Top 10 Engagement Photo Shoot FAQ’s

1. Why is the engagement photo shoot important?
The engagement photo shoot is a great way for us to get to know each other before the wedding. It can be pretty awkward for us both if I show up to photograph your wedding and have only met you once briefly at your booking appointment! It’s important that you are comfortable with my style and I know you on a personal level so your wedding images can truly reflect your personalities and your relationship.

2. Where should we do the photo shoot?
Most couples prefer to do their engagement photo shoot in a relaxed environment. The most popular location is the beach. I have a favorite spot picked out at Hanna Park that is gorgeous. (There’s one dune there that should have a plaque with my name on since I use it so often!) If you don’t like the beach we can go to a park, downtown or your favorite spot around Jacksonville. St. Augustine photo shoots are available for a small travel fee.

3. When can we do the photo shoot?
Photo shoots done on location should be done one hour before sunset. This way we get the absolute best light (photographers call it the “sweet light”) and if we’re lucky a beautiful sunset too.

4. What should we wear?
Clothing should be kept neutral and should match the location. So, for the beach clothing should be white, cream, beige, blue or pastels. Park photo shoots are best in tans, blues and greens. You should also wear colors similar to each other. The portraits should be focused on you, not your bright red blouse! No patterns, big logos, stripes or checks. Keep it simple. Also, leave your watches at home.

5. When should we book the photo shoot?
The engagement photo shoot should be done about two to three months before the wedding. Of course, we can always do it sooner or later if your schedule requires.

6. Can we bring our dog?
Absolutely! I love dogs! I do ask that if you are bringing a dog that you bring someone that can handle the dog when we are doing photos without him or her. Be sure to bring a leash and some water also.

7. How should I do my make-up/hair?
If you don’t normally wear foundation, I highly suggest it for photo shoots. Powder is a necessary minimum. Fix your eyeshadow as you would normally in neutral colors. Bring some lipgloss with you to reapply after smooches. If we are at the beach, please keep in mind that it is sometime windy. So, you may need a little more hairspray than normal.

8. What do we do with engagement photos?
The most popular use for an engagement photo is a signature frame or signature guest book. You choose your favorite image and I frame or mat it for you to display at the reception. Your guests sign their well wishes around the mat instead of in a regular guest book. You can also order albums, wall folios and prints from your engagement session.

9. Can we send in an image to our hometown newspaper?
Yes, you can send in an image to the newspaper. If you want to send a print, you’ll need to order a print. If they accept digital files from the photographer, I’m happy to send it in for you if you provide the contact information.

10. How long does it take after the photo shoot for us to see our proofs?
About 10 days after the engagement photo shoot you can come in to my office to see and order your engagement portraits. I use a computer program that lets us see them as a slide show, compare similar poses to each other and see them in black and white or color.

Here’s an interesting article on 7/7/07 brides

Another photographer forwarded this link on an on-line forum that I belong to. I just thought it was interesting reading for those of you who love all things Wedding!

By the way, I was “lucky” enough to book this date with Amy and David.

Happy reading!

http://www.pe.com/lifestyles/stories/PE_Fea_Daily_D_countdown.0423.3ff9edd.html

Poll-How Did You First Hear About Me?

I am always curious how my clients first hear about me. Especially my brides. There are a few reasons why I’m curious, but the main one is because I want to make sure I’m advertising in the right magazines, or on the right websites. Brides today are very saavy and use a lot of different tools to find their vendors. So, please take this one question poll for me so I have a better understanding of where my clients come from. Thanks in advance!

Blog Polls – Take Our Poll

Fashion Workshop

What do fashion photography and wedding photography have in common? Everything! That’s why tonight I attended a fashion workshop hosted by PPSNF (Professional Photographers Society of North Florida) and taught by Mike Permenter. Ok, there is no nervous groom on a fashion shoot, but there are beautiful women and gorgeous clothes. And the goal is the same: make the model/bride look great!

Our fashion workshop was held at Friendship Park downtown Jax by the fountain. We had an awesome model (Ally) who knew how to strike a pose! There were about a dozen photographers all vying for the perfect light and just brushing up on our fashion techniques. I also got to try out my new 85mm (f1.2) portrait lens. That thing is sharp!

Anyway, I’ve posted a couple images from the photo shoot so you can see how much fun we had. I love my job!

Is Your Photographer Certified?

Would you hire an accountant that wasn’t certified? Would you trust a doctor that wasn’t board certified? The answer is probably “No”. Certification is a way for professionals to demonstrate an understanding of technical information related to their field and to prove their abilities to both their peers and clients. When you hire a certified professional, you are gaining an assurance of a level of competency. Just as you would not hire a non-certified tax accountant or family physician, you should also not hire a non-certified photographer.

The certification process for photographers involves an extensive written exam as well as a portfolio image review by a panel of highly qualified judges. To gain the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) status, the photographer must demonstrate an above average level of technical photographic knowledge as well as a real-world ability to provide outstanding images for clients.

Because the photography industry is highly creative and subjective, it often attracts individuals that have a camera and a love for photography, but not much else. They lack training, formal education as well as the business acumen needed to operate a company and provide a high level of customer service. Often times, the customers are the ones that suffer the greatest with sub-par images of their cherished family memories or important life moments.

In response to this dilemma, the Professional Photographic Certification Commission was formed and the CPP process created. The industry agrees that Certified Professional Photographers are highly skilled and have proven their abilities. They demonstrate a commitment to photography not only as an art form, but as a profession.

The next time you need to hire a photographer for a family portrait, wedding or even business project, be sure to hire a Certified Professional Photographer. You’ll be glad you did. For a complete listing visit www.certifiedphotographer.com.

Welcome Gracie

This is quite a story…Recently my husband was on a website for his high school class reunion (Springfield, VA) and discovered that one of his HS friends now lives in Jacksonville. He contacted her and found out that she is married and expecting a new baby. She was also looking for a photographer! She called me and we made an appointment for a photo shoot for the day after the baby came home. On Friday, I met Erin, her husband Tom, their 20 month old little boy, both sets of grandparents and new baby Gracie. She is so precious and tiny. She actually fits in her daddy’s hands. We also look forward to spending more time with our new friends!

It’s Good to Be In Love!

What a fun couple! Last night, Gwen & Kyle and I had a great time on an engagement photo shoot at the beach. They were so loving, fun and affectionate with each other it was easy to capture some great images. It’s good to be in love!

Must Love Dogs

I love dogs. In fact, the “other man” in my life besides my hubby Bill is my 3 year old yorkie Hogan. He is Bill’s and my best friend. So, I was quite sad to hear that last weekend the Jacksonville Humane Society burned down leaving the surviving animals without their temporary home. So, today Hogan and I made a donation to the society through their website and also bought some much needed supplies for them as well. If you can help, please visit their site at www.jaxhumane.org to make a donation.

Congratulations Katrina and Fred!

Congratulations to Katrina and Fred who were married on March 31 at Immaculate Conception. The ceremony was beautiful and the reception at Queen’s Harbour was lots of fun! Katrina and Fred met at UNF where Fred is an English professor and Katrina works as an administrative assistant and is a recent grad. I wish you and your boys the best of luck in your new life together!

“Stolen Moment” Wins Third in PPSNF People’s Choice

Each month, the Professional Photographers Society of North Florida meets to educate its members and provide a networking forum as well. Another part of the meetings is a print competition called People’s Choice. Photographers are encouraged to enter a print anonymously and they are judged by the membership. The competition is tough with some of the country’s best photographer’s competing. I try to enter each meeting and was lucky enough to win third place.

The winning image features Meghan and Garrett in a kiss as seen by me at their wedding reception at Jacksonville Garden Club. Just before, we were outside in the dark experimenting with low light techniques. When they walked back in, I was still outside and saw them through the window. I knew the light would be gorgeous! This photograph was a one second exposure with only the light from inside. I think it turned out gorgeous!