Do you have a big photo session coming up, or considering one? Maybe you’re investing time and money into it and you want to make sure it turns out the best? I have some advice for you to help you get the most out of your photo session. Here are my top 5 Do’s and Don’ts of a Photo Session: 1. Don’t be late Being late causes unnecessary stress which will show in your eyes. The later you are, the less time you will have to get good quality pictures in the best circumstance. The photographer may have other appointments or may be planning on using specific light (for example Golden Hour, right before the sun sets). There is always traffic in Atlanta so you should plan accordingly. Any pre-shoot appointments such as hair & makeup should be scheduled earlier in the day and not directly before your portraits. 2. Do relax Try your hardest not to be tense or stressed out. A talented and professional photographer such as myself will be able to direct you in a way that will make you look great if you are willing to try everything, and trust their experience. The more […]
What can I say about Keyanah and Darien? This NYC couple are college sweethearts (Columbia University), world travelers and goal-getters. Yet, they are one of the most laid-back, chill couple’s I’ve had the pleasure of working with. If traveling between the states and Argentina, South Africa or Japan isn’t a problem, traveling between three different Atlanta wedding locations on their wedding day wasn’t one either. The day started off with the wedding ceremony at Glendalough Manor, a beautiful estate in Tyrone, GA. I love outdoor gardens so I was excited to photograph a wedding here again. When Keyanah sent wedding inspiration photos of an industrial location for their wedding day portraits, I knew my studio at The Goat Farm in west Midtown would be the perfect location for their romantic couple portraits. This is one of my favorite parts of the day because the couple gets to relax and have a bit of alone time. The reception was held at the Georgia Freight Depot. For Keyanah, like most brides, the reception is the best part of the day because of the food, dancing, friends and family. For me, the cake is a highlight. I’m always disappointed if I don’t get […]
It was such a pleasure to photograph floral maternity portraits for Katrice, whose wedding I photographed 9 years ago! Although this is her third child, this little girl, the first in their family, will hold a special place in everyone’s hearts. The portraits were taken at my natural light studio at The Goat Farm. The flowers and decor provided by Kaycia Rhone Events. Kaycia, came up with the floral maternity portraits theme and made this beautiful flower crown the night before the shoot. An old bridesmaids dress from Katrice’s closet served as the inspiration for the theme. (Ladies, this is a great way to re-use those bridesmaids dresses in your closet). The makeup was done by my go-to makeup artist, Monica of Alter Ego Makeup. Monica and Kaycia helped to take the images to the next level. The photos are definitely magazine cover worthy. Katrice brought a few items that were meaningful to her, such as the 3D portrait of her baby; a cute little onsie with “sweet” embroidered on it, and those little, tiny baby booties. The dream catcher is her personal decor that represents her father’s Native American heritage. I love incorporating personal items into a photo shoot. It […]
Most wedding planning articles are dedicated to brides but grooms play an important role in wedding planning. If you’re a bride reading this, please share it with your groom. He may not care about hydrangeas versus peonies but there are several important decisions you should be involved in. Wedding photography is one such decision. Man or woman, everyone wants to look their best in pictures. Everyone hates awkward or cheesy photos. Every photographer’s approach to capturing a wedding is different so it’s best for both people to meet and decide on the photographer. Your photographs will have a huge affect on how you will remember your wedding day. Chip Dizard, a Washington DC based wrote an excellent article for grooms on their role in wedding planning. “The Groom’s Guide to Wedding Planning Sanity”, is for grooms or any men thinking of proposing to their special someone.
Last April, my wonderful mother took us on a family vacation to Tokyo, Japan. It was a trip, 5 years in the making, where her grand-kids could choose the destination. The weather was pretty similar to here. It was a wet and chilly week but their Cherry Blossoms were in full bloom, just as ours are. Tokyo was such an interesting mix of modern and traditional. The pagodas & temples stood out in a sea of skyscrapers. The streets are dotted with Buddhist statues and multi-story Anime malls. It is definitely East meets West. On the surface it looks like a western city. Their transportation is second to none. It makes Atlanta feel like Mayberry! It makes NYC look like Atlanta. Everyone is so polite. Trains are absolutely packed but pretty clean and quiet. No one jaywalks. There’s no trash on the street, no one honking in traffic. Here’s a tourist tip for those traveling to the 2020 Olympics -everyone stands on the left on an escalator. The right side is kept clear for people who need to walk down. I want to go back and visit some other parts of Japan soon.
As your wedding day approaches I’m sure you’re worried that your guests won’t show up on time, you’ll accidentally spill something on your dress, or your ceremony will start late. We all know that being perfect is impossible, and I can tell you I’ve witnessed some quirky wedding day mishaps. Wedding cake melted, damaged Your wedding cake has to be delivered to your wedding venue, so, unfortunately, there’s always a chance that it could fall over while in the car or could be damaged by guests during your reception. I actually saw a cake that had melted due to extreme heat. Your professional cake artist should have the proper storage so that your cake is safely delivered, at room temperature, to your venue. Ceremony décor caught on fire from unity candle The unity candle represents and celebrates the joining of two people in their new marriage. It’s ofter decorated with flowers, photos of loved ones or other special décor. During one wedding, I happened to be photographing facing the couple with the guests in the background. I noticed the flowers next to the candle had caught fire. I quickly blew it out without anyone noticing. Where’s the food? I’ve been […]
Planning for a wedding can definitely be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know who the best florist, caterer, or photographer are in your area. It can lead to hours of googling any and every one in hopes that you will find someone who can do a decent job. So, I’m sure that you are appreciative of any recommendations that you receive whether it’s from a friend, family member, or wedding vendor. However, when getting recommendations I encourage you to ask some questions, to be sure these list of people are being recommended because they are great at their craft, and not because they paid to be put on a “preferred vendors” list. In the wedding industry there are companies who have what are known as kickbacks, in which vendors help one another in exchange for some type of fee or commission. One of the most popular type of kickbacks that I’m most weary of is the preferred vendors list. This is a practice in which companies will create a list of recommendations that include planners, venues, and other vendors who paid to be on the list. The creator of this list may not know what type of work they do, […]
Another year has passed and I’ve been blessed to take part in some special memories. I’ve photographed weddings, family portraits, newborns, prom portraits, vow renewals, headshots, birthdays and so many events. It’s fun being able to share in so many people’s special moments in their life. Here’s a look at some highlights over the past year.
You see a photographer’s online portfolio and love their work. You meet them and they confidently tell about the beautiful images they will capture. You hire them and are excited about the beautiful wedding album you’ll have. But on your wedding day, the most special day of your life, their obnoxious and disruptive behavior ruin your day. How to avoid it – Questions to ask How do you approach shooting a ceremony? Do you move around or do you stand in one spot. When there aren’t restrictions on shooting during a ceremony, I will move around to capture various angles. However, I’m always mindful of guests and do not want to be a distraction. I do not walk across the front of the pews in view of all the guests. I generally will avoid being on alters, especially if they’re as small as the one in the video. If it’s a larger alter & I can maintain 10+ feet of space separation or I can hide behind a column or large floral arrangement, I will quickly go and get the shot. I do not plant myself in guests view or continually walk around causing attention. Where will your 2nd shooter […]
Fall Portraits . . . The leaves are changing colors. Now is the perfect time to schedule your fall portraits. Take advantage of this special offer to update your family portraits with Atlanta fall foliage. Special Offer Reserve a Portrait Session in October and get a set of Holiday cards. This is a great way to stock up on Christmas Gifts. Portraits must be scheduled by Oct 31, for a 2016 Portrait Session. Portrait session must take place by Nov 20, 2016 Holiday cards are an add-on item. A primary purchase of an album or wall art is required. All prints & products are purchased separately These are limited edition portrait sessions and cannot be refunded or re-scheduled. But you can transfer your spot to someone else.
