When Bad Photography Happens To Beautiful Brides {&Grooms}

This first lesson we'll start off this series with is about the extreme importance of hiring a Q-U-A-L-I-T-Y photographer for your wedding day.

Firstly, I will preface this post with the following: I totally get that budget plays a large part in choosing your wedding day vendors BUT there are some amazing photographers out there who are very talented that aren't charging 5 figures for a wedding photography package.

One of our first weddings of the 2010 season had a gorgeous bride and a handsome groom. They were also the nicest people on the planet. Their big day was filled with so much love and family, it was hard not to cry during the ceremony! Their reception was pretty cool as well - the band literally had guests rocking the dance floor the entire night ... to the point were guests didn't want to sit down for their food. It was that awesome of a reception.

But, like everyone getting married - my couple had a budget that they were working within. So, on the recommendation of a family friend, they hired a Wedding Photographer. While this person was extremely nice and carried a fancy camera, a quality photographer he was not. He continuously was absent for major image worthy moments. He also came without an assistant, and used myself and my assistant throughout the day and evening to carry his equipment, help set up shots and generally be his assistant. Not the wedding planner's role at all. And just about every shot he took was completely generic. Nothing creative, nothing exciting and nothing that wasn't just basic.

Obviously everyone's tastes are different but you want incredible images to remember your day. Not mediocre images that you hide when guests come over. There's too much talent out there to use someone who hasn't picked up any tricks of the trade since 1950. You want to hire photographers that create images that literally make your heart stop. Not images that look like they should be on some blog that makes fun of images.

After all is said and done on your wedding day - literally all you will have to savor the memories of one of the biggest days of your life is your photographs and your video {if you are getting a videographer}. Wouldn't you rather spend a bit more on fabulous photography?

Thoughts on Choosing a Wedding Photographer

The wedding day will fly by in a blur (seriously, I felt like my day was 5 minutes long!) but you'll have all these amazing images that will last a lifetime, so please, choose wisely. Photographs, video's and memories are all that you will physically walk away from the wedding with, so make sure you do plenty of research on your photographer and *try* to not skimp on the budget here. You want to look back at your images years later and fall in love with the whole day over and over again.

Luckily, with the Internet most photographers have a wealth of images for you to check out online. But, don't hire site unseen (this is applicable to all your vendors, meet in person first, if circumstance allows), since this person will be following your every move on the day of, you want to make sure that you are comfortable not only with their images, but with them as well. Decide what elements of photographs you want: more candid, more details, more 'artsy' angles/poses etc. Do you want 1,2, or 3 shooters? How long do you want your photog on the wedding day? Standard packages are 8 hours which would include getting ready through the reception (either end or close to ... I suggest close to, pictures of drunk guests are not pretty). Do you care more about the actual images or albums? Do you want an online gallery that friends and family can purchase images through? Or, would you prefer to get all the proofs? What kind of album do you prefer? Make sure that the package you decide on holds everything in it that you want. Some photographers will negotiate, and some will not. Keep in mind that you want QUALITY over QUANTITY in this case. These are images you get to look at for years and years.



This post was originally published on June 16th, 2009

Monday Musings

We had so much fun at Kristin and Jarret's wedding in June in Southampton and it looks like they did as well:



{via Craig Paulson Photography}

Monday Musings: It's August?

{via As You Wish Photography}

Fabulous Friday: Its Almost August?

Has anyone else noticed that 2010 is completely whipping by? I'd love to know where the brakes are on this calendar. I have so many goals for 2010 that I haven't even begun to work on simply because there hasn't been enough time to really dig into them.

Anyways, there are some good things floating around this week that I wanted to point out:

Southern Magazines has put up some breathtaking images that you can vote on for inclusion in the next magazine. They are also looking for image submissions for the IT LIST. The photos up there really are beautiful.

Charelene at Sweet Chic Events in Chicago wrote a fabulous post on what your venue coordinator is not, a must read for brides!

Chelsea Clinton gets married tomorrow ~ love this quote found on The Huffington Post: "Who Cares if Chelsea Clinton Is Getting Married?". Check out all their articles here if you do care.

We've got a beautiful wedding to coordinate tomorrow: Congratulations Patty & Joe!

Fabulous Friday: Good Morsel's of Wedding Information

After a short yet long week, we've made it to the weekend! I wanted to take a moment since its summer, its sunny and hot and remind everyone that you should wear sunscreen always and to get a yearly skin check by the dermatologist. I know, I sound like some weird radio PSA, but having had melanoma and general tragedy related to melanoma in my life, I am a champion for advocating getting your skin checked out. I went yesterday to make sure all the moles were in tip top shape and I really hope you do the same. Its easy, painless and takes about 5 minutes!

{Ok, stepping down from soapbox}

There are some great reads this week that you should check out:

Found a vendor you love and want to work with? Read this to ensure you get a contract signed right away!

As if you needed more reasons to hire a wedding planner!

When pulling together your wedding day timeline - here are some great reasons as to why you should do photo's before the ceremony.

The Illegal Wedding Fair is here this weekend, stop by and check it out!

And lastly, if you've ever seen The Lion King {on Broadway or in the movie} we all can recognize the opening 'african' scream ... Tsidii, the voice, is performing on June 22nd at City Winery - it should be a fabulous evening! 155 Varick St Soho at 7 30pm.

Happy Weekend-ing!

Fabulous Friday: Must Read Wedding Wisdom

We made it to Friday! Its been an incredible week, from meeting Sara Rue & Colin Cowie {we're on the same committee for a charity event in June} to making a committment to myself to stop putting everything first and me last and so I've started going back to the gym full time, to saying goodbye to a dear friend whose leaving NYC - its been a productive week!

Starting next week will be a new series on Consultations & Wedding Planner pricing - I hope you stop back to read my thoughts and comment as well!

To get you in the mood for pricing, check out these great posts on photographer pricing:

Melissa Jill, a talented photographer in Arizona wrote a great piece last week about why she doesn't discount pricing. Its insightful and I encourage you to read it.

Every Last Detail has a blunt but necessary post today on photography pricing expectations - sometimes you just have to keep it real.

The lovely Lisa Barr {@bridalease} has a fabulous series this week {1, 2 & 3}about Montreal, which really is a beautiful place & a great wedding destination!

And last but not least, Missy Photography posted images from a wedding we worked on last month - Congratulations Blair & Matt, you two really are the sweetest couple and I loved working with you both!

Week In Review: E-Shoot + News!

The amazingly talented Christopher Duggan of Threshold Visions is hosting another free engagement shoot on May 15th. Here are the details in Christopher's own words:



By popular demand, I will be hosting the 4th Annual FREE Engagement Day on Saturday May 15th right here in New York City’s Central Park.

Our Engagement Day is designed for the couple who is looking for the right photographer for their wedding.

Of course I provide my clients with timeless, emotion-filled photographs, caught-moments of shared love laughter and joy. I create for them inspiring images that tell their unique wedding-love story and a uniquely designed album showcasing their favorite images.

Equally important, they get from me a flawless wedding day experience in which I work with a sense of fun and efficiency. I am sensitive to the fact that they want to spend most of their time with their guests, their family and each other. I always blend in to the party, put their guests and family at ease and capture everyone looking their natural best.

Two essential things happen in the Engagement Day, you get to know me and I get to know you. Participating in our Engagement Day is the perfect way to both get to know how I work so you can choose the right photographer for your wedding and make great portraits of the two of you during one of the sweetest times of your relationship together.

“Two words come to mind when seeing our pictures…Exuberant Bliss! Christopher made us the center of the Universe that day.” – Kristine & Steve

Our Engagement Day begins with cocktails and a meet and greet with Christopher on Friday evening. Manhattan location to be announced soon.

Here’s what 10 couples will get on Saturday May 15th on location in Central Park:

– A 30 minute experience with me creating natural, lifestyle portraits of the two of you. It’s the perfect sampling of my signature style.

– Professional hair & make-up artist on site to help keep you looking fresh and camera ready.

– A chance to win a custom design Lovebook made of images from our Engagement Day

– Digital Negatives of images to use on Facebook, their wedding website or other on-line social media

“Christopher made the shoot completely enjoyable, relaxed and a good time. Our engagement pics capture the fun and warmth of our relationship.” – Mistina & Tony

Because of such limited space we can only accept couples who:
– are engaged
– are looking for the right wedding photographer
– are getting married in the Tri-State area or are planning on taking their photographer to their destination wedding

In order to be considered, please email me at studio@thresholdvisions.com including the following:
– wedding date
– wedding location & venue
– a current fun photo of the two of you
– a few brief words about your story or your wedding plans

Submissions must be received by Friday May 7th in order to be considered.

The day will fill very quickly. Have your friends and family send their submission right away.

Other news: The Wed Boutique launches TOMORROW! Be sure to check it out here ~ it'll be chock full of amazing goodness that you don't want to miss!

And lastly, its moving weekend! Finally, this wedding planner and her family are changing spaces, so our offices will be closed until May 5th. We can respond on a limited basis to emails and all phone calls will be returned on May 5th!

Weekly Round Up: The Inner Workings of Wedding Photographers

I was fortunate enough to have drinks last night with Missy of Missy Photography {who is beyond fabulous} and decided that this week's round up would consist of photography articles that give more insight into Wedding Photography, so read on to be educated!

I am a firm believer in the Engagement Shoot - it gives both the couple and the photographer the chance to warm up to each other and for the photographer to become attuned to how you are in front of the camera, so that they can prepare to take incredible images of you on your wedding day. Read this by Jason Aten for more insight!

A lot of my clients are always a bit surprised to find out pricing for photographers - they seem to think that photographers show up on the wedding day, take pictures, upload them to a CD and that's it. Their job is so much more than that, read this, from the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers to gain more perspective on the inner workings of a photographer and their business.

Lastly, check out this insightful article from Seattle Metropolitan - written by photographers about their craft.

Happy Weekend - Stay Warm!

Day 15: Capturing The Details: Wedding Photography

Days 15: 30 Days: A Guide to Stress Free Wedding Planning

The wedding day will fly by in a blur (seriously, I felt like my day was 5 minutes long!) but you'll have all these amazing images that will last a lifetime, so please, choose wisely. Photographs, video's and memories are all that you will physically walk away from the wedding with, so make sure you do plenty of research on your photographer and *try* to not skimp on the budget here. You want to look back at your images years later and fall in love with the whole day over and over again.

Luckily, with the Internet most photographers have a wealth of images for you to check out online. But, don't hire site unseen (this is applicable to all your vendors, meet in person first, if circumstance allows), since this person will be following your every move on the day of, you want to make sure that you are comfortable not only with their images, but with them as well. Decide what elements of photographs you want: more candid, more details, more 'artsy' angles/poses etc. Do you want 1,2, or 3 shooters? How long do you want your photog on the wedding day? Standard packages are 8 hours which would include getting ready through the reception (either end or close to ... I suggest close to, pictures of drunk guests are not pretty). Do you care more about the actual images or albums? Do you want an online gallery that friends and family can purchase images through? Or, would you prefer to get all the proofs? What kind of album do you prefer? Make sure that the package you decide on holds everything in it that you want. Some photographers will negotiate, and some will not. Keep in mind that you want QUALITY over QUANTITY in this case. These are images you get to look at for years and years.

Photog Love: Tory Williams Photography

I will do a much bigger post on Tory in the coming days, but I had the fantastic pleasure of meeting with her today and she's a doll. Love her work, love her style. She was awesome enough to do a post on me, check it out: Une Petite Madeleine

Photog & Birthday Gifts

Just wanted to share some photographs that the amazingly talented Spencer Lum of 5West Studios took recently of myself and our dogs for my husband's birthday today! (PS: the husband LOVED this personal and unique gift better than anything I could have ever bought!)

Finding Inspiration ...

It may be because its winter and I am more of a summer gal, but I am having a hard time finding inspiration lately! I've spent the better part of the last couple of weeks working furiously on upcoming weddings and events - which all got interrupted by the birth of my best friends baby girl on Sunday! I am aiming to be back on track this week, but only if I can find some inspiration.

I did however, have a peek at Snippet and Ink today and clicked on a link to an Etsy storefront ... I have spent the last hour staring at these amazing photographs, trying to convince myself that I shouldn't buy one or more ...

Where do you find your inspiration?

Real Weddings

This is a wedding that took place this past Fall in the Heart of New York City. The ceremony and reception were at Bryant Park Grill. I absolutely loved this couple, they were so sweet, so in love and so amazing to work with! They worked with their florist, Gardens Bloom to come up with a very romantic, ethereal look for the evening, using lots of tealights, orchids and candles, which gave the room a very beautiful ambiance. Their photographer is none other than Spencer from 5West Studios, who never ceases to floor me with his incredible images. Enjoy!

(images courtesy of 5West Studios)