered market research or networking. Not only would I encourage it, it's completely necessary.

9. Geek Love.
Being a geek is an asset. Staying on top of pop culture, art, new technology....this is a must. I don't have to apologize for being a complete geek. I can use it to my advantage. And the best part? The industry is FULL of geeks. Just like me. Embrace the inner geek, folks....it can only help your work! Geek is not a bad thing. Being a geek for our craft leads to great work....and constant improvement.

Deep geek respect.

10. Cheeseball.
I'm going to be cheesy, but it's completely true. Finishing a wedding or a portrait package and delivering it to the client is extremely satisfying. When you're proud of the work that you do, and you respect the craft, it shows. When I get an email from a bride, groom, or parent saying how much they LOVE their pictures, it makes my day. It really does. It's not very often that you get that kind of instant feedback from work. When I worked a desk job, I would get a quarterly performance review. Yawn. Not the same effect. Even if they tried to make it fun by giving me the company equivalent of "Schrute Bucks" if I did a good enough job.

So, take heed other photogs. It's not all doom and gloom. As we wear down from the busy summer season, let's remember how much we love this job. How lucky we are. And how fun it really is.

The Offbeat Brides Let Us Know What's What. | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

I recently happened upon this article on the site Offbeat Bride (which I ADORE!) and it has some awesome, excellent points about Photographer's websites.....and I thought maybe I'd address some of their points that I found fabulous...or maybe needing some further explanation.

The article can be read in its entirety here: http://offbeatbride.com/2010/07/dear-wedding-photographers

FIRST POINT: TURN THE MUSIC OFF

I have to agree with this one. When I first started out I thought "Hey! I can put awesome indie music on my site...yay!" I used a song by a friend's band..a few others. Then I realized a few things: with the exception of the friends' song, I didn't have permission to use the others. Bad, bad Type A. So, I removed them. Then, I realized another thing. Most people have wildly different taste in music from me. I know a lot of folks would rather sit in a locked room with a three year old who has had 5 Red Bulls than listen to one minute of She & Him. Although my tastes may have attracted a target client base, it could have turned away many others.

Also, I know a lot of people who listen to music of their own while they surf...and having competing sounds on the 'puter is just not cool. Especially if it's that so-overplayed-it's-not-funny Hawaiian version of "Over the Rainbow" that photographers seem to want to use until it's completely destroyed.

So leave the music off the site. I have to agree with this one.

Your love of Josh Groban is not winning you any fans

SECOND POINT: SLOW LOADING AND DON'T USE FLASH

I have to disagree with this point. Although slow loading is indeed an issue, having a flash site isn't necessarily to blame all the time...and to suggest that photographers not utilize a very modern and up-to-date site design format is pretty.....well...not happening.

In order to optimize site speed without foregoing the use of a flash format, you can do some of the following tweaks:

- Optimize your images for web use. Using full-size, uncropped images can slow things down.

- Consider your hosting service. If you're using "Bob's Hosting", it's probably not going to work quite as efficiently as some other, well-known hosting services.

- Offer both HTML AND Flash versions of your site for people with slower systems.

- Higher traffic volume = slower site. So, ya know, if your chosen photog is "DA BOMB"....you may just want to wait it out : )

Why is this site SO SLOWWWWWWWW??

THIRD POINT: DON'T HAVE BLOG HEADER TAKE UP THE WHOLE SCREEN

Eh, this one is personal preference, but it doesn't really bother me if the image they are using is beautiful and a good indication of their work. That's why you're there, right?

However, if your blog header is some gigantic monstrosity about how AWESOME you are...that's annoying. Especially if it has nothing to do with photography. I don't care if you like ice cream and stilettos. Not sure if brides do either.

FOURTH POINT: TELL ME HOW MUCH YOU COST

Now, this one is also personal preference, and very dependent on what kind of photographer you're looking at. A lot of very budget photogs will lay out their entire menu for you, right there. I've actually seen where they will have articles connected to the pricing menu talking about how cheap they are compared to other photographers. Hey! Great, if that business plan works for them. They are marketing to a specific segment of the populations: those for whom price and budget are of the utmost concern. This is not a bad thing, just not a one-size-fits-all marketing plan for all artists.

Many will put a starting or "average" package cost on their site. This is what I do. I find it kind of weeds out those that are not all that interested in the work, they just want someone with a camera for cheap. Posting a starting or average price attracts the brides whose budgets I fall into. I want them to like the work first, and then decide if the budget works for them.

If you love a photographer, but their prices are not posted, don't let that deter you. No one is SOOO busy that they can't take an extra moment to inquire about someone whose work they would love to have for their big day. Photographers are not alone in their lack of online price posting...this is not uncommon. If you go to your venue's site, it's not very often they will lay out all the prices for you.

Let your photographer MEET you and work with them to tailor a personal experience.

This guy probably doesn't post his prices, but 's cool like that. Yeah Baby!

FIFTH POINT: I'M PROBABLY GOING TO POST THE PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK

This is something to take up with each individual photographer, but I have to put this out there: Unless your photographer gave you permission to do this, it's not cool to crop out their watermark and post the pics without permission. Keep in mind, copyright still belongs to the person who took the picture.

Many photographers these days are supplying brides and grooms with low-res, watermarked Facebook files....or giving brides and grooms permission to post on Facebook with a credit. The best way to go about this ethically is to discuss your wishes with your chosen photographer and find out what they offer.

Recently it's been revealed that applications have been developed allowing budget printers like Walmart or Target to accept Facebook print requests. NOT. COOL. The image will look like garbage, trust me. You spent all this money on your photographer....make sure your images look good when you order and display them.

LAST POINT: TELL ME WHERE YOU LIVE

Ok, this could be frustrating.

Yes.

But, again, it all comes down to what is most important to you: budget or love of the artist. If I had a photographer that I just ADORED....couldn't get enough of...HAD TO HAVE...then it wouldn't matter where they were from (within reason). I'd get them here. And if I had to take 2 or 3 seconds out of my day to Google them to find out their general area, no biggie.

As a last word, yes...we should make it easy for brides and grooms to find us, fall in love with us, and book us. Of course! That's the name of the game in marketing. But, now that I've heard you out brides...and listened, can you do me a few favors?

1. When you email an inquiry...tell me what you're looking for. Wedding? Portrait? Don't just say "prices". I'll send you some...but really, a nice intro and at least saying "hello" is always cool.

2. I've mentioned this before, but don't inquire with a photographer who is grossly out of your budget it hopes of talking them down to a lower price. Not cool. Keep your budget in mind.

3. Treat your photographer like a person! (A fabulously cool person....with feelings!) We like that.

4. No, you cannot have my RAW files. Sorry.

5. Please stop Photoshopping the pictures I took for you.

6. Above all else, we want you to enjoy your day...and we want to enjoy your day too! I always love hearing thoughts from couples regarding our jobs and how we can make their experience better, so I have to thank Becca over @ Offbeat Bride. We're all ears, Becca!

Avoiding the Trap of Looking Ridiculous.| Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

As the wedding photographer, its my job to make recommendations if a location, pose, look, whatever is just NOT working. However, nervous brides (or bridesmaids...or even sometimes grooms) can sometimes make fashion, location, or timing decisions in the heat of the moment that can send things a bit out-o-wack. Here's a few tips for making sure your day runs smoothly...and your pictures turn out how you envisioned.

1. Orange is for Carrots. And Oompa Loompas. And Muppets.

Picture courtesy of Ron Schwartzman

We all want to glow on our wedding days. But "glow" is not the same as "day-glo". Put the fake tan spray down and step away slowly. Tell your bridesmaids to do the same. If you're ALL orange, then I guess you have a bit of "Willy Wonka" uniformity. However, if everyone abstains from the spray tan except for one gal, you run the risk of playing "One of these things is not like the other" in every picture. And fixing the "one chick sprayed while the others did not" problem is not a quick click in Photoshop.

2. If the Dress Fits.....

picture:http://steelturman.typepad.com

Part of growing up and coming into our own is realizing who we are...inside and out. And embracing that. So, find a dress that fits your body type and you're bound to look STUNNING. Whether you're a size 1 or 21.
Its hard to get you to relax and feel comfortable if you're yanking up a strapless dress all day that just doesn't fit. Or, if you have straps but they keep falling down.
Remember, classy...elegant...and timeless should always trump...well...hoochie. Someone should have probably had a little chat with the poor soul in the picture above. I can probably guess her photographer didn't attempt the super-popular "everybody jump!" shot.

3. And While We're on the Subject of Posing.....
The same poses get recycled over and over and over because brides read bridal magazines...and blogs...and see other people's pictures and want to emulate them. How else can you explain the popularity of a Charlie's Angel's pose with bouquets? I'm guilty of embracing the cheese (or the go-to poses) sometimes as well. I'll admit it. But at the same time, you want your pictures to reflect YOU...your group...not some person you saw in a magazine. If you're a complete introvert, a picture of you being all crazy and jumping up and down says nothing about you, or your relationship. Plus, if you're just faking it...the camera can tell. It knows all : )

4. Be Kind to Your Girls.

Photo: Something Blue Designs

These are REALLY REALLY good friends. Really good. If you got your gal-pals to wear something like this and be PHOTOGRAPHED?! Hang on to those girls!

Keep in mind the words "tasteful" and "not fug" when shopping for your wedding party. Also keep in mind they may not all be the same size or body type. These pictures are going to be around for a long long time.

5. Above All? CHILL OUT.

Photo: http://etiquette-blog.com/2009/01/bridezillas-and-etiquette/

If you freak and try to micro-manage every move, style, look, whatever...of your day something will, inevitably, go wrong. Soak it in. RELAX. Let the professionals help and guide you. It's our job to make sure you don't look stupid. And if you go all Bridezilla on us, well....it doesn't bode well for you to do so with the person charged with making you look like a calm, collected, beautiful blushing bride. There's only so much I can fix in post-processing....crazy is not one of them. If you're overwhelmed...mad...annoyed...whatever, its GOING to come through. Not only in pictures but with your guests. Once the wheels of the day are set in motion there really isn't much left to manage but your attitude. Just chill...and take it for what it is, even if there are snafus. It happens. Remain your lovely, glowing, wonderful self and it'll all be okay!

How to Hire a Wedding Photographer. | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

This bride remembered one of the first rules of Wedding Photographer procurement: Do they own a pair of fingerless gloves? Answer: YES. This will ensure your photog looks super-awesome on wedding day. Very important. (I'd like to credit the guest who took this photo but I'm not sure who it is...so, photo by: unnamed wedding guest)

I've had a few meetings in the last couple of weeks and realized that there are a LOT of resources out there (Bridal magazines, website, blogs, etc.) giving advice on how to hire the vendors for your big day. It can get overwhelming for brides. It has to be frustrating for a poor bride (and grooms too!) to get bombarded with information, options, and wildly varying price points. So, I thought for this week's wedding related blog post, I would touch on some important things to keep in mind when looking for your wedding photographer.

1. The Early Bride Gets the Worm...er...Photographer
You may think "Hey! I've got a year! No biggie"....but photographers book early. I've had many prime dates for 2011 booked for quite some time, and we're just getting into busy season for 2010. People are booking earlier and earlier to make sure their top choices are secured. Don't be afraid to contact your favorite shooter earlier than may feel comfortable. They're used to it.

2. Determine Your Comfy Budget
Now, I told a bride this past week that I'm defnitely biased, but I think wedding photography is just as important an investment as the food or any other higher priced wedding item. It's not something I would feel comfortable "cheaping" on. That being said, budgets are a reality. We all know this. So seek photographers whose work you love (first and foremost) and whose budgets are realistic for you. Don't skimp just because someone is cheap (you'll likely be disappointed)...but if you simply cannot afford someone, don't go into a meeting thinking you can talk them down to a completely different price point. Price points are where they are because there are varying levels of quality...just like anything else. You wouldn't walk into a Mercedes dealership and ask them to sell you a car for the price of a Kia, would you? Same concept.

3. See the Proof
Now, everyone has to start somewhere...and I can tell you, I am eternally grateful to those first few clients who trusted I could cover their wedding based on a pretty skimpy portfolio.

But, it's a bit of roulette.
In most cases, ask to see an entire wedding from your prospective photog. Ask for references. Make sure they are comfortable shooting in all sorts of lighting situations, because that's the name of the game in shooting a wedding. They may be awesome with outside shots....but it's a rarity to have ALL weddings take place outside! And a lot of churches will not allow flash....make sure they are comfortable with this.

And I have to say it: Just because your cousin's wife's doula has an AWESOME DSLR camera doesn't mean they can shoot your wedding. It's a different beast all together than covering Grandma's 80th birthday party.

4. I Would Do Anything For Love.....But I Won't Selectively Color Your Bouquet
Make sure your photographer and your tastes jibe well. Don't hire someone who has a traditional aesthetic and then ask them to pull an Ascough and cover your wedding with a true photojournalistic eye. Again, you're probably not going to be happy with the results, because that's not that person's speciality. It's not a one-size-fits-all profession....so really look at someone's work before you hire them.

5. Hi, My Name is Amanda...and I Will Be Your Photographer.
Gaining in popularity is the "photographer mill" kind of approach, where you hire a large company and they "pick" your photographer for you. Many times, you won't meet this person until your wedding day.
Now, if this approach is fine with you, that's great. Many people have good luck with this way of doing things. But, I find your coverage can be much more intimate and special if you really get to KNOW your photographer. This person is going to be with you all day....you better like em!

6. Ask Questions!!
I know some of us can be a bit.....intimidating. We're high-falutin' artistes' afterall (ok...I cannot even convincingly pull that off!) ...but don't be afraid to grill us when you meet us. It's the only way to go into a transaction as an educated consumer. And any photog worth their salt will have no problem answering your questions honestly.
What you want to know:

1. Is this person insured? If you want to get REALLY nosy...are they registered with the state?? You want to work with someone ethical, a true business person. That way, you know they are emotionally and financially invested in their business...and they will be more likely to be professional and invested in you.

2. How long has this person been shooting? How many weddings have they been the primary shooter for.

3. Do they have back up equipment if something goes wrong? What if they are sick or injured? Do they have a backup photographer?

In a word, you want to make sure the person you're working with is legitimate. This protects you as the consumer.

7. It's Not Just One Day
When you hire a caterer or a band, their job is done that day. If they're terrible...that's awful, and sad for the bride and groom...but their terrible job will not continue to crop up. This is not true for photographers. Your wedding photography is something that will follow you forever. Your kids will want to see your album, their kids will want to see it....and so on and so forth. I have my great-grandparents wedding pictures in my albums....

So, remember that DVD's are great but not a long-lasting medium. Get an ALBUM. Something tangible. Something archival.
Remember that the fad styles are really great now...heck, I even like a lot of them...but you want the bulk of your pictures to be classic....to stand the test of time.
Remember that this IS truly an investment....photographs appreciate over time. They become heirlooms. You want them to be quality.

8. Be Realistic
We're photographers. Not wizards. Be realistic about your expectations. Some things I am unable to do, despite mad skills:
1. Fly
2. Be in 2 places at once.
3. Read your mind
4. Go 12 hours without eating

Communicate your desires and expectations. And maybe offer your photog a piece of cake. : )

I hope this helps some people in their search for a photog to call their own. There are SO many options out there . It helps to be an educated consumer.

And, if you're still in doubt....just give me a call ; )