Tough Question Tuesday

Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?

Answer below in the comments...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Tough Question Tuesday

Why are you, you?

Answer below in the comments...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Tough Question Tuesday

Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?

Answer below in the comments...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Tough Question Tuesday

Do you push the elevator button more than once?  Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?

Answer below in the comments...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Tough Question Tuesday

If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?

Answer below in the comments...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Tough Question Tuesday

Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

Answer below in the comments...


Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Tough Question Tuesday

What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What's holding you back?

Answer below in the comments...


Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Tough Question Tuesday

How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?

Answer below in the comments...


Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Fun Fact Friday

Officially the world's first digital camera is the development of the company Kodak, Stephen CESSON. The invented camera recorded an image on an audio cassette tape. Time of recording images from the moment you press the button was 22 seconds.

Tough Question Tuesday

What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

Answer below in the comments...


Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Fun Fact Friday

The basis of a digital camera was invented in 1973. It was a charge-coupled device, with which it was possible to obtain an image size of 100x100 pixels. The first astronomical electronic photo was taken with the help of this device the following year.

Tough Question Tuesday

Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?

Answer below in the comments...


Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Fun Fact Friday

They began to retouch photos and make them "color", which was achieved by coloring in watercolor for the first time in 1840.

Wedding Wednesday

Dig out your old Trapper Keeper. Keep a binder with all of your wedding information in it. Start with a section for each type of vendor (DJ, Photographer, Cake, etc), then when you narrow down your choices, move them to their own section. On the day of the wedding, make sure you have a list of each of your vendors, a contact number and name to give to your enforcer (just in case).

Planning a wedding involves keeping track of a lot of details. Each week, I'll bring you a quick tip to help your big day go just a little smoother. Want more? Part of the customer service MDKauffmann Photography is known for is working with you to develop a plan for your day and being prepared for the unexpected. EMAIL ME today for more information.

Tough Question Tuesday

Would you break the law to save a loved one?

Answer below in the comments...


Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Fun Fact Friday

The first color photograph was taken in 1861 by James Maxwell, the British physicist.

Wedding Wednesday

The type of jewelry you wear should depend on the style of your dress. Elegant earrings add to a strapless gown without taking away from the flattering neckline. With V-neck gowns, however, a necklace is the perfect choice. Jeweled hairpins are very flattering with a halter gown. Always consider the color of your gown when selecting jewelry. Pearl and platinum jewelry best compliment a white gown while gold is best for an ivory gown.

Planning a wedding involves keeping track of a lot of details. Each week, I'll bring you a quick tip to help your big day go just a little smoother. Want more? Part of the customer service MDKauffmann Photography is known for is working with you to develop a plan for your day and being prepared for the unexpected. EMAIL ME today for more information.

Tough Question Tuesday

If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?

Answer below in the comments...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Make Up Monday

Looking your best in a portrait is a process, with each step more important than the one after it: editing cannot fix something that was not shot well in camera, the camera cannot capture what is poorly lit or posed, and it all starts with good choices in wardrobe & makeup. Here's a hint to help you look your best at your next portrait session.

Want to know more tips like this? Email MDKauffmann Photography today. Before your session we'll meet with you, share some more information like this, and ensure that your portraits are treasured.

This week's tip:

Don’t forget to use eye drops to get rid of any red lines in your eyes. Those pesky bloodshot eyes can really mess up a good picture. You can also help your eyes look bigger and clearer by using a little white shadow on the inside corners of both eyes.

Fun Fact Friday

The first "photographic paper" was made ​​of asphalt. More precisely, asphalt varnish was applied on the copper or the glass plate.

Wedding Wednesday

Your hands will be a big part of the day. Whether it is the champagne toast or posing for ring pictures, splurge on the professional manicure. You won't regret it! Go with the classic French or American Manicure. Color trends for manicures change quickly and will make your photos look dated.

Planning a wedding involves keeping track of a lot of details. Each week, I'll bring you a quick tip to help your big day go just a little smoother. Want more? Part of the customer service MDKauffmann Photography is known for is working with you to develop a plan for your day and being prepared for the unexpected. EMAIL ME today for more information.

Tough Question Tuesday

You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire.  They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend.  The criticism is distasteful and unjustified.  What do you do?

Answer below in the comments ...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads. 

Make Up Monday

Looking your best in a portrait is a process, with each step more important than the one after it: editing cannot fix something that was not shot well in camera, the camera cannot capture what is poorly lit or posed, and it all starts with good choices in wardrobe & makeup. Here's a hint to help you look your best at your next portrait session.

Want to know more tips like this? Email MDKauffmann Photography today. Before your session we'll meet with you, share some more information like this, and ensure that your portraits are treasured.

This week's tip:

If you’ve ever wondered how to look good in pictures, don’t forget your lipstick. Skipping lipstick will cause your mouth to blend in with the rest of your face. You need to contrast your features for best results.

Fun Fact Friday

The first person who invented negative was Fox Talbot. This event occurred in 1839. In the same year Hippolyte Bayard presented the first positive print to the world.

Wedding Wednesday

Remember to talk to your florist about your bouquet. Some flowers have pollen that could stain your gown.
 

Planning a wedding involves keeping track of a lot of details. Each week, I'll bring you a quick tip to help your big day go just a little smoother. Want more? Part of the customer service MDKauffmann Photography is known for is working with you to develop a plan for your day and being prepared for the unexpected. EMAIL ME today for more information.

Tough Question Tuesday

Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

Answer below in the comments...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Make Up Monday

Looking your best in a portrait is a process, with each step more important than the one after it: editing cannot fix something that was not shot well in camera, the camera cannot capture what is poorly lit or posed, and it all starts with good choices in wardrobe & makeup. Here's a hint to help you look your best at your next portrait session.

Want to know more tips like this? Email MDKauffmann Photography today. Before your session we'll meet with you, share some more information like this, and ensure that your portraits are treasured.

This week's tip:

Skipping blush will wash your face out, especially under a heavy flash. Blush adds definition to your face. Without it you end up looking like a blob with eyes. Don’t over apply blush either. Start light and add more if needed.

Fun Fact Friday

Did you know that Nikon created its first camera in 1948? Before that, Nikon just supplied lenses for Canon cameras. But Canon had already started manufacturing its own lenses in 1945.

Wedding Wednesday

Always start with good foundation garments - the right bra can make all the difference in your pictures and how you feel through out the day. Foundation garments should be chosen in a shade closest to your skin tone.
 

Planning a wedding involves keeping track of a lot of details. Each week, I'll bring you a quick tip to help your big day go just a little smoother. Want more? Part of the customer service MDKauffmann Photography is known for is working with you to develop a plan for your day and being prepared for the unexpected. EMAIL ME today for more information.

Tough Question Tuesday

To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

Answer below in the comments...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Make Up Monday

Looking your best in a portrait is a process, with each step more important than the one after it: editing cannot fix something that was not shot well in camera, the camera cannot capture what is poorly lit or posed, and it all starts with good choices in wardrobe & makeup. Here's a hint to help you look your best at your next portrait session.

Want to know more tips like this? Email MDKauffmann Photography today. Before your session we'll meet with you, share some more information like this, and ensure that your portraits are treasured.

This week's tip:

Many experts that give advice on how to look good in pictures suggest using black liner and black mascara. If you normally use browns, opt for black. The darker hue will give you better contrast. The contrast will make your eyes pop more.

Fun Fact Friday

The maximum aperture of a human eye is about f/2.1
The minimum aperture of a human eye is about f/11 or f/8.6

The maximum aperture of a cat's eye is about f/0.9

The focal length of a human eye is about 17.2mm

Wedding Wednesday

When interviewing vendors, ask as many questions as you want, no matter what! You won't be the first person to ask and you definitely won't be the last. Depend on your experts!
 

Planning a wedding involves keeping track of a lot of details. Each week, I'll bring you a quick tip to help your big day go just a little smoother. Want more? Part of the customer service MDKauffmann Photography is known for is working with you to develop a plan for your day and being prepared for the unexpected. EMAIL ME today for more information.

Tough Question Tuesday

Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

Answer below in the comments...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Make Up Monday

Looking your best in a portrait is a process, with each step more important than the one after it: editing cannot fix something that was not shot well in camera, the camera cannot capture what is poorly lit or posed, and it all starts with good choices in wardrobe & makeup. Here's a hint to help you look your best at your next portrait session.

Want to know more tips like this? Email MDKauffmann Photography today. Before your session we'll meet with you, share some more information like this, and ensure that your portraits are treasured.

This week's tip:

Most of us try to cover up dark circles under our eyes with a little concealer. For everyday use this is fine, but occasionally in pictures under eye concealer comes off a little harsh. Blend out the concealer extremely well. If your concealer isn’t well blended it may reveal fine lines and awkward coloring around the eye.

Fun Fact Friday

Polar bear's hair appear ivory or golden colored because their fur absorbs violet and ultraviolet light (They appear black when photographed in the UV.), and that sometimes algae will grow inside their hollow guard hairs, making them appear green. It is commonly thought - incorrectly - that the hair is transparent, and refracts mainly the white part of the visible spectrum, thus making the hairs appear white.

Wedding Wednesday

When starting to shop for your dress, print out pictures of gowns that you like. This will help you explain to your bridal specialist what your perfect dress looks like.
 
Planning a wedding involves keeping track of a lot of details. Each week, I'll bring you a quick tip to help your big day go just a little smoother. Want more? Part of the customer service MDKauffmann Photography is known for is working with you to develop a plan for your day and being prepared for the unexpected. EMAIL ME today for more information.

Tough Question Tuesday

If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?


Answer below in the comments...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Make Up Monday

Looking your best in a portrait is a process, with each step more important than the one after it: editing cannot fix something that was not shot well in camera, the camera cannot capture what is poorly lit or posed, and it all starts with good choices in wardrobe & makeup. Here's a hint to help you look your best at your next portrait session.

Want to know more tips like this? Email MDKauffmann Photography today. Before your session we'll meet with you, share some more information like this, and ensure that your portraits are treasured.

This week's tip:

For best results apply your make up in natural light. Indoor lighting can alter the appearance of your make up. Some lights may wash you out causing you to apply make up too heavily. We’ve all seen pictures of ourselves where we thought our make up was good before we left the house, but in pictures we are left to wonder what went wrong and how to look good in pictures in the future.

Fun Fact Friday

The original name for CANON cameras was "Kwanon", the Buddhist god of mercy. The first Kwanon camera was built in a small Tokyo workshop in 1934. The name was changed to CANON in 1935 to avoid offending religious groups.

You never know when you might need a random bit of trivia...

Thursday Shout Out

This Thursday shout out goes to Canon.

I have been a Canon shooter since very early in my career. My first "professional" camera was a Canon Elan 7. I had a pair of these when I shot the World Series of Poker in 2003. Shortly thereafter I moved to digital with a 10D, and then to a 40D and now my primary body is the very capable 5DmkII. I am very happy with this set up, and it has treated me very well. The 5DmkII performs very well for me in low light and with the noise reduction capabilities of Lightroom, I am capable of taking very usable photos in what used to be stratospheric ISO ranges. I remember shooting ISO 1600 film and thinking it was special - now I shoot at ISO 4000 without flinching.

In the lens department, I've built a kit up to Canon's L glass including a 24-105 and the 70-200 2.8L II. My wide angle is the Sigma 12-24 because it is the widest non-fish-eye lens available for a full frame camera and it is rectilinear, which means the straight lines stay straight rather than bowing (which is a common problem with wide angle lenses). I keep a full set of Sigma backups for each of my Canon lenses - worst case scenario of breaking a lens during a job and I've still got my full range covered. My next lens will probably be the 100mm L macro, but I'm doing ok without it.

Canon equipment has treated me well over the years. I am happy with the results I am getting. I have complete faith in my equipment which frees my mind to think about other things: like interacting with my clients and making sure they are enjoying their session.

Wedding Wednesday

Just like Cinderella, when the clock strikes midnight most of the "stuff" of your wedding disappears: the cake and food are gone, the DJ packs up, the flowers wilt, and the dress is packed away. Only your wedding photography is left to contain your memories.

Planning a wedding involves keeping track of a lot of details. Each week, I'll bring you a quick tip to help your big day go just a little smoother. Want more? Part of the customer service MDKauffmann Photography is known for is working with you to develop a plan for your day and being prepared for the unexpected. EMAIL ME today for more information.

Testing Blogger to WP to FB

If this works I'm happy :)

Tough Question Tuesday

What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

Answer below in the comments...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Make Up Monday

Looking your best in a portrait is a process, with each step more important than the one after it: editing cannot fix something that was not shot well in camera, the camera cannot capture what is poorly lit or posed, and it all starts with good choices in wardrobe & makeup. Here's a hint to help you look your best at your next portrait session.


Want to know more tips like this? Email MDKauffmann Photography today. Before your session we'll meet with you, share some more information like this, and ensure that your portraits are treasured.


This week's tip:


Mattes are flat colors. They don’t have any sparkle or shimmer. When you are going to be photographed you want to avoid anything that is going to reflect light on your face. The camera flash and the added shimmer will leave you looking like an oil spill and not your beautiful self.

Fun Fact Friday

The first professional photography studio in the U.S. was opened in 1840 in New York by Alexander S Wolcott and John Johnson. Photography studios of this era catered to the elite, who were fascinated by the ability to have their likeness created in minutes as opposed to the hours or even days it took a painter.

Fun Fact Friday - because you never know when you'll need some useless trivia.

Thursday Shout Out

This week's shout out goes to my lab: Millers Professional Imaging.

I have evaluated a lot of labs as I searched to find the best products for my clients. I needed a lab that would provide the highest quality prints. Miller's offers that hands down. They custom mount and lacquer every print I order so that when my clients receive them they are ready to frame and display. This presentation also ensures that those prints are going to last: they will resist fading from UV light and certainly won't curl like "normal" prints. Further, there is a human being that looks at each print to verify that it is EXACTLY what I am hoping for. When I signed up with Millers there was a multi-step calibration & verification process to make sure that my cameras, computers, & monitors were in sync with what they have at the lab.

In addition to a great product, the customer service Miller's offers is amazing. They are always quick to respond to my questions and offer many tools an "ordinary" lab wouldn't: classes on design, business tips, and online tools I'm working through implementing.

Miller's was the only right choice for me, and I am happy to have them on my team.

Wedding Wednesday

Your photographer is the vendor that you will spend the most time with on wedding day. Make sure that your personalities are a good fit and they are someone you will get along with.

Planning a wedding involves keeping track of a lot of details. Each week, I'll bring you a quick tip to help your big day go just a little smoother. Want more? Part of the customer service MDKauffmann Photography is known for is working with you to develop a plan for your day and being prepared for the unexpected. EMAIL ME today for more information.

Tough Question Tuesday

When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

Answer below in the comments...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Make Up Monday

Looking your best in a portrait is a process, with each step more important than the one after it: editing cannot fix something that was not shot well in camera, the camera cannot capture what is poorly lit or posed, and it all starts with good choices in wardrobe & makeup. Here's a hint to help you look your best at your next portrait session.


Want to know more tips like this? Email MDKauffmann Photography today. Before your session we'll meet with you, share some more information like this, and ensure that your portraits are treasured.


This week's tip:


After you've applied the foundation, put on a light coat of powder. As with all makeup, try to match your natural skin tone!

Fun Fact Friday

The first permanent photograph was created in 1826 by Joseph Nicephore Niepce.

Fun Fact Friday - because you never know when you'll need some useless trivia.

Thursday Shout Out

This Thursday Shout Out goes to an absolutely critical part of my photography business: Zenfolio.

I moved to Zenfolio as an online service provider in 2008 and I have never looked back. For me, Zenfolio provided online proofing and print sales as well as backing up ALL of my work. I am more than happy to make use of the "unlimited" space they give me (I'm currently around 27k photos across 136GB).

I chose Zenfolio based on the quality of the prints they offer. Anyone who has ordered prints from me has noticed the quality: All of the prints they do for us are mounted and lacquered to protect them from the terrors of UV rays (which make photos fade) and finger prints (which ruin the "look" of the photo). Further, they have given me the ability to bundle a digital download with each print. In addition to the high quality prints, we have access to hundreds of custom products we can make available. In the coming months, I'm going to be working on implementing a few more of the exciting things they offer me.

On the back end - Zenfolio has exceptional customer service. They have always been very responsive to any questions I've had and quick to work with me to meet the needs of our clients. They are constantly expanding their offerings and improving their service - most often based on the suggestions of their members. They have developed an uploader that integrates with Adobe Lightroom (my primary editing tool) and apps for both the Android and iOS platforms (yes, I'm working on launching them).

Zenfolio has been so integral to my business, we have implemented them into our photography ministry at Christ Church. This has allowed the photography team to upload our photos to a central location which can be accessed by the communications team at the church.

Zenfolio has been one of the best things I have done for my business. I am looking forward to continuing to grow with them.

Wedding Wednesday

The tradition of not seeing the bride before the ceremony dates back to arranged marriages: they didn't want the groom to bail and embarrass the families. Ask your photographer about doing a "First Look" and simplifying the family photo process, and making the day flow more smoothly.

Planning a wedding involves keeping track of a lot of details. Each week, I'll bring you a quick tip to help your big day go just a little smoother. Want more? Part of the customer service MDKauffmann Photography is known for is working with you to develop a plan for your day and being prepared for the unexpected. EMAIL ME today for more information.

Tough Question Tuesday

If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

Answer below in the comments...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Make Up Monday

Looking your best in a portrait is a process, with each step more important than the one after it: editing cannot fix something that was not shot well in camera, the camera cannot capture what is poorly lit or posed, and it all starts with good choices in wardrobe & makeup. Here's a hint to help you look your best at your next portrait session.


Want to know more tips like this? Email MDKauffmann Photography today. Before your session we'll meet with you, share some more information like this, and ensure that your portraits are treasured.


This week's tip:


Makeup for photography is very different from normal makeup, the foundation needs to be much thicker than normal. Pancake that stuff on! Think of it as putty, and you're covering over every wrinkle, sun-spot, blemish and pore until you have a smooth canvas to work on. It should be thicker than you think it needs to be, and make sure it's smooth and well blended with the rest of you! The foundation will go on your neck, a light coating on your ears, and depending on how much skin you're showing, on the bust as well. Protect your clothes by tucking tissue into your collar, and make sure your hair is off your face, neck, and ears before beginning.


Stay tuned for more!

Fun Fact Friday

The first camera that was small and portable enough to make photography practical was built by Johann Zahn in 1685.

Fun Fact Friday - because you never know when you'll need some useless trivia.

Thursday Shout Out

This Thursday I'm giving a shout out to my lights: my Quantum Q-flashes.

I have absolutely fallen in love with these technological marvels and they are essential for what I do. They are powerful enough to light any situation I am presented with in my wedding or commercial work, and yet small enough to be easily portable. I use both the X-series, which are AC powered and thus unlimited in their power and the T-series which are battery/DC powered which give me portability.


My Quantums integrate seamlessly with my camera system, allowing me to use the camera's very sophisticated brain to think about and plan my exposure for speed. I also have the ability to over-ride and use them manually giving me very precise control over their power.

The Quantum system has evolved to a perfect system for the photographer on the go, and I am glad that I made the investment in quality equipment.

Wedding Wednesday

Don't forget to plan some time with your spouse (either before or after the ceremony) during the day to relax and just be a happy couple. The tendency is to squish too many things into too little time creating stress. The day is about the two of you - enjoy it!

Planning a wedding involves keeping track of a lot of details. Each week, I'll bring you a quick tip to help your big day go just a little smoother. Want more? Part of the customer service MDKauffmann Photography is known for is working with you to develop a plan for your day and being prepared for the unexpected. EMAIL ME today for more information.

Tough Question Tuesday

Which is worse, failing or never trying?

Answer below in the comments...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Make Up Monday

Looking your best in a portrait is a process, with each step more important than the one after it: editing cannot fix something that was not shot well in camera, the camera cannot capture what is poorly lit or posed, and it all starts with good choices in wardrobe & makeup. Here's a hint to help you look your best at your next portrait session.

Want to know more tips like this? Email MDKauffmann Photography today. Before your session we'll meet with you, share some more information like this, and ensure that your portraits are treasured.

This week's tip:

Don't be afraid to hire a professional for your hair & makeup on portrait day. The purpose of a professional portrait session is to create timeless art for display in your home: the details WILL matter.

Stay tuned for more!

Fun Fact Friday

George Eastman invented the first flexible, paper based photographic film in 1884.

Fun Fact Friday - because you never know when you'll need some useless trivia.

Thursday Shout Out

This Thursday I'd like to give recognition to one of my best clients: Christ Church.

My role at Christ Church is the leader of a team of photographers that serve the church. We make sure that all of the important events are covered and any portraits or other photos are provided for the church's website or other publications. Our team works strictly pro bono.

I enjoy working for Christ Church. It is an opportunity to stretch my abilities and really "play" with the camera. I've done portrait work for most of the staff, event coverage with celebrities, and perfected a style of concert photography.

The best part of working for the church is hearing how the photos have impacted someone's life. I have been told by family members how treasured a photo of someone's baptism is: that they look at it each morning as a devotional, or how people who have never been to our church have become curious or interested in what we are doing based on the photos we have taken.

You can view our work here. Let me know if you are interested in more information about the church or serving on our ministry.

Wedding Wednesday

Appoint someone to be your "enforcer" for wedding day. This person should have all the vendor's contact information and take responsibility for enforcing the bride's expectations. This allows the bride & groom to enjoy their day while their "enforcer" takes care of the details.

Planning a wedding involves keeping track of a lot of details. Each week, I'll bring you a quick tip to help your big day go just a little smoother. Want more? Part of the customer service MDKauffmann Photography is known for is working with you to develop a plan for your day and being prepared for the unexpected. EMAIL ME today for more information.

Tough Question Tuesday

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

Answer below in the comments...

Tough Question Tuesday is a blog feature meant to help our bridal and wedding clients. One of the most important things in building your relationship with your spouse is to never stop pursuing and learning about them. Today, if you're stuck on a conversation topic for learning about your spouse just drop the question and see where it leads.

Have Your Make-Up Trial At Your Engagement Session, from Wedding Photography 411 by Ryan Phillips

Have Your Make-Up Trial At Your Engagement Session:

This is the perfect time to try out hair and make-up. Not only do you get to see it yourself, but you see how it looks on camera. Their are tons of myths about more make-up is better, the camera adds weight, etc, etc. Honestly it’s more about the shooter, the lens choice and the lighting that will effect those things. So again, this is the perfect opportunity to find out what you will really look like on camera.
A very common question I get asked from my brides is how much make-up to wear on the weeding day for photographs. Of course this is going to vary from bride to bride however my reply is always just a little more than you normally wear. Especially if you are a girl who wears little or no make-up, you do not want to look at your pictures and not love your pictures because you are wearing too much make-up.

I have heard many times from future brides that they were told they should wear more make-up for their photographs. This may be true in some photography such a fashion or in a studio setting with controlled lighting, however with  most wedding photography natural light and some flash is used.  A softer natural look is more conducive to available light, which usually works better with a softer look or less make-up. When used correctly make-up should enhance or highlight your natural beauty.
I have had many of bride use the engagement shoot for just this purpose and make slight adjustment to their make-up after doing their trial. Doing a trial with your hair and make is always a wise decision, however getting to see what it will look like in photographs before the wedding is key.

-RE

The Photographer's Prayer - Lebanon Wedding Photographer

I saw this alluded to today, and had to look it up. I couldn't find an original author, so I'll leave it anonymous.

The Photographer's Prayer
Oh God, as I bring my subject into focus and prepare to make each portrait, never let me forget that I'm creating treasures for some family, a keepsake for loved ones. Make me sensitive to the qualities and virtues of others, that I may draw out into the light the beautiful radiant belongings of their hearts.

Help me to be an artist, collecting the beauty of every soul, the glow of youth, the gentleness, the laughter or tears of each life that is precious in Thy sight. Deeper than a means of livelihood, give me the perspective to see my photographer's art as a service to others, making life richer and more memorable.
And, dear Lord, between the lights and shadows, the ups and downs and the rolling years, keep me from getting out of focus or off center, so that my life and work may be framed with dignity and colored with contentment ...
AMEN

The Art of Investing In A Wedding Photographer from Wedding Photography 411 by Ryan Phillips

The Art of investing In A Wedding Photographer:


There are three important factors to consider when hiring a wedding photographer. Two are unique only to the photgrapher and cannot be copied. The third element fluctuates due to many different variables. Let’s talk about each in the order of importance.
First and most importantly is the personality of the individual who you will hire and invite as a guest to your wedding. These characteristics may not be the first thing you think about when hiring a photographer, however, it will definitely be the most important factor in the decision-making process. The first thing you need to determine is whether or not you like the images that this particular photographer has to show you. You will probably see 20-30 photographers’ work online and narrow it down to 3-5 individuals who you will interview. It is definitely important to be intrigued or excited by the images a photographer shows you but this is not always the deciding factor. What is? Personality. Now that you are meeting with the photographer face to face, the question you have to ask your inner self is: Do I like this person? Do I feel comfortable with this person? Will my friends and family like him or her? Would I invite him or her to my wedding?
Personality and character may not be the first thing you judge when interviewing a potential photographer but it is always a common thread that influences the final decision. You have to really like AND trust the person who will be capturing your wedding images. You could find the Ansel Adams of wedding photographers, but if her or she bugged you in anyway and you are not totally honest with yourself, the only person who is going to suffer is you. The bottom line is, if you don’t like your photographer for any reason your wedding images and your memories or going to be reflected upon as if looking into a tarnished mirror.



The second element and almost as equally important as personality is the photographers eye; the way he or she sees and captures the wedding day. This unique trait separates one photographer from the next. It is “the photographer’s fingerprint” no two are the same.
A photographer can copy another photographer’s style, but the fact is no two photographers see the same way. When looking at different photographer’s work, take notice of how and what they see. Do the images move you? Are they unique or different or do they look like every other photographers work you have looked at. Are they emotional? Do they tell a complete story? Are they artistic and creative? Are they real? Do the people look comfortable? Finally, out of all the photographers you met with, whose images did you gravitate towards the most and why? Usually, the answer to these questions will tell you who the right photographer is for you.
Finally, the last deciding factor is usually Cost. You spend hours if not days of your time interviewing photographer after photographer and now you have found the perfect one for you. Their images are amazing and he/she is the greatest person ever! However, your inner voice picked someone who is more than you budgeted for. What do you do?
Ask yourself a few important questions. After the wedding is over, what am I going to have left? Answer: Your pictures. Everything else is going to be forgotten and only remembered through your photographs. According to a survey run buy TheWeddingChannel.com, the number one regret married couples had is that they wished they would have invested more money on their wedding photography. Think about this, when the music over, the food is gone, and flowers are dead, your wedding pictures are the only thing left to bring back those memories and the irony is that most people spend more on flowers or food than their wedding photography. Your wedding album will last long past your wedding day and then passed down to your children and grandchildren. If your wedding pictures are important to you, don’t you think wedding photography should be a place in your budget where you give priority too?


Shopping for a wedding photographer is like buying a house; you get what you pay for. In both cases the purchase and decision to buy is based on emotion. Buying a little more than you can afford is always a wise investment that you won’t regret as long as you have put in the time to find the perfect one for you. With that said, it doesn’t mean there are not ways to get the most for your dollar. One way is to buy all albums and products you might want up front as part of a package instead of buying a-la-cart afterwards. Another way is make sure you understand what it will cost before AND after the wedding. Sometimes a photographer’s packages appear to be less expensive at first glance, then after the wedding you get hit with add-ons you did not expect such as over time fees, more expensive re-prints or additional album design charges. Then you end up spending more money than you would have with a photographer who first appeared to have been more expensive but everything was included in his package.
Don’t make the mistake of weeding out photographers because you called or emailed and asked for prices and then crossed them off your list because they exceed a certain dollar amount that you determined photography should cost. Finding a great photographer is much like discovering a great restaurant. Let’s say you were to call around to ten different eateries and ask, “How much are your meals?” If you never take the opportunity to meet the owner, taste the food or experience the service, the ambiance and charm of the restaurant you cannot make an educated decision. All of these things make dining a great experience. Calling on the telephone and price shopping won’t give you the same education as actually meeting the photographer in person or having a face to face conversation via Skype if your not in the same town.

Wouldn’t you feel better knowing you spent a little more on your wedding images because you loved your photographer and your wedding photographs were so amazing that you wanted them all in your album VS. getting less than you imagined and end up spending more than you dreamed.
-RE

Bottom Dollar Grand Opening - Lebanon Commercial Photographer

Earlier this week, we participated in the celebration of the reopening of Lebanon's Supermarket - Bottom Dollar. Tom Schmutz has a great deal of energy and is excited about the rebranding of his store. He is especially proud of the beer cave - keeping customer's favorite brews at 28 degrees - and a self-serve wing bar.

Bottom Dollar first of it's kind in Illinois. The pricing is different than most grocery stores. The price on the shelf is the price the store paid for it. Just 10% is added at the register to cover the store's overhead and profit. In addition, there are "Dollar Zone" items which sell for $1 each, and buy 10, get one free. Items may be mixed/matched throughout the store.

Overall, the reception to the rebrand has been positive. Many of the shoppers I talked to were excited about the low prices, friendly staff, and good selection.

We are excited to have a grocery store anchor in our thriving little town; especially when there is so much positive energy and excitement flowing out of it. Good luck, Tom!

 

 

More photos are available at: http://photos.mdkauffmann.com/bottomdollargrandopening 

Posture Perfect Pictures! from Wedding Photography 411 by Ryan Phillips

Posture Perfect Pictures!:
Having good posture will improve most pictures whether you are posing or just caught in a candid shot. First and foremost just watch that you are not slouching. This is the number one thing you should be aware of. Also make sure you are not sitting awkwardly in a chair or with elbows on the table and hands covering part of your face. You don’t need to mug for the camera or even look at it unless directed, you need to remember that you ARE being photographed and should be aware of your posing. ALL DAY!
Here are a few posing tips for different situations. In addition, grab the latest fashion magazine and practice a few poses that you like. You can even bring them along to show your photographer. Not the entire 900 page fall edition of Vogue…just a few pages.
If you remember one pose, this should be it:
First, start by standing with both feet on the ground side-by-side keeping your feet close to shoulder width apart. Next lift your shoulders up and back slightly, then lower them into a relaxed position. Lift your chin up to elongate your neck. Finally, slightly lean forward from your hips this may feel a little awkward, but you will look great. Now take a deep breath and relax!


Break em’ in:

Remember to break in your shoes and practice posing. Many new shoes are slippery at the bottom….scuff the bottoms a bit to make sure you don’t wind up on your arse
If you are on the heavier side, stand contrapposto!
contrapposto |ˌkōntrəˈpästō| noun ( pl. contrapposti |-trəˈpästē| ) Sculpture

an asymmetrical arrangement of the human figure in which the line of the arms and shoulders contrasts with while balancing those of the hips and legs.
Turn mostly sideways towards the camera and then rotate your upper body only towards camera. This will slim you out.Keep those arms away from you!:

DO NOT press your arm against your body it will flatten it out and make it appear larger. In addition it will “lump” together with your body and make the whole structure seem to have more mass. Break it up anyway you can. Even if your are a Size O runway model, DO NOT press your arm against your body.
Get Mermaid with it:

Got Junk in the trunk? Pin your knees together like you are a mermaid with a tail, this will slim you out when facing the camera. You can even extend one knee a little further out to bring everything in a little tighter.
Keep the girls in line:
If you are ”busty” watch how far forward you lean towards the camera you don’t want to give your guests more then they bargained for when they see your photos online Seriously though, just be aware so you don’t look at your pics later and think..”hmmm, maybe I should have shown a little less?”

Learn The Movie Kiss from Wedding Photography 411 by Ryan Phillips

Learn The Movie Kiss:
This tip is one of the most important tips you will learn for looking great in your pics. During you engagement and wedding pics you will be doing A LOT of kissing so learn the movie kiss and your images will look great! Most couples go all in and just smash their lips and noses together to become one face. This is great because you are in love and are letting each other know. However, on film it just looks like crap. And then there is the accompanying slurping sound…All of this is no bueno.

Instead, do it the way it’s done in movies. Barely touch your lips together, keep your noses and checks apart and tilt your heads in slightly opposite directions. Now hold it! Your photographer will need some time to get a few shots off. Now release and come up for air. Repeat as needed.



This move will keep the pouty Angelina Jolie look and keep your lipstick fresh and not transfer to his lips. Your eyes, noses and cheecks will remian your own. No harm in lots and lots of practice Guys you can thank me later…

-RP

"You Know You're Jealous" - O'Fallon Baby Photographer

You Know You're Jealous

I'm usually not one for captioning my work. Giving a name to a photo is tedious to me - I'd rather let the photograph speak for itself. But every once in a while, I capture that one expression that begs for a caption. This is one of those photos. There is a smugness here - "This is my mommy, she's loving on ME, you know you want it."

I'd be happy to photograph you're child(ren)'s special expressions. Drop me a line at matt@mdkauffmann.com and let's set up a time to chat about preserving those precious memories.

Top Ten Reasons Why Brides & Grooms Run Late For Their Wedding Pictures. from Wedding Photography 411 by Ryan Phillips

Top Ten Reasons Why Brides & Grooms Run Late For Their Wedding Pictures.:
10. Hired Transportation: When you hire a limousine or classic car for your wedding day, make sure you allow ample time to get to your destination. Allow for an extra hour just in case there is traffic or other delays. I have witnessed on several different occasions drivers leaving bridal parties and couples behind because they had other commitments because the bride and groom didn’t book their car for long enough. This caused the bride and groom to be late to their own reception in addition to having to find other means of traveling to their destination.



9. Underestimated Travel Times: Depending on where you live, allow plenty of time to get around your city. Check ahead of time for possible road closures due to to other events such as parades, road closures and highway construction. If you live in a lager metropolitan area, it is especially important to allow more time for traffic delays.

8. The Groomsmen: It’s not always the ladies who can be tardy. Guys we are not perfect. Learning how to tie a bow tie on the day of your wedding is not such a good idea; practice your skills before the wedding day. Watching the end of the game isn’t a valid excuse for running late. I love my sports too but today is an exception. Getting great wedding pictures is a team effort. I’m in favor of a cocktail (one) before the wedding but when you’re drunk and unruly it makes taking pictures far more difficult and time-consuming.

7. To Many Family Group Shots: An excessive amount of family pictures or too many smaller group shots as well as unplanned groups can make the pictures taking process exhausting and sometimes stressful. Even if you have bigger families, larger groups that include everyone help to move the process along.



6. Poor Communication With Family: The biggest mistake a bride and groom can make is waiting to inform the family at the rehearsal dinner of the time they need to arrive for family pictures on the wedding day. This needs to be done at least two weeks before, if not a month prior to the wedding. The family members need to be reminded again at the rehearsal dinner. An email with a schedule of when and where to be is also a great tool for getting family members to arrive on time.

5. Family Members Arriving Late: If you have family members who are habitually late it is always a good idea to fib a bit on what time they need to arrive for pictures. We suggest 30-45 minutes depending on their tardiness. I promise, they will forgive you when they realized you fudged on the time a bit!

4. Allow Sufficient Time To Dress: Getting into your dress, attaching your veil and putting on all your jewery may take more time than you think so make sure to allow for plenty of time to get dressed. I have witnessed many times during the dressing processes something needing to be sewn or fixed before pictures can start. Wardrobe malfunctions don’t just happen during Superbowl half-time shows, they can happen to you as well.



3. Bridesmaids at Salon: If you are getting your hair and make-up done at a salon or location other than where you will marry, I suggest driving yourself or traveling with only one other bridesmaid such as your maid of honor. The two of you need to be in a separate car from the rest of your bridesmaids. You two need to be the first ones in the chair and the first ones finished so you can leave. On many occasions I have waited for the bride to arrive at the location she was to dress, but she was stuck at the salon waiting for the one bridesmaid whose hair or make-up wasn’t right. Don’t let one bad maid spoil the party!

2. Hair: Depending on the your hair and your hairstyle on your wedding day, ample time needs to be allowed for the beautification process. The longer your hair the more time you should allow for curling, pining, and styling. Your hair needs to beautiful for your wedding photographs but if your photographer has little or no time to take pictures you are the one who gets cheated.



1. Make-Up: Make-up and hair are the two biggest time draggers on the wedding day and they are the top two reasons why a bride is late to her start time for her wedding pictures. As a photographer this can be very frustrating when you have a beautiful location, a beautiful couple and great light, but as you watch the minutes and hours tick by you realize you’re not going to be able to give your couple your best. Even though you are great at your job, you certainly are not a miracle worker. As your light wanes so can your enthusiasm for your task at hand. The solution to this is to allow plenty of time for your hair and make-up, tell your hair and make-up people you need to be done one full hour before you really do. If your photographer wants you ready at 3:oopm then tell your hair and make-up team 2:00pm. If for some miracle they finish on time, great! Relax, hang out with your girls, have a glass of champagne and enjoy that time with your bridesmaids. Once your photographer arrives you can take your time getting dressed and then you are off to pictures without feeling rushed or stressed.

Wedding Albums : The Real 411 from Wedding Photography 411 by Ryan Phillips

Wedding Albums : The Real 411:
Having recently discussed this subject with a potential client, I thought it would be apropos for me to share my insights with you. A wedding album is a one-of-a-kind memento that most couples desire, but more and more frequently are opting to postpone having made to save on the bottom line of their wedding budgets. When I hear many couple’s reactions to wedding album prices it’s pure shock! Why does it cost so much?? This article will help answer those questions by elaborating on what goes into the album design and production process.
Wedding albums are no simple task to complete; it’s a process that can take twenty or more hours of labor. To begin with, all of the images to be included in the book must be selected by either the couple or the photographer. This typically involves trimming down the number of images from on average 1500 images to 100-200 give or take. Next, the type of book to use must be determined, as there are many to choices out there. Decisions can range from different cover material and colors, to paper types, but quality wedding albums are expensive for a reason. Just as with wedding photographers, you get what you pay for.
A quality album manufacturer must pass on the expenses of a well-made book to the professional photographer, which he must incur before he offers the album to you. Something you may not know is that most albums are only sold to professional photographers and are not available to the consumer. These album manufactures want to do business with professionals who are well versed in how to design and order their products. This is pretty standard throughout the wedding photography industry.
The next part of the equation, and what you are paying your photographer for, is the album design work. This is a very creative yet tedious and complicated process. Not only are we the photographers, we must also be proficient with many aspects of graphic design. Within most wedding albums there are hundreds of pages, templates and computer software to learn and to keep up-to-date. Telling a story with very specific images, orientations and color palettes is complicated. In addition the images must all fit into a visually limiting format in order to fit into the book you chose. This can take many hours, which usually translates into days and even months depending on the timely cooperation of the bride and groom.
Seldom is the design perfect the first time, as there are almost always changes to be made. Based upon the clients’ change requests, adding or removing images, changing the size of the image or position in the album, the book now needs to be reconfigured so the design is cohesive once again. With that comes several more hours of work. Once finalized, prints and pages may need to be ordered. Then, as long as there are no quality control issues with the prints, the album can now be sent off to the album manufacturer.
Album design and creation is a long and labor-intensive process. So, when you think about the packages and the costs of wedding albums, remember that a basic album can cost a minimum of $2000, some more and some less all depending on the amount of images, pages, and the type of book itself. There are countless hours of design work involved, expensive software, and the actual materials of the album. Most photographers do not make oodles of money on wedding albums, when all is said and done. Frankly, many photographers probably lose money, due to the fact that they are not watching the amount of time they put into the album process.
One final thought: There are many photographers who do not offer wedding albums due to the fact that they do not want to be bothered by this tedious process. I personally think it’s a disservice to the client when a photographer does not to finish the job by telling a couple’s story in the form of a wedding album. In most cases, photographers who do not offer wedding albums probably have little experience doing so, which usually translates to little experience photographing weddings.
Your wedding pictures are the one thing you will have left once your wedding day has passed. If your images are left sitting on a hard drive not only do you run the risk of your hard drive failing but a very small percentage of you will ever get around to actually making yourself a book, let alone knowing how or where to start.
I say if you cared enough to hire a professional wedding photographer in the first place, let them design a wedding album for you; make it part of your wedding budget. A wedding album is an extension of the photographer’s eye and creativity, which will become a treasured family keepsake and visual historical record of the beginning of your family.
I smile every time one of my children pulls out one of our three-volume wedding album, and flips through the pages. I remember the first time my oldest daughter first looked at our wedding albums and asked, “Daddy where am I?” It was a priceless moment in my life.
The Real 411: Albums are expensive to produce and even though it seems like the album packages are high-priced and Photographers are making a ton of money on them, it’s not reality. It is a long labor intensive undertaking that requires skill, software and lots of time. If you are worried about budgets, cut the album for now and get your album for your one year anniversary… Making sure you hire the photographer you want, You will always have the opportunity to design a beautiful wedding album later. I can tell you from shooting hundreds of weddings, that it is VERY RARE for a bride to order her album within a year of her wedding date. Offset the cost now if absolutely necessary, but don’t regret not hiring the photographer of your dreams. You will hear us say this a thousand times…You can’t undo bad wedding photography! And since I can’t resist my other favorite quote….
“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” -Benjamin Franklin
-RP & RE

St. Louis Baby Photographer - Look out Ladies!

 St. Louis women are in trouble as this little guy grows up. He is the strong, silent type (for now) - but oh what a charmer. The expressions he gives while we are photographing him are a tell that he is definitely having fun being a ham for the camera. I am definitely looking forward to photographing this baby as he grows up and continues to charm.

What up?!?

Let's get this over with.

You know you love me

How Not To Hire A Photographer - from Wedding Photography 411 by Ryan Phillips

How Not To Hire A Photographer:
We normally don’t allow guest writers but this was submitted to us and we just couldn’t resist because this is rampant in our industry and as consumers you should be aware of what you say to a professional photographer. The photographer will of course remain anonymous. All photographers have received this in one form or another so I think it’s important to share with consumers..
I would start by reading the email below…. while this is extreme…Photographers get emails like this every week. I am all for people trying to get the best rate for something but think about the quality of work you are going to get when you whittle someone down to pennies. In addition, what type of relationship you are building and how much is the photographer going to dislike shooting you. At the end of the day most photographers don’t make a whole lot of money, in fact the national average is $24,000 a year. Here is another post along these same lines that I thought I would share as well…
So without further a do here is the short list of nots (read the email below first)

1. Do not try to break your shoot out into different times of day and think the dead space in the middle doesn’t have to be paid for. If I am out of my studio I should be paid, otherwise I am losing money.
2. Do not try to think that taking up just a few hours on a few different days just equates to the same thing as hours in a row.
3. Do not tell the photographer how artistic their work is and then try to pay nothing for it. You called them because you want good work.
4. Do not think you can get the same style as your photographer by doing the work yourself. We use more than $10,000 of computers and software to get the job done. That is what you are paying for. You called US because you love our work.
5. Do not think that the work stops when the shooting stops. It is just beginning. It could take us 20+ hours of production time! Breaking my price down into an hourly rate and then reducing the hours of shooting and taking away a photographer means nothing to me! I spend twice as long producing the job!
6. Do not offer “it’s a party, you will have sooo much fun at our wedding and can have a drink at the end” as an excuse for trying not to pay what we are worth. I am a professional wedding photographer and am at weddings every weekend while my family is at home without me.
7. Do not think the day of the week matters to me. Shooting on a Wednesday is the same as shooting on a Saturday, I still have to do all the production work.
8. Do not state that your wedding is”not typical” all weddings are not typical these days. As Professional photographers we have to know how to shoot every type of wedding, that is what you are paying for. I am not going to say “Hey, their wedding isn’t typical…maybe I should just shoot it for 75% off since it’s not typical!”
9. Do not think your math is correct on my hourly rate, the reality is at $272.00 an hour with 5.5. hours of shooting, 2 hours of travel time, 2 hours of prep time and 20 hours of production is actually $8,024 dollars. The full package is a fucking bargain!
10. Lastly, add in phone time dealing with clients, meetings times, retouching times, album design and changes, engagement shoot, lab price increases, ordering times, DVD burn times, download times, back up times, back up storage costs plus the $400 dollars a month to run all my computers and RAID systems…hell when I think about it I should probably go flip burgers, I’ll make more money….

The Real 411: Now this may seem like an angry wedding photographer but the fact is that he is a very nice and a very reasonable guy but gets heated when he gets these types of letters. Our job at WP411 is to educate you on how to get the most out of your wedding photography. Starting off a relationship with your photographer like this is not a good thing. Don’t forget, this person will likely shoot your pregnancy, your babies, your family photos and most major milestones in your life. Treat them like a friend and you will be paid back in spades. Bargain them down to pennies and even if they take the job they will not deliver you their “A-Game.” Just because they love their job doesn’t mean they should do it for cheap. Reward them for their passion and they will blow your mind with the images you receive. When it is all said and done the only thing you have left from your wedding will be their images. What is that worth to you?
-RP
Email From Perspective Client
Wedding Location: Backyard
Heard about you: Web search
Message: Hello,
I enjoyed your pictures on your site a lot. I thought they were very artistic. We are getting married next month and were looking for one photographer (only) to shoot only our \”getting ready\” shots, ceremony location details, ceremony and shots with bridal party, bride/groom and family/friends shots after the wedding. We do not wish to have professional photos of our reception. We only need about 4 hours of wedding day coverage in one location. We would like to book separately a portrait shoot with us in our wedding clothes in a cool outside locale for about 1.5 hours on a different day, and we could work around your schedule (even mid-week).
We are hoping to get all of the digital images, and preferably the RAW images. My fiance is a Digital Media Designer and color corrects film & photos professionally, and I am a graphic designer and photographer. We would enjoy editing our own photos…but I understand if you want to edit them before giving them to us. We just thought it might save time on your part and cost on our part. Either way, we definitely want all of the high resolution photos.
The total time we would need is 5 hours on two days, ceremony and portrait day. Looks like if you broke down your starting package of $3,800 for 2 photographers for 7 hours, the hourly rate per photographer is about $272. Would you accept $1500 plus tax for 5.5 hours coverage from one photographer? We aren\’t having a typical wedding and therefore don\’t require a typical wedding package. And we don’t need any “extras.” We’re hoping you can work with us.
Please let me know what we might be able to work out. Thanks.

So You Want To Hire a Wedding Photographer - St. Louis Wedding Photographer

I saw an article the other day about things to consider when hiring a wedding photographer.

The first thing that struck me is that English was not the author's primary language (there were too many awkward phrases). The other thing that I noticed was that the author had no clue how to hire a wedding photographer in America.

That author's primary piece of advice was to make sure that you talked to the photographer to make sure that you would get the proper number of photos made that day. Not in and of itself bad advice, but "number of photos" is an ambiguous request. Your wedding photographer's job is to document the day; to tell the story of your beautiful occasion and to present you - the bride - with an album or prints to treasure for a lifetime. Some events may require 400 photos to effectively document, others 800. A trained monkey can take a number of photos, it doesn't mean they will effectively tell the story.

So the duty of a wedding photographer is to document the day. It sounds easy enough, but how can you be sure that the person you are hiring can do that? The bottom line is that you can't - but there are things you can look for that will give you clues.

The most important thing about choosing a wedding photographer is their style. At the end of the day, you can shop for photographers in any price range and with any amount of included prints or albums. However, none of these factors matter if the photographer's style does not match yours. Do they use a traditional or contemporary style? Are they "photojournalist only" photographers that try to capture all of the important events and groups of the occasion without any formal posing, or do they take time to arrange the important groups of people so that the grouping and all the people in it look their best? Are they "natural light" photographers or are they able to effectively use flash to enhance photos in cavernous churches and dark reception halls?

How do you find a wedding photographer's style? Look at their work. Where do they get their photos? Prior experience.

Another of the biggest things to look for when hiring a wedding photographer is experience. Weddings are - generally speaking - a once in a lifetime event. There are no do-overs. A wedding photographer has to be on their game from the moment they arrive until the moment they leave making sure they don't miss anything. Further, there are things that happen on wedding day that the wedding photographer has to be ready for. The only way to be ready is to expect them, the only way to expect them is to have practiced; AKA: experience. Do you really want the memories of your once-in-a-lifetime occasion to be lost by a weeked-warrior who is shooting for beer money?

Even if a photographer is experienced, there is always the chance that something will go wrong, or that the results will be less than you expect. To combat this, most professional photographers offer a guarantee. Personally, I guarantee my work by 110%: I guarantee that you will be thrilled with my work, or I will do anything in my power (and some things beyond my power) to make you thrilled. I've even got an insurance policy that will pay for the complete re-staging of a wedding if necessary. If after all my efforts you aren't thrilled: I'll gladly refund 110% of your cost. There is no risk to you.

Hiring a wedding photographer can be a difficult decision, but with a little background it becomes easier to narrow the field and focus your attention toward wedding photographers who will be able to best meet your needs. If you have any further questions, please feel free to comment and I'll be happy to provide clarification or more information.

Best wishes as you plan your wedding!

Lebanon, Illinois Cutest Kiddo

This little cutie is certainly the cutest in Lebanon, IL - then again, as her father I might be a little biased. Hard to believe she is getting so big so fast!

Coldwell-Banker's Newest Lebanon, IL Agents

Had the opportunity to photograph two of the Coldwell-Banker's newest agents from Lebanon, IL today. Down & dirty, quick studio work with a fast turn around. Had the final photographs in their hands in about 30 minutes each. Domino's, eat your heart out.

One of St. Louis' Newest Residents

I had the privilege of photographing one of St. Louis' newest residents for one of our dear client's this week. He is an absolute doll - I'll be photographing him every month through his first year in St. Louis, just like we did for his brother. He is very loved by his parents and I am looking forward to watching him grow up.