Gone are the days of simply putting an announcement in the paper and an invitation in the mail to notify the world of your upcoming nuptials. Today, it’s expected that you and your partner have a wedding website to give guests the info they need and regarding the big day. It’s also a great keepsake for you to look back on after your wedding has come and gone, if you do it right.
Many people feel overwhelmed when it comes to setting up a wedding website. It’s easy to decide on the necessary bullet points that you have to share, such as the location and date of your ceremony. However, the supplementary info might seem a bit harder to discern. That’s why we’ve decided to help you with a list of must-haves on your wedding site. Now, your perfect wedding webpage is just a few clicks away.
1. A Great Web Address/Hashtag
As you sit down to create your site, try and think of a memorable web address so that family and friends won’t forget where to find all of the information they need. If your names are Chuck and Julie, for example, you could do something like, “ChuckandJulieWed.com.”
Nowadays, marrying couples also have to come up with a hashtag that guests will use when posting any photos of the big day on social media. That way, you can search your hashtag later and see all of the memories from another perspective. If you’ve already got a clever hashtag, you might also use that as your web address. It will be clever enough to help your guests remember the web address, and they’ll know it long before you need them to use it when they Facebook and Instagram on your big day.
2. Registry Information
One couple who performed analytics on their wedding website found that the majority of clicks went to the page that featured their registry information. And, while this type of information is often sent along with the paper invitation in the mail, it’s a great idea to have links to your registries so that guests can find them in case they misplace that part of the invitation. It makes for easy online shopping as well.
3. Hotel and Location Information
There are typically at least a handful of guests at your wedding who will be coming from out of town. Because of this, you’ve probably worked with a local hotel or two to block off rooms so that everyone has a place to sleep. You should have this information readily available on your website so that guests can make travel and lodging plans easily and as soon as possible.
As for location information, we’re not talking about simply stating the city and state where your wedding will be held. We recommend providing a guide as to what your out-of-town guests can do around the city while they’re not at your wedding. Most people who fly or drive in will book an extra day or two in order to recuperate and to make the trek worth it. It’s helpful to offer insider tips as to what to do, see, eat, etc.
4. RSVP Form
You sent one via snail mail, but it doesn’t hurt to have a section of your wedding website where guests can send an official RSVP. Make sure your guests can say whether they’re coming, how many people in their party will be attending, what entrée they want, and the email address where they’d like to receive more information.
5. Detailed Maps and Directions
Even in the age of apps and smartphones, technology can sometimes fail us — and it seems like these snafus only happen on important days of the year. To avoid any potential issues, load up your wedding website with detailed maps of where the reception is, where the venue is, how to get between the two, etc. Even if only a handful of guests use it, it’s worth putting online.
6. Dress Code Information
A mailed invitation only gives you so much space to write about your wedding’s dress code. A page on a website, however, allows you to provide more information about the location of the wedding and how it might affect guests’ outfit choices. For example, if the wedding is to take place on a grassy field, you might want to warn your guests not to wear heels to the ceremony. You might also advise your guests to bring sweaters or shawls in case the city tends to get cold at night.
7. Your "How We Met" and Proposal Stories
Let’s face it: everyone loves a good love story. Yours will certainly interest your website visitors, so take the time to write it. Many couples like to split the task, each writing their “how we met” story so that readers can see it from both perspectives. The fun is in seeing just when the future bride and groom both realized there was a spark.
Your wedding website is also a great place to share the story of your proposal. The proposer probably spent a lot of time planning, too, which means that the end result deserves a little love on your website. You can flesh out your story with pictures of the moment it happened or with a video of your proposal, should you be lucky enough to have one. These keepsakes will have you coming back to look at your wedding website for years to come.
8. Bridal Party Background
Guests will see your bridal party stand at your side on the big day, but they probably won’t know much else about them. Use your website to share a few sentences about how you met and why they’re in the wedding. Pictures will help your guests put a face to a name on the day of the wedding.
9. Pictures of the Lovebirds
Some of your more mature wedding guests might not have Facebook or other social media accounts that would give them access to pictures of you and your love. Another reason to post a few photos is so that, when you look back on your website, you can remember where it all began. Be selective as you build your gallery, because you don’t want to overdo it. Instead, choose a combination of your professional engagement photos (if you have them) and more fun, real-life pictures that show you as you are in your relationship.
10. Your Own Personal Touch
Finally, it’s imperative that you make your wedding website look like a true representation of who you are as a couple. Many websites have templates and cookie-cutter designs in which you simply type your personal details and that’s it. However, it won’t be as special of a memory to look back on when the entire thing is plain. Take the time to create a look that you love and will continue to love for years to come. Hey, that’s what brought you here in the first place: a love that you will continue to cherish for years to come.
Happy trails!
---
Adrienne Erin is a freelance writer and designer. You can see more of her work by following her on Twitter (@adrienneerin) or by visiting her blog, Design Roast.
]]>With the first-generation iPhone ushering in the high-quality photo trend among smartphones, it makes sense that each iPhone iteration has seen improvements in the actual camera, the camera/photo app or both. The iPhone 6 features a gorgeous 8 megapixel camera that allows users to take clearer photos than ever before.
To take full advantage of the iPhone 6’s camera, which uses a dual-core 1.4 GHz Cyclone processor, it’s useful to learn some tricks that can significantly elevate your iPhone photography skills. Here are seven little-known tricks to get you started:
1. Time-Lapse Mode
Another new mode for iPhone 6 is the time-lapse mode, which enables you to take a photo every few seconds. This can be particularly effective if you want to take a photo of a busy street or capture all the action of a sporting event. To access the time-lapse mode, scroll through the various modes in the Camera app. It will be just before Slo-Mo mode.
2. Night Vision
The default iPhone camera settings can make nighttime photos look very dim. To counter this, make sure to configure the Exposure slider that Apple released with iOS 8. You can get it to pop up by tapping on the screen whenever you focus. Increasing the exposure will instruct the shutter to stay open longer, brightening your final shot.
3. Take Photos with the Volume Button
While the iPhone camera is on, you can take a photo by pressing the volume buttons on the side of your phone. This is particularly useful if you need a steady hand for a sensitive shot. You can also take a photo using the official Apple earbuds. Simply press up or down on the earbuds’ volume control while the camera app is open, and it will take the photo.
4. Fun with Panoramas
The panorama setting is a nifty feature that allows you to capture your entire surroundings. Beyond the basic setting, some panorama-based tricks include:
- Panorama cloning - If your friends move faster and in the opposite direction than the iPhone when it’s taking a panorama, you will experience an effect where they can show up multiple times in the same photo, making it appear as if they are in two places at once.
- Drive-by panorama - While you’re driving steady around 20-30mph, get a friend to take a panorama out the window from the passenger seat. The result will be a stretched-out summary of all the area’s sights.
- Panorama toss - This one is risky, but it can pay off as long as you catch the phone. By tossing your phone into the air while the panorama mode is active, it will spit out a glitchy yet colorful interpretation of the surroundings — just make sure to catch it before it hits the ground!
5. Autofocus Improvements
One camera aspect exclusive to the iPhone 6 is its impressive autofocusing technology. The focus is twice as fast as the 5s, so the likelihood of a blurry shot is reduced.
To take advantage of this feature, tap the screen to focus on any object in the camera's view. The speed improvement should be very noticeable upon doing this. This feature is only on iPhone 6, so if you’re using an earlier phone and desperately need the improved autofocus feature, you’ll need to sell your old one or exchange it for a new iPhone.
6. Ultra-Zoom
Manually zooming in by pinching your fingers on the screen works to an extent, but it can result in a blurry photo. To take close-ups that are clear, place a small drop of water on your iPhone’s camera lens. This is very useful for taking pictures of anything from insects to stock photos.
7. Underwater Photos
No, the iPhone isn’t waterproof, but there is a trick that allows you to take a photo while the phone is half submerged in water. Take a smooth, clear glass and set the timer on your phone before you put it in. Now, partially submerge the jar, making sure the water level always stays below the rim. With this method, you'll be able to take cool photos that show both underwater and above-ground, something many assume iPhones are not capable of.
From cool panoramas to pseudo-night vision and underwater capabilities, these seven tips will help you take full advantage of your iPhone 6’s great new camera. Happy photo taking.
---
Adrienne Erin is a freelance writer and designer. You can see more of her work by following her on Twitter (@adrienneerin) or by visiting her blog, Design Roast.
]]>A Generational Legacy
Whenever I’m photographing for clients, I always remind myself that the photos are not only for them. Oftentimes the photos will have more meaning for the people who are not in the photos. The parents, the grandparents, the children, or the grandchildren who aren’t even born yet. One of my favorite photos is of my parents’ wedding. There is just one photo. It’s a black and white photo, and it’s them, frozen in a moment in time. It’s a version of them that I will never get to meet. It was before I was born. Photography gives us those slices of time that allows our imagination to fill in the story. For me, it’s even more powerful than video.
The photo below is of my grandfather (far right), my great uncle (his brother) next to him and my great-grandparents. They were U.S. mail carriers, hence the sign in the car window.
The camera in the shot below is most likely the camera that was used to take the photo of my grandparents. It was found after my great-grandparents passed away. Who knew that I would end up in the photography business. And who knew that this photo and this camera would be end up being significant to me.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW FUNDERBURG
The First Time
The first time I realized the importance of print was at my first solo wedding. I had assisted at a local studio in Japan for two years. I was hired for my first solo wedding at an Iron Chef restaurant in Takamatsu, Japan.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW FUNDERBURG
This bride and groom created a gift album of their engagement photos for their parents and grandparents. They also had me scan in some old photos from their childhood to include. Some of the photos included the bride’s grandfather who had passed away that year. I designed the book, had it printed and turned it over to the couple. I thought it was cool, but didn’t think that much about it.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW FUNDERBURG
On the day of the wedding, the bride and groom gave a copy of the book to the grandmother. As she was looking through it, they pointed out the photos of her late husband. She brought her hand up to her mouth, then she reached out and started touching the photos of her late husband. It was that moment that I understood in a much deeper way, the power of photography. And the power of the printed photo. The fact that this woman could reach out and physically touch something that represented her husband, frozen in time, made all of the difference.
We Lose People
I met up with my aunt recently and she had started going through old family photos. There are many photos of my own mother as a child and as a young adult that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. But there was one photo that struck me.
This is a photo of my great, great uncle on my mother’s side. This was taken in approximately 1915, the southwest of France during World War I. I looked up the studio, and it’s still in business. He must have had this taken and mailed it back to his family, as he was killed shortly after this photo was taken. It was probably the last photo taken of him – it is 100 years old and looks fantastic. Life is fleeting. We never know when our number will be up or when we might lose a family member.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW FUNDERBURG
Printing For My Family Memories
Remember that old commercial for Hair Club for Men where the president says, “Remember, I’m not only the Hair Club President, but I’m also a client.” Well, it’s true for me also. Every year, sometimes twice a year, I print a family album. Sometimes it is taken by professional photographers, like the two on the right. Or it might be our family vacation montage, like the album on the left.
My kids are teenagers now and they’ve started going through the albums of when they were little kids. I hear comments like, “Ken, your hair was so dorky!” or “Joe, you were so chubby.” And they of course make fun of mom and dad’s fashion choices.
Make Albums, Make Prints
Part of our duty as photographers is to relay the importance of print. Our phones will die. Hard drives will die. The cloud will never be looked at. Books and prints will be picked up and looked at by generations to come. When I’m gone, our family albums and even this print of my great, great uncle will be looked at.
And not only for our clients, but for our own families.
---
This post was written by Andrew “Fundy” Funderburg, CEO of Fundy Software. He is a husband, father, avid street photographer, and world traveller. The original post can be seen here.
]]>
Whether you’re a professional photographer or just someone who likes sharing snapshots of your journey with the world, Instagram is quickly becoming the best place to do that. And who can deny the small amount of satisfaction you get every time you see that heart icon pop up, letting you know one more person has liked your post? Follow these tips to maximize the amount of hearts for your next photo.
Everyone is capable of finding a flattering angle and applying a filter to add just the right amount of sun-kissed glow. Take your selfies to the next level by creating a self-portrait instead. Look for unusual walls or murals that can be an interesting backdrop. Even the most mundane places can become interesting if you stage it correctly. And then use a timer function available on many cameras and camera apps or have a friend step in as the photographer.
You don’t have to be a professional photographer to understand the basic principles of composition and how to make them work for you. For instance, make sure to always fill the frame. This means making sure you’re zoomed in enough on whatever you’re taking a picture of so you don’t leave too much empty space, which can be distracting to your audience. If your camera’s zoom isn’t great, move closer!
Instagram recently added much more elaborate editing options, such as the ability to adjust how much of a filter to apply. These new features allow you to make a subtle change to any image that needs a slight tweak. They also allow you to layer multiple edits to create something completely different from the original image. Play around with different levels and see what a difference it makes. If you need to go back and adjust something, but you’re not sure which tool you already adjusted, just look for the gray lines under the edits you’ve made.
Make your profile public. This opens up your possible viewership to anyone in the world who has Instagram. It also gives you a chance to be included in Instagram’s new Discover feature, an aggregate of different photos from around the world that Instagram thinks people might be interested in. Make the most of this feature by putting your best work out there and attracting new followers and people who will click that heart button!
]]>
Instagram is quickly becoming a key marketing tool for individuals, small businesses, and well-known brands. For photographers, the visual nature of Instagram is the most relevant way to connect with more people and get your work out there. While there are tons of ways to easily and quickly grow your following (i.e., paid followers), we offer some tips for growing your audience in a more organic way.
It’s a little bit like the saying, “A watched pot never boils.” If your goal is to grow your number of followers, the best thing you can do is concentrate on everything besides that. Focus your energy on putting out great images and cultivating a unique look, instead of trying to figure out what other people want.
Finding your unique style is a process that could potentially last a lifetime because it will evolve as time goes on. Trying out different perspectives can help you realize what it is you’re trying to say with your work. Once you’ve found your style, try to maintain a sense of consistency, which your viewers will appreciate.
The Instagram community is an incredibly engaged one. Try to get involved by finding other brands and photographers that appeal to you. Follow them and comment on the posts that interest you. A little bit of shameless self-promotion doesn’t hurt here either. Ask them to check out your work and see if they can offer any suggestions or feedback. Simply put, give others the attention that you’d like to receive yourself. Also, don’t forget to respond to comments on your own posts!
Most importantly, you need to post regularly. This is the only way to help people remember who you are and that you’re putting your work out there. Give yourself a requirement of X amount of posts per week, and stick to it no matter what. If you decide a few months later that that one photo you posted of a pigeon on a sidewalk isn’t up to your standards anymore, just delete it from your collection!
]]>Most wedding photographers offer packages that include an engagement session. These sessions come in handy for many reasons. They help you get to know your photographer on a deeper level before the day of your wedding so that your wedding shots will be even better. It also gives you tons of pictures to work with for DIY projects to remember this amazing time in your lives. We asked Photographer Central Pro Sunee Palladay for some tips on planning the perfect engagement photo session.
Use Pinterest for Inspiration
Create a Pinterest inspiration board with your photographer to get on the same page and to collect ideas together. You and your photographer can pin images to this board that will help inspire every aspect of your own shoot, such as the mood, lighting, poses, and props.
Avoid Matching Outfits
Plan out your wardrobe ahead of time. While it’s best to dress in similar styles, avoid being too matchy-matchy and color-coordinated. You want to look like a couple, not the Partridge family.
Pick a Palette
Decide on a color palette for the shoot. Pinterest is a helpful tool for this. You don’t have to decide right off the bat what colors you want. Just start pinning things that resonate with you, and the color palette might end up presenting itself to you.
Set a Meeting Beforehand
Always schedule a pre-session consultation with the photographer. This will give you a chance to get to know each other better. Your photographer will also appreciate getting to know you as individuals and as a couple, and will be better able to incorporate your personalities into the shoot.
Your engagement session will be a memorable way to prepare your hearts and your minds for the day of your wedding. Make the most of it by communicating with your photographer and coming up with things to try ahead of time.
Photo credits: Joy Marie Photography, Table4 Weddings Photography and Videography, Clarkie Photography, Devin Hunt Photography
]]>
Illustrative photography mostly accompanies text as a way to better explain a situation, product, or idea through imagery when words alone aren’t enough. Simply put, it’s used to illustrate and represent an object or idea.
This style of photography can appear anywhere, from magazines to textbooks to signage. Photographers who use an illustrative photography style might specialize in advertising, architecture, editorial, corporate/industrial, fashion, people/celebrity, travel, or lifestyle photography. Illustrative photography is usually more effective than drawings or paintings because the visualization provided is of the actual object, as opposed to a depiction.
Photographers who shoot in this style will often use a studio so that objects and people can be staged. Lighting is also a key factor, as it needs to be used to draw as much attention as possible to the object being photographed.
Photo Credits: Image Junkie, E.Y.E. Imagery Studios, STUDIO AT, Shon Dahlgren Photography
]]>
Family photo shoots are heartwarming and fun, but there are a number of decisions to make if you want them to go smoothly. The more you consider the details, the better your photos will be. Family photographer Jill Marzion shares her top five tips on how to make your family photo a success.
What to wear (or what not to wear) – Wear an outfit that feels good and don’t overthink it. This may seem obvious, but I often have kids tucking in a shirt or parents looking stiff because it isn’t their everyday clothing. Avoid big logos and bulky tennis shoes; they are distracting and take your eye away from the people in your photos.
Location, location, location – If your photographer shoots in natural light, they will most likely be photographing you outdoors. When deciding on a spot for your session, pick a familiar spot or at the very least, visit your location prior to your picture day. If your family loves the beach or has a special hiking trail, go to those spots! New locations can be a major distraction for children so keep it familiar if possible.
Time of day matters – If you have children, you know their schedule better than anyone else. Do your best to make sure they are well-rested and fed. My favorite time to shoot is an hour or so before sunset, but if that doesn’t work for your family, say it. There are no guarantees with kids, but if you can be proactive you’re less likely to encounter a melt down.
It’s all about the kids – As a parent myself, my mom instincts take over when watching my children interact with adults. Instead of quickly correcting your kiddo or coaching them to act a certain way, fight your urges and take a more hands-off approach. Give control over to the photographer and if some bribing or ice cream as a reward is mentioned, go with it!
Trust – If you hired your favorite photographer, it is pretty likely you already love their style and work. Go into the session with the mindset that no matter what they have up their sleeve, the end result will be awesome. The more comfortable you are, the more comfortable your photographer is and the better the images turn out – it’s a win-win!
Photos courtesy of Jill Marzion. This article was originally published as an Mpix blog post called 5 Things Your Photographer Wants You to Know. To see more of Jill’s gorgeous work, visit her blog and Instagram.
]]>
Bulbs flashing. People calling out your name, vying for a split second of your undivided attention. When someone mentions red carpet photography, this might be what comes to mind. The photographers on the other side of those bulbs, though, actually have a very precise style and job that they often have to accomplish within a very short period of time.
Red carpet photography, mostly limited to high-profile events, describes a style of photography where the professional is required to capture full-length photos and headshots of event attendees, who acknowledge that part of their responsibilities at these events is to walk down the red carpet and intermittently pose for photographers. These photos are often sold as stock to editorial and fashion magazines and newspapers. Because the ultimate goal is to capture an image worthy of being published, red carpet photographers typically shoot hundreds of images very quickly in order to have a variety of photos to choose from before the subject moves too far away.
If you’re planning an event that doesn’t have an official red carpet, this can still be a useful style of photography to consider. Photographers who shoot red carpets have skills that translate very well to general event photography, such as the ability to capture little moments that look great on film, as well as quickly recognizing where the action is taking place.
Photo credits: Professional Photography, Corporate Photography, McLendon Photography, Brandon Vaccaro Studio
]]>
The term Gothic refers to a tribe of people from East Germany who contributed to the emergence of Medieval Europe and the entire Medieval culture after the fall of the Roman empire. Gothic photography is a particular style that imitates themes characterized in Medieval art, such as the realistic depiction of objects against dark and moody backgrounds, and an attempt to elicit feelings of fear and unease, a reference to the Gothic tribes that destroyed the Roman empire.
Not to be confused with grunge photography, gothic photography isn’t about manipulating an image to achieve a certain feeling. Instead, gothic photography is about depicting people and situations in a distinct style reminiscent of the Medieval period. Some of this can be accomplished in post-processing, but a majority of the work is done during the setup of the actual photo.
Photo credits: Evelina Pentcheva Photography, Lulan Wang Photography, Dave Seeley, Michael D. Becker Photography
]]>
As an art form, photography has evolved over the years and will continue to evolve as time goes on. One of the biggest changes was the invention of the digital camera. While digital cameras have made a number of things much easier for photographers, such as autofocus and overall convenience, traditional photography still has a variety of advantages over its digital counterpart.
Traditional photography, referring to images that are produced from film, only contains the information that was captured using the aperture of the camera. Because of this, it’s much harder to manipulate images that are shot in the traditional format, which is why traditional photography images are required for uses like passport photos.
Photo Credits: Firefly Photoworks, Bar None Photography, Glasser Images, Thomas R. Brichta Fine Art Photography
]]>
Hiring the perfect boudoir photographer is especially important because of the kind of relationship you will inevitably form with him or her. Unlike other portrait sessions, a boudoir shoot comes with a much deeper level of intimacy because you’re going to be in your skivvies, and they’re going to be taking pictures of you in your skivvies.
To make sure you hire the right boudoir photographer, search for ones whose portfolios match the look you’re going for, and then set up a meeting with each one to see if they can give you everything you’re looking for. If you’re not sure what kinds of questions you should be asking during your consultation, refer to our list below. Remember, though, the one thing that should impact your decision the most is how comfortable that photographer makes you feel. It’ll go a long way, and in the end, you’ll end up with some priceless photos from your shoot.
- How far in advance do I need to book a boudoir session with you?
- Do you offer different types of packages? What does each package include?
- What do I need to bring to the shoot?
- Do you provide hair and makeup services? Is there a separate cost?
- What type of lingerie or outfits do you recommend?
- Do you provide any props or lingerie items for the shoot?
- Where will the shoot take place? Do you have a studio?
- Can we shoot in multiple locations?
- How long should I expect the entire shoot to last?
- Will there be other people present during the photo session?
Your boudoir shoot will be a memory that stays with you for a long time, and the images you’ll get from it will last even longer. Make sure to pick the right photographer to enhance the experience and get the most out of your boudoir session.
]]>
Photojournalism is one of the most well recognized styles of photography, and it has found its way into the repertoire of many professional photographers, especially wedding photographers. The main purpose of photojournalism is to tell a unique story through images, where the photographer acts like a silent observer or witness to the unfolding events.
While some clients still value images where their guests are posed and smiling directly at the camera, many prefer a style that captures the spontaneous moments and candid expressions of their guests. The minimal amount of posing and interference to create the image requires a photographer who is conscious of their environment, adept at blending into the background, and capable of moving quickly to capture those very special moments. This style of photography has the potential to document and tell the story of precious events, for many generations to come.
Photo credits: Lyell Photography, Kara Volle Photography, Teresa K Photography
]]>
Vintage photography is classified this way because it mimics old photo processes and denotes a different time period. For example, sepia toned prints could remind someone of imagery from the Wild West, or it could evoke the romantic feel like a Pictorialist image from the late 1800’s.
Some photographers will debate over the true definition of vintage photography as it could also include a photo that was shot using a non-digital camera, any image that was taken over a generation ago, or a current photo that has been processed to look like an older photograph. For people interested in vintage photography, all of these definitions can be meaningful.
If you would like to see this style used in your upcoming photoshoot, it would be helpful to communicate that you prefer a vintage style of photography and show some examples to your photographer. Similar to retro photography, a photographer who is familiar with vintage style will be able to direct the shoot in a certain way that’ll allow them to apply specific post-processing effects to create a “vintage” look and feel.
Photo credits: Katherine O'Brien Photography, Marie Paugh Photography, Jolie Loren Photography, Loni Newby Photography
]]>
Whether this is your first or fifth time, hiring a boudoir photographer and planning for the shoot can still come with unknowns. So we polled some of our resident boudoir photographers to answer some of your most pressing questions when it comes to budgeting for a boudoir photo shoot. Here’s what they had to say.
There are plenty of photographers out there who will offer a range of options and packages at different prices. Some of these will include the full works, including professional hair and makeup, or even a full wardrobe and accessories provided during the shoot. These packages can cost upwards $2,000 to $4,000, and are catered towards your high-end clientele.
For clients who may be interested in getting a better deal, there are some boudoir photographers who will offer mini sessions for as low as $250. These types of packages usually include an hour of time with the photographer and one or two different outfits.
While it’s important to find a photographer within your budget, you always have the option of asking a photographer to tailor a package to your needs. Whether it’s starting with the most basic option and adding extra details like using their makeup artist, or asking for a modification to the “full treatment” package because you don’t need some of the extras, the photographer will let you know whether or not that’s something they can do for you.
Physical and digital products are definitely the norm these days. This also depends on how a photographer designs their packages and business model, but generally, you should have access to high-quality prints and photobooks, as well as the option of digital downloads. Some of the most common packages will include a book of images, a handful of 5x7 prints, and one large print such as an 11x14. Digital images usually cost an additional fee to purchase as à la carte items.
Lastly, you should expect to feel absolutely fabulous after your session. Some of the best takeaways you’ll get from doing a boudoir shoot is the confidence that you are a beautiful woman and you deserve to be celebrated.
It’s typical to pay a deposit when you schedule the day and time of your shoot with your photographer. That deposit will go towards the full payment that you’ve agreed upon. Be sure to clarify this with your photographer before making any payment.
Doing your research beforehand is the best thing you can do. Search for boudoir photographers in your area find out how much their different packages cost. Check out their portfolios to make sure their style fits what you have in mind. You want to select a professional who will work within your budget, but also makes you comfortable enough for such an intimate experience. You’re not just paying for the final images, you’re also paying for the experience of working with a seasoned photographer who knows how to bring out the best in you and capture that in stunning photos.
At your consultation, be sure to ask every question you can think of. Don’t leave anything up to chance the day of the shoot because the photographer might not be able to accommodate a last minute request. Bring ideas and examples of other boudoir images that can serve as inspiration, as well as any lingerie or wardrobe ideas you think will work. The photographer should be able to give you feedback so you can plan exactly what you’re going to bring to your shoot. Ask your photographer how you can best prepare for the shoot prior to arriving at the location.
Most importantly, stay open-minded if this is a new experience for you. The satisfaction you’ll get from a boudoir shoot will depend on how much fun you let yourself have.
]]>
The dress is bought. The venue is chosen. What’s next on the list? Ah yes, find the perfect photographer. While it may seem daunting because you’ve never done this before, there’s no need to be nervous. Bring this handy checklist with you to make sure you’re asking the right questions and getting the information you need before the big day.
- What’s your mantra?
- What’s your pricing? Do you offer different kinds of packages?
- What does each package include? Can I request add-ons?
- Do you walk through the venue? If not, how do you scout the venue ahead of time?
- Do you shoot both outdoors and indoors?
- Do you help with scheduling the day of the wedding?
- What styles do you consider your specialties?
- Do you take special photo requests?
- Will you have a second shooter? Is that included in the package price?
- How long can I expect to wait before I get the images back?
- How do you interact with the family and friends?
- What does your shot list include? Does it include large family shots?
- Describe your relationship with your clients.
- Describe your relationship with your client’s family and guests.
Your wedding will be one of your best memories, but having the perfect images to look back on won’t hurt. Carefully consider how a photographer’s style and personality fits your own because they’re going to be a big part of the whole experience.
]]>
Environmental photography involves images that showcase natural surroundings and landscapes. This type of photography includes nature photography as well as environmental portraits. Most of the time, environmental photography is used to bring light to issues regarding the environment and conservation efforts. The social issue aspect of this photography style has led to many environmental photography award programs and exhibitions to acknowledge individual photographers who successfully use their work to bring awareness to these issues.
Environmental portraits are one aspect of environmental photography. This style showcases the photo’s subject in their natural surroundings to better showcase their personality. The theory behind this is the assumption that showcasing a person or an animal in a familiar setting will allow them to be more comfortable and express themselves in a more authentic way.
Clients who should consider requesting this type of photography include documentary producers, activists, editorial art directors, and people who simply want to be photographed in less commercial ways.
Photo credits: Jeff Stoddart Photography, Troy Marcy Photography, Journey Of Light Photography
]]>
Many wedding photographers offer engagement shoots as part of their packages. While it may seem like something extra you don’t really need, it’s actually a great way to begin building a relationship with your photographer before the wedding day. Your engagement session will also be a good round of practice for figuring out which poses work best for you, so you can keep them in mind for your wedding shots.
Once you’ve shot your engagement photos, there are so many different ways you can incorporate them into your wedding. Some people will turn these special photos into their save the dates. Table numbers and settings are another great place to use your engagement photos and add a personal touch. And there’s always a good ol’ collage that can hang as decoration at your wedding venue. If you don’t want to go with these classics, here are some DIY ideas to be even more creative with your engagement photography.
Make custom confetti with your engagement photos by resizing them down to an inch or less. You can use a circle punch to cut out pieces of all sizes. Hang little baggies of the confetti on your aisle seats so that your party guests can shower you with your own faces as you walk back down the aisle as a married couple. You can also sprinkle some on tables as another option for decorations.
Think of all the postage you’ll need in the next few months. Whether it’s your save the dates, wedding invitations, or thank you cards, adding a personal touch will give your friends and family another reason to “aww” at this exciting period of your life. There are many services out there that will allow you to turn your photos into stamps for a small fee. This is a great way to focus on the smaller details and personalize them.
While photos themselves are memories that will last a lifetime (if you take care of them), you can use your engagement photos to customize a useful box that will be a timeless keepsake. Pick out your favorite photos in both color and black and white, then decoupage a box that can be used for receiving cards at your wedding and as a memory box afterward. WikiHow has some easy-to-follow steps for your decoupage project.
It’s surprisingly easy to create your own adorable magnets with just some glass marbles and small cutouts of your photos. If you have any leftover confetti, you can turn them into cute little magnets for your fridge. Just be sure to print out the photos on regular paper as opposed to photo paper to help it stick better.
Whether you’re doing chocolate bars, memento boxes, or treat bags, your wedding favors are one of the best places to add a personal touch. Print custom stickers with your engagement photos to adorn your favors. You can even order candy bars with custom wrappers for a unique treat for your guests.
]]>
Photographer Central was designed to simplify the searching process for photography clients. Making it as painless as possible means helping clients find their perfect photographer faster so they will book appointments even sooner.
In an effort to continue making this experience as effortless as possible, we’ve launched a new functionality: photo tagging! Starting today, you can tag each of your uploaded portfolio images with one of the categories you’ve selected in your General Info section. Clients searching for any of those keywords will see the tagged photos first in their search results, followed by the rest of your photos. Your entire portfolio will be displayed in its original order in Full Profile view.
By tagging each of your photos, you’re giving clients a more relevant search results page. If they’re looking for a wedding photographer like you, but you also happen to do family portraits and showcase some of those images in your portfolio, we’ll make sure they’re looking at your wedding samples before they see anything else.
Send your business to the top of someone’s consideration list by tagging your photos today.
]]>
What is Cyber May Day, you ask? Well, we figured Cyber Monday shouldn’t get all of the fun so we’re declaring a new holiday! Now you don’t have to wait until the fall for the best sale.
Today only, TAKE 50% OFF when you sign up for a Single Listing or Multipack subscription. That’s only $150 for one year of access to Photographer Central and all of the ways we can help you boost your bookings.
Use Photographer Central to:
- Get more exposure to new clients
- Improve SEO for your main website and your business
- Build a complete reputation page by adding your Yelp and Google Business reviews
- Schedule consultations faster with prospective leads
This sweet deal ends tonight so sign up soon.
Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer applies only to new subscriptions. Sale ends at 11:59 pm PDT on May 1, 2015.
]]>
Clients often aren’t aware of the intricacies of photography, especially when it comes to the multitude of styles out there that some professional photographers offer. To help them better understand the types of photography that can be illustrated in their carefully created images, this series of posts provides explanations and examples of every photography style listed in Photographer Central.
Whimsical photography is a style of photography that elicits a dreamy feeling through the use of post-processing effects, colors, and additional sharpening or blurring. This type of photography often uses soft light and mellow tones to convey an almost childlike perspective on the scene in an image. Common additions that are included during the processing include bokeh and solar flares. These elements add a touch of surrealism.
Alternatively, some photographers consider whimsical photography as having to do more with the staging of the photo and the personality of the subjects. For instance, a client whose wedding theme includes superheroes or something reminiscent of their childhood will often incorporate that theme in their photos. In this case, it’s the content of the photo that creates the whimsical quality.
Photo Credits: ___, Monica Hofer Photography, Jill Wellington Photography, Off Beet Productions, DC PHOTOGRAPHY
]]>
Clients often aren’t aware of the intricacies of photography, especially when it comes to the multitude of styles out there that some professional photographers offer. To help them better understand the types of photography that can be illustrated in their carefully created images, this series of posts provides explanations and examples of every photography style listed in Photographer Central.
Infrared photography, also referred to as IR photography, is created using special film or sensors that are capable of picking up infrared light. Infrared light is a section of the light spectrum that can’t be seen by the naked eye. However, with special camera equipment, photographers are able to capture images where infrared light can pass through.
The effects achieved by infrared photography often look quite surreal and otherworldly. Colors are completely different from the actual colors of the objects shown in the photo, and textures will also take on a new look. For clients who want something more unusual and unique, infrared photography is a great style to request.
Holidays are a great time to boost your sales. With many holidays, there’s a gift element, which means more spending. Mother’s Day is no exception, and it’s less than a month away. Research shows now is the time when most people will be searching for gift ideas.
As a photographer, your services can be the perfect gift for any mom. Whether it’s a family portrait, an individual glamour shoot, a maternity session, or a boudoir shoot, photography makes a great Mother’s Day gift.
If you have an active Photographer Central listing, use your Special Offer feature to create this uniquely themed deal. To make the most of your Mother’s Day deal, try these tips:
- Check out what other photographers are offering in your area
- Include the words “Mother’s Day” in your short and long description for SEO
- Set an end date that falls on or shortly before May 10 to create urgency
- Make sure your portfolio includes some examples of the type of session you’re offering
- If you normally have an active special offer, make sure this discount is different enough from your usual one
- Promote your special deal on social media and your blog
We won’t go into the specifics of what black and white photography is because most of you already know. Instead, we’ll focus on how black and white photography can be used differently than color photography, and why it’s sometimes the better option.
This style of photography is often used in reportage media because it’s reminiscent of older newspapers before color was introduced to newsprint. These days, a lot of documentary style and photojournalistic photography will be in black and white to help people immediately make the connection between the photo and something news-related.
Black and white photography is also a way for photographers to use light in more creative ways. Because the focus is away from how well things are lit, a black and white photo will emphasize the relationship between things that are in the light and things that are in the dark. Shadows will appear differently as well and can play a bigger role in pictures because there’s less distraction by colored elements.
In general, when you remove color, you shift the viewer’s focus from things in the background to the main subject of the photo. Without having to process how colors appear, people will tune out a lot of what they would normally pay attention to, and instead they will look at the most prominent elements of the photo.
Emotion is a tricky thing to showcase in any photo, whether it’s in color or black and white. However, it can actually be easier in black and white photography because there are fewer distractions. For instance, a photo of a person staring straight at the camera will be a lot more commanding in black and white because you won’t be able to notice anything besides their gaze. You won’t be able to concentrate on their skin color, hair color, or eye color because it won’t be as obvious. The attention ends up landing on their gaze and your interpretation of it.
Often, black and white photography can be a style for producing timeless and classic photos. Since older generations of photography were only available in black and white, we sometimes unconsciously believe a black and white photo is from a long time ago. For a photo shoot that’s staged as if it were taken in a long past decade, black and white photography is a great style to employ.
Photo credits: Susie and Will Pictures, Wendy Lemon Photography, Sean Webb Photography, CharveyMac Photography, Kel Murphy Photography
]]>
High fashion photography and glamour photography are two related styles and share a lot of the same aspects. Some believe the term high fashion is derived from the experiences photographers had shooting fashion shows on catwalks. The stages were typically built on a raised platform and the show took place on a level higher than the audience and the photographers.
Similar to glamour photography, high fashion photography involves the use of people are subjects but will often require professional models. Hair and makeup artists are part of the shoot, as well as photo retouching as part of the post processing. These elements contribute to the end goal: effective selling of the products in the photo, which are usually clothing, jewelry, or cosmetics. However, while high fashion photography is used in publications for advertising purposes, the mood and the styling of the photo also play a big role. High fashion photographers who can master a combination of these things will also be able to convey and sell a certain type of lifestyle.
While high fashion photographers are usually employed by art directors and big fashion publications, but this is a style that can also be incorporated into your family or event photos. If this style resonates with what you’re envisioning, simply let your photographer know so that you can brainstorm feasible ways to have your very own high fashion photography shoot and channel your inner model.
Photo credits: Laura Tillinghast Photography, Errol E Photography, Art Studio
]]>
Candid photography is exactly what you think it is. It’s photography that’s shot in motion and as events happen naturally, instead of focusing on posed subjects.
While it may seem like an easy task, candid photography requires a very skilled photographer who is adept at blending into his or her surroundings while also being hyperaware of what’s going on around them so that they can capture those spontaneous moments.
By choosing a photographer who can shoot in this style, clients get images showcasing people in much more relaxed situations. In turn, the images can often become a trigger for a great memory from that day.
Photo credits: Ashley Durham Studios, Fete Photography, Cindy Harper Photography, JLundin Photography
]]>
Grunge photography describes a style that typically involves a lot of post-processing of the original images. Photographers who shoot in this style are trying to create a certain feeling that’s associated with the grunge culture.
While grunge music is characterized by the use of distorted chords and angst-filled lyrics, grunge photography can be seen in a similar light. The editing and enhancement applied to grunge photography has different textures layered on top of one another, unexpected cropping, and visual “noise” throughout.
This type of photography can also be considered within the realm of fine art photography, as it showcases artistic interpretations of the image.
Photo Credits: Stephen Cihanek Photography, Shawnessy Ransom Photography, Scott Norris Photography, Morisue Photography
]]>
Photographer Central plans come in two options: Single Listing or Multipack. While setting up the Single Listing is pretty intuitive, the Multipack subscription can be used in a number of strategic ways. Here, we go over the different ways you can use a Multipack subscription to reach even more clients.
This is one of the most obvious ways you can use a Multipack. If you work in multiple genres, use a listing to showcase each one. This will minimize any confusion for a client who comes to your profile. If someone is looking for a newborn photographer, but sees a mix of engagement, wedding, and event photographs, they might be more hesitant to send you an inquiry. By showcasing each genre in its own listing, it’ll make your work stand out that much more because a prospective client will trust that you’ve had a lot of experience shooting that particular category.
Photographers who work in major metro areas are competing against a lot of other nearby professionals. If all of your portfolios are of the same caliber, a client will need another deciding factor, and it could be as simple as proximity. A photographer who’s close by may be easier to contact, especially if the client wants an in-person consultation on short notice. Make sure your business shows up in searches within your surrounding cities by using a different business address for each listing. As long as the service area is still accurate, there’s no reason why you can’t be based in multiple places!
If you only shoot one genre and you don’t work in multiple cities, strategies #1 and #2 might not apply to you. However, a Multipack can still be a great way for you to get additional exposure for your business. If you simply replicate your entire listing five times, you will have five chances of showing up in during a client’s search. Since we randomize each new search, this means you have five chances of showing up first on the list, which is a lot better than one chance. If a client doesn’t have time to look through a second page of search results, being on that first page will be key to being considered for the job.
With the way Photographer Central listings are set up, your first couple of images will always display first, both in search results and in full profile view. While you may think all of your images are the bee’s knees, clients may respond to them differently. Select a different set of images to feature first in each of your listings and see which one gets the most views/clicks. This could also help you decide which images to feature on your main website.
For each of your active listings, you’re required to specify your price level—from one to four dollar signs. Since we can’t define exactly what that means for your particular business or city, we ask that you make the best possible guess. But if you’re unsure about which category is best for your business, you can select different price levels with each listing and see which listing is getting the most inquiries. While you may think that the listing with the lowest price level is going to draw the most attention, you might be wrong. Clients who have made the decision to hire a professional photographer are also likely to spend more because they know they can expect higher quality work and products with a bigger budget. Once you’re able to capture enough data, you can also use this valuable information to adjust your entire price list into a range that you know will work.
As a professional listed on Photographer Central, you have access to the “Special Offer” feature where you can give new and old clients an exclusive discount or custom package. Each listing can only feature one active deal at any given time though. But with a Multipack subscription, you can be running up to five deals at any time, giving you an opportunity to see if one brings in more new business than another. This is also a great way to pinpoint the best deal and make it a yearly tradition that repeat clients can look forward to.
]]>
Understanding how to use light is something all photographers should know very well. However, natural light and studio lighting require completely different techniques. Natural light photography means producing images using only light from the sun. While natural light photography can be created indoors, it would need to be within range of a light source such as a window or doorway. These types of images can include artistic solar flares, backlighting, window light, and other techniques. The only rule is that photographers cannot use any studio lights. This type of photography often leads to images that look more casual or even intimate.
When working with a professional photographer who shoots in natural light, you’ll often hear about the term golden hour. This refers to the period of each day that immediately follows sunrise or comes right before sunset. Photographers highly value the golden hour because the kind of light available is usually much softer and diffused. By capturing the image during the golden hour, the photographer knows that the shadows will be less dark and highlights will be less overexposed.
Photo credits: Jason Comerford Photography, Sweet Moments in Time Photography, Samantha Melanson Photography, Apple of my eye photography by Jamie Brown, Shelley Paulson Photography
]]>
Urban photography, often referred to in the same context as street photography, is a style typically devoted to the study of objects and elements in city landscapes. While street photography usually focuses on people as subject matter, urban photography will also emphasize the surroundings, whether the shot includes people or not. By opening up the figurative window, the images are able to show a wider perspective and become more of a statement on a specific time and place.
As more and more parts of the world become urbanized, urban photography plays a big role in capturing the transition and chronicling the change.
Photo credits: Scott Norris Photography, Angela Andrieux Photography, DeYoung Pictures, Phil Esposito Photography
]]>
Clients often aren’t aware of the intricacies of photography, especially when it comes to the multitude of styles out there that some professional photographers offer. To help them better understand the types of photography that can be illustrated in their carefully created images, this series of posts provides explanations and examples of every photography style listed in Photographer Central.
Documentary photography is used to chronicle events that can be historically significant or even part of a mundane routine. As a true representation of real life, photos are taken candidly and unprepared or unrehearsed. They often capture unexpected moments and actions of the subject matter in an unobtrusive manner.
Documentary photography is similar to photojournalism but doesn’t require the ethical framework necessary for news media. It’s also similar to reportage photography, which also captures events candidly from unobtrusive viewpoints, but within a planned framework. This type of photography has gained popularity as a style used in event photography.
Photo Credits: Red Bird Hills, Ryan Grae Photography, Craig Allyn Rose Photography, Redwall Photo, TJD Imaging
]]>
Whether it’s on your website or in a directory listing, sharing information online about your photography business is crucial when it comes to putting your best foot forward. Follow the tips below to make sure you’re wowing your prospective clients and making a great first impression.
Prospective clients won’t get to see your range of skills if they’re only looking at pictures of the same subject against the same background with the same lighting. Having a wide variety of images lets a client know that their photo shoot isn’t going to be an exact replica of someone else’s and will assure them that the results of their shoot will be unique, personalized, and special. Sharing shots from multiple jobs also conveys that you’ve had more than one client. Show off your experience!
You might be adept at shooting in seven different categories, but someone looking through seven vastly different portfolios might get overwhelmed. If you specialize in boudoir sessions and high school senior portraits, prospective clients might get confused when looking at all of those images together. You can also consider dividing each genre into separate sections or pages so that clients can choose to only look at the ones they’re most interested in.
If you shoot in photojournalistic, black and white, with natural light, and more, clients will benefit from seeing examples of every style. For people who aren’t aware of the differences, viewing different photography styles can help them realize their preferences and better communicate what they are looking for when it’s time for a consultation.
If someone is ready to call you and set up an appointment, they don’t want to spend more than a few minutes looking for your phone number so make sure your contact information is easy to locate.
Your bio section is great place to show a bit of personality, but clients are going to get a better feel for who you are as an individual when they meet you. By limiting your text, you’re also making sure that your work stays front and center.
Some photographers are adamant about including watermarks on their photos. If you’re one of them, just make sure the watermark is used in a way that doesn’t prevent people from actually seeing the work you put into creating that image.
Starting prices can be helpful, especially to give people an idea of whether you realistically fall within their price range, but you might also be able to do custom packages that can only be priced after you better understand a specific client’s needs.
That first impression could make or break your next client’s decision to contact you and, ultimately, book you as their photographer. So invest some time into making sure all of your online marketing channels are in tip-top shape. To boost your online presence, create a profile on Photographer Central—the directory specifically built to showcase photography businesses of every genre—and apply all of these tips to creating the ultimate listing. For more information, visit www.photographercentral.com.
]]>
Clients often aren’t aware of the intricacies of photography, especially when it comes to the multitude of styles out there that some professional photographers offer. To help them better understand the types of photography that can be illustrated in their carefully created images, this series of posts provides explanations and examples of every photography style listed in Photographer Central.
Glamour photography accentuates the beauty of the human form. Often used in portraits, it may involve models as subject matter. Generally, professional hair and makeup artists are hired to assist. Photo retouching is often used to highlight the beauty of the subject or product being showcased.
While the definition of glamour photography has shifted and evolved over the past few decades, photographers and models generally agree that glamour photography involves selling a fantasy depicted through a combination of posing, aesthetics, and wardrobe.
Photo Credits: Pagan Photography, Sampson Leung Photography, Monica Hofer Photography, Art Studio
]]>
Clients often aren’t aware of the intricacies of photography, especially when it comes to the multitude of styles out there that some professional photographers offer. To help them better understand the types of photography that can be illustrated in their carefully created images, this series of posts provides explanations and examples of every photography style listed in Photographer Central.
Romantic photography expresses the love between two people. Multiple styles of photography may be used in this process. However, the expression of love though imagery is the focus. This romantic aesthetic is emphasized through posing and facial expression, and photos are generally shot in open areas with natural lighting.
Photo Credits: Asher Creek Photography, Looyenga Photography, Rebecca Anne Photography, Weddings by JLM Creative Photography
]]>
Clients often aren’t aware of the intricacies of photography, especially when it comes to the multitude of styles out there that some professional photographers offer. To help them better understand the types of photography that can be illustrated in their carefully created images, this series of posts will provide clients with explanations and examples of every photography style listed in Photographer Central.
Both abstract and surreal photography are very conceptual in nature but are actually incredibly different styles.
Abstract photography gives you a different point of view, where often the entire subject is unseen. This type of photography focuses on details such as shape, form, color, pattern, and texture. Uniformity and symmetry found in nature as well as architecture and mechanical design can be great examples of how abstract photography focuses not on the subject, but on the detail.
In contrast, surreal photography creates a new point of view through shocking juxtaposition and non sequiturs. This type of photography generally requires editing images or the use of special effects to create these unexpected visuals.
Both types of photography are primarily used to provoke thoughts or feelings in a viewer rather than simply display the subject matter. In the case of surreal photography, there may be political or social commentary involved.
Photo Credits: Williams Studio Photography + Design, Marcus W. Reinkensmeyer, Deborah Hughes Photography, Scott Norris Photography
]]>
Clients often aren’t aware of the intricacies of photography, especially when it comes to the multitude of styles out there that some professional photographers offer. To help them better understand the types of photography that can be illustrated in their carefully created images, this series of posts will provide clients with explanations and examples of every photography style listed in Photographer Central.
Retro photography creates a distinctive aesthetic, by imitating styling from the past. These are not antique photos but photography that is consciously derivative of trends, fashions, attitudes, and technology from previous decades.
Nostalgia plays a large role in this genre, where props and wardrobe dictate a moment in history. The treatment of the photo itself may play a role in retro styling through the use of film grain, chromatic coloring, digital filters, framing, and even the decision to shoot on celluloid film.
Photo Credits: John Anderson Fine Art Photography, Monica Hofer Photography, Katherine O'Brien Photography, Loni Newby Photography
]]>- Fernando Hernandez Photography
- Kathy Hardy Photography
- Bridgett Kay Photography
- Shannon Littrell Photography
- Desdelan Photography
---
The Wedding and Portrait Photography Conference & Expo will be taking place again this year at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, from February 26 to March 5.
Five lucky Photographer Central pros will win a complimentary Full Platform Pass to the show, courtesy of Photographer Central. Each pass comes with access to:
- Every class and speaker event (see the full schedule of classes)
- Panel featuring JP Elario, Shelley Paulson, and Evan Chung discussing “Best Practices to Make the Most of Your Website”
- Vendor exhibits in the Grand and Marquee ballrooms
- Opening night party at Hakkasan
- Joe McNally’s keynote address
- WPPI pool party
- and much more!
To enter the drawing, simply register for an account on or before February 22, 2015. Winners will be selected and contacted on February 23. Prize does not include travel or lodging.*
We also have some complimentary three-day expo-only passes to give out to our photographer friends. To receive one, leave a comment on this blog with the name of your photography studio and your email address.
*Contest winners will be chosen randomly from the list of all active users on Photographer Central at 12:01 AM on February 23, 2015. The prize(s) that may be awarded to the eligible winner(s) are not transferable, redeemable for cash or exchangeable for any other prize. All prizes must be redeemed within 3 days of prize contest end date. Participants and winner(s) must provide valid email address. Only one (1) entry per person. Only one (1) prize per household. By participating in the drawing, participants agree to be bound by the decisions of Photographer Central personnel. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend upon the number of participants.
]]>
Today’s seniors know what they want. They want unique and different photos that stand out. Generic graduation pictures and senior pictures are so cookie cutter. Even the behemoth photography studio Prestige Photography makes professional pictures look common and pedestrian. It goes without saying that students want their senior picture to look good, but a much more challenging task is to have your senior photo stand out and be one-of-a-kind. When the goal is to get noticed, that becomes hard when everyone is trying to stand out by going to the same Prestige Portraits photo studio. The real trick to ensure unique, outside-of-the-box portraits for your high school senior photo is to get them from a professional portrait photographer. It’s not always easy to find portrait photographers, not to mention settling on one that suits your style and budget. So here are six tips to help you achieve the senior portrait you’ve always wanted.
Everyone gets their studio photo taken at school, but not everyone has their own senior photo shoot with a professional photographer. This is the best way to get your senior photo to stand out from the crowd, but the tough part is selecting a photographer to work with. Choose one with a proven track record. Check out their portfolio and make sure it matches the style you are looking for. (Explore different photography styles here.) You can research local photographers on www.PhotographerCentral.com.
Studio photography can be amazing, but there’s something about taking the photo session outside that takes the senior portrait to a whole new level. Think of places that have meaning to you. Just as important is thinking about places that are picturesque. Meaningful places are not always picturesque and vice versa, but the perfect senior portrait happens when you can get both.
Even the best senior picture ideas can look bad when shot with poor lighting. That’s why it’s important to talk about your senior pictures ideas with your photographer to make sure you schedule the shoot around the quality of light you want in the photos. Some common tips are to avoid the middle of the day with its harsh shadows, and to consider scheduling your shoot for that lovely warm light found only in the golden hour (1 hour before sunset).
Photo studios will oftentimes encourage you to dress formally and/or dress for comfort. While normal graduation picture ideas include a gown and cap and a sweater shot, this is your big chance to make a statement. Be stylish! Brush up on your favorite fashion blogs and trendy catalogues. Bring a few separate senior picture outfits with extra garments to mix and match. Avoid stripes and patterns, and beware that not all body types can pull off solid black and white. Don’t forget to accessorize—hats, jewelry, boots, a splash of color—just be sure not to go overboard. Whatever you end up bringing, make sure it fits well—not too loose and not too tight.
Many photography studios will give you some on-location posing tips. Try different facial expressions, including relaxing your face muscles, and showing a bit of teeth (no not smiling, just don’t clench your teeth). Lifting your head also combats the dreaded double chin. Senior portrait poses can sometimes be a bit stiff and awkward, especially at first. But a bit of body language awareness can improve any boring portrait poses simply by bending your leg, turning to the side, creating triangles with your arms and legs, and having good posture.
It’s hard being someone or something that you’re not. So don’t force it, and take it easy. Just be you and remember to be expressive. The best senior portraits are those that express emotion while also portraying your unique personality. Consider bringing some photography props that aren’t over the top, and most of all, have fun. It’s up to you to have a blast. Sure, it’s a little awkward getting your photo taken, but embrace it and get out of your comfort zone. This pays off since it ensures that you have an awesome time, which also shines through in the photos.
A good photographer can work with you and all your creative senior photo ideas to produce timeless images that make you look your very best. Choose that photographer wisely, and then plan to relax and enjoy yourself at the actual portrait session.
]]>
Finally, he put a ring on it. You’re getting married! But where’s Beyoncé when you need to plan what happens next. Having a ring on it doesn’t instantly make you a wedding planning expert. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of online resources to find a free wedding planning checklist or wedding guide.
In the olden days, a couple might bring their printable wedding planning checklist, bulky wedding planning guides, and some bridal magazines with their favorite images to wedding planning meetings. Nowadays, it’s rare to see a couple haul around their various wedding planning checklists. Today’s bride and groom have traded in their heavy book of wedding planning lists for their trusty iPhone, and a printed wedding plan checklist has been replaced with convenient mobile apps. No more lugging around all those weddings guides or driving to meetings only to realize you forgot your detailed wedding planning checklist at home. Those days are gone thanks to some of the helpful wedding apps mobile friendly sites listed below.
Tool 1: The Photographer – PhotographerCentral.com (Free)
Find the perfect photographer in seconds! Photographer Central[www.photographercentral.com] is the answer to a search process that can be exhausting and overwhelming. It presents photographers’ work and contact info in a clean, interactive interface that allows customers to conduct quick, precise searches according to their location, budget, specialties and style. Available on desktop and mobile devices.
Tool 2: The Reception – myGuestList ($1.99, iOS)
Get a handle on your parties and gatherings by keeping track of your invitees using myGuestList, a complete guestlist planning tool for any kind of event. With email, SMS marketing, guest lists, ticketing, social media, reservations and more, this little app covers a lot of event management right from your phone.
Tool 3: The Dress – Brides Wedding Genius (Free, iOS)
Great for brides on the go who are looking for the perfect wedding dress, this app lets you take all your favorite styles and dresses with you wherever you go. You can lose the wedding dress guide, because not only does this app stay current with today’s fashion, it can even locate your dream dress at nearby retailers.
Tool 4: The Countdown – Wedding Countdown (Free, iOS, Android)
Count down to your wedding using more than just minutes and days—you can count down using kisses, heartbeats, and more. You can also use the slideshow and image features to flip through images as you count down and even share snapshots to social media along the way.
Tool 5: The Planner – 2life Ultimate Wedding Planner (Free, iOS)
This ultimate wedding planning guide is a great way for you and your partner to get inspired and organized for your big day. Plan vendor appointments, set up schedules, collect and comment on photos, bookmark vendors and websites, make your own wedding checklist, and browse inspiration galleries and planning tips, all on the go.
Tool 6: The Other Planner – The Knot Wedding Planner (Free, iOS, Android)
This is another useful wedding planning app. It lets you see real wedding photos, find vendors, update the budget, track payments, create checklists, and update your guest list.
Tool 7: The Social Hour – Appy Couple ($35, iOS, Android)
AppyCouple combines a wedding website and app, all in one publisher. This becomes your central hub for you and your guests with easy setup and 400+ customizable designs. It’s not only an RSVP and event coordination app, it’s also a customized app and website for guests to share photos, get notifications, send notes, and tell stories of the couple. Hefty price, but totally worth it.
Tool 8: The Honeymoon – Tripit (Free, iOS, Android)
TripIt is invaluable for planning your honeymoon. It isn’t specifically for honeymooning, but it sure does the trick better than any other app. You can take all your trip details and funnel them into one handy-dandy master itinerary that can be accessed from your laptop, phone or tablet and syncs to your calendar.
Tool 9: The DJ – WeddingDJ ($4.99, iOS)
This is perfect for DIY weddings where Uncle Jim is also the DJ and emcee. It uses the music and playlists straight from your iTunes so that your emcee can simply slide “next” for each part of your wedding. There’s even some nice fade in/out features for your DJ on the dance floor.
Tool 10: The Gift Registry – Zola Wedding Registry (Free, iOS)
This app is the best way to check “gift registry” off your wedding plan list. Zola lets you add items from multiple stores to one simplified registry. Just go to a store, pull out your smartphone and start scanning bar codes. For the modern bride and groom, you can also simply add a link to the product page if that product is only offered online. Not only that, but you can add more than just products—like cooking classes, hot air balloon rides, theater tickets, honeymoon funds, and any other excellent memory-making gift.
Get started at PhotographerCentral.com and work your way through the list. Just as Photographer Central is the ideal way to search for the perfect wedding photographer in your area, myGuestList is an easy way to organize your guests, and Wedding Countdown is a fun way to keep you on track with planning and deadlines, and the list goes on, as they say. All of these apps/sites are sure to make the wedding planning process quick, painless and as mobile as you are.
Tips are provided by Photographer Central Pro Evan Chung.
]]>
As a photographer, your website is one of your most important business tools.
Most professional website hosting services require a financial investment. These fees go toward making sure your website is always up and running, that it can handle any incoming traffic, support features like shopping cart capabilities, and much more. If you use a professional hosting service, it’s important to make the most of your investment by utilizing every opportunity to grow your business.
Your website is not only a way to show the breadth of your skill and experience by sharing examples of your work, it’s also your one opportunity to make a great first impression on your next client. First-time visitors to your site will likely spend a good amount of time looking through your portfolio, checking out your prices, and reading through your bio to get a feel for who you are as a photographer and what it would be like to work with you.
This blog post talks about how to craft your bio and welcome message to show your personality and optimize your website for SEO so that clients can find you more easily. Keep in mind that this process will be an iterative one, meaning you’ll want to spend some time trying out different strategies to figure out what gets you the most traffic and business.
Often, photographers will use their bio or welcome message to talk about their experience and describe their style of photography. This is an ideal place to do exactly that because it helps a client get to know you and start gauging whether they’d like to work with you. However, that’s usually as far as photographers will consider when thinking about this crucial messaging opportunity.
A lesser known purpose of the bio and welcome message is to help your website appear higher in search results when clients are searching for a photographer like you. Google regularly indexes websites that are optimized for search results, including ones that are professionally hosted, which automatically set up sitemaps for this exact purpose. So while the behind-the-scenes work is done for you already, you still need to make sure your text is carefully crafted and SEO-friendly.
To help you optimize your bio and welcome message, we’ve put together a few steps to help you create to a final product you can be proud of.
Start with a foundation you can build off of. Start jotting down what you want your bio to say. This can include everything from how many years of photography experience you have to the styles you enjoy shooting to the types of locations you prefer for meeting clients. The key part of this step is to make sure your personality comes through. Don’t spend too much time worrying about whether the text flows. There’s time later for editing and polishing.
If you have a Google AdWords account, you’ll have access to Google’s Keyword Planner tool already. But if you don’t, there are tons of available resources out there at your disposal as well.
Internet Marketing Ninjas has a great blog post with a list of free keyword research tools that you can try. Most of these tools are intended for putting together keyword lists when developing pay-per-click advertising campaigns, but they’re also invaluable for research and figuring out what keywords and phrases your clients are using when searching for a photographer.
When trying out different keyword research tools, you want to find one that will show you search volume. This will help you determine which keywords or phrases are being used most often and will therefore help you prioritize. Another helpful capability is one that will provide you with keyword suggestions. Based on your industry or known keywords, a good resource should be able to give you relevant suggestions so that you can expand your list using words or phrases that you might not have considered.
Using your preferred tool, start with a standard phrase like “professional photographer” and begin compiling a list of similar keywords/phrases and their search volume. These additional findings then become your baseline searches to dive into more detailed searches.
By doing this exercise, you are discovering actual search terms that your clients are using when they go to Google or other search engines to look for a photographer like you. Including search volumes in your research allows you to rank which terms are the most popular, which will help you prioritize what phrases to incorporate into your own bio/welcome message.
Once you have your list of keywords and phrases, sort them so that the terms being searched most often are at the top. Next, simply go down the list, and try to find areas in your bio or welcome message where the top keywords can be added naturally.
You might also find that after doing your keyword research, you have a better understanding of the kind of language your clients are using, which might not necessarily be the same as your way of describing your services. Use this knowledge to add or change parts of your first draft so that your bio/welcome message speaks to clients in their terms.
After having integrated as many of the top keywords into your bio and welcome message as you can, read through the entire piece a few times to make sure it all makes sense. This is also the best time to ask a friend or colleague to look it over as well. An outside perspective can provide you with helpful feedback because they’re looking at it for the very first time and will be able to tell you any immediate impressions they get from your message. Then, hit publish.
Once you’ve finalized and published your bio and welcome message, you should give it some time to see how your site is performing. It may take a few weeks, or it could take a few months. But over time, if your keywords are in line with the search terms your clients are using, your search engine ranking will gradually improve.
Keep it mind that it’s also important to make sure you stay up to date with how the industry is evolving. Your keyword research tool is a great resource for seeing how preferred search terms change over time. If you see through your keyword research that there are new terms popping up, make sure to incorporate these into your text.
These SEO strategies can and should be applied to your bio, welcome message, and of course, your Photographer Central listing.
---
As a professional photographer, there are always opportunities to grow your business and get yourself in front of more potential clients. It’s important to keep an eye out for these occasions in order to continue to cultivate your skills and, at the end of the day, earn more money.
Photographer Central, the most comprehensive directory for professional photographers of all genres to advertise their business and make it easier for new clients to find them, is an effective way to market yourself. With a listing on Photographer Central, you can hand off some of your marketing work to a team dedicated to driving a constant flow of new clients to the site. Similar to your dedicated website, a listing on Photographer Central is also optimized for SEO and provides you with an additional online presence so that your business will gain even greater exposure.
Business owners have an immense burden when it comes to marketing and advertising. There’s a constant need to make sure potential clients are aware of your services in order to be considered for a booking. In this day and age, it’s also vital to use the resources available to help you reach that goal. Whether it’s optimizing your bio and welcome message with SEO-friendly terms or listing your business on Photographer Central, using these resources will make make your business more successful.
]]>
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and you may be wracking your brain for the perfect gift. A boudoir photography shoot might be the key to making this Valentine’s Day the most memorable one yet. Photographer Central Pro Erica Peerenboom offers some tips for getting ready for your boudoir session.
Find the right photographer for you
First and foremost, research local photographers in the area that specialize in boudoir photography. Boudoir photography is different from regular photography, and you want someone who knows how to shoot and light the female form properly. Look through their portfolio and make sure their style matches what you envision for your images. Call the photographer and talk with them, either on the phone or in person. You want to feel comfortable and know that they understand the direction you want to go with your images. When you have a positive connection, it makes all the difference in your photos.
Inject some glam
Hair and makeup make a big difference in your finished portraits. I work with a professional makeup artist who comes to the studio and does my clients’ hair and makeup right before the shoot. My typical boudoir look is big tousled waves, smoky eyes, and a red lip. My makeup artist understands my vision and direction with this look and does an amazing job of transforming my clients into boudoir goddesses. Consider upping the glam factor and you might find yourself with a whole new level of confidence.
Highlight your assets
Pick your outfit wisely. Try it on before you come to the shoot and make sure fits you properly. If you aren’t comfortable in an outfit, it will show. Make sure it accentuates your body type. If you are worried about your belly, don’t pick a bra and panties. Go with a one-piece teddy or lingerie set that covers you. Sexy is not always about baring it all. If you are having trouble picking an outfit, a white sheet set can be incredibly sexy too. We can drape it over areas you don’t want to show but give little peeks of what you do want to show. Small details like shoes, heels, jewelry and fingernails can also make a big difference in your images.
Have fun
Communicate with your photographer throughout the process. Tell them if you are uncomfortable or don’t feel like the pose is you. While you should trust your photographer, I also want my client to be comfortable—and if they aren’t, it can show in the images. I am constantly asking them if they are okay: whether the temperature is alright, if they’d like a drink, etc. A great photographer should leave you with nothing but a positive experience and feeling better about yourself. It’s a fun time activity! And the final product of your images is just icing on the cake.
]]>
(Photo courtesy of Awkward Family Photos)
This might be the first year you’ve decided to tackle the daunting task of organizing a family holiday card, complete with a photo of your entire family. That’s right. You probably shouldn’t use the one from Thanksgiving where half of your son’s face is out of the shot and your husband can be seen trying to hide a drumstick behind his back. You’re going to do it right this year. But how? To make it a little less scary, here are five tips from Photographer Central Pro Hari Simons to help you plan your family holiday card.
You know your kids best, so plan the photo shoot during a time of day when they’re least likely to be cranky, sleepy, or hungry. Are they most cooperative in the morning or after lunch? Giving them snacks on the way to the session is another way to make sure everyone is ready when you arrive.
Your photo may already be holiday-themed, but it’s best to choose ahead of time what you’d like everyone to wear. Outfits don’t have to be identical, but a consistent color palette makes for an image that’s visually balanced. Props can also be a key part of the theme. Maybe give everyone a silly hat or cowboy boots. Having something they can play with will help keep your kids entertained, if only for a few minutes. Those few minutes can go a long way.
And by incentives, I mean bribes. Maybe it’s a special treat, some stickers or some extra TV time. Whatever it is, keep it in your back pocket in case things get a little unruly. If you’ve hired a professional photographer to help capture the image, let them know ahead of time that it’s available for them to use if needed.
If your kids are under the age of four, they’re probably not going to pose for very long or follow every instruction. Make it fun for them, and let them goof off a bit too. You’ll need to be comfortable going with the flow, but know that candid shots can often make for the most memorable images.
Whether it’s a friend who can volunteer their time for a quick snapshot or a professional photographer that you hire, find the right one for you and your family. If you go with a friend or family member, your kids will already know them and will be comfortable with them right from the get-go. If you decide to hire a professional, their years of experience photographing (and corralling) kids will be invaluable. They’ll keep things moving and have plenty of tricks they’ve collected from past clients.
Finding a professional photographer to capture your holiday photo shouldn’t cause you any headaches. Start your search at Photographer Central for an easy way to see who’s available for hire in your local neighborhood, look at portfolios right in the search results, review a photographer’s full listing for more detailed info, and check if any photographers are running a special offer. For more information, visit www.photographercentral.com.
]]>
Photographer Anne Geddes revolutionized newborn photography by dressing babies as beautiful sunflowers, fairy tale creatures and adorable zoo animals. While these images have been the staple of newborn photography for years, Photographer Central Pro Hari Simons has some new, inventive and heartwarming approaches to capturing special moments with your little bundle of joy.
Safety Comes First
Safety is obvious to all but worth emphasizing. After all, we are dealing with squishy little people, so regardless of what props or posing techniques are involved, safety must be the first priority. Never put a newborn in an uncomfortable or potentially unsafe position, keep a parent or spotter close at all times, and keep in mind that not all babies can do all poses—don’t ever force a pose that the newborn seems to be resisting.
This is the main reason it’s important to find a professional. Someone who photographs newborns for a living will know all the tips and tricks to achieve wonderful photos without endangering your bundle of joy. Finding a local professional can be as easy as visiting Photographer Central.
Studio Shoot—the Basics
Lights, camera, action—well, not much action. More like warm temps, smooth textures, and soft lights. Newborns like to stay warm and cozy, so most studios will have the temperature set at 85-90 degrees. Some studios might also use localized heaters for extra warmth.
When babies are in the womb it’s pretty loud, so they often find comfort in loud white noise. It might be beneficial to find an app on your phone that can create white noise to soothe your newborn during the shoot.
Have a backdrop, blankets and baby basket at the ready. Your photographer will most likely have a few of each prepared so that transitioning between them is smooth and easy. I like to stack up all my blankets so the top one can simply be removed after a pose and the next one is ready to go. For diaper-free poses, here’s a vital tip: keep a waterproof pad under the first blanket in case the baby does exactly what babies are known for.
Many newborn shots are actually a composite of two images, with a spotter’s hand propping the baby up in a different place in each shot, and the hand removed from the final image. This goes back to the first point, safety. In order to achieve those adorable poses without endangering your baby, oftentimes cloning or compositing of the image is required.
Scenes
Most photographers will want to use props in order to paint a picture. These newborn shots are supposed to hint at a specific location or setting. For example, twigs and greenery. Library books and a reading lamp. A basket and picnic blanket. A duvet and pillows. Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration for these themes and the props that can convey them. These will also be handy for any at-home shoots you’ll consider doing yourself.
Time Sequence
Having a photographic record of your baby growing is something that parents treasure forever. So why not take a similar photo at regular intervals to have adorable documentation of your child’s development? Here are some simple ideas to make a consistent sequence:
- Have a common toy in each photo as a point of reference to compare size.
- Bring in a chalkboard to write their age. You can get creative with different ways of writing their age to visually change it up each month.
- As your child grows include a different item from each milestone. This could be something that shows off the fact that your baby started crawling or said their first word. Or this could simply be the representation of their interest that month.
There are different ways of doing this, from daily photos to recording each growing stage. And this would make a lovely montage to embarrass your child for their sweet 16.
Themes and Characters
Costumes aren’t just for Halloween. Bringing your favorite storybook characters to life with photos of your baby will make for fun and creative keepsakes. There are many detailed costumes and iconic accessories, or you can use a collection of references to the story. Just make sure there are enough hints in the photo for a viewer to get the character reference. For example, Harry Potter would have big, round, black glasses, a red and gold scarf, a wand, and possibly some leather-bound books.
Emotion Collage
With an expressive child and a bit of patience (OK, maybe a mountain of patience), you can collect images of the child in the same spot but with different expressions representing different emotions. Then, create a nine-image grid with photos that correspond with a particular emotion, i.e., happy, sad, angry, excited, tired, fussy, etc. Add the name of the emotion over the image in a font that relates to the emotion and you have a fun keepsake of your child’s many moods.
Just like anything with these squishy little bundles of happy, you and your photographer will need to be patient, be creative and have fun! With some planning, you’ll definitely create images that will be cherished mementos for the rest of your life.
]]>
For Cyber Monday, we’re offering something huge. New users can sign up for a 3-month single listing on Photographer Central for only ONE DOLLAR. For our photographers who are already on a single listing subscription, you can upgrade to a multipack for 50% OFF.
Join the most comprehensive directory of professional photographers from all genres today to:
- Get discovered by the thousands of clients searching on the site every day
- Boost your online presence and overall SEO just by setting up a listing
- Collect all of your reviews in one place to build a complete reputation page
- Offer your clients a special deal or discount to drive more business
Put your business on the map by getting listed on Photographer Central.
*Promotion ends at 11:59pm PST on December 1, 2014. $1 promo applies to new subscriptions only. At the conclusion of the three-month promotional subscription, accounts are set to auto-renew into the standard rate. 50% off upgrades applies to existing single listing accounts only. Upgraded accounts auto-renew into the standard multipack subscription rate after the first year. To cancel the auto-renewal, you can adjust your settings on your Account > Subscription setup page or contact us at [email protected]
]]>
When you think about wedding photography, themes like traditional, contemporary, and modern probably come to mind. Photographer Central Pro Evan Chung discusses five unique photography styles you probably haven’t thought of for your upcoming nuptials. Find out why natural light, high fashion, photojournalistic, whimsical and vintage styled photography will make for gorgeous and unique wedding photos.
The world is smitten with wedding photography. We post, like, tag, retweet, and pin our favorite wedding photos but never stop to consider the style behind certain wedding photography ideas until it’s our turn to say “I do.” So, before you start that Pinterest board with all of your favorite wedding photo poses, take a moment to explore the many styles of wedding photography out there. This may come in handy since some photographers will use the same words, but in reference to different styles of photography, while others will have similar styles and use totally different words to describe it. Don’t worry though, I’m here to translate. Here is a breakdown of a few different styles you may want to consider for your wedding pictures.
When Googling wedding photo ideas, keep in mind that some of the best wedding photos that come up in your search use natural light. A wedding picture produced using natural light is created using only light from the sun. This can include artistic solar flares, backlighting, window light, etc. No studio lights are used, and it can be characterized as casual and intimate.
- PROs of using natural light: A great wedding photo using natural light can usually be defined by its warm or cool tones based on the time of day and shooting location. The hour before sunset (the golden hour) can offer the perfect warm light for any of your wedding picture ideas. Beach wedding photos in particular can really capitalize on the twilight colors, ocean water, and the setting sun, and without studio lights there’s usually less wait time because there’s less to set up.
- CONs of using natural light: Midday sun can be super harsh and contrasty. If there’s no shade, then the dark shadows and bright spots can be a nightmare. Also, if you are having an evening or indoor wedding, low or nonexistent lighting can leave you with blurry and grainy photos.
This is the opposite of using natural light, but it’s just as awesome. In fact, most real wedding photos that make it into high end magazines and blogs are using a high fashion style. High fashion styled wedding photography is characterized by the use of studio lights and fashion-esque poses and expressions. Using the studio lights creates a glamour look typically found in commercial and fashion photography. This bold and dramatic style is perfect for a high end wedding photography blog that wants to tag all of the brands and labels that the couple is wearing.
-
PROs of using high fashion style: The controlled lighting of professional high fashion wedding photography lets you go anywhere, regardless of the setting and environmental lighting conditions . You can find the perfect pose and expression and create a magazine-worthy wedding photo.
-
CONs of using high fashion style: Since setting up lights takes time, a shoot is often limited to one or two locations, resulting in less variety compared to using other photography styles that are a bit more mobile.
Traditionally a black and white film medium, photojournalism has its roots in news reporting and tells a story using images—hence its name. With very little active posing, each event can be entirely unique. There are no restrictions on how to take wedding photos using photojournalistic style, so anything goes as long as you are telling the story of the day. Personally, I’m often drawn to the active and grainy aesthetics of this style.
- PROs of using photojournalistic style: This style captures those amazing moments that would otherwise go unnoticed. Without having to direct people as much, this also affords the photographer more time be creative with his or her composition.
- CONs of using photojournalistic style: A photographer cannot be everywhere at once, and when we wait for that picture-perfect moment that may never come, we often get stuck with the real photos of people blinking and talking with wild gestures—but hey, at least it’s the real deal. Right?
This style is typically used in portrait and engagement sessions, but it can also be used to capture some of the most unique wedding photos that are out there. The whimsical photography style embraces embellishment and silliness, and in some cases even stretches reality. Whimsical style would typically include pictures of wedding parties being playful, wearing funny hats, colorful buntings, and chalkboard signs.
- PROs of using the whimsical style: This style can come alive with good planning for props and poses, but the real magic can happen in Photoshop where otherworldly or dreamy editing can enhance the photo’s beauty.
- CONs of using the whimsical style: There are very few candid moments, and there is generally lots of setup involved. This is a unique style that can really only be used if it is fully embraced. To quote Yoda, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” Done right, this style can be magical, but when done wrong, it can be gimmicky.
This is one of those terms that gets used fairly often but remains hard to define. However, it’s generally agreed that this refers to an older style of photography, in terms of editing technique, poses, or visual camera effects.
- PROs of using a vintage style: This style can use editing techniques to make the images resemble film photographs. Think Instagram filters. Vintage style can also be fused with current trends, creating a retro spin on modern wedding photos.
- CONs of using a vintage style: When you aim for retro, you can miss and just look outdated. Without using modern aesthetics or techniques, you can wind up with photos commonly found in old wedding photo books. It’s a fine line with potentially hilarious outcome—hello #AwkwardFamilyPhotos.
Regardless of your photography style preferences, Photographer Central lets you find a photographer who shoots in all of these styles and more. If you’d like some tips on how to choose a wedding photographer, check out this post on choosing a wedding photographer.
]]>
We’re very excited to share that Photographer Central has released two major developments for an even better search experience.
In addition to searching for professional photographers in your area, you can now also search for deals nearby. These deals include general discounts, specially priced packages, or even custom options that a photographer has put together especially for you. Take advantage of these deals to work with a professional photographer at a great value. Whether you’re planning a wedding, hosting an event, or planning a family portrait, these deals will help you save money so you can enjoy the experience of having your photos professionally taken.
Photographers listed in our directory can now link their Yelp and Google Business pages to their Photographer Central account. This means their listing will show you a complete collection of their ratings and reviews from past clients. Stop wasting your time going to multiple websites to get an all-around view of what it would be like to hire and work with a particular photographer. Instead, all you need to do is check out their Photographer Central listing and decide if they’re the perfect photographer for your next event or project.
Find the perfect photographer for you by searching on Photographer Central.
]]>
When it comes to finding a wedding photographer in your area, there are typically hundreds of options to choose from. To find the right one for your wedding, read Photographer Central Pro Evan Chung’s five helpful tips.
Your wedding planning checklist is finally getting some action. You’ve booked the best venue and reserved the perfect caterer. Now you are looking for the right wedding photographer. But with so many professional photographers to choose from, it’s difficult to know where to start. Most of us can pick out the photos that inspire us, but actually hiring a photographer is an entirely different animal. Don’t let it worry you though. Here are a few tips on how to hire the right wedding photographer.
Before you can hire a photographer, it’s important to know what style of photography you like. Every professional photographer has their own style. By looking at tons of professional photographs, you can decide what style fits you best. Hiring photographers based solely on budget almost never ends well. Make a short list of your favorite styles so you can see which professional wedding photographers match your style preference.
Side note: Pinterest has become a great way to see all your favorite photos in one place, and you may see some style trends in the photos you pin. Check out this Style Article [link to style article] that talks about various photography styles.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and hiring photographers is no different (OK maybe it’s a little different). It’s helpful to check out different wedding photographers and see what services they offer. Photographers for hire will sometimes put their packages and prices right on their website for all to see, while others will require you to ask for it. Don’t let this stop you from getting their package details—it may be well worth it. Figure out different price points that are typical for your region and be sure to compare apples to apples when weighing different packages.
If you’ve ever asked yourself “why hire a professional photographer?” this exercise will give you the answer. A photographer’s portfolio should include their best of the best. If you’re not impressed, just imagine the photographs that didn’t make the cut. This sounds a bit harsh, but when hiring a wedding photographer, there’s a lot at stake. Suffice it to say, you should look through lots of different portfolios to make sure the professional photographer you choose has a track record of solid work that resonates with you.
To find a prince, you may have to kiss a few frogs. Set up a few consultations with your top choice wedding photographers in your area. Meet in person to gauge their personality and see if you get along with them. Since your wedding photographer may be with you more than anyone else on your wedding day, make sure you like their company. Use the consultation to communicate your style preferences and define your expectations clearly. This also gives the photographer a chance to show you sample albums or prints so you can see what they have to offer after your photos get edited.
While the last four tips are geared toward how to choose a photographer, this last tip is about how to hire a photographer. This should be pretty straightforward if you are working with a professional wedding photographer. There should be a contract outlining all the agreed upon services and dates, no hidden fees or extra costs, and a clear payment schedule for reference. While mostly common sense, this should be the general practice for any photographer for hire. If not, insist upon having it all laid out in writing before paying a deposit.
Photographer Central is a great tool to define your style, do research, and review portfolios, set up a consultation and go from there. Once you have hired the right photographer, you should be able to let go of any worry on the big day. All of that research and prep beforehand will have paid off and you’ll be in your wedding photographer’s trusted hands.
]]>