Thoughts on Photography

Every day I'm looking for new ideas to incorporate into my photography. Lately, I've been saddened at how many photography sites look the same. Sometimes I wonder if I'm doing enough to make my pictures stand out. I don't want to do what everyone else is doing, but want to come up with my own new ideas. If you're new at hiring a photographer (which probably 98% of my clients are) and you see the picture of the rings in the flower, or the bridal party jumping and this looks like such a new fantastic idea to you ~ unfortunately we all do them. These are easy requests that can be done by any photographer. Here are two questions that I think are important to ask any photographer: (which I'll answer as well)
1. How are you going to incorporate the couple's personality into the pictures? (My Answer: I like to brainstorm with the couple before the wedding and find out as much about them as possible. I want to know their hobbies, their passions, their love story to this point and more. How can I refelct their personalities in the pictures if I don't know their personality? Also, I'm a huge fan of candid photographs that the couple doesn't know I'm taking. I like to let the couple have time to be themselves without worrying about someone taking their picture - even though I secretly am.)
2. What role do you see yourself in my day? (My answer: I'm mostly the observer. I shoot all candids until it's time for formals. I don't like to stop action to pose people. I feel like a bride should get ready and I might suggest a spot in the room that has good light and a nice background, but I'm not going to have her pretend to put her veil on for a shot. I want her to put her veil on as she normally would and I'll capture it. When formal time comes, I like to get the family and bridal party shots done as quickly as possible. I want to spend as much time with just the bride and groom as possible. Once the formals are done, I go into candid mode for the rest of the night. I like to be a fly on the wall. Everywhere, but not in the way.)

I think of a photographer as an artist. I know I've done the bridal party jumping shots before - what can I say, peoople like them. I just hope I also add some unique creative ideas to my craft. If you're like me, you'll want your photographer to come up with their own images and not duplicate everyone else's work and you'll want to make sure your photographer knows enough about you to really show what makes you unique.

Thank you

I photographed Anne's daughter's Bat Mitvah and this is what she wrote me:

Dear Colleen,
I just wanted to let you know that we think the pictures are beautiful! We are so pleased and excited that the event was documented so thoroughly. What are you doing November 24, 2012? Only sort of kidding. My son's Bar Mitzvah is then. Hope to see you long before that as we have been singing your praises around town. Thanks again,
Anne

I always apprecieate these kind words. So, thanks Anne. You made my day! :)

Bride's Choice Award 2010

I received an e-mail the other day saying that I will be one of the recipients for the Bride's Choice Award 2010 from wedddingwire.com
I love that site because it has your customers rate you, so you can see how your doing. I go through and read other vendors ratings too. It's nice to get an idea of what really made a couple so happy they wanted to rave about their vendor.
Well, I just wanted to post the good news!