The Wedding Photographer

Carolyn Scott Photography

Robin Lin Photography

Rumor has it that the wedding photographer is the most overpaid wedding vendor out there, so they say. I mean the camera's expensive but everything is digital so where is the expense? Okay so you do have to buy those fancy photo albums to slip your photos in but what else? Why do photographers cost soooo much? Couldn't Cousin Billy Bob take some pretty good photos and we could save that money for something else, right?! You know what I think? I think "they" are wrong. A successful photographer doesn't just point and shoot. They spend time getting to know their surroundings and framing the photo. The more they do it the faster they are at putting it all together and capturing the gorgeous photo that makes you FEEL what the couple is feeling at that very moment in time. Its part gift, part talent and part experience and it's a big part of what you pay for when you hire your photographer. But what else? Why is it that Billy Bob even with a good camera has a tough time capturing these moments that you want to relive day after day?

Beth Gillikin Photography

No matter how hard Billy Bob tries he will rarely think of the composition. He doesn't walk into the room or location and begin envisioning the art that he will be creating. Billy Bob (or Sally Mae for that matter) walks in and starts chatting with his buddy or distant relative and talking about old times and "how's your mama? It's been so long..." well you get the point. When you ask your _____(fill in the blank)____ cousin/buddy/aunt to photograph your wedding they have more on their mind than their new job. So they become distracted and the opportunity to breathe in the environment and plan the photos is lost.

Bella Rose Photography

And that is just the beginning of the process. What happens when the party gets started? The music is kicking and everyone is out on the dance floor laughing and having a wonderful time. You know Billy Bob is a guest too, I mean he has a job but he wants to have a good time too and you want that as well, right? So who could blame him when he puts the camera down to shake a leg for a few songs? Well unfortunately he missed this shot. Even if he decided to pick up the camera at the right time his position would be on the floor looking straight on or maybe up and the feeling would be lost.

The professional has spent the entire time since he stepped out of his (or her) car planning what shots to take and where. He may have even photographed a wedding at this particular location and knows where and how to get the best shots. But while your buddy is doing his thing the professional is capturing every piece of your wedding. The stationery, the entrance, the bouquets, the table settings all the little details that make your wedding yours. You don’t know this now but the day after your wedding or maybe a few weeks later you’ll find yourself wondering hmmm, what did the little flowers I so painstakingly chose, end up looking like?  Those detail shots the pro will take will be priceless later on.

Vesic Photography

So now we know some of the downfalls of hiring a friend or relative to take your photos to help document the best day of your life. But what else separates the professional from the amateur photographer?

The amateur when completed will then upload the images at shutterfly, picasa or some like location so when you want you can order your photos. He, or she, is done. They did their job. Ta Da!!! The professional on the other hand will go back to their studio and spend hours and hours editing the images. Perfecting colors, removing flaws, all sorts of things that make them the wonderful pieces of art that we see here. And those couples that bite the bullet and spend the money on a talented photographer are rewarded each and every time they look at the art created by a professional. 

Creative Bridal and Wedding Portraits

Image from Kiss the Groom

Image from Kiss the Groom

I saw this wedding on Kiss the Groom a couple of weeks back and threw a handful of images into an inspiration folder on my computer. While going back through them looking for inspiration, it struck me. This gal isn't doing a day after shoot. She was on that horse during ON her wedding day! Note the ceremony arch and guests in the background. That's freaking awesome!

Image from Kiss the Groom

So it got me thinking. Why is it that brides put so much time and energy into customizing their wedding celebration only to default to safe, standard bridal portraits? Especially with such mad wedding photography talent available. Wedding photography has come a long way and you can find plenty that look a stunning as editorial shoots in a magazine.

Image from Style Me Pretty

Image from Two Ring Studios

OK, let me take a step back here and say that traditional, classic portraiture will stand the test of time and won't look dated in 10, 20, or 30 years. And classic portraiture is wonderful in is own way. But why not also embrace your own personality and tap into your photographer's creativity? To truly capture your wedding story, I suggest you consider doing both.

Image from Kiss the Groom

Image from Style Me Pretty

I'm not talking about a Trash the Dress (TTD) session. I'm talking about rocking the dress and highlighting your style and personality, while taking full advantage of your photographer's talents.

Image from Two Ring Studios

So how creative would you be willing to get with your pictures on your wedding day? What would best express your personal style and creativity?

MWAH!
~The Hindsight Bride

Vintage Vixens - A Day of Dress Up for You, Something Special for Him.

Stacy Borelli, Owner and Photographer of Swank Photo Studio went out on a limb last year when she was asked by one of her brides to do some 'sexy' pictures for her fiance. What happened during that session has forever transformed and shaped her new love for photography, her own brand and line of stylish boudoir photography; Vintage Vixens - A Day of Dress Up for You. Something Special for Him. 

With the overtly talented Margo of Belloviso on staff for the sessions, the two pair to bring their clients a one of a kind experience. "It truly is a day of pampering for the girls. They come have some wine and girlie chat, all the while getting their hair and makeup done, we play dress up and take fun & playful pictures. There's not one client that hasn't come to me with an undertone of latent anxiety that hasn't left saying, Wow!, that was fun!".

The end result speaks for itself. "The greatest reward in all of this is seeing the women being transformed and I'm not talking about transformation of looks although the makeover is an essential part of what we do. I'm talking about inner transformation. The glam makeovers get our clients to step out of their everyday look and become high fashion glamorous. This instills the inner confidence. By the time they get in front of the camera, they're putty.".  Throw in the gentle direction from Stacy, and the end is pictures her clients are proud of. The boys are pretty happy too!

All of the sessions include your hair & makeup, several looks and outfit changes, as well as a honeybook. And while the sessions are an investment, are you not worth it?  Millions of millions of dollars are spent on our looks, spa treatments, and medical treatments every year. Why aren't we documenting ourselves in the prime of our lives?!

To book your session or private party (perfect for bachelorettes), please contact Stacy/Swank Photo Studio - 919-602-1050 or Stacy@SwankPhotoStudio.com