How To Hire A Wedding Photographer

How To Hire A Wedding Photographer

How To 

Hire a 

Professional 

Wedding Photographer

Should you hire a professional photographer or not? That is the question. Considered this, How important are photos of the most important day of your life?

There is plenty of info on how to find your perfect photographer on Pinterest.  As a professional photographer I’m partial with saying yes… you should!

How To Hire A Wedding Photographer

Here’s a list of things you should considered when hiring a wedding photographer:

1. Not hiring a professional “Wedding” photographer could mean, you will end up with low quality photos or no photos at all.  
2. Hire a photographer that has a style you love.  Johnny and I have a distinctive style, most professional wedding photographer’s do.  We love vivid realistic magazine portraits and a journalistic style combined.  I like to keep things simple and beautiful and our pictures reflect that. Other photographer love the high definition images and some like the very ethereal pale look. Find your style and you will end up loving the end results.
3. Don’t waste your time if you don’t feel comfortable with the photographer/s you are considering.  The idea here is that you and the photographer feel comfortable with each other, it works both ways.
4. When you start planning your wedding, ask friends and relatives about referrals.  I think it's one of the best ways to find a good photographer.  About ½ of our work comes from referrals. If you don’t care much for who they recommend it,  search online or try websites like WeddingWire.com. It's a great place to find wedding vendors.
5. One thing we pride ourselves on is that we respond to our new and current clients immediately (in most cases).  We don't want you to wait for an answer or response. It also sets the tone for the entire wedding and the way we work.
6. Also remember the busy wedding season when looking for your photographer. Let me give you an example... We are busiest (in the Phoenix area) during the months of October, November, February, March, April & May. Every month fills up, but the the beautiful weather months in the Phoenix area always fill first. If you are getting married on a weekend, during peak time, book at least 1 to 2 years ahead.  
7. If you are sure you want to work with a particular photographer, here's what you will need to do.  If your date is available and you have done your homework,  first set a phone meeting to ask basic questions about pricing, payments and wedding package details. Then if you decide, Yep I want them to shoot our wedding, set up a face to face meeting. It’s also a great time to schedule your appointment for your engagement photos.  
8. I’m going to point out that there are many questions you will want to ask.  “Pinterest” is a great place to find the right questions (for your situation).  Ask questions that will help you get to know what is truly going to happen on your wedding day.  Do your homework, and check out the photographer's website before heading out. Many questions can be answered by looking at the website and reviews.  
9. Many photographer spend a lot of time and money adding info to their websites to help you. Check it out to get a feel for what they are offering.  Many of the questions we get asked are posted on our site, to make it easy for you!!  As a photographer, I like to know (if I’m sitting down with a potential client), they at least know what we do and like our photography style.
10. One question we get asked is, do we give all images in RAW format? The answer is No. Giving RAW images is compromising the photographer and the work they do. Professional “wedding” photographers generally will not provide RAW images of the wedding, so please don’t ask.  It sets a tone to the photographer and you may lose them.  You should receive between 75 - 100 photos per hour, touched up and ready to print.  
11. Prices! well in our case we post prices on our site, some don’t, call them immediately for info on that.  Simply put, if you can’t afford it and they are not willing to work with you, then it’s a waste of your time.

Check out our prices, to give you an idea.   As one of our clients said to us once, you are super affordable for the work you do.  We believe in being fair, not cheap, just right.

http://www.studio-616.com/Photography-Resources/Pricing/Wedding-Photography

Check out reviews.

http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/studio-616-photography-phoenix/fc08fdb532660bbc.html

Listen... there’s so much out there about this subject and as a Professional Wedding Photographer I know its not easy, but you need to be super happy with your decision. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve.

Good luck!  

Best Phoenix Wedding Venues - Windmill Winery

Windmill Winery, Florence, AZ... One of the best Phoenix Wedding Venues!

Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways.

Best Phoenix Wedding Venues - Windmill Winery

Windmill Winery is one of those venues that enlighten your soul. From the lush serene grounds to the beautiful barns and lakes... There’s no way you will go wrong booking your wedding at this magnificent place.

We had the wonderful opportunity to work there for the second time, and when we received the phone call, we were super excited to return!

Here’s are a few reasons why we love Windmill Winery!

1.) The Lake House! It has a classic, rustic beauty.  It’s pure romance, from the outside to the beautiful interior.

Best Phoenix Wedding Venues - Windmill Winery

2.) The Beautiful view from the deck! I love the chandelier at end of the ceremony deck overlooking the lake.  I also love that is so close to the Lake House.

Best Phoenix Wedding Venues - Windmill Winery

3.)  The bridal suite! (Better known as the “Bridal Bungalow”) If you can get the bride and bridesmaids to keep it clean, you can actually get great photos of the bride getting ready. The best part is that there’s a balcony with a view to the lake!

Best Phoenix Wedding Venues - Windmill Winery

Best Phoenix Wedding Venues - Windmill Winery

4.) The grounds! Lush, lush lush! Perfectly beautiful and clean!

Best Phoenix Wedding Venues - Windmill Winery

Best Phoenix Wedding Venues - Windmill Winery

5.) The amazing staff! We had the honor of working with Karen and she was fantastic and super accommodating.

6.) Sunset photos by the lake house are just superb! I mean look at the water and that gorgeous reflection… Butter!

Best Phoenix Wedding Venues - Windmill Winery

7.) Such of great variety of amazing rustic style photo backdrops

Best Phoenix Wedding Venues - Windmill Winery

Best Phoenix Wedding Venues - Windmill Winery

Best Phoenix Wedding Venues - Windmill Winery

Best Phoenix Wedding Venues - Windmill Winery

8.) Very peaceful and romantic

Best Phoenix Wedding Venues - Windmill Winery

Best Phoenix Wedding Venues - Windmill Winery

There’s so much more to fall in love with, you just have to pay them a visit! They also have a second location at the venue... "THE BARN", which is every bit as majestic and beautiful as "THE LAKE HOUSE"! The barn is next on our list!

If you are looking for a romantic gem in the desert... The Windmill Winery will win your heart!

THE WINDMILL WINERY

1140 W. BUTTE AVE.

FLORENCE, AZ 85132

PHONE: 480-313-2303

info@thewindmillwinery.com

Planning Your Wedding Guest List

The Wedding Guest List!

Planning Your Wedding Guest List

When you are planning a small gathering, one thing that can get out of hand rather quick is your guest list.  

I remember thinking that it was just going to be me and my hubby, then I realized how impossible that was going to be.  By the time I was done I had 8 people on my list.  You’re probably thinking, really Taylor? that’s nothing.  But when you are on a budget, whatever the size, is always too big.  Food and venue are not cheap ladies and this part of your wedding planning is crucial to either making or breaking your budget. 

Here are my tips on how to survive the “The List”

Planning Your Wedding Guest List

1. Who do you truly want at your wedding (yes, this calls for a couple's meeting).
2. Are you getting assistance from parents to create the list? Obviously if they are paying, you may need to allow for a few of their friends.  Stress to them the word “Small Wedding”.
3. Are you inviting Children? This one is big, especially if you are paying per plate. Children get counted as part of list, so it can add up pretty quick.
4. Friend or acquaintance? After you add all of your family to your guest list, you may not have much room left in your budget. Start with adding your closest friends who truly mean the world to you.
5. Limits per invitation.  Listen... I know this sounds nuts, but I’m Latina, so if you don’t write the limit, they will bring everyone including their 98 years old Nana (which by the way, you’ve never met).  I see this happen all the time, where the brides tells me, she has no idea half of the people at her wedding.  We realized that the reason for this is because most of them are their parent's friends. Funny, but so true! Add this to your invite: Guest + 1

Planning Your Wedding Guest List

After you’ve gather as much info as possible (and your fiancee is equally happy with the list), then start sending invitations with an RSVP number or address. Repondez S’il Vous Plait!  Meaning, reply if you please...or “Please Reply”.

RSVP's are super important! Guests need to let you know if they are coming.

I understand that people get sick, plans change, etc. Having an idea of who is coming will make your life a lot less complicated. Include an email, phone number or a stamped envelope so that they have no problem getting back to you.

Another thing to consider is time.  You must give guest at least 3 months for planning, if you have guest coming from out of town, 6 months to a year is ideal.

A great idea:  When you get your engagement photos done, let the photographer know that you are using an image from the session for your “Save the Date”. Be sure to get those babies in the mail ASAP.  We take about a week to get photos back to our clients after your session!

Planning Your Wedding Guest List

Good luck friends! The “List” is a major undertaking, hope this helps a bit!





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10 Great Tips For Brides To Be

Here are 10 great tips for brides to be.

10 Great Tips For Brides To Be

1.) Tanning:

Ladies, ladies, ladies... Stay out of the sun and by all means, avoid fake tanning 1 week before your wedding. Your skin will turn out looking very orange in pictures (a photographers nightmare). Just remember two words... Umpa-Lumpa! 

If you want your photos and your skin to look amazing (like this bride), skip the fake tanning and use makeup to bring a glow to your skin. Which... brings me to my next point.

10 Great Tips For Brides To Be

2.)  Hair and Makeup:  

Many of my brides tackle doing their own makeup and hair. If that’s your decision, no problem, but one suggestions: I recommend using a setting spray staying power. My favorite is Urban Decay - All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray.  It rocks! Also, have lip-gloss and lip-liner handy for touch-up before photos!

10 Great Tips For Brides To Be

3. The other option:

Hire a professional makeup artist. Listen... it's your day, so splurge a little! Just make sure you get a trial run and that you are super happy with the result! 

It’s also convenient if your chosen artist is mobile.  It’s not only convenient, but you will be more relaxed in the comfort of your home or hotel!

10 Great Tips For Brides To Be

I personally love artists that do both hair and makeup! It will save you time and money!

Check out of my favorite: Bryanna Casey - www.bryannacasey.com

4.)  Sleep: 
I can’t stress this enough girls… get some sleep!  Whatever it takes get some z's. You don’t want to run out of gas right in the middle of your wedding day. I don’t know about you, but if I don’t get much sleep and then have a drink or 2 (even a glass of wine or champagne), I’m ready to hit the sack within about 30 minutes! Get your ZZZ'S ladies!

10 Great Tips For Brides To Be

5.) Alcohol: 
This is a interesting subject because I’m all for a glass of wine before you get married!  In my case I had a shot of tequila, which helped cut the jitters in a heartbeat!
 
Here’s the deal... Be smart! If you are having a glass of wine with your girls or while having your makeup done, that’s great! Just make sure you drink lots of water in between! Which leads me to the next point.

10 Great Tips For Brides To Be

6.) Water/Food:

Drink lots of water before, during and after! That’s all I’m going to say about that.  

And... Don’t forget about food!  I’m not asking you to have a big lunch or breakfast (I know that's not possible). At least have some protein. A power bar, a piece of fruit, nuts… you gotta eat! You will feel so much better and you'll be nicer to your guests if you do. I promise!  

Tell you what... perfect job for the maid of honor! Make sure she gets you something to drink and eat!

10 Great Tips For Brides To Be

7.) Cell Phones:

On the day of your wedding, the best way to do this is to assign someone to handle any misc. items, especially taking phone calls! 

Leave a message on your phone to have any callers contact your assigned assistants for the day. For some reason, family & friends forget that you are busy on your wedding day... HELLO, you're getting married!!! But for some odd reason, they think you are the best person to answer their silly questions. (Where’s the ceremony again? I’m running late, I'm lost, Where do I go for the reception? Can I bring my friend).  Your phone will not stop ringing and this will add even more stress to your day. 

You don’t have time for it and who wants to deal with that craziness! Plus... believe me, you didn't pay a photographer to be there to takes photos of you on your phone! Release the electronics ladies!

8.)  Rehearsal:

A must do… under no circumstance should you skip you ceremony rehearsal! It helps everyone, plus it gives a chance for both families to become acquainted with each other. Most importantly, it's impossible for your bridal party and family to know what to do, know what you're thinking or how you envisioned it.  

When you hire a professional wedding coordinator they will help you with this. If not, you need to organized and make sure everyone knows their place. Make a dinner out of the occasion as well.

10 Great Tips For Brides To Be

9.  Shoes: 

I love shoes! 

But when it comes to wedding shoes, by the end of the ceremony, (like clockwork) the bride wants to toss them in the garbage.  I don’t care if they are Jimmy Choo or Payless. The best thing I can recommend is to break in the shoes weeks before the ceremony, or get some truly comfortable shoes to put on when you are ready to scream!!  

I personally love cowboy boots, but that's me... I would wear them to bed.  Do what's best, but be comfortable! You still have walking, dancing, posing and... more dancing to do!

10 Great Tips For Brides To Be

10. Last but not least:

Prepare for photos! I hear this all the time... I’m not photogenic, I hate taking photos, are we almost done? Ladies and Gentlemen, this is all you are going to have left after the day is over.  If you are not cooperating, they simply won’t turn out.  If you are not one to be in front of the camera, check out our websites and social media pages like Pinterest & Facebook for great ideas on how to pose.

My best advise is: Relax, smile and laugh! Please don’t fidget... subtle soft movement work best. You also don’t want the fake smile and to be staring at the camera the whole time. When you work with our studio www.studio-616.com , I normally put the camera down for bridal shots and help the bride and groom flow, while my hubby takes the photos.  

10 Great Tips For Brides To Be

Trust me when I tell you... You won’t regret just relaxing, enjoying and letting your photographer do her/his job.  It’s your time, don't waste it!  

AND PLEASE for heaven's sake don’t tell the photographer what to do on the day of your wedding! You hired them for a reason, so allow them to be creative and do what they do! 

Meet with your photographer before hand to give them some direction and ideas. Start a Pinterest board of shots you like and share it with your photographer. This will help give them some insight as to what you're looking for.